Appliqued Handbag

The first thing I made when I learned how to sew was a purse, then a tote bag.  So, this was a flashback to my very first sewing "challenge".  My first bag wasn't appliqued, but that wasn't much of a stretch.  I appliqued this on the machine, but just because I wasn't in the mood to hand stitch my applique on.  Also, I was disappointed with the final size of this bag...much like I was disappointed with the size of the fabric basket.  I expected to be making a medium size tote bag and it turned out that I was actually making a tote bag just a bit larger than a wristlet.  What would I ever use this for?

This project was provided by Kathy Beymer at http://www.merrimentdesign.com/.

Reversible Headband

I was so excited when I saw this project sheet.  Finally I could make a headband that would actually fit properly.  I was so excited that I made two.  Unfortunately it turns out that my head was not made to accomodate a headband.  It doesn't matter how much I adjust it...it just doesn't want to stay on.  I guess that means my niece will be getting two new headbands now.  Lucky her!

This project was provided by Ellen Luckett Baker at http://www.thelongthread.com/.

Felt Doughnut

Once again....felt....ugh!!!

A doughnut???  Seriously???

This project was provided by Cindy Hopper at http://www.skiptomylou.org/.

Party Bunting

I am not sure why I would ever need one of these, but since I went to all the trouble of making one...I think I might just leave it up for a few days.  I am not one of those people who decorates every inch of the house for a birthday party or family gathering, so I definitely wouldn't go to the extra effort to sew one of these for such an event.  That being said, I imagine this would be pretty cute if it were personalized with a name.  Perhaps as a welcome home sign for a new baby! But, I will leave that to someone else!!!

This project was provided by Crystal Butler from http://www.mylongestyear.com/.

Crayon Roll

I have been AWOL for way too long and now I am left with just under 2 months to complete the remaining half of the projects...so I guess I better get to work.

This little crayon roll is such a cute little project.  What a great invention.  Instead of counting on a restaurant to provide your little ones with enough crayons to keep them entertained throughout the meal...just bring your own.

This project was provided by Cindy Hopper at www.skiptomylou.org.

Jam Jar Topper

Ugh!!  Another stupid, pointless, waist-of-time, FELT project.  I am getting really frustrated with these kindergarten craft projects. (Wait until you see the donut and the ice cream cone!) 

This project was provided by Amy Adams at http://www.lucykatecrafts.blogspot.com/.

Cloth Baby Shoes

How adorable are these?  These are such a fun gift to make!  In fact, I saw this project on the Michael Miller blog over a year ago and made shoes for my nephews in their dad's favorite baseball and football team fabrics.  They are pretty quick and easy!  Imagine the possibilities.  You could make a pair of shoes for every outfit, every occassion or maybe just make a pair for each day of the week.

This project was provided by Joanna Armour/Michael Miller Fabrics at http://www.stardustshoes.blogspot.com/ and http://www.makingitfun.blogspot.com/.

Flat-Iron Case

This is a pretty cool project.  This flat-iron case is insulated so you can pack your flat-iron without having to wait for it to cool down.  No more waiting around for it to be cool enough to throw in the suitcase.  Genious!
I think I may have used an insulator that is a little too thick, so next time I will change that detail.  Otherwise, I love this project.  Love it!!!  Everyone who owns a flat-iron needs one of these.

This project was provided by Singer Sewing Company at http://www.singerco.com/.

Passport Cover

The full description of this project is "Regional Colors Passport Cover."  The intention is t0 represent your home town or home state in the cover.  But, I didn't feel like doing that.  So, I just made a passport cover that I thought was bright and cute.  I am crazy about anything black and white, plus it will go with my luggage!  This literally took 15 minutes to make.  Very fast!  Perfect project for a beginner. 

I decided to line it with this adorable purple Burberry-esque fabric I have. Just a little splash of color is what it needed.  I am toying with the idea of painting my initial on the front using this technique.

This project was provided by Kathy Beymer at www.merrimentdesign.com.

Sleep Mask

I have always thought I would make myself one of these, but I didn't know if I would actually wear one.  There are so many cute ways to design a sleep mask.  The possibilities are endless...

I covered elastic for the head strap, but you could also make a tie-on sleep mask.  I just know that I am not a calm sleeper and it would come untied in the night!

That's right...minky dot on the back.  I figured it would be cozy and comfortable having that covering my eyes.  I don't know about you, but I need cozy and comfortable when I'm sleeping!

