Getting ready for summer

http://kitschycoo.blogspot.com/2011/07/tutorial-sewing-up-your-pin-up-bathing.html?m=1

Sent from Melodee Bourdeau's iPhone

Last block; DONE!

Well, here it is! The final block (number 12) for this quilt top.

I did take some time off to work on other things but jumped back on the get r done trail!!!

In the next couple of weeks I will be picking out and purchasing fabric for the corners and sashing. Not sure what I will choose. Votes are welcome!!

If you like what you are seeing and want to sew your own ...look for the Mario button at the top of my blog...it will take you to the blog, cut to pieces, where all 12 block directions are ready for download :)

Happy sewing!
Melodee

Just snagged a life!

Well here it is :) 1 up!!!

I am working soooo hard to get this quilt top done!!! I have 2 more squares to finish then on to the actual quilt top construction.

I just can not believe it! So super excited!!

Like what you see?
Wanna make one yourself??
See that cool Mario on the top of my page??
Well go on up to that button and follow along to the free (yeappers!!!) tutorial.

Can't wait to see this on my sons bed!!

Happy sewing :)

I'm not too shy :)

I'm not too shy to say I'm happy to have this one done!

I have fallen a tad behind but am working hard to catch up!

More to follow ;) happy sewing!

Key Chains I want to try

Well I cant actually show you the pics of what I want to make but there is a short list of keychains I am planning on making soon!

Mustache 
cool key fob
wrist/bracelet key fob


updates of my progress to follow :)
Happy Sewing!
Melodee


 

portable toddler seat on the way

With a few major food holidays coming I want to make sure my oh so cute nephew is covered when it comes to eating dinner away from home.

and really, who wants to lug the big ol' high chair around right!??

Well, pinterest strikes again! (I just love pinterest and all the clever stuff so neatly pinned!)

I will be making a seat and will follow this tutorial :) over at This Mama Makes Stuff.

Happy Sewing...updates to come!

Melodee

Napkin's are needed

For oh so long I have dreaded my families use of paper towels. As a large family we go through a lot!!! And with every purchase I feel we are wasting money and resources.

So today, in an effort to reduce our use and dependency on a non-reusable item, I made the first four of many cloth napkins to come!!

I found a really simple tutorial for the under turned edge that I just love!
http://www.craftstylish.com/item/13024/how-to-make-cocktail-and-dinner-napkins/page/all
Here you will be guided on how to do a simple one inch mitered corner edging.

I have chosen to make them smaller than a traditional dinner (21 inch) napkin. My beginning square is 14 inches and after the one inch edging it ends up being 13. And for me this is perfect for every day use!!

I have a big pile of brown check square cotton fabric cut to size and ready to sew up soon.

Don't know what has taken me so long to get into cloth reusable napkins but I am so very happy that I now have :)

Happy sewing :)
Melodee

Quilt sleeve on!

Don't we all have those need to do's that are so easy to do we often wonder why- after we finally complete them- why oh why did it take us soooo long to do so???

Yeap this is one of those for me!

I made the quilt in its entirety. My hubbie made the really nifty quilt display rack and hung it on the wall. I then proceeded to drape my finished quilt over the rod and not sew on the hanging sleeve.

So today was the day! I decided last night that today no matter what!! I was going to make that sleeve! And look at this!!! It is done :)

I use a very simple sleeve pattern that I optioned from my local Modern Quilt Clubs web site.

Ann Arbor Modern Quilt Guild: http://a2mqg.blogspot.com/?m=1

I am hoping this cut and paste URL trick will work. If not I'll imbed it the not lazy way some time :) but here it is, the link (or perhaps address) of the tutorial I use to make my quilt sleeves.
http://www.quilts.com/sleeeves.pdf

I'm a very happy quilter today :)
Happy seeing!!
Melodee

Hexie block squared up

As promised here is pic of the hexie block I'm working on.

As you can see I took the 4/3/4/3 hexie mess and followed what I feel is a natural line and squared it up. Next I will add a 1.5 strip of white to each side. Then I will add four 2 inch strips of green.

