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...

5 more Butterbean Dolls (from a Bit of Whimsy Dolls  pattern) to be given as gifts...

I started out thinking I would make 2 of these Bitty Bug Dolls (1 boy version, 1 girl version) for our baby due in a few months. However, my son had a different idea.  He decided he wanted the first one I made (brown with dots).  In total, I've made 3 of these now in the last day. They are super quick and easy to make and are from the Bitty Bug pattern from Bit of Whimsy.

I can't say enough how much I LOVE Bit of Whimsy  doll patterns.  They are well written & the dolls come together quickly.  Like Bit of Whimsy on facebook to get in on some great deals for their 12 Days of Christmas special. Here are my 2 latest creations from the patterns- Rose Doll Daddy Frog Doll Dolls previously made by me from Bit of Whimsy patterns- Butterbean Doll ( here , here , here ) Mae Doll ( here ) Bumble Bee Doll ( here , here ) Lamb Doll ( here , here , here ) These are great patterns if you're looking for some quick and easy Christmas gifts!  The patterns are e-mailed to you quickly in PDF format so you can get started on them right away.

I was asked by a family member to make some crayon rolls for Christmas gifts.  Here they are: I used the Crayon Roll Tutorial from Skip To My Lou.  These are pretty quick and easy to make.  I did change the closure type.  If you want to make one of these for a younger child, try this: STOP at the point in the tutorial where you are placing the ribbon in between the outer & inner pieces of fabric.  You'll need- 5" tall x 10" wide piece of fabric 1" x 2" hook & loop tape (commonly referred to as Velcro) Take the fabric & fold in one short end by 1/4".  Then fold the fabric in half lengthwise & iron.  Open and fold raw ends in to center & iron.  Then fold in half again.  You will now have a strap that is 1.25" tall x 9.75" long.  Pin this where the tutorial instructs you to pin the ribbon with the raw end where you'd place the fold of the ribbon.  (I prefer the seam facing down).  Follow the rest o...

Tonight I finished up 2 bibs & a pacifier clip.  Princess crumbcatcher style bib (to go with the birthday girl's onesie & birthday crown ) Patriots crumbcatcher style bib and pacifier clip

A First Babydoll (from the Bit of Whimsy Butterbean doll pattern ) Detail on back

Month of bag making projects 13 & 14: two more Crayon totes I know there are only a few days left in March, but there is one last project I would like to complete this month.  It's a knitting bag set that I know I would use a lot!  I have most of the fabric pieces cut and hope to begin sewing it this evening.

Month of bag making projects 11 & 12:   2 crayon totes ( my tutorial )

Month of bag making project 10 & tutorial Gather your materials: * 12 1/2" x 29" piece of cotton fabric for the OUTSIDE of the bag * 12 1/2" x 29" piece of matching canvas for the LINING of the bag (or you can use regular cotton & iron on some lightweight interfacing to give it a bit of structure) * 6 1/2" x 12 1/2" piece of fabric (same as you used for the lining) for the crayon pocket * 2 - 4" x 20" pieces of fabric (same as you used for the outside of the bag) for the STRAPS * 3 1/2" x 12 1/2" piece of lightweight interfacing Coordinating thread Sewing machine Scissors Ruler Fabric pencil/pen (chalk based or disappearing ink - whichever you prefer) ~Seam allowances are 1/4"unless otherwise noted~ NOTE: The width used for the crayon slots is 3/4" which is very tight.  It may be difficult for younger children to insert the crayons.  If designing for a younger child, make the slots 7/8" wide.  You...