I have never worn a sleep mask before, so I figured it would be hard to blog about the benefits if I didn't give it a shot.  So, I tried it out and I am still on the fence about it. 

I turned off the TV and all the lights, crawled into bed and put the mask on.  Obviously with anything new, there is going to be an adjustment period.  I felt a little anxious and uncomfortable at first.  Not to mention, the dog was very confused.  This mask is not in any way tight, but I felt like there was all this pressure on my face.  I actually took it off twice and then talked myself into putting it back on.  I knew I had to do this.  I had to just get past the initial shock to the system and let my mind adjust.  OK, OK...maybe I am being a bit dramatic.  But, I did lay there for 30 minutes...blatantly aware that this mask was on my face.  Finally, I fell asleep.  I certainly appreciated having complete darkness to fall asleep in (because I can't sleep if there is a light on, or the alarm clock screen is too bright, or the bright lights from the casino where I was staying in Reno are peeking through the curtains).  Even more so, I appreciated having complete darkness the entire night and straight on to morning.  I think I may have actually experienced a more productive sleep than normal.  It may take several tries before I am completely used to it, but I am going to keep trying.  I think this could be a good thing. 

The Elle Tie-On Slippers

Honestly, I am embarrassed to even post this blog.  These have to be the dumbest things I have ever made.  Dumber than some of the stupid felt kid toys.  Seriously?!?  Who would wear these?  Seriously!

This project was provided by Lisa Ancarrow-Maltby at http://www.tissupapers.blogspot.com/.

Luggage Tag

Again, not really a challenge...but this one I like!  Perfect timing too since I am currently out of town and needed a new luggage tag. 

I have a small obsession with houndstooth and had to incorporate that into this tag. 

I also had some scraps of this great fabric with glamorous ladies in sparkly red dresses.  Perfect!! 

Add a little vinyl pocket and Voila!  A luggage tag!

This would also be a unique way to package a gift card!!

This project is provided by Crystal Butler and www.mylongestyear.com.

Kidlet Hooded Towel

I can sum this one up in three words...quick, easy and fun!  (I apologize for my model, but I don't have a little tot running around to pose for these pictures...so I had to improvise!)

I know, I know, I probably use those words a little too often to describe so many of these projects.  But, it's true.  When I started this journey, I was so excited to learn new sewing techniques and really expand my horizons.  I am hoping as we get closer to the end, these projects will truly become more challenging.  I wouldn't quite say that I am disappointed, but I am definitely not inspired.  Maybe I am just experiencing a mid-challenge crisis and the best is yet to come!  Let's hope!

This project was provided by Melissa Esplin of IS.LY at http://www.melissaesplin.com/.

Business Card Case

Here we go again...another felt project.  So, once again I refused the felt recommendation and made it out of heavy weight home decor fabric.  I actually used the same fabric as the photo album cover.  I decided to give the brag book to my mom (so she can show off pictures of her 5, soon to be 6, grandchildren) and I thought it would be much cuter if the business card case I was making her matched.  So, now she has a set. 

We both have the hard metal cases for our business cards, but mine just recently broke.  This is the perfect replacement.  It was also very quick and easy.  A great solution for a quick gift idea for a co-worker or friend.  These would also make great gift card holders...they are the perfect size.

This project was provided by Lauren Brandy and http://www.laurenbrandy.com/.

Felt Photo Album Cover

I cheated on this one a little bit and didn't make it out of felt.  I don't normally work with felt because I don't really like felt.  I can't believe how many of these project sheets want you to make all of this stuff with felt.  So, I am revolting.  I am rising up against the felt lovers of the world and refusing to join them.  I like fabric. So, I made my album cover out of a heavy weight home decor fabric.  I think it is much cuter than felt and will keeps it adorable appearance longer.  Felt tends to show it's age and with a brag book like this one that will be taken in and out of my purse, I don't want it to show it's wear and tear.

Now I will step down from my soap box and move on.  This is such a great project.  So quick and there are so many possibilities to make this unique.  I just bought a small brag book photo album from the dollar store and used up some fabric scraps I had laying around and now it looks like a million bucks.  Ok, maybe not a million bucks, but definitely worth more than a dollar now.

This project was provided by Emily Montgomery at http://www.thepaperseed.com/.

