Run Run Rudolph Table Runner

Right now it feels like we're all over Christmas. But when I was stitching the finishing touches on this gift I was still filled with sugar plum fuel and happy thoughts. When the no-retail rule came to reside in our family gift exchanges I was in a panic. But turned out a small-ish quilt to be used on the table for Christmas feasting. Actually could be hung on the wall for decoration is you were so inclined.

For the label I embroidered right into the back piece, as I tend to do for all my quilt signatures. But this time I used metallic thread. It was actual metal. Imagine embroidering with a guitar string. Lesson learned.

Every time I finish a quilt remember how much I love hand sewing a binding.

Over the Shoulder: Campus Carryall for Tweens

There comes a time when you've worked with a fabric in so many ways and so many times that you know exactly how to cut it, how to lay a pattern to it, how to use it. I think I'm there with my Laurie Smith stash. It's at the tail end. Honestly, not sure it has another piece in it. So it was the natural go-to material for a recent pair of totes I was making.

The annual making and distributing of the babysitters' gifts. Last year I went with something you could put a loaf of bread in, and not much else. This year I took inspiration from the styles I was seeing in NYC and whipped these up. There are mismatched fabrics because I don't have much left. But I love the effect, and I knew I would because I have loved everything I've made with these fabrics. Perfect weight, great prints, nice quality. I'm sad they are almost gone.

These are gifts, but a custom version is going in the shop. So if you want one, go order one in the colors you like.

Don't Be Fooled

This may look like an innocently simple tote bag. That's a trick.


Not only was it a pain in the arse to create, it's loaded with pockets and compartments. In case you want to actually bring the kitchen sink.

There are two compartments that are large enough to accommodate a large file folder or small laptop. They both close with heavy-duty magnetic closures. Then the center compartment is gigantic and zips close. You could put two bowling balls in that section -- and zip them safely in. I used a high-quality brass zipper.


All the fabrics are home dec weight. But the exterior is especially heavy and is covered in lime-green flocking. The bottom panels and the interior folder compartments are duck cloth. Basically, you'd have to work really hard to shred this bag. If anyone can do it, though, I can.

VAQUERO ASHRAM

If cowpokes indulged in retreats in secluded places -- you know, to practice the principles of yoga and meditation they would want one of these three totes. Might actually serve as a saddlebag, if they were creative.

OK OK OK. No more pictures of yoga totes for at least a month. :0)

Next? Another knit cardigan. Yikes.

Clutch Deconstructed, Laurie Smith Fabric

OK... there's only about 8" left of my favorite Laurie Smith fabric. I've used it in so many projects, I simply love it. I love it paired with green, blue, and brown. Now that it is out of print, I will be sad to let it go.


I tackled the Amy Butler clutch, again. This time completely changing the pattern and making it more of a gigantic wristlet. I used a wood button for the closure and like the organic look it gives the fabric.

Costume: Red Cape

My children LOVE costumes. I find that most children love costumes. Not just on Halloween, but every day of the year. Some parents permit it -- I among them -- others suppress it. Sometimes my kids just want a boost of confidence, delivered in no better way than a cape. When I find a remnant of shiny, crazy, flocked, or shimmery fabric, I snatch it up. I know it can become something, even if that something is nothing more than a cape.


Capes are magical in their effortless ability to transform the courage of kids. For this particular cape I rounded off the corners then attached bias tape around 3 sides of it (the short ends and around the curved corners across the bottom). Then I used my ruffler across the non-taped side. I actually varied the tightness of the gather -- making it much tighter through the center section of the cape. This helps it drape more naturally around the shoulders.

It's a shorter cape than I have made in the past. But already loved and in use. (PS -- a great stash basher if you know a toddler with a thing for costumes.)

Costume: LEGO Castle Guy

Happy Halloween! Well, almost. And as you know by now, I've been making all kinds of costumes and having a great time doing it. This one is for a 4 1/2 year old boy who wanted nothing more than to look like the LEGO Castle guy. That is how I found myself make costume pattern simplicity 5520. I have now made 3 of the 4 options.


This was my first time sewing this plastic/vinyl stuff. Was pretty easy to work with, expect for the part where you can't use an iron, nor pins. But I did use a lot of cello tape and managed it just fine. There is "warm and natural" quilt batting inside and scraps from a sheet on the back.


The tunic is made from velvet and the chain is a synthetic fabric we found at a local fabric store. It was a little like working with pantyhose and runs easily. I made all seams with my serger's rolled hem.

PS -- I even made something for myself. See it here, first, on Halloween.

