Foldable Big Grocery Bag!

IMO, this is a great concept for a grocery bag!  With more stores these days, being "green" bringing your own grocery bags is a smart idea!  I really like this pattern because it folds compactly, plus when you open it up, it is a generous 24" x 15".  There is also a smaller pattern that is more petite if you feel this is TOO large.  It is 20" x 12". 

The pattern I used is Butterick 5507, View B.

Visit the website for more info.

http://http://butterick.mccall.com/b5507-products-11219.php?page_id=380&search_control=display&list=search

The fabric I used, I'm guessing from the colors, is from the late 1980's or early 90's.  I cannot say I am totally in LOVE with it, but it is an outdoor home dec fabric and it is VERY durable.  I have about 10 yards or so of it.  Someone generously gave it to me, because they know I love fabric!  For grocery bags, this is a great quality fabric and it is machine-washable, too!

 

I definitely LOVE how small and compact these are.  I am thinking this could also be a great item to pack in a suitcase.

Maybe? for the next ones I make I will see if I can find mauve or teal fabric for the bias binding --Yeah, I know, 1992 is calling...

Grab your coupons, be "green", and using a fun fabric on these bags makes you a fashionista shopper for sure....

 

Time for Lunch!

As promised, here is a lunch tote that I made my DD, Lauren, for school.   I am sure you can understand being a Junior in HS is hard work as well as having a cool-looking lunch bag.  Lauren picked out the fabrics to sort of match her new backpack! 

I created the pattern to meet her expectations and size!  I would say it meets my expectations!  The black/white polka dot is home dec outdoor fabric as is the zebra fabric.  The inside lining is black faux leather(vinyl) so it can be easily cleaned everyday.   I figure if the outdoor fabric can withstand the Arizona sun, it can withstand my DD! 

 

A back view to show the belt loops which make it fun and functional to hold the belt/scarf.

 

I sewed some of the black faux leather to the tops of the handles also for a little punch but also to keep the handles cleaner!  But I really like the look it gives it....

 

I'm sure all the inquiring minds want to know.... Does Lauren like her new lunch tote?  Is it what she had in mind? (If anyone can for sure read a teenager's mind, please email me with your know-how.)

Yes, she LOVES it!  Whewwwwwwwwwwwww......

 

"Thanks, Mom"  You are so cool and awesome!!  (ok, so I made up the last sentence)  As I wipe the sweat from my brow......

 

Here is my other DD, with her new lunch tote!  I made this lunch tote in February for the new school year!  It collected some dust waiting for school to start, but it is just as much loved!  This one is larger but just as cute!

Enjoy!  Make a new lunch tote.   Now, only if they actually eat all those healthy items I packed for them ;)

Apron for Mommy!

I call my mother, at times, Mommy!  I know...a long story that I won't bore you with it!  

I purchased this RTW apron and when my mother saw it, she fell in LOVE instantly.  I knew then exactly what had to be done.  Monogram the apron and sew-up a oven mitt.  How fun would that be?  Too much fun.....

I purchased this apron at Fry's(Kroger), purchased the aqua fabric at Joann's and polka-dot fabric was in my stash.  Who does not have polka-dot fabric in their stash?  ( I have about 10-12 yards) of the black/white fabric in my stash.  Sad, but true!

 

 

I followed this tutorial for the oven mitt.  Sew much fun and easy.  Imagine all the fun combos you can sew up!

http://www.youcanmakethis.com/info/free/Free-Make-an-Oven-Mitt.htm

I also wanted to mention I have a bunch of projects I would love to share with you. More projects ahead!  Summer vacation plus new camera= NO BLOGGING for me... One of them is the cutest ever lunch tote I made my oldest DD!  She picked out the fabrics, too.  The sweetest part, is that school started up last week and she LOVES her new lunch tote. 

I LOVE school. I LOVE school. I HEART school... ;0

 

Beachy Top

This top was constructed from my DH's collection of T-shirts.  Yes, I did get his permission to steal it, so I could construct this adorable shirt for my DD, Sierra.

Husband's shirt

We just love Kauai-it is by far the most beautiful island of the Hawaiian Islands.  It is nicknamed "The Garden Isle" because of its beautiful landscape!

So when my DH wanted to discard this shirt(because it was too small)-he bought it that way, I couldn't donate it.  Obviously, a long trip to return it.... so I saw this tutorial and decided "that's a great idea"

Here is the newly-designed, beachy, sassy, t-shirt!

 

Sierra was SO excited, she graciously modeled it for me.  I heart those straps and belt big time.  They are braided from the excess t-shirt fabric.  Awesome!  I added eyelet to the ruffled fold over to "girl it up".

The criss-cross in the back is the icing on the cake!  How fun is that?

 

I want one!  For the adult version, I would have to use knit fabric by the yard instead of a t-shirt.  That's okay... I have royal blue knit fabric in my stash just yelling at me!

Here is the tutorial for this beachcomber top!

http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/2010/05/guest-blogger-ruffles-and-stuff.html

Yes, I think I will make one for me, maybe a dress version.  As I am creating this in my mind, I hear my oldest DD in the background- I want a shirt like that- it is SO cute! 

