Project Reorganization - Done!

Wow - that took a lot longer than I thought it would!  I started sorting through my sewing closet yesterday and only got through organizing my fabric stash.  Today I went through everything else and then put it all back in :)  It's amazing how much fabric I actually have and I found a few pieces I had forgotten about - including some vintage buttons, notions and fabric.  I posted a bunch of pictures on flickr about my cleaning project :)  Now to relax a little bit and then pick out a new sewing project!

Flickr Favorites :: 4

1. My new fabric cabinet!, 2. Buttercup Bag: Citrus Delight, 3. 2233-01, 4. Scrappy, 5. Untitled, 6. patchwork cushion, 7. Fruity geometric embroidery, 8. Joseph's Coat Pillow - it's done!, 9. i stitched a bag.

Crafty Book Challenge - January

I finished my Crafty Book Challenge - January project!  I actually made 2 projects from the same book (Sew What - Fleece!) I used a bright purple fleece from Joann's (the buttons are from Joann's as well) and made up the Cupcake Hat and the Neck Warmer.  I also made up a pair of wristwarmers.  I have seen these all over the internet and I saw a fleece pair on etsy that I tried to replicate.  I love my new set - and it was super easy to make!  Make sure you stop by and check out what everyone is making (just follow the link above).  :)  Next up is some serious reorganizing in the sewing area.  Then I'd like to work on more small clutch bags for my friend's shop and a purse for myself!  :)  Happy Sewing!

Project Reorganization

Once I'm done with the Crafty Book Challenge project I am working on for January (should be done within the next day or so :) I need to reorganize my sewing space - check out these two pictures - what a mess! No wonder I can't find things! Hopefully I can get this done over the weekend. I find a clean space brings lots of inspiration - I always find things I didn't remember that I had!

Here's a sneak peak at what I'm working on right now. This is a neckwarmer from Sew What - Fleece. I'm also making a hat and maybe gloves or wrist warmers. Should have the whole set done by the weekend :) What are you working on?

Saturday

I went to Joann's this morning and used one of my gift cards.  I got a few new patterns, some purple fleece, buttons, thread and the new issue of Stitch Magazine.  This magazine is so worth the price, you get a bunch of great projects with full-size patterns.  Here are a few I'd like to try from this issue:

Maybe I should also be doing a Crafty Magazine Challenge, I have so many that are filled with great projects!  The purple fleece and buttons I got are for the Crafty Book Challenge.  I needed to find a new project and it has been so cold and snowy around here, I thought a fleece project would be just right! 


Hopefully I can get a little sewing done this weekend.  I started work on another top, but I messed up the sleeves and just wasn't happy with it so into the barrel it went!  I may get some more of the fabric if it is still available.  It was so soft and pretty - I may just make it up in the pattern I used last time.  Happy Sewing!

Flickr Favorites :: 3

1. Studio E Slouchy Bag, 2. bracelet bag, 3. Vintage Wallpaper, 4. The Owl Bowling Team with Ball, 5. New project, 6. {Aqua & Tangerine} Mini Log Cabins, 7. February Display, 8. Amy Butler & Small Floral Bag Set, 9. Built By Wendy Top (again)

Flickr Favorites :: 2

1. Small Matryoshka Mini Snap Wallet, 2. Black Snowflake Pyrex Collection, 3. baby gifts, 4. { A Girl's Best Friend }, 5. After: Kitchen, facing north, 6. Polka dot tote bag, 7. Stack of Dreams, 8. Fiona Handbags, 9. Burda 7587



Snow Day!

Massachusetts got hammered with snow today and since I hate to drive in it, I took the day off :)  Once I finally dragged myself out of bed, I started work on the the first edition of the Crafty Book Challenge project .  Unfortunately it is now in the trash!  Wish I had read this before I got to work on my Folklore Bag!  Oh well, I wasn't really in love with the style of the bag (I hate bags with gussets) or the fabric (the corduroy was shedding everywhere!) so I guess it's not too big of a loss.  I'll have to find another project for the Crafty Book Challenge - January! 