Over the Shoulder: My Take on a Market Bag

I am a sucker for the craft magazines at most fabric stores. Recently I fell head over heels for a Better Homes and Gardens "Bags, Pillows & Pincushions issues. All the projects are insanely easy and I have to say I've enjoyed one in particular -- the market bag. There were a few things I had to change, of course. But the basic directions were easy to sew and made a tote that is roomy enough for a day out with the kids. It's also a great stash basher and I feel I could modify it to use more of these scraps. This time around, however, I used scraps from this project.


If you can come up with 24, 5" squares and a little bit of fabric for the sides, handles, and inside... you should do it, too. If you do it, take my advice... make some of the following changes:

1. Don't pleat the lining. The pattern calls for the lining to have a pleat (just as is done on the outside). This makes for a very bulky lump in the middle of the bag. So, when you cut your lining, just eyeball a top that is 1 1/2" narrower than the original (that's 3/4" on each side). You'll be much happier.

2. Try using twill tape in the handles for support (rather than batting). I can already tell these will be a little stretchy for heavy loads. Looks nice all quilted, but I think I like non-stretchy, sturdy innards for my handles. (And yes, I'm the type of gal that uses innards in conversation.)

3. To stiffen the pleats and ensure they will stay where you want them, go ahead and stitch them in place. I did this by stitching where it was folded (on the inside) and hidden inside the pleat. I only stitched about 2 inches down from the top, but it did help keep the pleat crisp. You could further this technique/look by stitching down the pleat with a nice contrasting thread and making it much the same way you would a kick pleat in a skirt -- which for the record I have never done.

4. Lastly, add pockets to your interior before sewing it in. The pattern doesn't call for any. But every good tote needs a pocket, even if it is a simple patch pocket.

If you do decide to make this bag, I have a few 5" squares I'd be happy to donate to the cause, just let me know -- Via comment -- and I'll ship them off. Of course, you have to promise to send pictures of your finished tote.
PS -- When I showed this to my husband he said, "Oh, very nice. Is it a Halloween purse?" Men!

Pear Shaped

I didn't set out to make a purse with my silhouette. But that I have. Using just a few scraps of Laurie Smith home dec fabric I created this small pouch. It's harvest gold inside and screaming orange outside.


The closure is a button and hair elastic-band. The handles and edging are self made bias tape. All in all, I think the weight of the fabric helps the shape of the purse -- even if it does resemble my rear end.


PS -- Please don't take note of my freakishly whack-a-do thumb. My heavens, what was I doing?!?!?

One a Day

When I first started recording some of my sewing and craft projects on this blog I had a lofty goal. I honestly thought I could complete and write about every craft or sewing project I made. And I thought I could sew something new every day. Mmmwah ha ha hah a. That is hilarious to me, now. I can go a month without making anything other than a presentable school uniform (with a lot of hemming, zipper fixing, and taking in/letting out). But this week, I completed two things (actually three) in one night.
I finished the details on that cute purple dress. I finished the veil. Yes, the veil is done. And I whipped up this cowgirl market tote.


Granted, I was up kinda late. But it just goes to show you can't force creativity. It happens when it happens. I also believe, now more than ever, that when creativity knocks you have to walk through the door and go with it. Even if going with it takes you into the early hours of the morning. When you have an idea, grasp hold and go!

I don't feel tired this morning, even though I got about 4 hours of sleep. I think it's because I was doing something I love. Resetting expectations. Not every day. It's just not going to happen. But maybe once a week?!?!?!?

OK, let's see. What's next?

The Leftovers Must Go Somewhere

There are two thing I really like to do. Read and Sew. After I read A Woman in Berlin my previous way of thinking was shattered and I became someone absolutely obsessed with the people who must live in the cities and countries torn by war. I rexamined who I thought was the enemy and decided I was wrong. Then I read Three Cups of Tea. I realized we can all do something and it will mean something to someone.

While I always believe in doing good things locally first, I ran across an opportunity to serve that I thought I would share. You know, if you're of the mind and you have the time. Read about it here and do what you feel like doing. No pressure. But don't kid yourself, you can't possibly use all that crap in your stash.

Also, if you're going to read a book about war, I recommend A Woman in Berlin or Reluctant Fundamentalist over Three Cups of Tea.

Polka Pouch

I heart these miniature pouches. I have zero need for them, but I made them from scraps so who cares! The larger one is about 6"x8" and the smaller one is only about 4"x6".


Both are part of the Simplicity 9949 pattern that I have been abusing this past week. Seriously, might have made upwards of 20 items at this point. One has bias trim for the flange and the other has twill tape. I've never used twill tape for a flange, but I like the results and will do that, again. You should, too.


The linings are simple, as I'm trying to make them up as I go. So, no pockets or fancy dividers. Just simple pouches with a zipper top. This is a simple project that requires very little fabric and a cheap zipper. Do it.