Teapot Cozy

It has been rainy and cold around here for about a month, so I have been drinking a lot of hot tea these days.  That means the tea pot is sitting out on the stove every day and now I have something to cover it up with.  This was pretty quick and easy to make.  I didn't use bias tape around the lower edge, instead I just tucked the raw edges in and hemmed it.  I think it turned out just fine like that.  I also didn't line it, but you could use a heat resistant lining material to be able to use it when the teapot is still warm.  I only plan on having it on the tea pot when I am not using it, so I just didn't bother with the liner.  Either way, this makes a great gift for a friend or family member.  It's quick, easy and you could personalize it with an initial or name on the front. 

This project was provided by Ann DeOtte at http://www.stilldottie.com/.

Clothespin Bag

I must admit, I stared at this project sheet for hours trying to figure out another use for it.  I don't have a clothesline in my back yard (I guess you can probably tell from the fact that I had to take a picture in my bathroom) and I don't even own any clothespins, so I didn't know what I would possibly need this for. 

I was obviously not having a creative moment, because I didn't come up with much.  Possibly a storage bag for hair accessories...or mittens...or plastic grocery bags. 

I am sure there are many, many more uses...but, I gave up.  I decided to make this for it's intended purpose and pass it along to someone who does have a clothesline in their back yard.  And I had just the perfect fabric in mind.  My sister in law was thrilled with it.  She has two little boys who steal her clothespins from the laundry basket while she is trying to hang the clothes, so this will hopefully keep them out of her stash. 

This project was provided by Christy Hemby at http://www.christyscreations.com/.

Fabric Flower Brooch

This project, so far, has had the most vague directions!!!  I read the instructions and then I read them again and then again and then I finally had to form a committee (committee = my mom and I) to discuss the possibilites of how to form these flowers.  Finally, after several hours of intense thought and discussion (might be a little overdramatic here), we figured it out.  Once I got past that challenge, these were very quick to make.  I don't know what I am going to do with it, since I don't ever wear a brooch.  Maybe I will attach it to a purse.  Hmmmmmmm...


This project was provided by Solveig Petch at http://www.madebypetchy.com/.

Bicycle Lunch Bag

Although I have a bicycle (and I must say a very nice bicycle) leaning against my garage wall with the intention of someday becoming an avid bicycle rider, I don't ever ride it.  In fact, it doesn't even have the front wheel attached right now.  So, this isn't really a project I could use.  But, I am sure my niece and nephews are bicycle riders and perhaps one of them would like one.  Anyway, I do have a few complaints about this project.  The instructions don't call for you to add the velcro closures until you have the bag assembled.  This makes it very difficult to add the velcro strip that goes on the body of the bag.  Pretty hard to get that area into the machine and not catch the backside.  It is a very crafty idea, but just a little heads up for those of you (and by you, I mean us) who don't think 5 steps ahead and adjust the instructions after applying your own knowledge to the project. 


This project was provided by Lenore M. Edman at http://www.evilmadscientist.com/.

Zippered Pouch

I promise this didn't really take 2 weeks for me to make this pouch.  More like it took about 30 minutes.  I just got overwhelmed with other non-calendar-challenge projects.  I can't believe it has been 2 weeks since my last post.  AAAHHH!! 


But I digress...

This is such a great project.  I have a zippered pouch that I always carry in my purse for loose change.  I didn't make the one I have, but I will certainly make many more of these in the future.  The one in the picture has already been given away as a gift, and...in case you were wondering...she LOVED it!!! 


The main reason I love this project is because I am one of those really picky people who refuses to carry a wallet and purse that don't match or at least coordinate.  So, now I don't have to worry about the coin purse clashing either.  I tend to always make my own purses and sometimes my own wallet and now my own coin purse. 


This project was provided by Cindy Hopper at http://www.skiptomylou.org/.

Quilted Pot Holder

This pot holder project goes with the apron I just made before it.  This was very quick and simple to make.  Literally, it took me about 20 minutes from start to finish including the cutting.  I, of course, used the same dessert fabric again.  Then I backed it with hot pink and made my own bias tape out of the polka dots.  I quilted a wave pattern on it, because I know I am not talented enough to quilt much more than a wave or diamonds.  I think it turned out pretty cute.  My only issue was that I used a quilt batting and I don't think it is thick enough.  It would be better to use a heavier batting piece.


This project was provided by Singer Sewing Company at http://www.singerco.com/.

F2f: What the F2f is going on?