I was determined to get something done though, so I put together these 2 Pocket Clutches that I have had cut out.  The pattern is from Keykalou Patterns and I really love it!  It's so easy to put together and it comes out great! 

I also started planning my Dream On quilt!  I have 2 charm square packets to use and I cut out a few more from some yardage I have.  I think I'm going to do blue for the solid parts.  On the last quilt I made I used a sheet to back it and I will probably do that again, along with cutting up a sheet for the solid sections of the front :)  I can't wait to put this together!

This Weekend

After I finished my top, I decided to start work on the Crafty Book Challenge. I wanted to make something from my new Amy Butler book, but I didn't have enough fabric for the bag I wanted to make. Once I started going through some other books, I realized I already had a project started! Ages ago, I cut out the Folklore Bag from One-Yard Wonders. Then I put it away and never picked it up again. It was even interfaced! I did a little bit more work on it today and I plan to work on it in the mornings before work this week. I also cut out another top, this time it's Vogue 8634 in a teal slub knit from fabric.com (they still have some right here). If I get my bag finished by the weekend, I'll sew the top up then! :)

First Vogue Ever

I love this pattern.  I love this top.  I really really really love this pattern and this top!  This is the first time I have used a Vogue pattern and it's a success!  The pattern is Vogue 8597, a Very Easy Vogue and easy it was!  I cut this out last weekend and it took me 2 1/2 hours to sew it up.  Next time it should be even quicker and I will definitely be making this again!  The fabric is a purple rayon slub knit from fabric.com.  It's so soft and pretty :)  I just checked, they seem to be out of it :( too bad, I probably would have ordered more!

I used my regular sewing machine to sew the side seams and to attach the sleeves and the cowl neck.  I serged all of the seam allowances and just went ahead and serged the sleeves together.  Next time (now that I know this fits) I will just use my serger for most of it, although I would still take my time and machine stitch the sleeves in and the cowl neck.

I even tried a new technique - the double needle hem.  This tutorial really helped me get started.  It came out really good on the main hemline, but the sleeve hem looks like it has a big bump running down the middle of the stitching.  I think I just need a wider needle and it's not something that will bother me too much, since I just love this top!  :)

Flickr Favorites :: 1

Finally figured out how to post my flickr favorites in the style that I wanted :)  Sorry if this showed up on your blog reader a few times - I think I have the kinks ironed out! 

1. Pyrex Salt & Pepper Shakers, 2. Untitled, 3. Coin Purse, 4. Custom Order - Buttercup Wristlet Set, 5. grocery bags, 6. Bliss Cross Mug Rug, 7. Americana set in perfect condition! $12.95 at a thrift store!, 8. Pink Birdseed Dresden Plate, 9. log cabin pincushions

Crafty Book Challenge

 

{Image from Leisl Made}

 

I was catching up on my blog reading when I saw a little tidbit about the Crafty Book Challenge being hosted by Leisl Made.  What a great idea!  I immediately signed up and now I've been looking over my books to try and decide which project to try first.  The goal is to make one project, no matter how small, from a different craft book each month, for the next year.  I think this is doable!  I'll post about it here as well as share a link over on Leisl's blog.  Can't wait to get started!

Sunday

Got some vintage sheet fat quarters and a Dream On inspiration pillowcase this week (ordered from JeniB's etsy shop) :)

I realized I forgot to show off the sewing items I received for Christmas. Lots of great projects in the Amy Butler book and I have seen this Jalie pattern made up already here and was dying to get it! I may need to make a trip to NYC to get just the right fabric for a spring running outfit! :) I also got 3 Joann's gift cards - can't wait to use them!!

First project of the New Year is cut out and ready to get started, it shouldn't take too long - pictures soon!