Mini Bag for Random Stuff

I was inspired by this amazing, strong woman to try my hand at boxy bags. Now, I'm addicted. It's bashing my stash like nobody's business.
In fact, if you need to blow out some space in your sewing studio, buy this pattern or a similar one. The pattern is Simplicity Crafts 9949. It is OLD SCHOOL. The pictures on the front of the pattern look like grandma-style scary crafts from 1983. I bought it at JoAnn's on sale for $1.99. I started with the biggest bag and worked my way down. Honestly, I've had to modify the patterns a little bit because as a strict rule I am using scraps. So, sometimes I couldn't do as the pattern requested. There are 11 patterns all together and they start with dimensions of about 10"x12" and go all the way down to a tissue cover at 3"x5". I've had to make up lining patterns for everything -- because I guess Simplicity doesn't believe in linings.
All these projects pale in comparison to the sassy boxy ditty bag I got from African Kelli, but such is life when you create in the shadows of the great ones.
Check back in a couple of days and I'll post the poka-dot pouches I made from this same pattern, they are SO cute. You know, if I do say so myself.

Another Birdie Told Me

Despite the stacks of fresh fabrics lined up in my sewing room, I've been turning to the scrap heap lately. Here's another small project that can be put together from scraps. I found it in a Better Homes & Garden magazine I was suckered into buying from JoAnn's Fabrics. It was called a "Shopper Hopper". I don't know what that means, but I think it looks a little like those small badge lanyards you get at trade shows. Or rather you used to get at trade shows back when companies...
a) had enough money to have a booth at trade shows
b) had enough money to send employees to trade shows
c) had enough money to buy schwag for trade show goers

Those were the days.


The scraps are left-over blocks from a quilt I pieced together for one of my many amazing nieces.

New to this pattern are the silk flowers I sewed to the bird/tree print after it was complete. It just needed something. I'm not sure I like the patterns technique for closing up the sides. But it worked out just fine. The handle is long enough, I could sling it over my shoulder and to one hip if I liked.


I used a button -- recycled from my favorite capris that I wore when I was pregnant (from Anthropologie) -- and a hair elastic for the closure.

Strippers are Good

I've had strippers on the brain lately after a funny misunderstanding during Donk's Denver Adventure. She wanted to go toFancy Tiger, but I thought that the place she meant to see was called Paper Tiger and insisted that she "check it out." Turns out Paper Tiger is a local "private entertainment" club. Yeah. I was proud of that moment. So I thought I'd find a way to put a stripper to good use.

Strippers -- as in the strips of border left over on a fabric panel. This particular panel was a set of 6 hankies and included a fancy floral border on either selvage edge. Once stripped of its hankies the little border needed a good home. So, I sewed them on a length of huck towel. (I love huck because it's not linty and it's perfect for drying hands and dishes. Also it's not as stiff as flour sack toweling)



I didn't put a big finished seam on the non-selvage edges, but did a rolled-hem with my serger and used contrasting thread so that it would be decorative. I like 'em.

Prototype With Guts

OK, I figured it out. Remember the ditty bag with sloppy insides? I couldn't stand it. And it truly didn't want to scrap it because it was cute (until you opened it) and I liked the size and I didn't want to pull that zipper out.

So, here's the tip... I just made a second one but without the zipper. Then I laid it inside, matched up the seams and sewed it in place along my original stitch line. Voila. There might be an easier way to do it, but that was pretty easy if you ask me.

Because this has two linings (one ugly, the other not) it's pretty sturdy and has no interfacing. But I can see how this bag would work best with a bit of interfacing -- not what I would normally recommend as I am cheap.

PS -- Before I sewed it all together I pressed the edges that would be against the zipper down (1/2 inch).

Prototypes, A Bag for All My Golf Stuff

I've been wanting to sew a ditty bag. Anyway, that's what all my golfing friends call them. You basically put your tees, balls, divot tool, glove, tip money, any small thing you might want in your golf bag but not swimming around in the expanse of your golf bag. I've been afraid to try corners. But then I was inspired by this little lady -- yeah, I know I feature her a lot -- and decided to try out a prototype out of some more of that scrap fabric.


It's small, only about 3 inches by 3 inches, by 7 inches. It uses a 12 inch zipper. One thing I do not like, however, is how the pattern instructions failed to finish off the lining. (See yucky pictures.) So, I'm going to have to spend some time figuring out how to put a lining in so that all the seams are finished and covered, or hidden. That's just what I'm like. Why bother sewing something if you don't love the inside?!?!?


PS -- Do you like how I accidentally put my label in upside down. Ha Ha Ha, this is obviously a do-over project. And I'm obviously going to rip this perfectly good zipper out of this flub because I can't stand to waste those.