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.

Busy, Busy, Busy

It seems my days keep filling up super fast.  We had a very short, but fun family vacation at an indoor waterpark.  Buddy had a great time. 

Our room had a kid's cabin in it with bunk beds, they thought that was great.

Jake was happy to see us when we returned.  Although, he has been being  a real pill ever since.

I did crank out a couple of more pouches prior to leaving though.  I had several of you share that you have tried this pattern, too, and that you find the zipper super easy!  Thanks for sharing that. 

I hope to do some sewing this weekend.

For all of you who fear zippers....

We at Dandelion Quilts use to fear zippers.  Yes, it is true.  Until this post, changed it all for us.  That's right.  I had a fear of zippers passed down to me from my mother, who feared sewing zippers.  Raise your hand if you fear zippers.  Go ahead, you can do it.  I know you're out there.  No one is looking, raise your hand.  The first step at overcoming a fear is acceptance.  You can do it. 

I know you've been watching the blogs and you see all of these cute pouches out there with zippers and you really want to try one.  REALLY you do.  I know it.  Well, remember last time I said that I wasn't much of a zipper person and even I liked that project?  This project.  This project that I am working on right now, is truly a piece of cake.  You can do it, you really can.

This is a design by Lazy Girl Designs called Perfect Pouches.  I found it today at Joanns.  The entire project cut to finish takes under a half an hour.  LOVE IT! It has great directions, with easy to read diagrams.  It is the easiest zipper project that i have ever tried.

This is the smallest of the pouches (there are 3 sizes).  I think it measures about 5.5 X 7.  I stuck a small pair of scissors in there and a pin book so that you can see it really is quite big.  Now the one on the bottom I made for the college girl that I am also sending the coffee sleeves that I made last week too.  I thought it would be perfect to put a Starbucks gift card in.  I thought she might want to use it for lots of things, so if you look closely, you'll see I added a key fob on the end with a swivel hook.  I thought she could clip it to her backpack even, if she wanted that way.  That was my own touch, but if you need to know how to do it, shoot me an email.  I will be glad to help.  You could also put a small handle on the end, and it would make  a great wristlet.

Anyway, I loved the pouches so much that I couldn't stop.  I made 2 more.  I am digging using up scrap material, I tell you.  This set, I actually had a colored zipper in my stash.  Love that.  I will have to get more.  The second set, I corrected my only oops on the first.  I had the zipper zipping the wrong direction, oops.  Oh well. 

I am anxious to try the other 2 sizes of the pouches.  This is a great purse size.  The others, I think, might be great for school supplies or cosmetics, etc.  This size, for those of you that still deal with this, is perfect for those female products we have to conceal.  Actually, those of you with teenage daughters, these are perfect for that at school.  Just the right size.

Happy sewing!

Double Crunchy Rhubarb Crisp

Dandelion's Double Crunchy Rhubarb Crisp

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Ingredients:

Crust and Topping-
1 1/2 c light brown sugar
1 1/2 c flour
1 1/4 c rolled oats
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
3/4 c melted margarine

Filling-
4 c chopped rhubarb
1 c sugar
2 TBSP cornstarch
1 c water
1 tsp vanilla

In a mixing bowl, combine all crust ingredients.  Mix until crumbly.  Press about 1/3 of the mixture into the bottom of a sprayed 8-inch square baking dish.  Place your rhubarb on top of the mixture.  On the stove top in a medium saucepan, bring the rest of the filling to a light boil until the mixture turns clear.  Stir constantly with a whisk.  Pour over rhubarb.  Crumble the rest of the topping on top.  Bake for 45-55 minutes or until topping is golden and the mixture is bubbly.

.......
In the summer, I often buy lots of rhubarb.  I clean it, chop it, put 4 cups into a freezer bag and freeze it.  Then I can have crisp anytime I want by just letting it thaw and draining it.

Shout out to Jen....don't those terrific potholders you made me really compliment my retro baking dish?

Another scrappy project

My scrap pile seems to be out of control lately, that is why I enjoy these projects I can use scraps on.  This project came from SWAK Embroidery.  What a cute little owl, don't you think?

In other news, buddy had a great week at soccer camp.  His coach was from the UK and she was just a delight.

 His team also won the World Cup, which was a huge victory!  :)  Loads of fun.  They finished up the week with a super soaker fight, and I think that was a hit.