More sewing

I'm still having a blast with my sewing machine! I just can't stop. I did get the Downy Quilts for Kids quilt done. It's so cute. I hope it gives comfort to a sick child.

Might have to make another one in the future. It was a fun project.

I found the cutest pattern for making notebook covers! I made one over the weekend. I don't really like how the patchwork turned out but I love the cover. I have another one cut out. I've learned from my mistakes and the patchwork should be much better on the next one.

It even has an inside pocket for pencils and things!

That was also a fun project.

The new block pattern came out this week for the Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along. I got mine done.

That's four blocks so far.

And I'm itching to start a new quilt. I found a really cute pattern at the Moda Bakeshop. The charm square pack I ordered from an etsy seller to make it with came in the mail today.

Isn't that fabric cute! I can't wait to get started. It's for a quilt called Candy Hearts Quilt. I'm going to cut the hearts out tonight.

Sewing Time

I had time to sew this weekend. It was wonderful! First off, I made this bag.

It's an Amy Butler pattern. It was a joy to make! I really like how it turned out. Here's a closer shot.

I used some calicos I picked up recently at Joann's. Just might have to make another one, or ten, of these.

I've been really sick of the pillows I had on my couch, so I covered them with some calico fabric.

So bright and cute!

And this is for a future project. I probably won't get to it for a few more days. It's going to be a vintage apron. I bought some iron-on transfers to use to embroider onto the pocket.

Stay tuned, more to come!

Good Bargains

Who doesn't love a sale? I love sales. A local library had a used book sale recently. Of course I went. I bought a few things. That stack of Martha Stewart Living magazine was $1 for the whole stack! I like looking through that magazine. And I got a Christmas craft book. Like I need another one. Well I guess I did, I bought it. And a Firehouse Cookbook. I rarely cook anymore and I have tons of cookbooks. But I do enjoy reading them. All together I spent $5.

Then I spied this little book at Joann's. It's so cute. I love these kind of books. Had a 50% off coupon, so into my cart it went.

Have you ever looked at the stuff people destash on Ravelry? Oh boy, very dangerous. I need to stay away. I got this ball of Malabrigo for a song. I just love this stuff. It's so addicting.

And I bought a ton of calico when it was recently on sale at Joann's. I got this pattern on ebay and I'll make that bag with this fabric.

I love finding a good sale!

The Sewing Bug

I got bit by the sewing bug again. This seems to happen every spring. I made this totebag and used fabrics all in a cupcake print.

It's so bright and cheerful! Here's the inside, there are two pockets in there.

It was a lot of work, but I got it done. And I really like it! I can carry around a pretty good sized knitting project in there.

In addition to that fabric, I bought all this:

Joann had all their Keepsake Calicos on sale for 40% off. Had to stock up!

I also bought some colorful cottons, they're mixed in with those calicos, but look at the colors on this:

Love those guitars! Now I need to sit at that sewing machine and create something.

I haven't been knitting too much lately. I did start this hat.

OMG, that yarn is so soft. Alpaca With A Twist, Baby Alpaca. Very pettable.

Fabulous Fabrics!

Thank you for the birthday wishes! I bought myself some goodies in celebration. Lately I have been totally in love with Matroyshka dolls, or Russian dolls or some call them Nesting dolls. I found this fabric and just HAD to have it. I'm going to make an apron from a pattern in this wonderful little book I got from the library, The Apron Book. A lot of interesting and wonderful information about aprons in the book. I may have to buy it someday.

I also bought some cotton calico and a new jammie pattern to make more jammie pants. I just can't stop making them. They are so incredibly comfy.

Then, I also got some fabric to make the witch for my door for Halloween time, and some bits and pieces of pretty fabrics to make little dolls called Dotee. My sister and I are in love with them and are going to have a craft night and make some. Stay tuned for that. I also found sequins and jewels and glitter and tulle and paint to decorate them with. I need to get some beads also. Can't wait! It will be a fun evening.

I have been working on my socks. I love to sit out on the deck in the evening and knit. I'm almost up to the heel on the second sock. The first one is waiting on old needles that I don't like. I'm hoping to do the heels one after the other that way I can see how much of the contrast yarn I'll be using before I get to the toes. So I'm just moving along on them. My daughter got me those two balls of Sugar & Cream for my birthday. I love that yarn!

And last, but not least, my daughter has been making beaded necklaces and I just had to show one off. I just love this one!

She's been getting very creative and enjoying her crafting time too. She won't have time for it once she goes back to school.

That's it for now. It started pouring down rain a few minutes ago, just pouring. A good time to stay inside and sew or knit or craft. Have a great weekend!

Little Things

The tomato plants are still alive, but not doing too well. I do have some tiny tomatoes on them. I planted them in pots this year because I kept getting animals gnawing away on my plants. I'm just going to be patient and wait and hopefully they will grow more. With all the rain we've had, I'm surprised they haven't drowned.

I did get another ornie done! A little angel. She's at the top of the plant.

I won a book on ebay. All kinds of patterns in it for sewing little things, really cute stuff!

I'm in love with this pattern from the book, little zebras! I need to keep an eye out for black and white striped fabric.

Don't ask me why I want to make the zebras, I just do. Got lots of things I want to sew. I still need to start buying fabric for my rag quilt. Might have to go calico shopping over the weekend. The nice 3 day weekend!

Still not much knitting going on. I just haven't been inspired to knit lately. I did start a dishcloth from the Monthly Dishcloth Knit-Along, I'm behind on it, but that's OK, it will get done. I have no idea what it will be.

