Mini Fabric Baskets

 

Fun little sews using all the fabrics. It has been fun to make them from current & older fabric designs. They make cute little reminders of fabrics that I love & can be switched out for moods & seasons.

I use them at my sewing table to hold clips & small stuff. They work great to hold my current project zipper, tabs and any small bits while I'm at the sewing machine. They can be used anywhere you like & make great little gifts.

These minis were designed to be fun & cute. So, pulling all the fabrics from my stashed goodies was a surprise each time. Fabrics I haven't used in a good while.

They are in my Etsy Shop in all sorts of combinations.**This is A post catchup -3/23

Scissor Love + a New Pattern

I just love scissors and have a pair for everything. About 3 or 4 years ago, I found a decorative pair for stitching, on Etsy. They are still as sharp as the day I got them. Needless to say, I bought another pair so I could have one at my machine & another for on the go. 

I just love them but I've been stabbed once or twice by those pointy tips. Especially, when I throw a pair in a bag to do some stitching in the evenings. Rummaging thru my bag those pointy tips, find my hand every time. I guess it isn't good for them to be around all the thread & my work in progress either. So, I made a scissor case for them & liked it so much, I created a pattern.

In the pattern, I illustrate how to make one and give lots of instructions. It is a really simple make with one zipper install. If you've sewn things with zippers, you'll have no problem. And if not....I show you how. Easy, you'll be sewing zippers in everything before you know it. I've made several and plan to make many more because they use up all my scrap fabric and make great little gifts. Even for people, like my daughter... who doesn't sew, carries a pair in her bag. Let's face it...when you need a pair of scissors, nothing else will do.

I show how to add a side or zipper loop on the case for attaching to your bag if needed. I made one with a large loop so I could hang it in my supply closet. That part is really up to you & how you want to use the scissor case. 

It was a lot of fun making these cases and sure hope you enjoy making them too!

Til next time......Happy Sewing

Small Scissor Case - In My ETSY Shop     Link in the sidebar & Shop Tab.

mother's day sewing

I've been sewing more little happy bags. I'm sort of in a pink mode, maybe girly....oh bother....I just love pink! I'm making the bags for Mother's Day, to send to sisters, friends & of course Mom. We usually have a little get-together at Mom's but I suppose this year that will not happen. I am still going to see my Mom....just won't hug her, (coronavirus adjustments) instead I'll fill a bag with a little happy & hugs. Homemade cookies comes to mind!

These bags really sew up quickly and are layer cake friendly. You won't need mush fabric at all. The pattern calls for fusible fleece for the outer panels & it works perfectly to help them stand proud. I used cording, ribbon and a t-shirt fabric for the drawstrings so far. and.... I didn't have any beads other than the dark wooden ones....so I made some from clay.
My kind of project....homemade for the win!

You can find the pattern in My Etsy Shop. Link is at the top & in the sidebar.
Happy Sewing........see you soon.

a Little Happy Bag

I've been busy sewing this Spring and I made a little happy bag. It's great for special little things, like carrots...just kidding. I stitched them up awhile ago and had them displayed in a bowl for Easter. But I thought they looked real cute with the bag.

The bag has been in pattern writing stage for far too long & with some extra time here lately, I decided it was time to get it done. I am very happy with it and have sewn several. They are just so quick & easy & the best part is selecting all the fun fabrics. I'll be making several more for Mother's Day & filling them with a little happy for friends & sisters and of course Mom.

The pattern shows 2 styles but actually there are so many more. Like the one shown here, I didn't add the handles. I have another ready for patchwork & quilting. So many possibilities!
You can find the pdf pattern in my Etsy Shop....links are on the top & sidebar.

Sure happy you stopped by......come back soon or join me on IG for more fun with these bags. I have many fabric combinations in the works.

Happy Sewing!

Strawberry Sewing

Strawberry Makin' Today!

I had visions of strawberries all over my work table and wala...there they are. I love making them in pinks and reds. These were made with the sweetest little berry pattern and you won't need much fabric either, which always makes for a nice, easy & fast project.

So, Sew, Summery! The plan for this .... a 24" SQ mat for a table in my sewing room. I still need to cut fabric for sashing and the binding but I put that aside and made more pink berries! That's the best part of strawberry making...they're so fast, the ideas just keep coming...make a few or make a few more ;)

The pattern calls for 9 strawberry blocks to make the mini & mine will be 'pink!' 
So, 6 pink berries are done for the mini but I put that aside and went onto making another mat....