Will post when I get that far :) work is waiting!

Hope this inspires some to try something other than the traditional flower with the hexagon pieces.

Happy sewing!
Melodee

Arff arff woof woof

A cute little puppy I worked on today.

I made this guy from a pair of pants my girls were given as a hand me down. The girl who shared the pants was quite heart broken to have the misfortune of out growing them.

I felt the only thing to do was make them into a little puppy dog she can hold onto and maybe never grow out of :)

The pattern I found while on a google inspiration images search. Fortunately I was able to find the image, unfortunately I was not able to find a link to the actual pattern.

As the determined gal I am I didn't stop there...I took that perfect idea and drew up a version of it for myself!

Improvements could be made I sapose but for now I'm happy to be able to share this little pooch with a very special young lady ;)

Will post pictures of my pattern soon...

Happy sewing :)
Melodee

Make it up as I go along

I am in the midst of scrap busting and thus have decided to do some free form sorta wonky at times modern log cabin block.

I am really having a fun time with this technique!!!

I also notice that my stash of fabrics to choose from is pretty nuts! I seem to have no central scheme other than maybe hodge podge lol!!! Nothing really seems to go with another.

I am thinking when i am all done this will be a crazy colored quilt. But, I am hoping it will fit in nicely in my family room for a second quilt to snuggle under.

One can always use more snuggle time right??!!

More to come on this one...
Happy sewing:)
Melodee

Mario Quilt Sew along

Here you have it! My...um what is this thing called any how? In my mind I'm saying pipe but is that really why it's called??

Any how...I was able to grid my interfacing, cut the necessary 1.5 inch squares, and puzzle out this block!

Tomorrow I will see it up and be oh so happy!!

Hope you like it too ;) if you do feel free to follow along! The technique is so crafty and easy I am sure will succeed!

Happy sewing!
Melodee

Scrap cleanup again

I thought i'd show what the hexies look like before they are squared up.

Again 3 inch hexies sewn into rows :)

Green block is just about done!

Happy sewing :)
Melodee

Scrap clean up

I have, like many quilters, an ever growing mass of leftover fabrics that keep piling up.

I do apply the rule to check the stash before I head to the store but still it grows.

I don't wish to just get rid of my fabrics but rather was looking for a constructive plan to use up some of them.

An Internet and pinterest search have landed me this grand idea.

I am still loving the English paper pieced hexies so when I saw a block like this one I totally went for it!

Each block is made of 14 three inch hexies. I see them into 4 rows.
3 hexies
4 hexies
3 hexies
4 hexies
After all hexies are on the paper and stitched into a solid mass I square up the block and sew on one and one quarter inch white strips.

Next picking strips of blue (or what ever Color scheme I'm working with) 2 inch strips.

A note on the strip lengths. I am not being careful with the lengths. I've decided to use a more free formed style. The width is certain but the length is what ever it needs to be to add the length on.

My plan is to make each square out of a different color group. First up is the blue group.

I am loving these blocks! Hope you like them too :)

Happy sewing :) more blocks on the way!!

Craftsy BOM Sept block #1

I have completed the first block from September's Craftsy BOM 2012. It is titled drunkards path.

I believe it is so named because of the rambling like way the blocks move across the full block. But I say it is because one needs a stiff drink after completing this block ;)

Amy Gibson's (our host for the BOM) directions were spot on and helpful but all those curves!!!!!

It was a challenging block and I'm glad it is now complete!! :)

If you want to get in on all this sewing fun head over to www.craftsy.com and check out the free 2012 block of the month with Amy Gibson. I'm hoping there will be one next year as well!!

Happy sewing :)
Melodee

Cleopatras puzzle block

My September Craftsy BOM block #2 is done!!!!

This is a very very difficult block! I almost did not have enough patience to do this...all those curves!!!

Yes I did do the second block before the first- lol.

The plan this morning was to check out what this months blocks looked like- I had no clue.

Well! After printing the directions I was a bit floored at this technique!