My sewing projects will NEVER be done.....but I like it that way!

 

Another Elastic Waistband Skirt

My DD saw my flowery skirt and wanted one!  These are SO easy!  I made this one more flowy and twirly for my "tween".  She LOVES the denim fabric, of course!

I added the heart embroidery-it has a lace-look to it and I thought it would add a little spunk to the overall denim skirt-plus my embroidery machine has been feeling neglected! ;)


This heart design is from here:
http://www.embroiderthis.com/heofhesm.html
You might have to sign in as a member to download this free design-well worth looking at the other free designs, too!
My oldest DD wants a new skirt, so I am off to my stash of fabric and my sewing room....

Memory Dress

Every season when the pattern companies release their new patterns, I am always SO excited.  I love the new designs and styles they have come up with.  Recently, McCall's released some new patterns and when I received the email, I knew I had to have this one specific pattern.
The reason is seeing this particular style dress reminded me of a time and a place.  I was 16 years old and was asked to go to my first prom.  I had never been to a prom before and only just read about it in Teen magazine.  I loved seeing all the new prom dresses and smiling teenagers.
The dress I picked out was a white-satiny fabric with small lavender and purple flowers on it.  The hem on the bottom was just like this one-I believe they call it a "handkerchief" bottom!  I just LOVED, LOVED that dress.
This is the pattern!  McCall's #6113

I sewed up the shorter version for a more casual look, but my prom dress was the longer version!  This version was an easy sew for me.  I plan on sewing another one, but using a smaller skirt bottom, as I think it is a little too flowy to me.  I would prefer it looked more like the picture!  Anyway, I still LOVE the one I sewed-and for me!!!



The fabric is from Walmart!  It is a rayon fabric which lies so perfectly.  It has such a breezy, flowy effect!  I wore a black tank top under the dress, but it could be worn without it!  I want to try the next one with a knit fabric.
Loving that hem for sure.  I can remember dancing at the Cococabana in NYC wearing my prom dress and dancing to Michael Jackson!  Awesome! I feel 16 once again....
Okay, would it be wrong to wear this dress everyday?

Simple Flowery Skirt!

OMG!  I am in LOVE with this simple technique to sew up a skirt or dress! The tutorial is actually for a dress attaching a tank top to the skirt.  I did not have one I wanted to part with, so I figured-why not just make a skirt!
I did just that and only used the 44" inches of the fabric and not the 60" suggested.  I want to do a 60" wide one so it will be fuller and flirty-looking!


The fabric is from my stash-purchased from Joann's a few years ago.  I think a matching headband is in order.  Imagine this with a black tank top and some fun accessories such as a black necklace, matching earrings, and one of those chunky bracelets!
Here is the tutorial I followed:
http://megannielsen.com/2010/06/diy-fridays-how-to-make-an-elastic-waistband-dress.html

Thanks Megan for a great, easy, and fun tutorial! Thanks for the inspiration!
I am off to the store to buy some tank tops for my DD's and myself to make more of these! 
Enjoy!

So Beachy

Not only have I been preparing for vacation, but my poor blog has been on vacation, too!  I have a few projects that I completed prior to our family vacation and was too busy to post them.    I have been home for a couple of days and have been trying to get back in the groove. Sigh....
We went on a Caribbean cruise and had lots of fun.  By far, the time spent on the beach was awesome.  For us Arizonians, the beach is a real treat!  I miss the beach already...
Here is a beach ensemble I made my youngest DD, Sierra, who is SO fun to sew for.  I promised her a beach bag and this is what I came up with.


Pocket on the inside for all her little things!
 
I just LOVE, LOVE the fringed flip-flop appliqué, that I cannot recall where it is from.  I added a keychain to the beach bag for her never-ending collection of key chains!

What beach diva is without a matching cover-up?  This cover-up was RTW on super clearance from Target last summer.  $2.48 and voila-ribbon and appliqué flip-flops and it goes from vanilla to cookies-and-cream like!



Sierra just LOVED this set and strutted on the beach with it.  Reality is once on the sand, the beach bag fell from her hands and her cover-up came off her faster than a wardrobe malfunction!  ;)

Both fabrics are from Joann's.  It is home dec/outdoor fabric.  I used webbing for the handles and lime-green polka-dot ribbon for the pockets(yes those are pockets) and for the trim on the cover-up-also purchased from Joann's.
The flip-flop appliqué on the cover-up is from  http://planetapplique.com/all-appliques/flip-flops-applique/prod_312.html
As I am blogging to you and thinking of the beach, which was unbearably hot and humid, I am glad to be home in the desert of DRY HEAT.  Weather forecast for today-112!  Honestly, feels better than the 90 degrees on the beach.  Really....
It feels good to be home and being creative, once again!

Memory Pillow

My LJ's BFF(best friends forever) was moving to Mexico.  I can remember when I was that age and how your BFF was everything to you.  I am saddened that both girls have to endure this.  ;(

On Thursday, with one day left of school, and my DD's BFF leaving, my DD wanted me to make something "special".  Thank you DD!  I had to come up with something quick, special, and hope that I had all the supplies I needed.  I went to bed that night not knowing what to do and knew I had to have it done by Friday afternoon!

