Project #1- Tote Bag

I found a tutorial for tote bags here and roughly followed it (since I purchased the fabric before I found the tutorial). Then I made the small bag for Matilda. It's full of Domino's here, so she's used it at least once.

I learned a few things about sewing while sewing the larger bag. First, I bent my first needle and jammed my machine. I actually had to take a three weeks off from the project because I was so traumatized by the bending Ü. Now, it doesn't seem like such a big deal and I bought a set of denim needles on Black Friday, so hopefully there will be no more bending. Second, I realized I need to relax and remember basic sewing machine functions- like the wheel on the end that I could have turned to raise the needle back up- how silly we can be when stressed...

I'm excited to sew more tote bags and got some home decor clearance fabric so stay tuned!

Project #2- Fabric baskets

I found a tutorial for these little fabric baskets here. I love 'em. I'd like to experiment and make some bigger ones. As you can see two of them are for miscellaneous cords and ipod accessories that have been cluttering our book shelf. The third is housing Bernard's hat for now. This is where the larger ones could come into play... a larger basket could house a hat, gloves, ear pops, and head gator Ü

Here, I'm showing you the nice looking side. I did pretty well and only one of the three has some really bad patchwork. These are actually second generation baskets. I made some pink print ones for Christmas Gifts and sent them away before I took pictures. Matilda was really sad when I said the pink basket was for Grandma and not her so after I wash some more fabric the next thing on my list will be to make one just for her. I think I'll put the handles on the side and perhaps make them longer for her.


P.S. I watched BBC's Wives and Daughter's while making these... Fun!

A New Blog...

I wanted to start a new blog to chronicle my attempts at entering the crafty world. So far in life I've made a few minor ventures into card making and a simple attempt at sewing flannel receiving blankets. Now, I've got the sewing bug. I'd like to become a quilter. We'll see how it goes. I'll post the pics of my first and second sewing project and hope they aren't the last!