So Simply Stephanie

After more than a year of barely looking at my sewing machine, I finally started planning, cutting fabric and sewing again. I have missed my favorite hobby so much. Of course, there are 3 awesome reasons that I don't have much time for sewing... In a flurry of stitching, I have whipped up several items lately. Fat Quarter Tote Bags - these are quick, easy and fun to make! A 241 Tote ... I think this is the 6th one I've made. It's a well-written pattern that works up pretty quickly. I really like the size/shape/functionality of these totes. Flannel pillowcases for my big boys. My boys picked out the fabrics and so they LOVE their new one-of-a-kind pillowcases. These are enjoyable to make and are really quick. Weighted pincushion and organizer (and thread catcher). I should have made this years ago. This is SO handy! In addition to being free standing, the thread catcher bag also attaches to the organizer.   Check out this cute Bella Clutch . I used the free...

We will be needing an extra Christmas stocking next year and I've been wanting to replace the one we have for our son. So... I decided to make 2 stockings from fabric I bought last Christmas. These are super quick and easy to make!  Here's how: Trace a stocking you already have adding in 1/4" all around for seam allowances.  This will be your pattern (or find a pattern online).  Using the pattern cut out 2 pieces of fabric for lining, 2 pieces of fabric for the outside and 2 pieces of fusible fleece.  Iron fleece to the wrong side of both outside fabric pieces.  With right sides together, sew the outside pieces together.  Do the same for the lining (minus the fusible fleece), but leave a 3" opening one one side (to later turn the stocking right side out).  Cut an 8" x 2" piece of fabric to hang the stocking OR use a piece of ribbon approximately 1/2" wide by 8" long.  If using fabric to hang the stocking, fold this piece in half lengthwise ...

I have a few sewing projects in the works right now (mostly items to spice up my kitchen).  I have chosen fabric from the new Early Bird  collection by Cosmo Cricket . I love these prints!  They are so much fun. Want some ideas to spice up your kitchen?  Go check out Spice Up Your Kitchen Link Roundup .

I have almost finished all of the quilted placemats for our dining room table.  Each one is a bit different.  Since I'm new to quilting I tried a few techniques - random quilting patterns on each square, straight line quilting, stippling (wow, that's hard!), and hand quilting.  Some have binding around the edges while others are turned and topstitched.  I like the mix-n-match look of them on the table. Here is my favorite of the bunch: (Some of the blocks appear orange, but they are a bright, cheery red with tiny white polka dots.) I used straight line quilting, which I think looks great on this placemat. The binding is scrap material from the blocks.  I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I like hand stitching the back of the binding.  It's a bit time consuming, but I really enjoy it. Once I am done hand quilting the last placemat I will post pics of all of them.  If you're interested in making some for yourself, see my previous plac...

My mom's neighbor asked me to make some pot holders to match her kitchen decor.  Here they are: Pretty simple and quick to make!

I started the top for this awhile ago.  I finally sat down and quilted around the blocks and added the bias tape.  I really like how it turned out.  I made it to put on our coffee table to add a little color to the room.

My newest obsession... quilted placemats!  I saw a beautiful quilted placemat over at Sew, Mama, Sew! and knew I wanted something like that for our home.  Here is my first attempt: I love the overall look and can't wait to make more to use on our dining room table. I have decided against making a tutorial for this.  Instead, here are links to some great tutorials I found online: Quilted Placemats Patchwork Placemats Simple Placemats If you have hours upon hours to kill, go check out all of the amazing quilts participating in the Spring 2010 Blogger's Quilt Festival !  I am not participating (maybe next time!), but am very inspired by all of the lovely quilts.

Tick... tock... tick... tock... time is flying by. Only 12 days left until the craft fair. New items from the last few days: 2 toddler bibs 3 aprons (two are reversible, other is one sided) and coordinating pot holders

16 days until the craft fair. I did have everything cut out and ready to sew, that is until I went to our local fabric store to pick up a few supplies. While there, I found some super cute fabrics that I just had to buy. I used those cute fabrics to make these items on Tuesday: 4 diapers and wipes holders. I especially love the deer print. (These fabrics will also be used to make toddler bibs.) And here are the items I finished yesterday: 4 wash cloths and 4 burp rags backed with chenille. I have the following things cut out and waiting to be sewn: 6 toddler bibs 4 receiving blankets 5 infant bibs 3 aprons and matching pot holders 2 crayon rolls Time permitting, I would also like to make atleast one each of: Lamb doll Puppy doll Bumblebee doll Mae doll Butterbean doll (Can you tell thatI love the great patterns from Bit of Whimsy ?) Also, finished these today: 2 toddler bibs Christmas themed apron and potholder