I watched the how to video and gained a bit more confidence.

I then decided my sewing plan was to only cut out (no sewing today) each of the pieces used to construct each square. I did that and curiosity got me.

I gave it a whirl with the ones on top of the cut pile- Cleopatras puzzle. After the first curve was sewn I just kept going getting more done but becoming more frustrated. I decided to just get it done! And went for it, and well, here we are...done!

Thank goodness there is only two blocks like this in this quilt and whew! one is done!

tomorrow I will try my hand at the other block :)

Happy sewing!!
Melodee

Wash cloths or dish rag

How ever you define it I made some of these wash cloths/dish rags today :)

I am a repurpose reuse kinda gal. And I just love that I have a really useful way to repurpose my old bath towels!

The idea, to give credit where credit is due, goes to my Aunt, who passed on this idea to me a Christmas or two ago.

I had 2 bath towels that had seen better days. The decorative edges were ripped or frayed and while the towels were still made of usable material their actual shrunken size made them annoying as a bath towel.

So, using my quilting ruler and cutter I chopped them down to 9 inch squares. One towel will become many many wash rag size towels!

I used my favorite quilt binding technique and sewn a binding to the edge. (tutorial to follow- some day)

So tonight 4 are complete with a big ol' stack ready to be sewn up tomorrow!

Hope this idea inspires you to complete some of your own!

Happy sewing :)
Melodee

Grandmother's flower garden quilt top is complete

Well well well!! It has taken me some 15 or so years but a huge mile stone and long time WIP is now complete!!!!

A few day ago I made my last flower for this quilt top :))) yeah me!

All I have to do now is work on removing the remaining papers, purchase batting, and back fabric, then hand quilt away! Maybe I can work that all out I less time than the top took lol!!!

Wish me luck! Happy sewing :)

Status update: mystery block

Hello fellow sewers! I bring you this post to inform you that I have successfully completed another block in the super Mario sew along series!!!!

I have totally got the hang of these blocks and am lovin it!

How about this color selection? My Mario lovin gamer helped me pick from my stash and I think we did a stuuupendous job!

Thanks for reading...happy sewing :)

? Block is ready

It was such a treat today to pop on over to cut to pieces' blog for a let's just see what's going on and surprise surprise the PDF pattern to make this block was there!

Even more bonus was the fact that I had all the materials on hand and was able to cut and iron down the blocks!!

I will put the machine to this block tomorrow and will post my completion!!

So loving this series! Happy sewing :)

DONE!!

Well I have finally done it! What began some 15 or so years ago is now complete!

This my friends is THE LAST flower to be sewn onto this flower garden quilt!!!!

Count down has begun

Wow oh wow!!!! Only ONE MORE TO GO!!!!!

Goomba block is done!

Today I finally got to sewing all those lines and lines of this quilt block and am happy to report it is done!

I am so excited to be all caught up and am eagerly awaiting the release of the next block in this series!!!

What do you think pretty good likeness to Goomba ah?! I think so :)

Happy sewing!

Craftsy BOM August #2

Well, here it is! Number 2 August block done...

Can't say it was my favorite block to do (lots and lots of pieces!) and the color scheme is too busy but I am going with it :)

Craftsy BOM August #1

My Craftsy August Ohio Star block is done :)
Don't you just love those cows!!

Happy sewing :)

Lungi block is now complete

Block #3 is now complete :) we are so excited to see this quilt compete (but aren't we always :))

Happy Sewing :)

Lakitu block

Block two is all done :) 10 more to go!

I have joined the flicker group for this quit and am in the process of posting my progress. I am having so much fun!

I am so happy with the choice of the darker but still bright blue for the background. Wasn't so sure at JoAnn's but seeing it all sewn up I am very pleased!!

Happy sewing!

Oh Mario!

Well here it is all sewn up!

This sew along is sooo much fun! The technique is so very tedious but still sooo fun!

I am a puzzle loving gal and that makes this quilts technique just perfect for me!

