Just a few pics of the Festival I will be at this weekend- some of the things I've made and my darling spot next to the sheep!

I continue to add to my inventory for the Bee Blooming Market on May 12th in Dalton WI. I will have a space inside South and Main. This is my first Market and I am a bit nervous but will just keep my fingers crossed and see how it goes. Here's what I've done this week:

A new stash of vintage linens

 Some zippy bags

 3x5" notebooks

 5x8" notebooks

 More zippy bags and small notebooks

 Don't they look cute in that enamel pan???

Been busy sewing up items for a market I will be vending at in Dalton WI. Bee Blooming Market on May 12, 2018. I am focusing on my vintage fabrics since all the other vendors are bringing vintage items. It's my first time doing something like this and I'm glad I'm using all my fun vintage fabrics! These are small, zippered coin bags made from vintage tablecloth scraps and eyeglass cases- also from the same scraps.

Finally finished 5 Happy Scrappy bags- all in red. I will be doing more in different colors- one color at a time. They measure 5 1/2" x 7" with a 40" strap so you can wear the bag cross-body. Perfect size for your cell phone and a few other small things! These are so fun to make bu do take a bit of time as the patchwork is also quilted. Finished off with a vintage button closure.

Animal Portrait Pillows

This is Sophie, a commissioned piece for a friend. She gave me the fabrics for the pillow- aren't they wonderful!

 This is Eaude- made this one for my best friend. Eaude was her wonderful companion for many years. The paisley piece of fabric is from my friends porch chair and Eaude now permanently resides on that porch!

Busy sewing many different projects! Started this dog portrait pillow- still choosing fabrics.

 A pillow cover

 Bunny treat bag- sample for Bungalow Quilting and Yarn.

 Another sample for the store: Travel Tote with fun travel themed fabric!

 A little birdie for an Art exhibit.

 A Tote bag from some vintage Bark-cloth.

I'm glad I have such a variety to work on- I never get bored!

I am Remiss

How on earth did a year go by without me posting anything???? Good grief! Well, I haven't heard any complaints so I won't worry too much! I guess I'll just put some pics of things I've made in the last year...happy viewing...

A custom order for a bag to take on a trip to Mexico

A Memory Quilt made from sports shirts, dress shirts and one cargo-pants pocket

Dog Portrait Pillow- custom order

Another Dog Portrait Pillow- with it's dog!

The first Memory Quilt from the same guy's clothing- for his daughter.

4 Tie Memory Pillows from the same guy's clothing that I made those 2 quilts from- he had the most beautiful ties!


That's enough for now. Maybe I'll try posting after I get a project done- wish me well!!! haha  :)

Tote Tutorial

OMG- I have been really bad about posting!!!! Well- here's a new one and I am trying something new...a tutorial on how I make most of my bags. This is the latest one- I've been trying to use up the MANY scraps of vintage tablecloths that I have stashed all over the place.

The finished measurements are 14h x 12w x 3 deep- a nice size tote. It has 3 inner pockets.

Here's what you will need:

18- 3" squares for patchwork

8" x 15 1/2" piece for front bottom

15 1/2" x 15 1/2" piece for back ( I chose not to put the patchwork on the back)

2- 15 1/2" x 15 1/2" pieces of lining

2-  6 1/2" x 15 1/2" pieces for inside pocket ( I used one from the lining fabric and one from the ticking- I like a bit on contrast in the pocket)

1- 6 1/2" x 15 1/2" piece of interfacing for pocket

2- 15 1/2" x 15 1/2" pieces of interfacing for main bag body ( I love fusible fleece!)

4- 1 3/4" x 27" pieces for straps

2- 27" pieces of nylon webbing for straps

Above are the front and back pieces . You will sew your 18 squares together in 3 rows of 6 each, then add the front bottom piece to that and attach your interfacing to each front and back piece. I love the fusible fleece- it is easy to use and gives a nice feel to the bag.

Sew the 2 pieces of pocket fabric together- with your interfacing inside, turn right side out and topstitch one edge of the pocket piece (this will be the top of the pocket). Sew the pocket to one piece of your lining fabric- about 3-4 inches from the top- sewing along the sides and the bottom, then divide the pocket in 3 sections and sew from bottom to top of the pocket to make the 3 divided sections of the pocket- make sure to backstitch at the top to make this secure. Set this aside for later.

Sew the front and back pieces together at the bottom seam- I usually do 1/2" seam allowances. Press open and then I like to topstitch on either side of the seam on the right side.

Sew the side seams, press open and then take the bottom seam and the side seam- match them up in this form, measure in from the point 1 1/2", draw a line and sew on the line- I double sew it for strength. Trim to 1/4". This will give you the boxed bottom.

Turn right side out and it can stand up! I also like to stitch along the very bottom to make the box  a little sturdier.

 Now- the straps...sew 2 pieces right sides together ( you will have 2 straps) turn right side out and then take the 2 nylon webbing pieces and bring them through the straps (put a piece of tape on the end- it goes through easier) This gives the straps much more stability. Topstitch on each side of each strap. Baste the straps in place on the outside of the bag body.

Sew the bottom of the lining- but leave a hole about 6-8" so you can turn the bag out later. Make the same boxed bottom as you did on the main pieces. Sew sides.

Place the main bag inside the lining- right sides together. Sew around the top...1/2" seam allowance all the way around.

Pull the main bag through the opening in the lining. Once it is all the way through you can close that hole- just machine stitch close to the edges. Press everything well then topstitch around the top of the bag about 1/4" from the edge.

All done!!! Go shopping with your new tote!