Amy Butler Blossom Bags

I just finished 2 Amy Butler Blossom Bags. I found the pattern to be straightforward. It felt like it took forever to cut out and interface, but I am very happy with the end result. I added some extra interfacing and hand basted it, so it was not noticeable on the outside. I have made about 10 different bags and only used 1. These 2 -I will be using. Great size and style for me. The plaid one I decided to use gate clasps so that I can change the handle sizes. I used turn locks on both of them. It was much easier than I expected and I can't believe I had been so intimidated by them. I love the look they add. The floral one I love except I wish I had longer handles on it. But I did not have enough fabric for the longer straps. I literally had no scraps of this fabric larger than 4"x4". I really love the design of the Blossom bag. I used a wool fabric that I have had for almost 20 years on the plaid bag. It had enough forgiveness in the fabric not to show any little wrinkles from flipping the lining etc. Home Dec weight was used on the floral bag. It worked nicely. I would steer away from normal weight cotton fabrics for this bag. I think it would be prone to wrinkling and the heavier weight fabrics are nice in helping the bag to stay curved. I changed the inside a bit to eliminate a divider panel but add a zipper pouch area in the lining.

Working on a project for Girl Scouts. It will be an antiqued Stationery holder. A 12x12 sheet of cardstock is folded in half and the bottom 3" folded to create pockets inside. Walnut inking gives it an aged look. Layered with paper and stamping. Has a ribbon closure. Normal 8 1/2" x 11" copy paper cut in half fits nicely inside for stationery which will be further stamped. Our camp theme is the Medieval times. I will be getting a couple of stamps to fit the theme. A castle, crown or shield, etc.

Valentines Wreath

Getting ready for valentines with a new wreath.

I made these owl doorstops for my children's rooms. They are stuffed with batting and a pouch of pennies for heft on the bottom.

I have been sewing a lot of purses and bags lately. I decided to try out all 3 bag patterns from Simplicity #2617. They all have a snap closure and a zipper pocket inside. I really like how the zipper pocket is made. It is a medium size pocket with a very clean look.The pattern was well written. The bags vary in size from one large enough to carry a binder in to 2 smaller bags with ample everyday room for a wallet and extras.

I love the look of all the cathedral quilts I have been seeing lately. But I was far too intimidated to try one. Then I came a cross a wonderful tutorial for a pincushion here: http://gogokim.blogspot.com/2011/12/cathedral-window-pin-cushion-tutorial.html I figured a pincushion might be just the size for me to be able to complete a cathedral project. Her tutorial is wonderful! It was the perfect time to open up my Moda Ruby charm pack that I have been hoarding away. Cathedral blocks are not difficult but they are time consuming. Think of it as fabric origami. For the button I pulled out a Fimo button that I had made a while ago. It was my first attempt at clay buttons and I made it much too thick for clothing, but it fits the bill for the pincushion.

Sewing for a Good Cause

I have made a goal this year to start using up my huge stash. To be more specific- to get it to where it all fits on my shelves. Buy less-use more of what I have. I am also trying to make items for charity-my goal is 2 charities a month. One charity will always be sewing liners for http://www.daysforgirls.org/
a little about their work from their site:
What if not having feminine supplies kept you isolated during menstruation?
• No study for days.
• No income for days.
• No access to hygiene ... for days.
It happens every day worldwide to women in impoverished communities. We're tackling the goal of ensuring women have their own sustainable, effective feminine solutions. It's working!
This organization is completely volunteer run and sustained. They really do amazing things and there are SO MANY ways to help. Please take a look around their site. And if you happen to be in the SLC UT area you can always drop items off to me and I will mail them with my shipments.
I will post pics of some of the liners I have sewn on a different entry for now--onto my knit stashbusting endeaver. I spent a couple of weeks sewing lots of PJ's. I think it was 17 of them.. Shirts and bottoms galore. I have not decided who they are going to yet, there are so many good causes that could use them. I mught have to resort to pulling a name out of a hat.
I also have been doing some sewing for www.sudanhelp.org My Girl Scouts troop had one of the Lost Boys of Sudan come speak to us. He is working on building a school in his native village. The girls each helped sew a school bag to send to the cause, and I added more to the pile. 19 bags completed.