Little sewing purse

Sometimes you don't want a big sewing project. The smaller, easier the better! So I tried my hand at a small project: a little purse with key ring. The pattern was from a zakka sewing book, the one I've been drooling over for like 2 months now. It was actually smaller then I was used to working with so I made mine about 1" larger in overall size.

the finished purse

large enough to hold lip balms & cards

I used a peal metal snap closure on mine since I disliked the full zipper suggested in the book. I also found that trying to sew the bias tape edge by machine didn't.... so smoothly. I ended up sewing that edge on by hand or else the back side wouldn't be stitched on properly. You could use any fabric you want and I decided to mix and match my prints on both sides. 

It's been a fun project for lazy start of summer. Since the hand stitching takes up much time I may reserve these as holiday presents and gifts. Sometimes you make things so nicely you can't bare to sell them!

a bright one being sewn

this might be best for a teenager

I hope to sew some clothing this summer, once I regain my crafting room. Yep, it is still being lived in by the rescue kitty and kittens I am watching.

yep, still have kittens galore!

Spring has sprung!

Spring has officially arrived to my area. Tulips are up, grass is starting to grow again and buds on the trees. But - what's this, we had snow flurries over night?! Really now, get your act together Nature!

Since my last post, one friend had a baby boy and another is due very shortly. So I couldn't let her not have a handmade gift! I asked what fabric she liked and she said pinks and browns together. So I went, found some adorable flannel print and went to work.

girl baby gift

a bib & a blanket

While I was finishing projects ~ I finished 6 necklaces. I had a friend who saw my pictures and immediately bought a mustache one with chevron print! And I finished the others, made the necklace parts myself and now they are tagged and ready to go. I hope the local boutique will gladly take them in and we can agree on a commission price. 

finished necklaces: mustache & retro glasses

With those projects completely I am ready to start some new sewing projects. I really want to make a tank top or short sleeves top. I have this pretty sheer fabric with butterfly print on navy blue. And since I purchased a dress form a few months ago (my first) I can't wait to use it for this! I wish I could just whip up a whole new wardrobe. But if anyone has sewn before, you know it can be time consuming. And last time I rushed things the item didn't fit properly. 

And just because, here are some cute kitties! I photograph them for a group, they are up for adoption. 

I hope Spring has found you all in good health & spirits. Maybe my next post will have photos of my top! All I know is I have fabric paired up with patterns just waiting to be made. I will share more about that one next post, happy sewing!

My own design, zakka inspired goods

Hello, welcome to August! Isn't it nice? The end of a season, the welcoming of a new one is coming soon ~ autumn. And with a new season I hope to introduce new shop items. I've admired some lovely works on Etsy that are 'zakka' inspired. So I got out my notebook, made several sketches and did some freehand patterns.
I decided on - coasters (2 per set) and a cell phone case * I have other designs to make*. They were quite time consuming with much hand stitched details. I made myself a tester first of the coaster: it has fleece lining inside to absorb liquids, has embroidery and applique face details.

The cell case (above) fits many sized phones. Has soft natural flannel lining so as not to scratch phones. It closes with a ribbon loop and a large bright white button on the back. These are my own original designs and patterns I have tested and made. So please, do not copy them - but be inspired to create your very own unique ones! I spent a lot of time making these and really enjoyed learning how to applique. 

So I hope you are enjoying the start to August with cooler temperatures on the way. My new items should arrive in my Etsy shop soon enough. Thanks for stopping by! 

Summer crafting, easy style

It's summertime and it's very hot & humid in N.C. So what is a girl to do? Spend all day in a rather hot crafting room - ummm, no. Instead I have been doing several crafty things by freehand often on the comfort of the sofa (with ceiling fan above).
To start I've been on a sort of jewelry binge, bent on making my own stuff. I do have pierced ears but I've been wearing ear cuffs for most of the summer now. I purchased one on Etsy in rose gold and decided "I could make something similar!" and boy did I ever! Singles and pairs, I've been making shapes and designs from things I've seen or simply tried my hand at.

Silvertone loop ear cuff

My handmade ear cuffs: loopy heart, simple double cuff, goldtone long twist and silvertone long twist

That is one of a pair in silvertone (pic with me in it), I much prefer goldtone myself but either works. It's very easy to play and design your own with limited supplies. All I use to make my own is: small jewelry pliers, 24 gause beading wire (any shade you love), a pen and time to play. The pen I often use to shape the curve of the ear cuff then I adjust it as needed with pliers. And you should have time set aside to play with this, I spent time just figuring out designs or how to shape the wire. The 24 gauge wire is not very stiff but will keep it's shape nicely.

I also have been sewing small things by hand with freehand drawn patterns. If you are anything like myself you have loads of random sized scrap fabric. I love to make small charms to put on things (purses, zipper pulls). And after making a bunny plush for a niece due in October *congrats to my brother & his girlfriend!* I decided to make a smaller one for a charm. Ok, so I also made a heart one too!

Bunny for my soon-to-arrive niece

Fabric charms of bunny & xo heart

Not just fabric charms and ear cuffs I've made but also anklets. Ribbon, leather, beads - anything goes for a fun anklet. I purchased simple metal jewelry clasps and links (see below pic) to put these on/off with ease. 

Ribbon anklet in green with blue glass bead & navy leather anklet with waves bead



I hope everyone has been enjoying their summers! And a big "Hello!" to Kat over at Zakka Inspired blog :D