I am getting really frustrated!!!  It doesn't seem to matter what I do, I just don't lose anything.  I weighed in on Monday and I was up another pound...right back to the starting weight.  Then I weighed in on Wednesday and I was down 2.5 pounds.  But, this morning I was back up 1.5 pounds...which gets me back to the first week.  AAAAHHHH!!!! 


It is time to get drastic.  Maybe I should try a liquid diet...or take on a drug habit...or try the Survivor diet of a spoonful of rice and a coconut everyday.  Except I hate coconuts, drugs are too expensive and I don't think I could handle drinking all my meals. 


Whats a girl to do? 


I guess I will just stick with what I know and double the exercise.  I am planning on doing a 5K walk (or 10K depending on how fast I walk) next weekend and then I am going to do an 8K run on Memorial Day.  I am going to just focus on training for those and hope that will make a difference.  Somethings gotta give eventually!  Hope everyone else had a better week than I did.

Gathered Apron

As you can probably tell from the last apron project, I love making aprons.  I was excited to see another project sheet for a different apron.  Although, after finishing this one, I will say that I like the tea towel apron better.  I think it's because I am not great at folding the ribbon over a seam, lining it up and making sure I catch the ribbon on both sides.  I always have a few spots where I missed the ribbon on the back side.  Regardless, this did turn out pretty cute.  A little long for me, but I am only 5'1"...so, it is probably the perfect length for people of a more normal height.  Plus, I made this a little more difficult than it had to be.  I had the perfect dessert fabric that I wanted to use, but I only had it in fat quarters.  Since it wasn't big enough, I just pieced it with polka dot fabric to make sure I would be able to use it. 

This project was provided by Singer Sewing Company at http://www.singerco.com/.

Fabric Bookmark

Finally, I have come across a project for something I can actually use.  I love to read.  I probably have over 100 paperback books in my house, but not one bookmark.  Usually, I use junk mail.  So, I am so excited to not only have my very own bookmark (how sad is it that I get excited over having something that I can buy at the store for less than $1?), but to have my very own personalized bookmark.  I was going to paint my initial and applique something else, but the fabric I chose as the back didn't work with the paint I have.  So, I appiqued my initial instead.  Very quick project, and fun as well since you get to design it exactly as you want it.  What a great gift!!!


This project was provided by Kathy Mack of Pink Chalk Studio at http://www.pinkchalkstudio.com/.

Butterfly Mobile

What am I supposed to do with another mobile?  Actually, this is the only one I have because I tossed the last mobile. It was sooooo stupid.  This one is a little better, but I don't really have any use for any of them.  So, just to make this one a little more exciting, I made it out of all shoe-related-fabrics.  I am not really sure why, because I know I won't be hanging it up in my house...but I did it anyway. 

This project was provided by Ellen Luckett Baker at http://www.thelongthread.com/.

F2f: The truth is...

The truth is I had planned to weigh in every Monday and then blog about my progress, but here it is Thursday afternoon and I haven't blogged about it yet.  Here's the deal.  Last week, my monthly gift arrived.  It didn't stay long, but it sure caused a lot of chaos while it was here.  I won't go into details, but I will say that I did lose my ability to think rationally for a small amount of time and may or may not have made a batch of Ghiradelli Double Fudge Brownies at 8:30 at night...allegedly.  Luckily, I regained control of my ability to make sane decisions and I took them to work the next morning to avoid finishing off the whole pan by myself.  Crisis averted.  Whew!!


So, I was really feeling OK about it all when I went to weigh in Monday morning until I actually stepped on the scale.  WHAT?!?  I had gained a pound back. 


I convinced myself it was all water weight and I would be able to blog about my real weight loss if I just waited a day or two.  But, last night I realized that I am just fooling myself.  A week is a week is a week...I can't just stretch the week out because it didn't go my way.  So, I will stand up and take it. 


I gained a pound.


I hope everyone else had a better week than I did.  AND I hope we don't do this again.

Bunny Baby

All I can say here is ....  SERIOUSLY?!?!?






This project was provided by Jana P. Nielson at http://www.lolaagain.blogspot.com/ and http://www.gracielous.com/.

Bunny Pocket Pillow

Another pocket pillow?  Why is the crafting world obsessed with creating all these little projects with a pocket?  Do the crafters have all these little trinkets lying around with no place to put them?  And if I don't have that problem...does that mean I am not a true crafter?  Is pocket loving a prerequisite?  I sure hope not, or I am going to have to find a new hobby. 