Memory pillow.... that's it!  Pillows are generally quick to make.  I found some fabric leftovers I had from another project and decided to use that!  I asked my DD for a picture of her and her friend that I could place on the pillow!

I used photo transfer paper that you print the picture on.  You then transfer it to fabric with your iron.  It was somewhat a tricky process as this was the first time I ever used this product.

http://www.munrocrafts.com/Tulip%20Photo%20Transfer%20Paper.html

 

Haste makes waste as they say, because the quality of it could have been much better.  User error on MY part, but I think it came out okay....

I also made the back of the pillow sham-like for easy cleaning.  Yes, you can machine-wash this in cold water.  It really is an amazing product!

My DD just LOVED it!  I am making her a replica, as per her request!  Her friend LOVED it, too and said the pillows are the colors of her new bedroom! 

When your last-minute creativity works out, it is a good day!  Under these circumstances, not really.  It is a sad day and I have a strong feeling some tough days ahead....

 

LJ's Shirred Top From Daddy's Duds!

I donated a huge pile of clothing yesterday-really!  My oldest DD, "LJ" has been studying all this week for finals.  I felt that she need a pick-me-up and nothing does it more for her than clothes-Hmmmmm, the apple does not fall far from the tree!
  She loves when I make her something and she has a matching accessory, too.  Her friends swoon over her outfits in amazement with her matching and personalized wardrobe. 
I all along had intentions of making my DH's sage green Hawaiian Top into a shirred one for LJ!  She LOVES them because they are summery and legal to wear to school because I make the straps thick.  No spaghetti straps are allowed at school.  A much limited summer wardrobe in Arizona where much of everything is thin straps!
Follow along for a fun tutorial!
Original Hawaiian Shirt
I cut the shirt just below the sleeves!  Save the rest for straps for the top and a fun accessory!

I like things really straight and it makes the outcome that much more professional-looking.  I took my straight ruler and squared the top of the shirt.  The already hemmed bottom I left untouched!

At this point you can make a narrow hem on the top.  I chose to attach white double-sided bias binding to it.  Why?  Honestly, I am not a huge fan of sage green clothing, but it suits my daughter really well.  I thought the crisp white contrast would make it pop and add that touch it needed.



IMHO the white bias binding was the way to go!  It is starting to look more feminine.
The next step is to hand-wind your bobbin with elastic thread.  Not TOO tight but somewhat firm.  Wind it 2/3 of the way, because when you let go, it will expand and this is normal.  Wind at least 2-3 at this point.  If you run out of elastic mid- way into a row, no worries.  Just place another bobbin in its place and backstitch and continue!
Elastic thread is awesome!  I also have it in black, too, which is great for darker fabrics!

I know it, but I crave perfection.  It does take a few extra moments, but SO worth it.  I take my disappearing ink marker and ruler and make straight lines.  I like 1/2" increments and I accurately made 8 lines, but you can do more if you like.  I found this is perfect for LJ!  If you are using a button down shirt as I did, allow enough room for your sewing foot to go across the fabric and not interfere with the button.  I actually made that area 3/4" to accommodate this.  Once shirred it will blend.....


Place the bobbin in the bobbin case.  I choose white thread for the top for the contrast.  Increase your tension to 8 or 9 and stitch length to 2.5 or 3.  You can practice on a scrap piece of fabric.  Once you have determined the numbers that work for you(fabric starts to gather) place the right-side of the fabric facing you under the foot of your sewing machine and follow your lines.  Make sure to back-stitch at the beginning and the end.  From buttonholes to buttons!
You will notice that your gathers may appear "loose" but as you gather row after row it starts to look like shirring.  After you finish all rows, it will look like this.


At this point, it is a good idea to cut all your loose threads and neaten up your shirring!  It usually is still a little "loose", but all you have to do is take a hot iron with steam and steam all your shirring.  I do the front and back and you will magically see it shrink!   Do not place the iron on your fabric-keep it a few inches away and steam blast!  I then spray it with a little water and it is perfectly shirred!  You can button up your top at this point!


Time to make straps, if you like!  As I mentioned earlier, wide straps are a must for my LJ to wear it to school!
I cut the fabric in strips longer than I needed.  I measured LJ to get this measurement.  I made hers 19 inches long each, because I wanted to criss-cross it in the back!  More is always a good thing.....




I cut the strips 19" long by 2.5 " wide.  I made an executive decision to add bias binding to the straps again for visual detail!

I had to find my LJ so we could do a fitting for the straps.  I wanted to strategically place the straps so her bra straps would be completely hidden!  While she had the shirred top on I carefully pinned the straps in place.  Front and criss-crossed the back!  Carefully remove top!
You can either serge or narrow hem the raw edges before sewing the straps in place.  Just keep your pin in place for the exact spot for your straps!
Easy, breezy, shirred top!






She LOVES her matching headband!  Now, on the last day of school, she can be fashionable and a brainiac as she takes her last final!