Beach Bag

This summer I made 2 of these Beach Bags from the Sew4home.com pattern Day at the Beach.

 My siblings and I decided to do a family trip to the beach this summer.  With my son, the oldest grandchild at 18 and my brother's daughter at 16 months it was quite an adventure.  It was the first time we had all been together in several years.  It was wonderful to hang out, talk, have dinner together and let all of the cousins play.  Even the adults did some playing.  My youngest sister's birthday was just the week before this trip.  As a crafty person I knew she would enjoy this beach bag.

I found this cute pattern, Day at the Beach Bag. on  the Sew4home.com website. I used canvas for the top half of the bag as recommended in the pattern.  I didn't have the same fondness for the Cotton & Steel Metallic Canvas so, I chose this cotton and linen blend from  Moda Mixologie in Cosmopolitan ice and Steel blue.

The bag is big enough to fit two or three beach towels in the main compartment.  Sunscreen and a book fit nicely into the front pockets.  And when your not at the beach, it makes a nice hide out for your cats:)

Can't a Girl Just Hammer

Both my machines are finally, finally  repaired.  Hopefully this means many more hours of sewing.  Since they are both back in working order I found it appropriate that I start sewing!  The first thing I wanted to do was finish those Cargo Duffels I started back in May.  I am using Noodlehead's Cargo Duffel pattern.  You can find it here. I sewed up the last one and finished off the interior binding in record time.  Sadly, it was then I realized that I had no snaps left.  sigh.

Eventually, I did pick up the snaps.  I sat down in the hot, humid, sticky garage to install the snaps.  I have these Dritz brand snaps.

This package comes with all the essential snap installing hardware.  Which is Awesome.  After having marked the placement of the snaps, I set out working on punching the holes needed in the fabric.  This kit even comes with a little punch for making the perfect size hole.  How nice is that? With hammer in one hand and punch in the other I set out to make some holes.

Not 4 hits with the hammer later, my oldest son comes out into the garage and says, "Why are you making all of that noise?"
"I'm installing snaps."
"With a hammer?" he asked.
Looking at the hammer I have to admit is does sound a bit crazy but I simply say, "yes."
He shrugs and goes inside.

Once all the holes are punched, I switched out my punch for the other little "doodads" that are required to install the snaps.  (I assure you the directions on the back of the package are much clearer than I am.)

After I have the first snap installed the garage door opens (again) and my second son says, "What are you doing?"
Again, "I'm installing snaps."
"What are you installing snaps on?" he asks.
"These cargo bags."
'Okay." he says and then leaves.

I finish the snaps on the first bag and start on the second.  These snaps take practically no time to install which is a good thing.  The bad thing is that the temperature in South Carolina has been nearly 100 degrees.  The humidity has surly been 100%.  The temperature in the garage is at least that hot and of course, there is NO breeze. By now I have sweat pouring into my eyes and down my back and I just want to get back into the air conditioning.

I start the second bag and no sooner than I get the first snap installed, my husband steps into the garage.
UGH!
"What are you working on?" he asks.
"I am just trying to finish these flipping' bags!  Why does everyone keep asking me? It's a billion degrees in this garage and I am hot, sweaty and irritable!  Can't I just bang something once in a while!  Does everyone need to ask me Why!"
and he left.  (smart man)

Good news Bags are finished and all are alive.
:)


Remember to stop by this post and leave a comment for a chance to win this AMB duffel!  Only 2 more days until a winner is chosen!

Timing is everything.

With summer rapidly approaching I decided to make a few more Cargo Duffels for the kids.  With all of the travel for sports, band and camps we end up spending a great deal of time in the car.  I thought these bags would be perfect for hauling all of their car activities.

You may remember this Cargo Duffle I made for Easter using Noodlehead's Cargo Duffle pattern.  If you would like the pattern you can find it here

For the kids I decided to personalize them with a little embroidery and colors of their choosing.

