Lunch Bag with Wristlet

I was really excited when I saw this project sheet. Since I became a vegetarian in July, I have started packing my lunch...almost every day. I have a lunch bag that I bought, but now I have a few new ones!! This bag was pretty easy to make. I made two because when I was cutting out the first one (the black and white one), I cut the front pocket in the wrong direction and had to improvise. Also, I lined it with white vinyl which made the bag feel very thick. So, I decided to give it another shot (the brown and blue one), following each step of the directions. This one is lined with the same polka dot fabric that is used for the wristlet and the enclosure strap. I did trim the height down on both of these from the pattern. The exterior fabrics were heavy weight and made it difficult to velcro the enclosure strap...too bulky. Regardless, I thought they both turned out really cute. I am excited to use them!!

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







UPDATE: My niece saw this post and asked for a lunch bag in the blue and brown. Of course, I couldn't say no. I did make some changes in the way I made the bag. I made it wider, because the two above only ended up being about 2-3 inches wide. I made her bag 5 inches wide...gotta have room for the tupperware in there. Also, I wasn't really fond of the top and the closure on this pattern, so I made a velco flap for closure instead. Just thought I would show off my take on this pattern.

Mini Oven Mitt

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it is the perfect time to get the flour and sugar out and bake cookies with all your little helpers. This adorable mini oven mitt is just the accessory you need to help the kids feel like they are included in every step of the way. This pattern was very quick and easy to put together. Pair it with a matching or coordinating apron and all that will be left to do is bake, bake, bake...and of course ice the cookies!! The oven mitt is not to be used for handling hot trays or dishes, it is for play purposes only.

This project was provided by Crystal Butler at www.mylongestyear.com.

Owl Egg Cozy

When I first saw this project sheet, I thought this would be just a waste of my time and I would never have any use for this egg cozy. In fact, I couldn't figure out why my eggs needed cozy-ing and even if they did...why would they be cozy-ed up with an owl? I don't know about your eggs, but mine preferred to be chilled and kept in a tight confined space with all of their egg friends. Regardless of the need, I did vow to complete each and every project in my sewing calendar. So, I did. As you can see, I made my owl egg cozy out of solid pink and black and white zebra felt. I thought it would be best to have a bright and funky cozy to keep my eggs nestled. After I finished making it, I kind of like it. I have decided her name is Estelle and she is going to be my Flat Stanley. Whenever I go somewhere exciting or interesting, I will be sure to bring Estelle with me to pose for pictures. So, be sure to check back from time to time to check in on Estelle and see where she has been.

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

Yoga Mat Bag

This was a fun (and very simple) project to do. Actually, I made two of them. The first one I made exactly as I was told (like a good catholic school girl)...but, it ended up too short and the yoga mat is sticking out the top of the bag. That'll teach me to follow directions!! I was pretty bummed it didn't fit perfectly because I really love this pink and chocolate floral fabric, but I am sure there is a lonely, naked yoga mat out there somewhere that will fit perfectly in this bag...I just have to find it.

So, I set that one aside and decided to give it another shot. The directions tell you to add 2" for seam allowances, but I decided to add 5". This way I would have plenty of room to get the yoga mat all the way in the bag and if I wanted to toss my car keys or even my wallet in there, I could. My second bag turned out much better (in my opinion). Not only does it remind me of Burberry plaid, but it was much more accomadating to the yoga mat with room to spare. Now all I have to do is join a yoga class so I can show off my cute new yoga accessory. Namaste!!



This project was provided by Meream Pacayra at http://boredandcrafty.com/.

Pinwheel Quilted Coasters

As I am sure you have figured out, my calendar does actually start on January 1st and since today is January 15th...I am already two weeks behind (story of my life)!! So, my goal is to be on schedule with the projects by the end of January. Let's all keep our fingers crossed.





I was so excited when I opened the calendar to see this first project. I felt relieved because I thought these coasters wouldn't pose much of a challenge for me. Boy, was I wrong!! I haven't done much quilting, but I always thought if I wanted to I could and it wouldn't be a big deal. But it is. And I couldn't...not very well, anyway. I made two attempts at these coasters and while I like the way they look from afar...they are a hot mess up close. Quilting is HARD!!! So, to all you quilters out there...Cheers!! Y'all are amazing!



These coasters are supposed to be quilted along each seam within the pinwheel. My seams don't line up evenly, so I topstitched around the edge only. I am sure I will be able to put these coasters to good use, but I need to improve my technique before I try to make these as a gift.

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

My next project will be a yoga mat bag, so be sure to check bag and see how it turns out.

What is the Challenge?

After putting forth a great deal of effort to avoid a sewing room all my life, I finally decided a few years ago I was ready to give it a try. My mother was gracious enough to teach me how to sew, how to read and understand a sewing pattern and eventually how to tweek a pattern into my own design. I have spent the last few years perfecting my ability to sew things like purses, totebags, and various other accessories. I even quilted a few blankets, nothing fancy but still was quite an accomplishment that I was proud of. I have also dabbled a bit in making clothing, mostly for my wonderful niece Brooke. But, now it is time to learn and grow. I want to expand my sewing horizons and see what other areas I might enjoy and which ones I might not.



THE CHALLENGE: Recently I purchased a desktop calendar with 100+ sewing project ideas including the how-to project sheet for each one. So, twice a week I will have a new project and hopefully if all goes well a new final product. Some of the projects shouldn't be too challenging, while others could be the death of me. Please check back from time to time to follow my progress as I sew my way through this calendar.