My newest craft obsession - Necessary clutch wallets!

Earlier this month I decided that my life wasn't crazy enough, so I picked the Necessary Clutch Wallet as my 'go-to' gift this year - which meant I had to make at least 4 (my Mom, both Sister-in-Law's and my Mother in Law).  The first one took me ALL day to finish, but by the 4th one, I think I was under 3 (interrupted) hours.  The hardest part was picking fabric that went together and matched the personality of the recipient.

The pattern was well written, and only had a few pieces, but they way they are put together is what really makes it!  I stared at the pictures online, trying to decipher how it was put together, then I finally broke down and bought the pattern (my reward to myself for finally finishing my mom's purse!  Only 6 months after her birthday, new record!)  There are several modifications on the Emmaline Bags blog Including how to do different closures, add a shoulder strap and a wrist strap.  The shoulder strap is perfect length, putting it just under my arm where it is easy to pinch it next to my body so it doesn't swing around.  I will probably use it as a wallet for the most part, but that added versatility is great!

My Sister in Law's were easy, one loves purple, the other loves green.  I broke into my stash of Simply Color by V&Co for them.  This was also my first attempt at the pattern and I was hoping to use a trial fabric, but had no time for practice!

 

2014 Quilting Goals

Andrea from The Champ Life  is doing a 2013 Inspiration Palooza (plus giveaway!), so here's my goals for 2014!!

1. Finish Mario Quilt-a-long.  I have 2 blocks done so far, and I started them in 2012...

 

Advent Calendar

Growing up, I loved Advent calendars.  There was something so amazing about getting a little present every day while you waited for Christmas to FINALLY arrive!  Now as a parent it seems Christmas comes much too soon, but I still love the idea of little presents.  I've done a few different ones, mainly Playmobil and Lego, which were great, but really only worked for one child and since they were cardboard, didn't hold up.  I have various ages of children, so it's nice to be able to have something they all will like.  That led to the idea of pockets to hold little treats.

Crochet Hats

I started crocheting to make blankets for my babies since my Grandmas made me special blankets and I wanted to continue the traditions.  That took me FOREVER, so when I discovered hats, and how I could finish them in months instead of years (yeah, I was that slow, no lie) it was like a new world. Pretty yarn led to simple hats.  Baby hats went super fast (only one day!!)

(this one reminds me of the cat in the peel pic that was going around for a while)