....A scrappy mat with a little strawberry center --not in the pattern-- just from playing with my scrap bowls. Free style sewing, with various widths & lengths bordered this little berry.
I made the berry slightly smaller, squared it up with white and then added scrap pieces to border it, a sort of 'log cabin' method. Coasters are in the works also and possibly a bag or two. I really love making these and can tell you, it isn't easy to make just one.



Get the Pattern: FijimamaDesign - On Etsy
Fabrics: Petal Pink-Henna Garden-StrawberryMoon/MichaelMillerFabrics
Others are from my scrap bowls or pieces I've had so long....not sure 

A Catch-Up & something new...

   Busy getting carrot noses stitched on to these snowman blocks. This quilt  top has been sitting and waiting patiently. I just might get this one done for this year. Winter here is almost over but we had snow again today, February is supposed to be that way. March is soon to come and always brings a bit of surprise.

  I got some clay out and started dabbling with it. I made these fun pin toppers....because I just love carrots. For some reason carrots & pumpkins draw me in, it's got to be the color....so cheery!
I'll be sharing some other makes soon and some new pin topper ideas.
It's good to be back....I missed blogging.
.............till next time.

Scoop pouches...

I'm making single & double scoop pouches, inspired by the tutorial on fat quarter shop. I've altered mine a bit in size & have added pockets, inside and outside & added charm loops. I'm just having fun with each one and making them as I go along.

I decided to use fabrics that gave the idea of ice cream flavors and had a fun afternoon modeling fabrics for these pouches. I have little ice cream charms for the zips & a few ice cream fabric prints.

a Double Scoop of Orange Creamsicle anyone? It makes me want one, the orange is that juicy...

Happy Sewing....

September...sewing projects

I have many projects to work on this month and yikes!...September is almost gone. Sharing my WIP's for National Sewing Month..September!
The pixie quilt, cookie exchange quilt, sew together bags, pumpkins, pillows....are all started and I'm having a grand time.

Cookie Exchange Fabric...Pattern 'Lucky'

The cookie exchange fabric is an absolute pleasure to sew with....from SweetWater and the finish on this fabric is superb! I have opted to make a nine block quilt as opposed to the 12, designed in the Lucky pattern. For reasons.... where I'll be using it...a square simply appeals to me. I have the recipe print too and will be using that for the back, along with some of the others.

When, I set out to do a quilt, I draw the block on the computer, print it out several times & cut into small note sized pieces. It helps me keep all of the shapes of the block in check. Really, helpful when you sew like I do...re-inventing and switching from project to project. I make notes on the paper blocks and color with pencils. I take that block paper piece to the sewing machine with me too.

This was a super helpful tool for the lucky blocks. I used the same color palette throughout but the fabric patterns were different. And...because those HST go in different directions throughout the block....this kept me straight on late night sew-ins. I have nine blocks finished & ready to go to the next step. 

Pixie Quilt.... Pixie Noel Fabric... Pattern my own.....not sure I'll wing it like this again :0)   I have it all worked out and have opted for more strips and a nice border. You can preview my dilemmas on my previous post. I get myself in all kinds of messes at times....just me sewing;)

I chose to remove the top & bottom center blocks and I made two more pixie fussy-cut blocks. The plan now, is too make simple four patch blocks in a sashing strip & finish again square, with a nice border.

Sew Together bags....I have seen so many wonderful bags on IG. The possibilities for this bag are really only limited to your imagination. I found the pattern to be very easy to get along with, once I got moving with it. This is my third bag, the other two took off like a flash and no pictures were taken. But that's okay....I see many, more happening real soon. 

I used 5 fabrics for this one. Lewis & Irene's Spring/Summer '16 Collection - Tales of the Sea were my main fabrics. I chose 3 of the same print in different colorways and used some stashed pieces for the pocket linings & binding.

As, I was sewing this one....I planned the next, they are habit forming & make great Gifts!

The little pin cushion caught in the pictures was another quick sew. 

The Mini Pinwheel Pin Cushion can be found on IG... just use the hashtag and explore IG for all the makes and tutorials. ( #minipinwheelpincushion)    

@easypatchwork   &  @allie.and.me.design

Sew....There was my sewing for September and because she isn't over yet....I'll be in my sewing room tonight...working on Fall things. 