Anyway, I guess this pillow isn't all that bad.  And by "isn't all that bad"...I mean it would be better without the pocket and the stupid little bunny doll. (Sorry to the creator of this pattern...I just can't get on board with the doll.)  It was very quick and easy to make (except for the bunny...since it is so small, I missed a couple of spots when sewing the front and back together and ended up with a few open seams).  I think I will toss the bunny now that I have the picture I need and just keep the pillow.  I guess I should start working on my trinket collection though...it's only April and I already have a dozen pockets to fill!!!


This project was provided by Missy Ballance at http://www.craftycarnival.com/.

Shower Cap

I wasn't quite sure what to think with this project.  I thought to myself, "Self...this could be interesting or this could be a total disaster..."  And now that I have finished it, I am leaning towards total disaster.  Maybe that's a bit harsh, instead I will go with not so great.  Either way...this shower cap is in my donation pile for Goodwill.  Maybe this just isn't my niche, but I couldn't make this look or feel like a functional shower cap.  I know if I tried to wear this in the shower, I would just end up with a soaking wet pile of fabric covering my half-soaking wet hair.  Not exactly how I want the shower cap to work.  But, if you can make this one work...I would love to hear your tips on how.


This project was provided by Liesl Coulthard at http://www.hoppobumpo.blogspot.com/.

Fabric Basket

I was so excited to make this project.  I have seen many different versions of fabric baskets over the years, but have never made one.  So, I was thrilled to finally have a reason to make one.  I was, however, a wee bit disappointed that this turned out to be a wee bit of a basket.  After all is said and done, the final product is only about 6" wide, 4" deep and 4-5" tall.  So, now I am not really sure what I am going to keep in this basket...any thoughts?


Anyway, I am going to give this another shot (in my spare time...) and I will alter it to take it from a wee little basket to a large-and-roomy-are-you-ready-to-get-organized?-basket!!!  I guess I am going to need stiffer stabilizer or a double batch of the one I used for this basket.  Either way, if I ever get one made...I will post an update and let you know how it turned out.


This project was provided by Karin Darocha at http://www.orangeflowersketchbook.blogspot.com/.

F2f update

I am not sure why I agreed to start a diet the week before Easter...especially since all I could think about was the food I gave up for lent (which was wheat by the way). Needless to say, I strayed from a healthy diet at Easter brunch. But, all the candy and cupcakes are gone and I have put it behind me. At least I worked in two 45 minute nature walks around the park this weekend. So, after indulging the way I did this weekend...I was surprised to see that I had dropped 2 pounds when I got on the scale this morning! Typically when I start a new diet I would hope for more than 2 pounds on the first week, but since Easter fell in the middle there...I will take it!!!  Now, if the rain would just stay away for awhile so I can get to the park more often, then I will be a happy camper.  Wish me luck...I hope it is a good week for everyone!!!

Ric Rac Dahlia Brooch

Sometimes I look at a project sheet and think I just know how to make it without actually reading each step of the directions.  This was one of those times.  I skimmed over the directions, cut out my necessary supplies and sat down at the sewing machine and started to put this thing together.  However, unless you are just that good (and honestly that might not even be good enough)...this project is not one that can be done on the sewing machine.  So, I had to rip out all my mistakes, curl up in front of the tv with a needle and thread and make this the old fashioned way.  I still wasn't able to get all 2 yards of ric rac stitched into this brooch...more like a yard and a third at the most.  And that was a challenge in itself.  I guess it turned out ok...I am not that big on wearing a brooch, so I guess this will become a gift.  I am not sure I will make another one though.  It did take about an hour to stitch the whole thing (including the button) and since I am not smart enough to use a thimble, my fingers were pretty sore when I was done.  How did those women do it????

This project was provided by Hannah Kopacz and http://www.madewithlovebyhannah.com/.

Robot Doll Pocket Pillow

Ugh!!  Another pocket pillow!!  These are cute and all, but what am I going to do with these pocket pillows.  I don't have any idea what to use them for.  No kids...so no need for a tooth fairy pillow (plus, I already have a tooth fairy pillow that I don't need).  I hate giving gift cards, so that won't work.  And these aren't nearly big enough to hold the piles and piles of extra money laying around the house that needs a place to be stored...(don't I wish).  But, I made it anyway.


