It's Hot!

I know it's strange - a midweek post - I had to call in sick to work due to a bout with conjunctivitis. I was hoping to get some work done on the City Tote. I did get a little bit done, but I'm sweating! I am one of the few people left without an air conditioner (I am so getting one this weekend!) so I had to cut my sewing time short. It's just too hot to be working with a steaming iron! I do think this bag is going to turn out cute though - I love the blue fabric with the white twill and I think the wooden button will be perfect for it. I know I had written that I was going to work on some clothing items, but it's just so hot and I like quicker projects. Although I'm hoping that once I get an air conditioner I can work on some sleeveless tops and a skirt or two.

I'd like to share some crafty items I have purchased over the last few days. I'm still waiting for them to arrive in the mail (I love ordering online - it's like getting presents in the mail!). I saw this fabric and had to grab it. I was planning to line a bag in it, but now I'm not quite sure. I do love it though. And how cute is this necklace? I can't wait to get it on! I ordered this book off of Amazon, not that I need any more craft books...but why not?!?! I saw this kit on Ellene's blog and I had to purchase it. She just opened her second shop and I was her first customer! And today I put in an order with Sublime Stitches. I had to get these Black Apple prints and I also got another Artist Series print and these craftopia prints. Oh wait, I also got a few patterns too. Can't wait to get started on them all!

Hope you are all staying cool!

All done!

Finally finished - my patchwork pillow! It's a bit big, but I'm happy with how it came out. I think my next project will be a bag or the Built by Wendy top I have made before. I want something quick!

Patchworking

I hate going so long without posting, but I haven't had much to report. I am sewing though, as you can see above. That is going to be a throw pillow for my bed. It's far from perfect, but I'm really happy with how it's coming out. I need to make one more row of patchwork and then cut out pieces for the back (I think I'll just use plain linen) and sew it up. I love this line of fabric so much(except for the red polko dot, it's all from Swell by Urban Chicks. You can find it here.).

I did make new valances for my room. I found a light blue single panel curtain in the clearance bin at a discount store. $3.00 and one hour later I had 2 valances from it! My room is definitely coming along. I'm hoping to have my pillow done this week so I can move onto something new!

Pleated Beauty

Finally a finished object! I just completed the Pleated Beauty Bag from Bend the Rules Sewing by Amy Karol. This bag is HUGE! I love a big bag though, so that's no problem. I really wanted to finish this fast, so I skipped putting in pockets. I probably should have put some in, as this bag is so big I will never find my cellphone or keys once it's filled up. The only other change I made was to use the exterior pieces (after pleating) as the pattern piece for the lining, instead of pleating the lining as well. I had to fiddle a lot with the interior and exterior to get them to fit together. I'm glad I didn't give up on the bag though because I'm really happy with it. Well, except for the bottom corners, they aren't perfect. I wish I still had some more of the yellow fabric to make some accessories like a zipper pouch and key fob. I have enough of the contrast fabric to do that though, so I will definitely make some things to match. All in all, a cute bag in fabric that I love...I'm off to fill it up!

Grrrrr

I went to a fundraiser last night and saw a lady wearing the same shirt as me! That does not make me happy, so now I'm even more focused on the mini-wardrobe challenge! Here are the 4 patterns I have chosen to use:

I might not use the last pattern, I really want to do a fuller skirt. I had another skirt that I wanted to use, but I'm missing the pattern pieces. I'll have to wait for Simplicity patterns to go on sale! Now I have to chose my fabrics. Still not sure what I want to use, so I'm going to think about it some more before I buy.

I also cut out the pieces for the Pleated Beauty Bag and started sewing it up. Unfortunately, the heat is getting to me and I'm going to stop now and go swimming. I'm hoping to sew this bag up this week though!

Mini-Wardrobe Challenge

Last night I was catching up on my favorite blogs when I came across this post. Hmm...I forgot I signed up for this! But, I'm glad for the reminder and the challenge! I'm going to do 2 tops and 2 skirts. I'm also thinking of being very simple and making everything in black and white. I love white t-shirts, so some white tops would dress up that idea a little bit and who can't use black skirts? I'm sure I will change my mind again, but we'll see. Now I have to figure out what fabric and patterns I'm going to use! Once I figure that out, I'll post it and then post my progress....this will be fun!

Summer Sewing

Hello there! I haven't been sewing or blogging much at all lately. Things keep coming up and then after they are done with, I'm exhausted! I have been planning a lot of projects and I have seen on some other blogs lists of summer sewing plans, so here is mine:

1. Pleated Beauty Bag from Bend the Rules Sewing. I have been wanting to make this bag, but couldn't decide on a fabric combination until I saw this one. Hunting began for the Zazu fabric and once I found it, I ordered it right away!

2. Anna Tunic. I know, I know, I have mentioned this before. I need to trace the pattern and make up a muslin. I'm hoping to accomplish this by the end of the month.

3. Bags, Bags and more Bags. Besides the Pleated Beauty, I want to make this one, this one and the Charming Handbag from Bend the Rules. Also, I saw a water bottle bag in this book that I would like to try. I also bought 2 New Look patterns for bags, one which uses the bamboo handles, which I love. I need more bags!

4. Easy summer skirts and tank tops. I'm thinking this pattern might be what I follow for the skirts and this one for the tops. They will be great when it's hazy, hot and humid in August!

5. A few small projects, like this doll, this scarf, and this clutch.

That's all I'm going to list for now. I don't want to put too much pressure on myself! I know it seems like a lot, but I think I can do it. I would also like to spend some time embroidering and possible start learning crochet. I'll revisit this post during the summer months and show my progress!!