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)!

Felt Flowers

Kylene and I had a night in while Jonathan ran Team Trivia at the shop. What could have been better than The Devil Wears Prada, rum and coke, and crafts that cost about $.30 cents to make?

I was looking for something fun to put on my winter jacket, and found the felt flower tutorial here.


These were Kylene's finals.
And mine...

And a lovely bouquet!

My First Dress

Well, I finally went for it and decided to try and make some clothes. I bought some plain, cheap fabric so I could mess up and not waste too much, but it actually turned out well. I was inspired to make a dress like this, but it ended up quite different. Actually, I think I made 3 dresses altogether considering how many times I took it apart and started over again. (Seam ripper is my bff in sewing!)

Here's the final product. Not bad for my first item of clothing and no pattern, eh?

I added a broach and leggings to spice up the boring color a bit. I like that it can be simple, but I could probably dress it up a bit too. Yea!!!

Photo Contest

United Airlines is having a travel photo contest. The winner gets a vacation for two to Hawaii. I figured I don't have anything to lose, though I doubt I'll win. It was hard to pick just three, but here are the final postings.

The Mediterranean Sea, Alexandria, Egypt


The Nile, Cairo, Egypt


The Red Sea, Dahab, Egypt

Original Aprons

This weekend turned into the weekend of cherries, daisies, and polka dots. I spent both Saturday and Sunday working on two new aprons. They were both original designs (or at least a combination of many different aprons). The first was a bit too small (though it fits our model-neighbor perfectly), so I tried something else with the second.


The moment Ali hears me turn on my camera, he runs over. Apparently he likes posing for photos.


All in all, I think I like the second the best. I got to try a few new things with making it more fitted, though the first is a bit more "June Cleaver" as Kylene puts it.