I am having a blast! Hope you try this one out...one down and 11 to go!!!! happy sewing :)

One Almost Flower Wednesday

Well, I am so happy to report that I am winding down on this project.

I am now to the point that all my full and half flowers are done!!! :)

I am now doing quarter?? flowers.

I do not believe these are present in a traditional flower garden quilt. I have chosen to buck tradition and not do rounded sides. Instead, I want the look of a straight sided quilt.

To achieve this look I am adding half and what I call quarter flowers that I will starch, iron, then trim down to make a straight line...hard to explain without pictures...those will be shared really soon I hope!!! And if my hunch is correct will look really cool!!!

Happy Wednesday and happy sewing :)

Super Mario Sew Along!!!!!

Yeessss that is correct! there is a Super Mario sew along over at Cut to Pieces.

Honestly I have way to much going on right now to tackle this... but yeap I'm gunna do it any way :)

check it out and follow along! Me and the boy are sooooo excited!

Scrappy Dresden update

I have finally found the gumption to get back to this quilt.
Today, I sat on the couch and hand stitched my Dresden plates down onto the background square.
I do recommend that, and I did so here as well, you cut the background block slightly bigger than the finished block. I cut mine to a 15 inch square.
This allows for the "shrinkage" that is possible when you stitch down the plates.
Later I will go back and trim the blocks to the desired 14.5 inch block.
Tomorrows plan is making and stitching down the center circles...so happy to be getting this one done! My living room has an empty wall just waiting for this quilt to occupy the empty space!!
If you wish to try your hand at making this quilt please check out this link:
http://www.bunnyhilldesigns.com/dynamic/?page=Free%20Patterns
Hopefully I'll be able to report more progress tomorrow :)
Happy sewing! Thanks for reading!!

Traced Hands Pillow

My latest creation moo awww awww awww ah! lol



As it just seems to go these days, I was trolling Pinterest late one night and I ran into a post that said MAKE ME! Isn't Pinterest just so good at that!

Well, my version is similar but since every wall in my house is either used or accounted for I went for a pillow instead :) I really love how this turned out. And believe this could also make a wonderful gift!

My version began with a simple piece of muslin in cream -- cut to 10 x 10.5 inches.

Onto this I traced first my husbands hand (the largest) using my very favorite Ticonderoga #2 pencil ensuring that he spread out his fingers just a bit. 

A bit on procedure here. On his hand, as well as all the others, I used DMC floss and chose to use just 3 strands. I also used a simple embroidery back stitch. I did also use a small embroidery hoop to keep my fabric manageable.

Hubbies hand was back stitched using a steal gray floss.

Next came my hand. I used a lightish medium purple. Things were getting bit confusing but I took my time and it came out nice!

Next I had some figuring to do. Next in line would be my 10 and 9 year olds who happen to have the exact same hand size. I figured it would look really funny to do two rows of the same stitching so I elected to only use one of them, which the 9 year old volunteered and the 10 year old was a-ok with ;). Their hand is represented in the red.

Finally came baby girl. Her hand is so tiny and fit so nicely into the nest of the rest of our hands. She just had to have baby pink for her color.

After I finished all my stitching I took a trip to JoAnn Fabrics and was so pleasantly surprised to find the background fabric!

It is gray in color with white flowers that have poka dots and wouldn't you believe! the same color scheme as the colors I chose for the hands! perfect match! I love it!

I ironed my fabric, then cut a strip 15.5 inches by the width of fabric. From this I cut a 15.5 x 14.5 inch piece for the back. I set this aside for now.

Then I cut 4 strips 3 inches wide by 15.5 inches long. I knew these would be too long but I placed the long strip on the top of the embroidered piece and sewed them together using a 1/4 inch seam. After sewing I cut off the extra fabric then went on to sew the bottom strip on. Again it was too long but I sewed and trimmed again. I ironed my seams towards the gray.

Next came the 2 sides which fit perfectly. After sewing all 4 strips on I ironed my seams again towards the gray.

