New projects

Baby Blankets - The idea came from Sew Much Ado except I didn't add rickrack or an appliqué. These were fun to make, except trying to get the flannel and cotton straight. That was hard and I needed a bit of help. I made three for me and five for gifts.

Knitting - I've been working on a baby blanket for my baby. I'm over halfway through it. I made this scarf in between. The stockinette got to me a little, but once I began the lacy part, it was more fun and I could see the light at the end of the tunnel.

More sewing - these baby blocks are fun to make. I'm making some from a fabric with owls. These are for a friend. The idea came from this baby block tutorial on flickr.

These have a bit of cellophane wrapper inside to make it crinkly when squeezed.
These have a bit jingle bell in them. I tried to get the biggest one so hopefully, should baby manage to tear into it, it will not be a choking hazard.

I wanted ones with tags as well.
I like them and they are lots of fun to make!

a very frenchy birthday

I've finished my second Frenchy bag. It came together so easily. I loved it. I am so pleased with it. I've now given it to my friend, Christine, for her belated birthday present. Here are the pictures of the finished product.



I saw Christine in the fabric store and while trying to describe the bag I was making for the retirement gift (because I totally forgot the name) she mentioned how much she liked Amy Butler's Frenchy bag. After realizing that this was the bag I was trying to describe, my brain started whirring. So after she left, I picked out some really pretty material for her bag. The print and the colors just reminded me of her. I think it turned out really lovely. The colors and fabric design are so great.

Before she left the store, I desperately tried to get a clue as to what fabric she would like. She pointed a finger at a blue turtle print fabric and said, "anything but that". So of course I had to get it and make the little wallet found in Bend the Rules Sewing . So this is what she found inside the purse



It is a bit clumsy, but it was my first one.

I did change a few things on the Frenchy bag this time around. I moved the magnetic snap up a bit. I also sewed a seam down the middle of the pockets so that the bag has four pockets instead of two and when you stick your hand inside, you find yourself in the body of the bag and not in one of the huge pockets. There's nothing I hate more than to be rummaging around in my purse looking desperately for something only to realize that I'm rooting through the pocket.



I'm definitely going to make more of these, although I think I'm going to try the smaller version. I also have another Amy Butler bag pattern to try. I'm going to be pretty busy.

Too tired to spell check. must go to sleep.

apron

I helped cohost a bridal shower. What fun! We had a great time planning. We decided to have a kitchen shower. That was even better! I wasn't sure what to bring as a gift, so I thought about what I loved in my kitchen. Besides my pink KitchenAid mixer, I would have to say it would be my mixing bowls. There are three nesting bowls and of course they are a lovely shade of pink. They also have a handle and a small spout and a nice ring on the bottom that keeps them from walking around the counter when you stir. I managed to find a nice set in red since that is the color I most associate with my bride-to-be friend. I don't know why, I just do. Then I thought I wanted to make an apron. I found the material at the local fabric shop and again, it reminded me of my friend. Not because she is fruity! but because of the pastel colors and the vivid red that just sort of pops. I knew exactly how I wanted it to look.
The pattern is from Amy Butler's In Stitches book. I changed only the pocket. I made it bigger because the measurement called for wouldn't be big enough for a child's hand.
Here is the result. Hopefully I can get a picture of the recipient wearing it.

confessions of a bag lover

I've been learning how to use my sewing machine. Of course the only thing I have been making are bags. When I was little I used to spend summers with my grandparents. When I stayed with my Mamaw, we would sew, read, go to the library and maybe do a bit of shopping. I would always come home with a book, a barbie and a new purse/bag. I love purses and bags. I have too many and I know Bal worries that I only want our house to store my bags in. So is it any wonder that when I get the sewing bug, I only want to sew bags?
Here is the first one. It's a pattern for the bucket bag from Romantic Home Sewing. I added a pocket on the front, one inside and a small knitting needle holder.
The second one I finished yesterday. It's the everyday tote from Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing: Patterns and How-To for 24 Fresh and Easy Projects . Again I added a few pockets and a knitting needle holder. I also decided to buy canvas handles instead of making them. I got a bit lazy what with all the painting and landscaping that's been going on around the house.

I'm pretty pleased with my efforts. Not too bad considering its really a first try.