India By Swoon - Hobo Bag

I saw this pattern a few times, but it never really caught my eye.  I like things with more structure and shape, and a slouchy hobo bag seemed too 'easy' so I never even put it on my list.  This year my son had an AMAZING teacher that totally got him and they just clicked in the best way.  His teacher gives off a mellow and relaxed vibe, like a hippie, so when he picked the hobo bag for her, I wasn't really surprised.  I think it will fit her style perfectly and he even picked out the fabric, some from my stash that is an older Alison Glass print I found at the quilt show this year.
 

The front fabric matches the sunflowers!

Totes Ma Tote by Emmaline Bags

I recently participated in a tote bag swap.  Actually the swap was crochet, but I knew right away I wouldn't finish a crochet bag in 3 weeks (I'm not a speed hooker!) and I cleared it with the people involved so I could just do a sewn bag instead.  As it was, I pushed it past the deadline because I always underestimate how long things will take.  And always overestimate how much free time I'll actually have where I'm motivated to do stuff.  (Library books need to be read!  You can only renew them like 6 times before they start charging you...and sometimes I do need sleep!)

Eden Moth (butterfly?) ended up perfectly centered on one side without me really trying...but not on the other side.

Large Embroidered Zippered Pouch - Tutorial

Don't let a zipper intimidate you, these aren't that hard to make!  If you have a zipper foot, some patience, and a bit of fabric, you can get over your fear of zippers.  (Is that Zipaphobia?) 

This large pouch is handy for lots of stuff - school supplies, crochet and knitting supplies, random junk that usually gets lost in larger bags...  And they are a fun way to show off embroidery or fancy fabric you love!  The finished size is approximately 10"x11" and there are tons of modifications you could add in.

Amazing Urban Threads embroidery designs make my projects even cooler!

 

WIP Wednesday - Cuteness overload!

I'm lucky to be a tester for the designer at MichigeekDesigns and she is coming out with some ADORABLE stuff!  And also witty, geeky stuff...another favorite of mine!

As soon as I saw these, they got to jump the line of designs waiting to be stitched on my machine.  And I'm trying to decide just how many I can stick on my keys... I love the cute Neko Atsume game they are based on!  You can find the file to make your own HERE, or buy the finished ones HERE!

Awwww!

WIP Wednesday - Moving Right Along

I survived the craft show prep of last week...now I have another week until the next one, so time for some procrastination!  Er, I mean...Time for other projects!  I did a little embroidery testing for MichiGeek Designs, lots of fun stuff releasing this week!

Pattern coming soon from MichiGeek Designs! and available soon on Etsy

Kiss Clutch - Doctor Who Style!

I joined a handmade Christmas swap this year, on top of all the other million things I was trying to do, and decided to pick a fast gift to make at the last minute.  Kiss Clutch to the rescue!  I love this pattern so much!

Embroidered phrases on top of Joann's fabric

After Christmas Aftermath

We survived!!

I'll do more detailed posts eventually, but here are just a few of the last minute projects I was finishing up last week....and the week before...

BB-8 free-handed hat....I found better patterns AFTER I finished it.  Oh well.

WIP Wednesday - Using Up My Stash

Since I added to my stash of flannel, fleece, and yarn due to the amazing deals last weekend, I'm trying to get a million things done so I have room for other things, like a Christmas tree...  I've already completed 2 cowls with my new yarn, and have a 3rd in the works...so that's like 1/30 of the new yarn used up...

Giant chunky yarn means the cowls work up fast! And eat a lot of yarn...

Faux Chenille Blanket - aka the Flannel Eater

So I'll admit that I have a flannel problem...it's so soft and cute that I just can't resist on the Black Friday sales!!  I've used it for a few things over the years, the back of quilts (Star Wars and a 1600 pink one), pj pants, a few swaddled animals....and that's about it.  Since I can't seem to stop buying it, I finally decided to try embroidering some flannel and turning it into receiving blankets.  I got them embroidered...and that was as far as I got.

Then I ran across a tutorial for faux chenille blankets and decided it was a perfect way to use up my stash!  I ordered a tool from amazon (seriously worth the money if you plan on making more than one!)

The amazing tool, just a few cuts into the project.

WIP Wednesday - Last Wednesday of the Kiss Clutch Sew Along

If you are still working on your Kiss Clutch, time to get it done!!  It looks like I'll only have one finished for this, which is honestly how much I thought I would get to, but I hoped I'd have time for more!  I have the fabric picked out for more, and they are a pretty fast sew (for a purse) so once I get a few things out of the way I'll work on the tutorial for the zipper and whip up a few for the etsy shop!