With the first one under my belt I knew the 2nd, 3rd and 4th bags would go much smoother.  Ha!  Silly me.

Close to the end of the second bag my sewing machine started leaving huge tangles of bobbin thread for me.  Obviously the timing was off.  I played with what I could but couldn't get the tension adjusted.  A frustrating hour later, I switched to my old standby. My second machine is a good 30 years old but sews like a champ!  I finished the second bag assembly with the second machine.   As I was finishing off the inside of the second child's bag, my needle broke.  Then another and another.  YOU have got to be kidding me!  My old stand by, also had a timing issue.

My machines are off to the repair shop.  Perhaps it is time for a little English paper piecing. The bags will make Great Christmas presents too!

A book review {& Sweet Little Coin Purses.}

The other day I went to the library to pick up a book I had placed on hold.  When I arrived at the desk the librarian said I had 2 items on hold.  Two?  I didn't remember putting a hold on two.  I couldn't imagine what else I had put on hold. When the librarian returned I looked down on the counter and found that at some point I had reserved Best of Stitch Bags to Sew by Interweave.  Okay,  I thought  I give it a go.

What I found was a treasure of 20 wonderful bag patterns large and small. Many of the patterns are from bloggers and blogs that I follow. And a few that I need to start following. How did not know about this?

I immediately went through and book marked 5 patterns I need to sew.  (okay so I am going to need to renew it at least once, possibly twice)

I started with little stitches coin purses by Rachael Hauser. You can find an old blog post about the purses (HERE).   So cute. It is ideas like these that really make my ideas seem just so BLAH.

 I pulled my embroidery floss back out and got busy stitching up the fronts of these little Rainbow Purses. I have stitched up two of these little purses so far.  I have not yet attempted to glue the purse into the purse frame, which I have to admit I am a little hesitant to do.  Glue and I, well let's just say we don't always play well together.

Today I am getting adventurous and stepping ever so slightly out of the box.  I downloaded a hand embroidery pattern, Dancing Daisies Garden from Needle and Thread and plan to change up the motif and learn a few new stitches in the process.  I am also stitching on 100% pure cotton linen, a first for me, we'll see  how that compares to the Kona solid I used with the rainbow stitches.

A little aside:  When I made a trip out to Hancock Fabrics to pick out the linen it just so happened that they had the Best of Stitch Bags to Sew.  Not only that, but all the books were on sale! It was fate, destiny and a 50% off coupon that put us together.

Color Combo Project.

This weeks Color Intensive Project was to create a tote bag with either complementary or analogous colors.  (Okay, technically it was last weeks project but I'm moving a little slower than usual)  I have been struggling with my choices.  I even went to the fabric store to pick up a few fat quarters thinking that would help.  It did help, more with my mood than with the actual project but perhaps that's a story for another day.  :)

I have two choices both of which I like, but then also don't like. Perhaps I am not doing to well with commitment this month.

The first is my analogous color scheme.

I received this print in a scrap bag I ordered sometime last year or the year before.  I really like the print and the colors I just have never found the right project to use it in.  Could this be the one?

The second color scheme is my Complementary colors.

For this combination I tried to pick out a print that had several different colors to work with.  The main color in this fabric being this yellow-orange.  I have this trim that I love and want to use which doesn't work at all with the analogous color scheme but works fairly well with this print.  The teal looks nice with print but isn't complementary to the yellow. Although the teal does complement the red in the print.  The green is complementary to the orange in the print but not so much with the yellow.

Either way I am not "in love" with either selection.  Perhaps it is time to dive back into my fabric stash or better yet head out to the store. I believe I am in need of a few more fat quarters.

A Halloween Tote

I have been working like a fiend. Which is, I suppose, appropriate considering the season.  I have 2 OSU quilts in process. Hope to have those finished and added to my etsy site by Saturday.  I finished quilting Jean's Diamonds yesterday.  I have to say, AWESOME.  I was a bit apprehensive about the design when I started but it turned out great.  I'll post pictures soon.