I picked up both the top and bottom and pined it all in place. I sewed using a 1/4 inch seam, and left a 3 inch hole for turning on the bottom.

to sum up...

materials used:

cream muslin 10 x 10.5

#2 Ticonderoga pencil

DMC floss in desired colors

background fabric15.5 inch strip

       from this I cut a 15.5 x 14.5 backing and (4) 3 inch strips.

I still need to purchase some batting to call this one done, but I'll get to that soon!

Happy Sewing :)



Because I am in the Craftsy 2012 Block of the Month Club

Let me just start by saying I am really enjoying this BOM with Amy Gibson very much!

I have posted a few of my creations from the Craftsy Free Block of the Month Club but not all of them. And so, to make my posts up to date, I post this anthology.

from top left january to bottom right June

Missing from this mix are my two most recent creations.

First the Modern dresden. Which was very fun and easy to make. I used the easy Dresden template by Darlene Zimmerman. This bit of plastic is well worth the $10 I paid for it! I totally recommend it if you plan on doing a dresden! Fact is, I'd never attempt a dresden without one.

This template allows you to cut and stack your fabric to cut several at a time. You just move your way down the fabric turning the template this way and that to keep things all lined up!Iit took meer minutes to cut out all 20 blades to complete this block!

A quick tip I'd like to share; I am not so sure if it is on the package directions or not. This was not included in the Craftsy directions but, to speed things up, cut your fabric into the same size strips that you plan your finished blades to be.
So for this Modern Dresden my blades were to be 4 inches. I selected my fabric then cut the fabric into strips of 4 inches wide by width of fabric long.
Then using the template, I made my first cut, tossed that scrap, turned the fabric and the template the other way and cut down the row turning the template this was and that to match the "slant" of my next cut.

I did this same technique to make the second Craftsy BOM for July. This one being the Modern Dresden.

The blades on the modern are 4.5 inches.

All in all I am pleased with the success of this quilt thus far. I belive in the end we will end up with 20 squares. oh, and each square is 12.5 inches. So my math tells me this will be a good sized quilt!

I am also proud of my quilt because I put myself to the challenge and made a use up what you have on hand rule...tough going because I like to match stuff up but I am sticking to this rule.

I may be overwhelmed in the end with all the colors but who know's it may just turn out to be the cutest one yet!

It's still not too late to join the fun! Happy Sewing :)

Custom Roman Shade

Well here it is! It took me about 10 hours to get this project completed today and it had NOTHING to do with the actual project!

First let me say (before I rant), I used the very simple, very well written, tutorial over at Cherry Street Cottage to make my Roman Shade.

Other than the minor adjustments to make this fit my window I used her tute to the T. Check it out here :) oh and if things had run more smoothly I would expect (minus shopping time) this is less than an hour project!

Now, why did this take me soooo long???? My stinkin' finicky serger that's why! UGH!



Viking s15



I began my day all calm and excited to make a new shade.

A few days ago I had created a plan (using the tute from cherry street cottage) and purchased my material. So that today I would be all set to cut, sew, hang, enjoy!

I measured my material, cut out the panel and was going to do a really fast up one side down the other then all around 4 thread serge to ensure all my edges would stay nice and neat.

I placed my serger on the dining room table (aka mom's sewing spot). Plugged it in. Adjusted my threads. Did a fast chain stitch. All looked well. I took a scrap piece of the shade fabric (which I should add was nothing more than (the cheapest I could find at JoAnn's) curtain lining *used a coupon too :) and did a practice stitch to ensure all was well.

NOPE! the lower looper was going NUTS!!!! ok, so I adjust to tighten--better, not good, but the upper looper is going nuts now. and on and on this goes. I cut my threads and rethread over and over and over. For 7 hours I fiddle with my machine. about half an hour before dinner I decide to take things apart. I raised my upper cutter and I dust bust, oil, and cut the threads off and push my machine aside.

After we eat dinner, I decide to come back one last try and see what can be done. I adjust all my dials back to N, rethread, and do a practice stitch. THAT was the trick! It sewed just fine! UGH!!! so happy and feeling victorious and frustrated all at once! rant over, thanks for reading [;)]

So why the new shade??