Can't stop making stuff so I can get a better picture, no time for fun and games this week!

BB-8 Kiss Clutch - Sew Along Update

The Kiss Clutch Sew Along is still running through this weekend, so make sure to put any of your finished clutches into the album in the Face Book group for a chance to win a free pattern!  You definitely still have time to make one, even if you haven't started yet!

September Already!! -- Where Is The Year Going??

Hey guys, did you know that there are only 16 more weekends before Christmas?  That means 16 weekends to work on handmade gifts.  Or if you are like me, wait until December starts, scramble like crazy, and end up with only a few select people getting handmade gifts.  Usually the gifts arrive after Christmas....hey, it's like Christmas lasts longer!

Bag of The Month Club - Manhattan Mama Sized Purse

I really love the Bag of the Month club this year!  I can't believe it's only August and I've already made 5 of the 6 patterns!!  This one is a relatively fast sew, no fiddly bits other than the GIANT zipper!  Which is not hard to install if you take your time and use zipper tape.   Zipper tape is my new favorite thing.

Embroidery from Urban Threads, I love how this one stitches out!

Evelyn by Swoon - In Tula Pink!

Sometimes I feel so fancy, throwing names around like I know what I'm talking about...of course if you mention a clothing designer, I'll probably give you a blank stare and ask if I've met them....but I'm learning all the 'top' designers of handbag patterns and amazing quilting fabrics! 

My fancy handles, glitter vinyl with fabric to hide the seam

WIP Wednesday - Almost Caught Up!

After the procrastination of last week, I had to kick it into gear this week!  Not that I kicked it soon enough or hard enough...I'm only 2 days late on a swap item so far...

I finally started another pattern from the Bag of the Month club...this will be my 5th pattern used, so I'm definitely getting my money's worth this year!  The Manhattan Bag is a nice sized bag with some great features.  I did it in the "Momma" sized, and I think it would be big enough for everything I carry...and I'd probably only add on a few more pockets.  ;)

I hope she likes it!

The Most Awesome Gifts EVER! Giant Squid Pillow and Mermaid Tail

My friends have complained that I'm too crafty, so they can never make stuff for me, but our cousin puts me to shame!  She makes the best gifts for my kids, and usually in just a few days!  I think she sleeps even less than I do!

So amazing to snuggle with.  Not what you usually think of when you hear "Giant Squid"

WIP Wednesday - Party Time!

My youngest is having a birthday party this weekend, and she changed her theme from "Steven Universe" to "Mermaid" which actually makes it MUCH easier for me!!  There really isn't much "Steven Universe" to be found anywhere and while I am creative, I was not looking forward to figuring out what we could do that would in some way relate to that show!

Since this was a last minute change, I am now trying to churn out some more of the little doodles for party favors - mermaids and pirates - along with a few other things for those that don't really care for 'people' coloring.  I can do at least 15 by the end of the week, right??

For now it makes a cozy hat for my sewing machine

WIP Wednesday - Vinyl and Tula Pink

This week I'm working on a Swoon purse, the Evelyn.  It's for a birthday gift (a few months ago...only a little late!)  and she picked out some fun Tula Pink fabric, and a pretty sparkly pink vinyl to accent with.  The pattern didn't have enough pockets, so I am adding on several more, 3 on the outside and at least 2 slip pockets on the inside.



My first attempt...didn't realize I had the pocket on the wrong side because I could make it match on this side too!

Geeky Love - Snap Tabs, Key Chains and more!

I love being able to show off tv shows and movies that I love, but without it being a HUGE IN YOUR FACE type thing!  The keychains and snap tabs are perfect for that little nod to everyone else that loves the same stuff and will recognize what an Adipose is, or where this symbol comes from...

 

UFO/WIP Wednesday - Craft Show Season Already??

I always think of November and December as prime craft show time, but now you can find shows in the summer, spring and fall!  Fortunately for me, my crafty partner in crime takes care of all the details and all I have to do is throw finished stuff at her.  Unfortunately for me, that means I need to have finished stuff to throw at her!  That means a few nights of frantic cutting, sewing and gluing to finish up everything I've been slowly making over time and stashing everywhere.  I like the making part of the process, but finishing rarely happens because I'll get distracted by new projects. 

(Bows, felties, hair combs, snap tabs, and ornaments ready for assembly)