Here is the Halloween Tote I made up to go with my Spooky Halloween Quilt.  Knowing my kids, mostly my daughter, I knew if I made a quilt for me to cuddle under as I pass out candy, she would "need" something for holding her goodies. I used an excessive amount of the Glow in the Dark thread on this face, but boy it it worth every stitch!  It has a surprisingly bright glow at night.  She is very excited about using it this Halloween!

Here is what you need to make one of your own...
Materials.
24 -- 2.5"x6.5" rectangles Halloween print
One -- 5" by WOF (Width of Fabric) cut of Halloween print for handles
One 18"X16" fabric for front background behind mummy
Three 1.5" by WOF cuts of White fabric.
Two 2.25"X2.5" inch black fabric for Eyes
One 1.5"X2.5" inch black fabric for mouth
Two - 1.5" squares white
One piece of fabric 32" X 18" for lining.
Two 18"x16" pieces of fusible fleece
One 5" X 40" piece of fusible fleece
Thread.

Assembling the Mummy:
1.  Cut Three -- 4" long strips off of white 1.5" strips.  These strips need to have the salvage edge on one end.  They will be attached to the mummy sides to make it look like he is unraveling.
Cut 1.5" White strips into the following lengths.
-two 4.5" strips, four 6.5" strips, two 8.5" strips, one 9.5" strip, two 12.5" strips, one 3" strip,and one 2" strip.

2.  EYES:  Take 1.5" white squares and draw a diagonal line across the wrong side of the fabric with washable pen.  Lay one square on upper right corner of one 2.25"X2.5" black fabric. Lay other square on upper left corner of second 2.25"X2.5" black fabric.  Sew along diagonal line. Press white triangle back. Set aside.

3. Sew 2 of the 1.5"X6.5" strips of white fabric together along long edge. Press seam open. Trim into three 1.75"X 2.5" pieces. Now take blocks from step 2 and sew together with white 1.75"X2.5" pieces as shown. Press seams open.

4. Take one 1.5"X3" white strip sew to left side of 1.5"X2.5" black strip for mouth. press seam open.  On right side of black strip sew 1.5"X2" white strip.  Press seams open.

5. Take remaining white strips and lay out mummy head and shoulders as shown. Sew remaining mummy pieces together so seams are on the outside, press seams open.

6. Once Mummy Head is fully assembled, lay mummy onto front 18"X16" piece of background fabric. Place bottom edge of mummy 1.5 inches above bottom edge of fabric. Place the three 4 inch strips with salvage edge at various spots around edge of mummy. Once they are in desired location, top stitch mummy head and shoulders onto background fabric. 

(optional: for additional 3-D effect you can add a layer of batting between mummy and background before mummy is sewn on.)

7. Take one 18"X16" piece of fusible fleece and fuse to wrong side of background fabric.  Stitch around edge.  Quilt bag front as desired.

Bag Back Assembly

1.  Take 24 -- 2.5"X6.5" strips and lay them out as shown.   Sew and press rows together to make one piece 18"X16".  

2.  Fuse Fleece to wrong side of bag back.  Quilt as desired. 

Bag assembly.

1. With right sides facing, pin bag front to bag back.  sew around sides and bottom of bag, leaving top open.  

2.  Box in bottom corners of bag.

Leaving bag front and back wrong sides out.  Lay bag so bottom seam is lined up with right side seam.  (if you have never boxed in a bag bottom before it can be confusing.)  There are many great tutorials online to help.  I like this one. from Lazy Girl Designs.  The only change I make is I do not cut out the corner until after I have sewn it.

Once bag seams are aligned. mark a line 1.5 inches from corner of bag.  Sew across line twice. Trim off corner.  Repeat on other side.

3.  Fold Lining fabric in half making a piece 18"X16".  Pin sides and sew.  Box corners as shown above.

4.  Take 5 inch X WOF piece for handles and fuse fleece to wrong side.   Once fleece is fused, fold fabric in half along width and press. 