I'll be back soon....Happy Sewing!

pixie making...part one

I have started a pixie quilt. I planned for it to be a lap size but it seems to be growing (in my head) Once, I got nine blocks finished and took a look at the layout, I wanted to add more to it. This is what happens to me, when I don't stick with a pattern. It's a lot of fun this way but also a bit mind boggling. It's just how I create....what can I say.

I wanted it to be an easy sew because I have a lot on my plate right now and wanted to be able to sew all the projects on my list. I arranged the layout on my computer and figured out color placement & went with 2.5" strips and squares - making 8" blocks.  Now, I'm at the point of whether to do sashing? border? ...more blocks?
Decisions!

One thing is for sure, I love to cut out the little pixies. This is really a sweet fabric collection & I can tell you, there are more makes on the horizon. It's one of my favorite color combinations & so far my favorite collection by Tasha. There's something about striped tights & those bunnies....am I right?
Catches me every time...fun!

I'll figure things out for the quilt, while a spend some time in the sewing room tonight. Pixie making continues....I'll see you soon.



Fabric Collection: Pixie Noel by Tasha Noel for Riley Blake

sewing little...a little sewing

love, love, love, little ruby by B&C. The 'quirky' print is probably,...no it is! my favorite! I loved it so much that I got three colorways....aqua, cream & grey. Happy Mail from Lori at Stitches n Giggles. She carries such lovely selections in her Shop.
I made the pin cushion using a ruby charm pack & other b&c cuts I had on hand.
There are 18 little dresden pieces to sew together & I made choices for them, with a little bit of ruby, hello darling & daysail. I love the larger, ruby berry with the now, little ruby.... I have been saving that ruby berry for a looong time & only have small cuts left in the grey and aqua.
Sew, here's what I did....I altered the pattern just a bit making my center circle 3.5" and made a 2.5" band to run around the side. It measures a nice, big size of 6.5" overall and is perfect for my stitching spot. I like a big pin cushion, when I am stitching because I use several needles and thread colors all working at the same time. It is perfect! Thank you Sunny Day Supply!

I enjoyed making the 

Sunny Day Dresden Pin Cushion ... Get the Free Pattern at Sunny Day Supply

Little sewing is all I can seem to get done here lately & I found another to work on this week...woo hoo! My work schedule keeps pulling me in on the other side of my studio and I don't get much time for this side...the sewing room. But, that's ok....a little sewing is better than none at all.

Happy Sewing!

glance....the year

Stitched.... This was a BIG YEAR for my stitching and pattern writing. 5 patterns were created this year and entered their way into my Shop on Etsy. I fell in love with Miss Mousey and couldn't stop drawing her in different scenes. 

A BIG Thank You my friends for all the love & support...it means so much!! 

Quilts.... I managed to get 3 quilt tops sewn. All together 5 were started for the year...
High Hopes for the New Year!

and....Just Fun Sewing.....

Happy New Year! May you have many creative days ahead.....til next year....

December first..here we go...

I'm finishing up several projects today and have started some new. I can't seem to stop the Merry Making...too fun! The girls are modeling ribbons ....still can't decide & I know, I have silver bells ...somewhere. I'm not liking the gold with the fabric colors. There in a box in the eaves, I'm sure, that I haven't pulled out yet. Something tells me...bells would be best.
The nose & eyes...? dunno but I will get it all together eventually.

I did manage to get the binding on the Little Bird & Letters mug mat, that I showed in an earlier post.

And as you can see...I have started some more patchwork. Oh, I should be in a bag making mode very soon.

I tried a pattern for a one side zip pouch. It's called a SweetPea Pod by Joan Hawley. A free standing, wide open pouch. It uses a small amount of fabric and guess what? You can get two pouches from one zipper because only one side is needed per pouch. How's that for nifty?

The pattern didn't call for the tab but I felt it needed one for the way I wanted to use it.  I sewed a piece of ribbon in the zipper seam. Then, I got to playing with the box seam. If sewn horizontally, it gives it another look. It's a cute, cute pattern & I will be making more. Besides, it gives me an excuse to get some fun colored zip pulls. 

Do you see what I see? wee ice skate? yes, making a few of those too...with the paper clips. Those are for the Secret Santa party, my daughter is hosting at her office. She has ideas for them....the apple didn't fall from the tree...

The change I made to the pattern, on this try, when zipped, lays flat. And because I put the tab in the seam, I can hang it like an ornament. It's plenty big for a gift card too.

Now, off to pull some more fabrics....and find those bells. Hope you are making merry or at least enjoying the season.

...see you soon.