Sew and Sew

Welcome to the latest edition of "Sew and Sew"! Since completing all these projects last week, my sewing has slowed down a bit. I have way too many projects that are only half completed, so this week's goal will be to knock some of those off my "to-do" list.

The Beast

I decided to make a diaper bag for a friend's baby shower. Yeah. Note to self: You better really {and I mean REALLY} love this person to take on a project of this magnitude. I recycled some fabric that started out as something else for the exterior & used some clearance fabric which I love for the lining. I *so* love the color combination. Very fall-ish. The problem arose when I tried to stitch through multiple layers of heavy fabric, batting, and interfacing while trying to turn corners, etc. I had to call my Personal Sewing Machine Repairman, a.k.a. Hubster, to my rescue. I actually messed up the innards of the machine by trying to do more than it could handle. {My sincere apologies, Ella (that's the name of my machine)!} After necessary repairs were completed, I was able to continue. I have not been able to procure more magnetic clasps from my {2} local JoAnn's stores, so I had to rip one out of a project that was in the lingering "to-do" pile. There are two bottle/sippy cup pockets on the outside & a patch pocket & zippered pocket on the inside. I altered the pattern by making two quilted side straps. After all was said & done, I got this: I am also proud of myself for making a matching wipes case holder. It will also hold two size 5 diapers. I added a grommet {my first one!} and a wrist strap for stylish carrying ability when you go to change your little one. The interior is lined & there is a contrasting exterior pocket on the back for some diaper rash ointment or lotion or whatever else mom might need. I *love* it! I will definitely be making one for myself {when I get around to actually making myself a diaper bag}.


For the Kitchen

Next up is an farmhouse style apron, which is reversible, made from Lotta Jansdotter's book, Simple Sewing: Patterns and How-To for 24 Fresh and Easy Projects . I am very happy with the fabric choices. I used the same fabrics to make a matching potholder, also from the same book.



Next time I will use two layers of batting with a layer of canvas sandwiched in between for extra heat-resistance. This potholder is only good for "quick" tasks.

I tackled my first tablerunner {more of a centerpiece actually}, sans pattern of course, and am mostly pleased with the results. I had a hard time figuring out the mitred corners of the edging, so will have to research that for next time. I was so bummed when I put the finished runner on my table, only to realize that the color of the edging blends in with the color of my table. DOH!! I used different strips of fall fabrics from the stash. {Sorry, for some reason I can't find the photos I took of this!}

For the Kidlets

Yet another tiered skirt, this time for the 2 1/2 year old. I have yet to tire of this style. It just seems so cute to me. I love that I don't need a pattern, can make it sized perfectly every time with just a little math & can just use my {new} rotary cutting set to cut out the necessary straight strips of fabric. I used some pumpkin patch flannel from the stash. {Come on, Fall!} The flannel seemed a little finicky to work with, but I made it obey.

Lastly is a bib for Jellybean:

I used a bib I already have & traced around it for a pattern. {I recycle all of my big brown grocery bags for pattern-making, by the way. Nice & sturdy!} This is more of a medium-large sized bib, so I cut out a few more smaller ones for when he is sloppily nursing or just starting solids. I love the fabric! There is a layer of terry cloth in the middle for absorption and the bib is backed with flannel. Now I'm off to finished some of those unfinished items ;>)