I made my robot pink and purple, because we all know robots must really be girls.  Aren't robots super smart, organized and focused?  And did I mention super smart?  Plus, if one part of their internal makeup is out of place, they just can't get through the day without a few malfunctions.  GIRL!!!  I think she turned out pretty cute!!  Maybe I will turn her into a Christmas ornament.


This project was provided by Lauren Brandy at http://goodygoody.typepad.com/.

Snuggly Ribbon Blanket

I was kind of excited when I saw this project.  This one is not actually new to me.  I have made these before for friends and family when there is a new baby on the way.  So, a challenge...this was not.  But, what great timing.  A friend of mine recently had twins..a boy and a girl.  Hence, I immediately knew who I could make these for.  I wanted to embroider their names on the minky side of the blankets, but as I said last week...I am reorganizing my sewing room and can't get to the embroidery machine right now.  Maybe next time.  I wanted to make them different, but the same (since they are twins and all)...so I used the same front piece of fabric that works for boys or girls and backed one with a blue minky dot and the other with a pink minky dot.  I also used some of the same ribbons for both...but added more blue ribbons on the boy blanket and more pink ribbons on the girl blanket.  I think they turned out pretty cute.  This really is not a complicated project to put together, but can be a little time consuming when cutting out, pinning the ribbons and basting the ribbons.  Still, it didn't take that long.  Plus, I know my nephews and cousins loved these.  It is just the perfect size for an infant to cuddle with and all the ribbons make it easy for the baby to grab on to the blanket...you know, since they are still figuring out how their hands work.

This project was provided by Sarah Mikkelsen at http://www.themikkelsens.net/sarah/journal/.

Bow Tie Hair Clips

This was, so far, the easiest challenge yet.  Literally took 10 minutes!!  The problem is, the only person that I know that wears these type of hair clips is my mom and I know she won't wear them with a cute little bow on them.  (Even though she did humor me and wear it all afternoon today.) My hair is way to thin for one of these things to contain it and my one and only niece is a bit too old to wear something like this.  So, I only made one to get a picture of it.  Now, sadly it will sit in a drawer for months to come until I finally clean that drawer out and toss it.  But, for those of you with little girls in your life who do wear cute hair accessories...what a cheap and easy way to make them a unique and adorable gift!!


This project was provided by Lauren Brandy at http://goodygoody.typepad.com/.

Why dost thou hate me so?

Here I am all excited to get caught up on my challenges, with four...that's right FOUR!...done and ready to post and for some reason the blogging gods have chosen to work against me!  All weekend I tried and tried to get on here to post and every single time I was denied.  No internet connection.  For the whole weekend!  So finally today I am able to get online and what do I discover?  The Google server is experiencing difficulties and I can't upload any images!  Seriously?!? I mean, Seriously!!!!  What's a girl to do?  Hopefully all will be right with the blogger world later today.

Sewn Invitations

So there I was, all dressed up, ready to party and no place to invite you to.  And by all dressed up, I mean chilling at home in my oh-so-comfy yoga pants, an oversized "Rock Chalk Jayhawk, Go KU" T-shirt and hot pink slippers that don't match anything else I have on.  And by ready to party, I mean popcorn is popped, the blanket is calling my name and the DVR is full and ready to entertain.  But, I digress.


Over the last few years, I have watched the scrapbooking movement grow and grow and almost take over some of the craft stores in our area.  I refused to join in this hobby.  As you can see from the last post, I have a room full of fabric and sewing supplies...I certainly don't need another room full of paper and scrapbooking supplies.  However, I do like that this mixes the two together.  Some scrapbooking and some sewing.  I probably wouldn't make a stack of invitations this way, but for this one invite...it was a fun and different project from what I am used to. (Except for the sewn valentines card I made a few weeks ago) 


It wasn't difficult by any means...but it was a little time consuming.  Cutting out the designs from the fabric...interfacing the fabric pieces...the gluing and the sewing.  Not that this took an hour, but if I was making twenty or thirty birthday invitaions or worse....like wedding invitations....I could see this becoming an all day affair.  For those of you who aspire to achieve that goal, cheers to you!!  I shall have a drink in your honor.


This project was provided by Kathy Beymer at http://www.merrimentdesign.com/.