My little ornies!

Now that my sewing room is nice and organized, I'm inspired to sew. I've been in the mood to sew something fun. So I made some little ornies. I used this pattern I got from Attic Raggedys dot com. Such cute stuff there!

I just love snowmen and I have some I keep out year round. The special ones. Here is my snowman ornie coming to life. First I had to cut him out.

Then I got the body parts sewed and stuffed.

It was quite tedious stuffing those little arms and legs. After that it was time to sew the body parts together.

Then I made his little clothes. In honor of the upcoming 4th of July holiday I made this one in red, white and blue colors. A very patriotic snowman!

Then I added the finishing touches, such as face, hat and trim, etc.

And before I knew it, I had him all put together and decorated and he was done! So cute! In the end I changed the little pompom nose for a carrot. Much more snowman-y.

This little snowman was so much fun to make, I decided to make another one. I made a snowgirl next. She turned out really cute too!

Next up is a snow angel. Can't wait to get started on her. So that's what I've been doing with all that calico I've been buying. I still want to make more and since I'm in the sewing mood again that's what I'll be doing. I've set the knitting aside for a little bit until I can decide what I want to knit next.

Organized!

I had a busy day off yesterday. My crafting/sewing area was just out of control. It needed help. I went to a couple of estate sales in search of some kind of storage. I found a very tall narrow shelving unit for $3!! What a steal. Lugged that heavy thing home and into the house. That got me started. Before the calm, there was the storm.

Aaaaaak!!! Where do I put everything! You don't realize how much you have until you go to organize it and clean it up. But then again, this is years and years of buying stuff, it didn't just appear over night. Finally, I was done. All neat and tidy.

I did reward myself for a job well done with more calico and a little piece of homespun. Just little pieces. I can't stop buying calico. It's an addiction, but a good one.

That will be used for future ornies. I'm hoping to get started on them today.

Since my sewing area was so nice and neat I decided to try it out and see what it was like. I loved it! I made this little bunny out of patriotic calico. So cute! Not sure if I like the eyes. They are French knots. I may have to switch them out for little buttons.

I also knit up a red, white and blue cupcake. I love making these little cupcakes. Pretty soon I'll have a whole plate full of them.

I've also been working on a dishcloth for my nephew. He loved "scary guys" when he was a little boy. My sister forwarded me this pattern and I just HAD to knit it up for him. He's all grown up now and away at college. He should get a kick out of it.

And that's how I spent my day off. It's going to be another humid day in the neighborhood today. I think I will make the best of it and just stay indoors and work on my crafts. Sounds like a plan to me!

What are your plans for the weekend?

The last Friday in June

Wow, time is flying! It's the last Friday in June. Next Friday is the 4th of July. Where has the time gone? Here time is flying away while I work on projects. I finally got the laptop bag done. I like how it turned out, except for the zipper. That was really hard to get in. I goofed up and just left the goof ups in. It was just too frustrating to rip and rip. I'm the only one who will know it's there.

And here is the inside. Lots of room for the laptop and the cord, and even other supplies if I need them. There is a pocket in there too, but the laptop is on top of it.

That's enough bags for a while. It's time to work on little things. Still waiting for my ornies pattern to come. While I wait I bought some more calico. I want to be ready!

My sewing and craft area is out of control at the moment! I found some estate sales in the area today. I think I'll check them out. See if I can find some kind of storage item for some of this stuff. An old dresser, chest, shelving unit. You never know what you'll find. Lots of fun!

Summer begins later today

I finally got back to the sewing machine and finished my daughter's purse last night. I'm really pleased with how it turned out and she loves it! I made a few mistakes along the way and I did learn from them. Next time I'll know what not to do. Here is the finished project:

And a peek at the inside:

I just love the fabric. The lining is a really cute calico and the outside is a broadcloth. Now onto the next sewing project! Hopefully I can get to the laptop case over the weekend.

I was sitting outside knitting in the back yard last night and noticed some dark clouds to the north. Someone was getting rain, but not where I was, it was sunny. I looked back up and saw a rainbow! Then I noticed it was a double rainbow! It's had to see the second one in the picture (it's on the left, very faint), but it was there and really awesome to see.

Almost done!

I have one more repeat on the shawl! Hip hip hooray! I'm so close to the end I can almost taste it. After that repeat, there are four rows of garter stitch and then I can weave in the ends. I'll be so glad to be done with this. There is a new episode of Grey's Anatomy on tonight, I'll be on the couch knitting while I watch it. I know I won't finish tonight, but I'll get close. So exciting!

I bought some calico fabric to make my sister a little project bag. Then I'm going to get some more fabric to make my other sister a bag too. Once this shawl is done, I'm going to sew up a storm for a few days! So many family members want my little bags. Can't wait to get started!

My First Bag

I finally finished the bag I was making. I like how it turned out! Making a bag was a lot more work than I thought it would be, but it was fun, it challenged me, and I will definitely make another one some day.

Here is an overhead view:

And here is the inside. You can see the inside has a pocket also. There are four pockets on the outside too. Lots of room for stuff!

I used Butterick pattern B4532, View D. I made it with a cotton calico I bought at Joann, the lining is calico too. I also used magnetic snaps on it. I made the straps longer than the pattern called for and I sewed a button on the front instead of making a bow with ribbon. It's bigger than a purse I would normally use for everyday, but I will still use it. I can carry around a small knitting project in there if I want to. And maybe my lunch.

On the knitting needles I have a shawl that I started for my Mom for Mothers Day. I don't have much done yet. More on that next time.