The List Lengthens

My roll is slowing down a bit.  It's the end of the month...packing is looming ahead of me for next month.  I've found some really cute projects that I'd like to try my hand at.  Not sure if they were happen before the move or after we get settled again.  I've decided to post them here so that I can easily find them again.  Perhaps you'll find them interesting as well and have a go for yourself.

I found both these links on Whipup.net.  They're good for sharing all kinds of crafting, handmade things.

The first is a reversible bag (I love a good bag!). VeryPurplePerson shares many more projects on this blog.

The next one is a pattern for hand smocking a sun dress (something I have been looking to do for awhile). Over at ikat bag there other patterns and projects shared on the blog regularly.

Then, there's the pillowcase tutorial from FilmintheFridge, yet another sewing/quilting/fabric blog.  It's beautifully inspiring over there!!!  I have looked through books that repurpose pillowcases for other things but hadn't thought about making my own.  Hmmm....yes, ideas! :D

 The post of the Strawberry Fold-away Bag grabbed my attention. Had to add it the my list!  Isn't it just adorable???  It's another project from ikatbag.  The entire bag fold up into this little strawberry.

Here's the re-purposing pillowcase post: pillowcases to shopping bags.  This is great to do with old cases around the house (if you have them) or you can find them at thrift stores and tag sales. SpiderWomanKnits shares a few more photos and the tutorial.

So, I've added each of this to my lists of crafting/sewing/re-purposing list for this year.  I'm hopeful that I'll get to at least one before the year is out!  With any luck all of them! :D

Happy Crafting!!!

Photo credits: ALL photos shared here are taken from the Whipup.net posts and were [more than likely] taken by the original crafter/designer of these patterns and tutorials.

MORE Fabric!!!

Look what I found at a local thrift store????

I found these over the past few days of thrifting!!!  I hadn't even thought about looking for fabric.  I mean, I've gotten a set of sheets that I've re-purposed but this is the first time I've found fabric in pieces large enough to make something out of!  Two pieces are canvas (making some reusable bags with them), two pieces are a stretchy polyester-type (a see a halter top/dress or two), one large piece is seersucker (sun dresses or top & shorts sets for the girls), another large piece is flannel (plan to make some heating pads and give as gifts), one piece is corduroy (not sure what it will be but I LOVE corduroy!!), and the last piece is a light-weight cotton, it's actually a curtain, which I plan to make several reusable produce bags from.

Well, there's my new list of projects, which I'll mix between the list I already have going.  I'm excited about these possibilities!!

Seersucker Sun Dresses

I love seersucker!!  It just says, "SPRING!"  I got this fabric on sale and whipped up another set of dresses for the girls.  I'll have to put the final touches on them in the morning, as the girls have long been asleep.  Here's a peek at them...will share more when they're completely done.

I also love this pattern--very easy!  Only two pieces for this particular dress. (Notice, they're sleeveless)  I did get some more patterns that I'm planning to try over the next week or so.  I found some really nice material at the thrift store.  I'll wash it up and then cut out some more play clothes for the girls!  I'm ahead of the game (so far that is!) LOL!

Some Sewing

I made time today to whip up these two cute sun dresses for my girls.  I went to the fabric store and found a wonderful sale!! YAY!  I got several new pieces of fabric (I know) but will be using them over the next two weeks to update the girls' summer wardrobe.

I'm on a roll! :D

A Simple Sun Dress

In the midst of all my decluttering, I woke up with the desire to sew.  And so, I did!  Here's what I made:

It's for my pretty girl.  I need to run to the fabric store to pick up two buttons or other artsy decoration to add to the front.  But other than that it's finished!

It felt good to make something.  I haven't done it in awhile--sewing that is.  We'll see what tomorrow will bring!

Books, Books, Books!

For the past week or so I've been so busy with life (cleaning, reading, getting outside, running errand, etc) I haven't taken the time to craft. Now, I've definitely been meaning to.  I guess my reading has sort of taken over my evenings.

Well, I've come across several great crafting books that I thought I'd share here today. Over on Home-Grown Love I participate in Book Sharing Monday.  I normally share some of the books my children are enjoying as we read through our library.

If you're anything like me and enjoy books and crafting I think you'll enjoy these:

I've been wanting to make one of those felted bags like on the front of this book.  There are also a few other easy looking projects to do (scarves and hats).

This is the sequel to the book One Skein by the same author: Leigh Radford.  I'm eyeing a few projects in here as well: a Cravat, a pair of fingerless gloves (love them!) and some placemats (think they'll be a cool addition to my table).

A friend of mine shared this book with me as she knows I like to do a bit of sewing.  This is perfect for using up all those little bits of fabric I haven't quite used yet.  I also like that this is a hidden spiral bound book so I don't have to totally destroy it to use it! :D

I have a few things I'd like to do/make.  Right now I'm about to sit down and knit while my kids watch a video (they've been good most of the day).  I am sticking to my "complete a project before starting another" mantra I've started for this year.  So far, so good! :D

Are there any crafting books you've come across recently that you're enjoying? Do share!