Buried in Projects

AHHHHH!! I cannot believe it has almost been two weeks since my last post. I am getting very, VERY, far behind in this challenge. Are you ready for the excuses??? Here's the deal. "I ran out of gas. I, I had a flat tire. I didn't have enough money for cab fare. My tux didn't come back from the cleaners. An old friend came in from out of town. Someone stole my car. There was an earthquake. A terrible flood. Locusts. It wasn't my fault, I SWEAR TO GOD!!!" Oh wait, maybe that was the Blues Brothers...not me. Seriously, here is the truth. My viewpoint on how quickly I can accomplish something tends to stretch the bounds of reality, almost to a breaking point. In my mind, I am a superstar...I can accomplish ten times the things I can in reality. The biggest problem is that my mind tends to win every time I battle with my reality. Hence, I bite off WAY more than I can chew!!! So, in the midst of my very-busy-never-have-enough-time-to-actually-finish-a-project schedule, I decided my sewing room could not continue to go on in the shape it is in. What shape is that you ask? DISASTER AREA!!

I am a little embarrassed to show you these pictures, because...well...look at them...WHAT A MESS! I swear I am not a slob!!! Anyway, as you can tell...it was time for a room makeover. So, I am in the process of rearranging and reorganizing this room. My sewing room should be my sanctuary, not my downfall. I need it to work with me instead of the other way around. Unfortunately, things had to get worse before they get better...so I won't even let you see how bad it is now while I am working on it. But, in a nut shell, I have very few places I can even walk in the room.

I am very hopeful, however, that by the end of the weekend I will have it looking clean, mean and pristine and I will proudly show off those pictures. Also, and perhaps I am being a little over ambitious...wouldn't be the first time, I hope to be fully caught up by Monday with the sewing challenges. So, keep posted...I should have a lot of new posts over the weekend!! (Keep your fingers crossed!!)

Recycled Bath Mat

A few years ago, I moved into a new house. The guest bathroom was in need of a shower curtain and no matter where I looked...I couldn't find the right one. I really wanted something with red in it, but not solid red. It seemed like everything I saw had either a maroon tint or a salmon tint to it. So, luckily, my wonderful mom stepped up and made me the perfect shower curtain for the room. I was able to find a great bath mat that worked. Red shag bath mat in the perfect matching color. However, my rambuncious not-so-little puppy, Duchess, felt the need to unravel it a few months ago. Needless to say, the guest bath has been incomplete for awhile now. So, when I saw this project sheet, I immediately had my fabric picked out without even having to go into my sewing room. (That never happens!!) I didn't have a black towel, but I was able to find a great deal at K-Mart on a cheap costing yet not cheap feeling towel. I am so thrilled with the way it turned out. Next up, I am going to replace the bath mat in the master bath with one of these. This time around, I won't overestimate my ability to line up both sides of the edging fabric. I did have to restitch a few spots on this bath mat. So, I recommend you stitch down one side first before folding the fabric over to the other side and top stitching it in place.

This project was provided by Kristen Couse of http://www.cakehousedesign.com/ and http://www.thenewnew.blogspot.com/.

Tooth Fairy Pillow

This is such a great project to make for any little tyke who is frequently being visited by the tooth fairy!! It is pretty quick to make and very easy. The pocket is the perfect size for either a baby tooth or money left by Little Miss Tooth Fairy. I used a small strip of ribbon so you can hang the pillow on the door or the bedpost, but you could also make this pillow without the ribbon...so you can tuck it under your pillow. I did change the tooth a bit from the original project sheet. I am the child of two dentists, so they helped me perfect the tooth shape. My nephews are a little young to need one of these, but when the time comes...I imagine they will each get one.

This project was provided by Missy Ballance at http://www.craftycarnival.com/.

Pacifier Pouch

I have four nephews, one niece and another niece or nephew on the way. I can't speak for the one that is still in the oven, but as far as I know...out of the five of them, only one has taken a pacifier. To Connor, his binkie is just as important as food or water or even air. It is borderline criminal to leave home without it. So, when I saw this project I immediately thought of Connor. I decided to make him two pouches, one for mom and dad to carry and one for Connor to carry. Picking out fabric for Connor's pouch was a piece of cake...there are really only three possible choices. Should I use Elmo, Elmo or Elmo??? I also added a clip on Connor's so he can clip it to a belt loop. For his parents, I figured theirs should go with the diaper bag...so luckily I had a few scraps of Chief's fabric. Both of the pouches are lined in solid color fabric with iron on vinyl. This was pretty easy to make. Start to finish, I think I spent about 45 minutes making both of them.

This project was provided by Jana P. Nielson at http://www.lolaagain.blogspot.com/.