This window did have a homemade Roman Shade on it but the pattern I used (McCall's) was way to complicated and I ended up with an ok curtain. Ok because it was not a perfect fit into the window (length and width were a weeee bit too small and this let in annoying light). Also, when we pulled the shade up it did this really goofy bunchy thing that drove me NUTS!

I decided some time ago a change must be done! My google search led me to the Cherry Street Cottage blog. When I read over her instructions it all made perfect sense to me. Plus, I just loved the idea of all the rods to keep things nice and straight!!!

The directions are so easy to understand and the pictures are placed at the perfect time! It was so easy peasy! I totally recommend this one to anyone looking to try a roman shade of their own!

hope this post inspires you to make one too :) Happy Sewing!





Neck cooler

Tomorrow we all ( even the boy :)) go to girl scout camp. And we are soooooo excited!

This will be our 4th time at this camp and it is just a blast.... BUT ....camping this time of year means IT IS HOT!!!

I have several methods to keep cool. First, I wear light clothes. Keep a cooler close stocked with ice. Have a spray bottle that I can use to mist myself as needed. And finally the best thing ever!!! My neck cooler!! I was going to make a tute of my own but low and behold (so typical right!?) there is already an awesome one out there! Check it out :) http://www.skiptomylou.org/2010/08/05/baby-its-hot-outside/ These things are the boss! It takes a 4x36 inch piece of cotton fabric and about 20 minutes. Throw in some special polymer crystals sewn in a simple way. Let soak in cool water then BAM! Simple but awesome neck cooler! I want to add a couple of must does! First, don't go crazy with the crystals!!! A little goes a LONG way!! Also, you MUST hand wash these!!!!!! And, when not in use DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT store them in a plastic bag!!!! They will mold and be ruined! Instead I like to clip my using a clothes pin to a shelf by the basement stairs. The polymer crystals will eventually dry up (but then can be rehydrated when needed). This typically will take about 2 weeks. And then you can store them any way you wish :) I keep mine in a gigantic beach bag ready for the lake! Also, one final note. While using your neck cooler it will eventually warm up to match your body temp. No fear, it's a simple remedy! Rewet it with cool or cold water. Easy peasy! Hope you like this cooler as much as I do! Happy sewing :)

Finish it Friday...almost

Well here it is.

Two "new" outfits just completed by my for me :)

I know, I know, they are nothing fancy AT ALL! and truth be told they are only refashions of stuff I had in the closet anyhow...

BUT! this morning the outfit on the left was a too big and bulky tshirt I hardly wear and the shorts were a oh so too long pair of way to baggy-leg bootcut jeans!

And the outfit on the right was a long sleeve tshirt top that the sleeves had shrunk (how did that happen??) and the shorts were long legged pants (which I did wear but I have girl scout camp next week and need 5 outfits for the wilderness and didn't have enough...well on my way now!).

I have so many "hangers arounders" (don't we all though??) that I felt/feel it is high time I do something about this clutter that is bogging me down!

my decision many moons ago was to get going on the PILE of UFO's and WIP's that have depressed me for some time now.

and to report on that I am doing great there!

I have piles more to go...tomorrow's task (if I stick with my agenda) is to make myself a new night gown that I really really need! stay tuned for that update ;)

Thanks for reading, happy sewing!

One more flower to the garden :)

I am so close to the end of this quilt I am jumping out of my skin! lol

Here is my latest addition to the garden...

July 18, 2012

This flower was so fun to do :) it was a bit of a collaboration. I had the center (same as all my other flowers) and I had the poka dot print in my stash but just didn't have anything to match it. Don ta da don! in for the rescue swoops my gal pal Anne and her awesome collection of prints! I swooped in and and scooped up 12 petals to complete this one :) sewing pals are just the best!!!!

June 20, 2012

Don't you just love this one...oh man me too! haha but my reason for my mushy mushy is that I found this fabric at none other than a super cool thift store in Ann Arbor Michigan!

