My First Quilt Project

I just finished my first quilt! This is a 58x58 quilt, pieced with Kate Spain's beautiful Terrain Collection. I purchased it as a kit from Above All Fabric. It is machine quilted with straight lines. Next, I am going to learn how to free motion quilt (I can't wait to start)! I think the kids will each be getting a quilt for Christmas... I need to get busy!

Problem... Solution!

This morning Owen (my 8 year old) was getting his snack packed for school and was frustrated because he wanted to bring yogurt, but didn't want to use his lunch box to keep it cool. The lunch box took up a lot of space in his backpack for just a yogurt! He was taking hot lunch, so didn't need the lunch box otherwise. At 7:30 a.m. he didn't have much choice, so he tossed an ice pack and yogurt into his lunchbox and off he went. By the time he came home, I had a solution! I had made him a insulated zippered snack sleeve (that's what I'm calling it - If you have a better name, please share). It is approximately 8x7 inches with a zippered entry and one layer of insul-brite to keep cool things cool... or if you preferred, warm things warm. I'd love to hear from you... what do you think? Is this something that others might like? Would you like or use an "insulated zippered snack sleeve"? And what size(s) would like to see them in?

Oh yeah, one more thing... the interior is rip-stop nylon and can be pulled out to make spot cleaning super easy. Can also be tossed in the washer!

A Sammy Bag for Zoey

I have been wanting to make this dog carrier/sling for sometime and finally bought the pattern and found just the right fabric! I would have loved to have posted a picture of me wearing the sling with Zoey in tow, but no one else is home to take the picture... so this is what you get for now. This is yet another, Erin Erickson design... the Sammy Bag. The outside fabric is a printed corduroy and the lining is black twill. I'm just hoping Zoey doesn't get much bigger! Although, Bella (my 9lb. Shih Tzu) fits in there... I just don't know that I want to lug her around, but at least I can give her rides if she is feeling left out.

Boxers for Owen

I seldom find things to sew for my boys, but I found a pattern for boxer shorts! I love how they came out... what a great pattern! Now, I'm just going to hope they fit... I can't wait for Owen to get home from school to try these on.

Two new bags listed tonight!

Tomorrow will have to bring a new project, as I just finished my 5th hipster bag! I just listed them at my Etsy Store. What should I start tomorrow? Any suggestions?

Hipster bags on Etsy

I just listed two Hipster bags on my Etsy Store! Check it out!

Bucket Bags

The bucket bag style shoulder bags with matching wristlet clutch are now available at my Etsy store! Check it out!

Two-Zip Hipster

I just finished Erin Erickson's newest pattern, the Two-Zip Hipster! I am very happy with it and can't wait to start another. The sew-in interfacing that I used might have been a bit heavier then I will use next time. The bag could almost walk away with the interfacing I used... but on the other hand, it is very sturdy and could really carry quite a load! I love the adjustable strap and the top zipper is installed in such a way that it allows the bag to open wide!

Hannah's Lunch/Snack Bag

I love this pattern by Erin Erickson! Hannah was happy to pose with her new lunch bag for me the other day. Hannah's has a laminated fabric interior... it was an iron on plastic laminate deal. Never again! It was so difficult to work with, I would suggest an actual laminated fabric that you buy like that. The lunch bag is so cute that I wanted to try again with a different lining. Using a cotton fabric lining just didn't seem very practical to me. Between exploded yogurt containers and pretzel crumbs... it would always be in the wash. It has to be able to wipe clean... so I tried using a ripstop nylon... and it worked great! The other bag pictured below uses the nylon and I'm very happy with it! These bags also have two layers of insul-brite to help keep the lunch/snacks nice and cool!

Welcome

This blog is where I plan to share all things creative in my life! I will mostly share my sewing projects, but you may also find some favorite photographs that I would like to share or maybe even a favorite recipe. I have been a stay at home mom for almost 9 years (been a mom for 10 1/2) and my youngest is heading off to Kindergarten. I am looking forward to the quiet days and the chance to nurture my creative side… something that I have missed over the years! I plan to document my projects here and soon fill my etsy shop with some of my favorites!