Pin Cushins & Purses

I've been really busy the past few weeks and haven't had much time to make anything. I have about 5 projects partially completed as well, which makes for big messes in the kitchen! Here are the completions:

This is a pin cushion made out of a tuna can with some scrap fabric. It's too big to fit with the rest of my stuff, but irresistibly adorable, so I use it anyway! Plus, it only too 10 minutes to make.


I'm REALLY excited about this purse! I made it using my birdie sling pattern, but adapted it a bit making a longer handle and adding a zipper. I wanted a big purse for our big adventure to Eastern Europe coming up on Friday. Because of all the luggage we'll be taking for friends, I wanted it to be hands free, hence the handle that drapes over my shoulder. I also wanted it to have a zipper closure so I don't have to worry about sneaky hands taking my passport or wallet. Finally, I adjusted the pockets a bit, and made some sections for pens, cell phone, etc. And, the best part is that I made all of it with fabric remnants form the store, meaning it only cost me $5.00 to make altogether!

This pictures are also a chance to show off my sassy new haircut!

Pretty Kitchen

I got this idea from the movie "P.S. I love you" and thought it would be fun to try out. And then, I ended up at Michaels one day where they were selling spools of ribbon for $1.


There's probably a better way to attach the ribbon, but I just used duct tape.

Coming soon: turning a free cardboard box into a basket that holds blankets!

Patterns and Purses

Well, I broke down and bought my first pattern on Friday. I'd never followed a pattern before, and never really planned to because they're too expensive. The way I shop, I could find a purse for cheaper than the pattern. But, after looking at Amy Butler's Birdie Sling daily for almost a week, I decided to break down and just get it. The pros were that I learned a bunch of new sewing tricks to make my creations look more polished. The cons were that it cost money and it took me forever and a day to make it.

I LOVE the final product--though, an old lady at the fabric store told me my fabric pattern combos were "disgusting." I kid you not, she told me it was disgusting. Ha, I laughed and figured that it's not a very old-lady-southern style. No worries!

It's nice and big for all of my stuff too! Thanks Ky, for multi-tasking and modeling while also talking to mom on the phone!
Here's the lining. Way to cute to hide inside a purse. I'll have to do something fun with the extra!
And finally...the state of our kitchen table for the entire weekend (and even now)!