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/.

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.

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/.

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/.

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/.

Patchwork Drawstring Bag

Anytime I approach a project, I like to have a use in mind before picking out my fabrics. My first thought on this bag was that it would be big enough to stick a few pairs of flip flops in and toss it in my suitcase when traveling. So, I started picking out fabrics that would match my suitcases. Then, once I actually read the project sheet, I realized the only shoes this bag would hold would be doll shoes. Finished, this drawstring bag is 8" x 8". My feet aren't nearly that small. So, I put the brown and turquoise fabrics back and started over. What could I possibly do with such a small bag? I finally realized this bag would be the perfect size to carry all my computer cords. Perfect!! Hopefully I won't have the frustration of all these cords in my tote bag that unravel and get in the way every time I take the laptop out or try to put the laptop back. Now the power cord, the camera cord, the iPod cord and the phone cord will be tucked away in this cute little bag. It was very easy to make. In fact, the most time consuming steps where cutting out the fabrics and patchworking the front and back. The actual bag itself took about 20 minutes to put together. I might have to make one to match each one of my totebags.

This project was provided by Ayumi Takahashi, Pink Penguin at http://www.ayumills.blogspot.com/.

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.

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/.