Open handle and fold sides into center seam and press a second time.

Without unfolding, Fold handle once again on center crease.  Pin and sew along both sides.

Once handle is sewn, cut length in half.  Now you have 2 handles.

6.  Take bag exterior and turn right side out.  Being careful not to twist handles. Pin front handle 5 inches in from both sides.  Sew to bag.  Turn bag to back and repeat with handle for back.  

7.  Take bag exterior with handles securely sewn on and place inside lining, right sides together. Pin top edges, leaving a 4 inch opening for turning.  Sew around bag top, taking care to catch handle ends in seam.  Turn bag through opening.  

Once bag is turned, right sides out, top stitch around upper edge a scant 1/8 inch from edge, closing opening as you do so. 

Now your little goblin is ready for some serious trick-or-treating.

July's Tote

Spoiler Alert!--If you have a birthday in late July, and DO NOT want to know what your gift is don't read this post. This means YOU.

I don't know how it happens. Truly it is one of life's mysteries. Gift giving occasions, birthdays, holidays, baby showers, they just sneak up on me. I plan ahead, really. I usually know what I want to make or purchase for the recipient weeks ahead. Yet somehow, I always feel like I am in a rush at the last minute. Ever felt like that?

It is no secret that July has been a full month for me. Between vacation, kids camps and visitors I have been on the go. It comes as no great surprise when I looked at the calendar yesterday and realized I have no less than 7 birthdays to supply gifts for in the next 2 weeks! How many of those have presents ready an waiting? That would be a big fat ZERO!

Don't get me wrong I have several projects, okay, two projects underway but the rest are just ideas. Typically, when I run into this situation I resort to gift cards, a habit I really despise. I heard a comic the other day describe gift cards as, "Taking a perfectly good $20 bill, that is good everywhere, and turning it into a piece of plastic that is only good one place." And for this reason I vowed to decrease my use of gift cards.

Therefore, with the emergence of this new vow; I looked toward my tote for July. This tote comes from Quilts and More summer 2010 edition, and can also be found at allpeoplequilt.com. It is the Double Up tote by designer Sherri K. Falls.

This tote has a little bit of everything, applique, patchwork and quilting.

I enjoyed playing with all of the new features on my new singer. I'll admit it took longer than some of the other totes I have made. If you're looking for a quick tote to sew up, this is not the one for you. The quilting of the front and back was more involved than I originally anticipated. However, I think it makes the tote sturdier.

As with most patterns I undertake, I didn't follow it exactly. I substituted heavy weight interfacing for the handles instead of the cotton webbing. I also didn't use rickrack to border the flower applique. The pattern calls for making eyelets on the sides of the bag and adding a tie to the sides. I don't currently have any eyelets so they were obviously omitted.

I also changed the size of the interior pocket to be fat quarter friendly. Most of the exterior of the bag and the pocket were made with a Moda Fat Quarter bundle I had in my stash. The finished bag measures roughly 18X14X4". Making this a great tote for caring all of your summer extras!

Now I am off to finish the other 6 projects!

Change in PURSE-spective

Appliqueing 61 little 2.5 inch circles gets a little tiresome. I have been working every night on Emma's Garden quilt. I am making headway but it's slow going. I found myself dreading the evenings when I sit and stitch. Besides which my fingers need a little recovery time from the numerous pokes and stabbings.

Rarely do I have to go far to stumble onto a new project. God knows I have several unfinished ones I can pick up at anytime. I wasn't in the mood to finish anything. I wanted to START something new.

I was at Hancock last week, strictly because I had to get something, which I currently don't remember, but it was an errand with a specific goal, I think. Anyway, while I was there I stumbled upon a rack of black and white prints. I LOVE the black and white prints they have out now. Well, since I had a coupon that would expire if I didn't use it; I decided to pick up some black and white fabrics. I didn't have a project in mind at the time, I had little doubt that I would stumble upon one soon.