I paid less than $2 for the inside blue flower print and the outer solid blue! I just love a dog on good deal! and best yet I had a ton of the solid blue leftover to make a dress for the 5 year old and 4 reversable purses!!! way to stretch a buck!!!

super cute tote tute for ME!

Again I have been a bit out of touch...working on lots of stuff. My goal is to complete lots of need too's.

So, to this I add my first plan to "use up" some canvas I have on hand. a not so quick google search landed me to a very cute blog, poppyseed fabrics.

Here, this cool blogger has shared a very simple but effective tote tute that I am to get to tomorrow! pictures to follow :) MADE TODAY!!! yeah me!

I did not vere too far from the original directions so go to those to see the nuts and bolts, but what I did do different I will talk about here...

all my pieces cut out :)


First, I cut out all my pieces.

BUT! I did not have the webbing for the handles as required in the directions.

AND per my personal rule to use what I have on hand I had enough of the yellow to make my own handles.

So this is what I did. I cut 2 strips from the yellow fabric.

5 iches by 36 inches.

I folded the strips down the center and ironed them flat.

then I folded one side then the other to the center (just like making bias tape).

then I folded both sides back to the center and ended up with two (again just like bias tape) handles :)

I (edge stitch) sewed up one side and down the other of both straps.

not exactly necessary because you will need to sew up 10 iches to attach the handles to the bag but I figured the extra stitching was not a problem.

Plus, I could not figure out how I was going to stitch the top of the handle once I had it attached the the bag???

My only other "diversion" was no batting.

I used a regular weight canvas I figured it would be "stiff" enough that I would not need the extra thickness the batting would create.

I read the directions which stated to sew up the strap to the top of the batting, which was to be cut 10 inches.

Using this knowledge I measured up the strap 10 iches made my mark and sewed up one side (edge stitched) to the 10 inch mark, then down the other.

worked perfectly!

and my final adjustment was when I had followed all the directions and had a completed bag. I was not happy with the "floppy" top. I pinned and ironed the lining into a happy place then edge stitched all the way around.     

One bit I did notice was the I had ironed the handle straps down. Usually on these types of bags the handles are allowed to be a bit floppy at the top. I am sometimes a lazy sewer and had no desire to stop my stitching and begin again, so I sewed the straps down. Still looks cute to me :)

and here I have it! another completed project from the stash!!!!

I just love getting things done! Happy Sewing!!!!

One flower Mother's Day!

So great to be in a roll with this quilt :)

I am feeling confident I will get this one pieces this year!

Happy Mother's Day and happy sewing!

One flower Sunday???

Well, I am a bit ahead of the game but there is nothing wrong with that!

Up north relaxing and getting lot of sewing done :))

Fabric shopping with mom

Here we are... Some of the crew out fabric shopping. They were actually walking down the aisle like this when I turned to say something to them...I thought this was so funny! Hope you do too :))

Lots of supplies in my cart to get some needed mending done!!

Happy sewing :)

Cute free tutorial for ruffled pants

I have been on a search for cute but easy summer patterns to make needed summer outfits for my girls.

I am so excited to try my hand at a pair of these! Soooo cute! Pictures will follow later :)


http://seekatesew.blogspot.com/2012/04/ruffles-2012-guest-living-with-punks.html

Happy sewing :)

Sent from my iPhone

Free girl simple dress pattern

Look at this!

I have been on the hunt for a quick, simple, but cute dress pattern to whip up some summer dresses for my little girl.

Imagine my surprise!!!! I have just received an email from Riley Blake Designs. In this email was a video and link to a free simple dress pattern PDF! This is exactly what I was looking for!!!

http://www.carinagardner.com/studio/freedownloads/reversiblebd_carinagardner.pdf

More posts will follow but my plan is to use the cutest coloring book page image of a lamb. I will trace this image then embroider it onto the dress front. My baby girl is gunna LOVE it!

Hope you all do too! Happy sewing :)

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