Just Sewing Along

So, I will admit I am starting to feel the pressure.  I need to get some of these gifts done.  Now.  LOL.  I finally sat down and finished the binding on this gorgeous mini quilt.  Love it.  Fabric:  Strawberry Fields by Fig Tree.  Hard to giveaway, frankly...just keeping it real, people.  LOL.

Then I had even more requests for coupon clutches after the last round, so I zipped up a few yesterday.  Should have been zippy at least, but I was slowed down by several stupid mistakes.  Uggh.  Ever have one of those days in the sewing room when you know you should just walk away?  Yes, that was me yesterday. 

Stitching up some Christmas presents

I had some fun last weekend making these coupon clutches.  It seems coupon clutches are the most requested gift around here.  I will be out shopping with a friend and they will see me pull mine out and then they say....hey, I'd love one of those. This is the one I made for myself. I've made several color ways in the past that were pieced with a brick pattern see here for a past gift.    These were some I made last Christmas.

The original Coupon Clutch Pattern came from Julie over at Moda Bakeshop.  It is a great pattern, even for a beginner.  I made some obvious variations on mine this time as I had some pretty focal prints I wanted to use.  So, I added some ric rac and yo yos.  I thought they turned out super cute.  I really like the PDF she uses for the inserts/organizers.  Make sure you have some tag board for those. 

What has been keeping you busy lately?

Christmas Sewing Party- Final Update

I love this pattern.  It is such a cinch.    I took this picture, which turned out dark (sorry) to show off that since I didn't do a scrappy version of the outer bag...I did a fancy decorative stitch.  I really like how the leaves complimented the focal fabric.

I did use a different idea for the handle...I love it!  I will definitely do that again.  I love the one strap versus two handles.

I used batting on the outer bag (scraps!), and I used a craft pellon on the inner lining so it is super sturdy.

I think my friend will love this Christmas present.  Here is a shot of the inner lining...love the print.

Getting Started- Christmas in August Sewing Party

So I thought a lot last night, and I have a plan.  First of all, I decided to go with the Manhattan Handbag pattern instead.  I am going to do the non-scrappy front option because I think this big fun print is too cute to chop up.  This is a picture of the Benartex print, super cute, right?  I am also not going to do handles.  I am going to do 1 long shoulder strap, and I might even put some hardware in the mix like I did with the Kati Cupcake Bag.  I am pretty excited about this one.

We were all up late last night because the boys were camping the backyard.  I am running a bit slow this morning, but after some yummy french toast hubby is making, some coffee, and a quick shower...I will ready to go.  LOL.  I spent a bunch of time already cleaning up the ever messy sewing space.  I just could not think about sewing in that sty.  LOL...it was zapping my creative juices.

Update...my bag is done!

Christmas in August Sewing Party

Tomorrow, I am going to be working on a present for my friend, Amy.  I think I am going to use the mini bow tucks pattern by Quilts Illustrated to make her a purse.  She picked out some fun fabrics by Benartex.  I will do a post update tomorrow of the fabrics when I get started.  Happy sewing everyone. 

I have added an update.  Go here.

Santa sure has been busy

Santa's elves sure have been busy quilting and sewing projects at my house this year. Pictured here are several gifts:

1. a new apron made from a kitchen towel for my husband's cousin (yes, that print is Moda)
2. a finished pinwheel quilt for my mother-in-law professional long arm quilted
3. a finished purple and green baby pinwheel made for my college roommate's new baby, I used the princess applique ideas from the McCalls Quick Quilts website, I stitched this in the ditch
4. a finished yellow brick road pattern pink princess quilt for her other daughter, she is 3. I stitched this in the ditch, too.


I will post my version of the towel apron directions in an upcoming blog. I made 4 of these aprons for Christmas. Two were in Christmas theme colors. They are a very quick present. I think I made each in under an hour.