Well would you believe I found just the thing to use that fabric on, and no it's not a tote. It is totally different than a tote, a purse. I found this awesome pattern (here) at Warehouse Fabrics Inc. Now before you get all up in my face, I honestly needed a new purse. I always need new purses. I have been looking for a new purse for at least a month and have been unable to find one that I liked and that I could afford (that is always the catch). This pattern definitely fit the bill. Besides it is essentially free because I already have the fabric in my stash. (See how that works.)

This pattern was fun and easy to make. There are lots of pictures on the tutorial, which I love. I like the idea of making your own purse because you can add as many pockets as you wish! How great is that?! I only made one modification adding a button to the pocket with a flap, I am forever dumping my purse. The pleats can be a little tricky, especially when you are trying to "make the pleats lay naturally" to sew the pockets onto the sides of the bag. Still unsure if my pleats are lying naturally or unnaturally but I have pockets (4 of them).

The purse is big enough to hold all of my things and then whatever the kids need me to "hold" for them. The only thing I will probably do different next time is make the strap a little longer, more of a messenger bag length. That is strictly personal preference.

For now I am back to sewing on circles. Hmm, unless I can find a wallet pattern.

I'm addicted!

Hi, I'm Kristin and I am an addict. I have only recently developed this addiction to tote making. I'll admit my fabric addiction has been a long running problem. Currently I have 3 new totes I have made. The teacher totes are completed for this year. I still feel the need to make more totes. I currently have two in process and cannot stop looking for new patterns. I see the damage done to my family, as I delay dinner to top stitch a handle or pocket. I know my kids are starving, as they tell me repeatedly, "WE'RE STARVING MOM! and "WHY DON'T WE HAVE ANY GOOD SNACKS?" and my favorite, "Aren't you done YET!" Yet, I cannot stop making totes.

Here are the three newest totes I have made. All made from the Grab Bag pattern on allpeoplequilt.com by designer Bonnie Kozowski. Aren't they just the bomb! I plan to give these to the youngest teachers as I feel they probably have less to tote around. The pattern is super simple. You can whip one out in about 1.5 - 2 hours. They are so stinking cute! I fear my addiction has no end in site. There are just so many great patterns out there! I'll admit. I am a tote addict. But really how bad can it get?

Pretty Little Purses

Okay. I realize I am "officially" on a self-scheduled tote of the month program but with Mother's Day on Sunday I decided to switch it up a little. This year for Mother's Day I decided to make these little purses.

I made the purse exterior out of a neutral linen and lined them with a cotton print. The pattern was easy to follow and they literally took an hour each to make. But HOW CUTE ARE THEY!! The pattern you can find here (the purl bee). The purl bee blog has lots of wonderful little projects that take little or no time. This project is just one of many quilting, knitting, embrodery, etc, patterns and ideas you can find. Check it out. I know it may be more than a little late for Mother's Day ideas this year, but keep this pattern handy for future handmade present ideas!

Another Tote!

If you are tired of hearing about my adventures in tote making, this is not the post for you. I have indeed finished yet another Teacher tote. This tote is for Jack's teacher. You may remember that she is expecting her 2nd child in June. This tote/diaper bag matches the baby quilt. This tote was made from a pattern designed by Penny Sturges and is called the Pocket Parade Tote. This pattern was quite easy to follow despite a typographical error or two. Odd for a pattern that one has to purchase. Don't you think? I digress.

The exterior of the tote has 4 pockets and a handy set of D-rings for attaching various items. The inside is loaded with extra pockets and is roomy enough of hold a certain matching baby quilt. I tried not to make it too 'teacher-ish' after all it is also for the baby. But, I wanted her to be able to use the tote for things other than diapers. For even if it may seem like they will NEVER be out of diapers, they all do eventually grow up.

The shower for her is this Friday and Jack is bursting with excitement for his teacher and her new baby.