Wine Bag/Gift Bag

I decided to make a gift basket as a wedding gift for a friend. I wanted to include a bottle of wine and decided to sew my own wine bag for it as well.

I just used 2 coordinating fat quarters. It was very easy and only took about an hour.

Here it is:

Finished Yoga Mat Bag!

I tackled the Yoga Mat Bag!

The pattern is really great and easy even for a beginner (or so I thought). I enjoyed cutting my materials and when I completed the strap, I thought "this is going to be easy!" But apparently I chose a fabric that was pretty thick and by the time the bag, and the pocket and then the strap all started coming together, I was having a hard time getting that thick material in my machine.

I switched to my thickest needle (the one I use for the last step of the slings) and that made it better. But I decided I am not going to choose a material this thick next time. Next time, I am going with something lightweight to medium and lining it with interfacing.

All in all, the bag is really nice for my first try. Although, to be critical of myself, I wasn't pleased with how the strap inserts into the top. I know it will be better the next time.

New Project: Yoga Mat Bags

I found a FREE pattern for a yoga mat bag by designer Amy Butler. I *love* Amy Butler and used one of her patterns to make those GumDrop Pillows that I was crazy for a couple of years ago.

Here is the link to the free pattern!

Amy Butler has some amazing fabrics too! I can't wait to choose a fabric for this bag.

I will post an update with a picture when I finish.

...I'm Still Sewing

...just not blogging about it too well...

Let's see, What have I been making?

Ohh, I attended an awesome Sewing Expo in Atlanta in March 2009. Check it out at http://www.sewingexpo.com/ I took a class there where I made a really cool purse - quilt-style. I'll have to get a picture of that.

I got interested in sewing baby slings (for babywearing) and I have made and SOLD several of those. Pictured here is my awesome babysitter wearing my daughter in a sling I made.

Envelope Pillow

I had some scraps left over from my first Gum Drop pillow (since I fussy-cut the flower), and I thought I should put it to good use. So, what better than a matching throw pillow?
Luckily, just the project popped out of my Sew Everything Workshop book and I had just enough scraps to make the Envelope Pillow.

There was no pattern to this project, so I just used my handy-dandy rotary cutting mat and tool to cut out the shapes. It seemed simple enough. All I needed was a 12.5x16.5 piece (A) and 2 12.5x11.25 pieces (B&C). My ruler and cutting mat helped to make my measuring a breeze. So, I measure and cut! When I re-measured my "A" piece, it was perfect, then I re-measured B & C to find that I cut them at 12.5x10!! OOOPS!

Well, I am stressing out now! I had my heart set on putting these scraps to good use with a matching throw pillow! So, I consult the directions with mom and she points out how much "extra" material there was for over-lap on the back of the envelope pillow. She says not to worry, I just wont have as much overlap as the directions would require. And she showed me how to improvise!

I couldn't believe it! I could save my pillow! In a cinch, I had my envelope pillow made...and boy does it look cute on the couch with my lovely Gum Drop ottoman at the foot!

Pin Cushions from the Project Book

Now that I have had a few classes and have learned the basics (the very basics), I am going through the project book and picking out projects to make!

I thought I would start with an easy one. AND, I needed a pin cushion for my sewing box, so I decided to make my own! I picked a cute fabric that I am SURE will be used in a future project and I spent a short time making 2 cute pin cushions.

The Gum Drop Pillow CRAZE

Mom and I had so much fun making the Gum Drop pillows that we became obsessed and went crazy making them! (Because I need a bunch of oversized pillows taking over my house)

First I made one for Kelly and her new baby. We went to her baby shower and gave her the giant floor pillow/ottoman with fabric to match her Ocean theme in the baby's room.

Welcome to the world little Kai, who was born March 1st!

Then my little Isis (5 years old) told me about how she wants want too when I am done making the one for the baby. And of course, we want Caitie to have one too! So, now mom and I make 2 more!


Isis loves to jump on hers and Caitie relaxes and puts her feet up! AND someone at mom's work saw the first one I made, and wanted one made for her with the same fabric. But I think when that one's done, we are going to be over the Gum Drop pillows.