Monday, May 13, 2013

Polka dot love



I heart polka dots.

And turquoise and orange.

And Bows.

 
So, this bag is my new favorite thing. Sadly, I don't get to keep it. I guess it's a good thing  to love what you make, right?



A good friend asked me to make her a new tote bag for work folders, and picked out the aqua and orange polka dots and told me to pick out what ever would work with it.  What works? That lovely Liberty London floral on the inside. I don't even care that it costs nearly sixteen dollars a yard, it's a-mazing! For me to like a floral, it's gotta be pretty special...I'm not really a flowers and pink kinda girl. But, I will make exceptions for something as awesome as this fabric.
















The pattern is loosely based on Simplicity 1905, I used the main panel pieces but opted to box the bottom, rather than add the bottom panel. This changed the whole shape of the bag and I really like how it changed the overall look of the bag. I also added a zippered pocket, a slip pocket tends to snag on binders and folders and such.

The main panel is Kaffe Fassett Spots in Turquoise, and the bow is an art gallery solid.
I think I need another for me :)


Saturday, May 11, 2013

SMS Etsy gift card winner

Thanks to all who participated!!!

The winner is:  Rebecca!!!





Rebecca you didn't leave an email and there is not one listed on your profile...please email me :)

SMS 241 Tote Winner!!!

Thanks again to all who participated. According to the random number generator. The winner is:

Stephanie at the Quarter Incher.... Stephanie go check your email!!!

Friday, May 10, 2013

Thank you

 




 I am so incredibly overwhelmed (in such a good way) at the number of people that entered in my two giveaways for Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway day. I had a total of 473 entries in the giveaway for my 241 tote and 399 for the Etsy gift card. 


Oh. My. Goodness.



I am absolutely flattered at the incredibly sweet things that people said about my bag and my other projects. 

Seriously, tearfully flattered. 

I'm so, so glad that I took part in this event and and I'm incredibly thankful for EVERYONE that stopped by...even if it was just to pop in for the entry or if you liked me enough to follow me in one form or fashion. Your time and energy is yours to spend, and the fact that you gave me your time and want something I created...wow.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I was trying to respond to all the comments but that's a LOT of emails to sort through...640 actually. If I haven't responded, I really want to, especially to those who were so kind...it just may take a bit ;) Just know that I read each and every one!


I will announce the winners tomorrow...I drew the winners already via a random number generator but I am waiting for a Saturday Surprise...hopefully I can make 2 people's day!!!



Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Greenbacks wallet

I've had the pleasure of doing some pattern testing for Sara at SewSweetness, so when she asked for testers again, I gladly jumped on board. I'd been wanting a new wallet for myself, so this was perfect timing. Her Greenbacks wallet comes in three different styles, from beginner to advanced. Although I don't consider myself an advanced sewer, I fell in love with the advanced variation of the wallet.


After settling on the fabrics, the cutting and assembly of the panels were easy peasy. The whole process was a breeze until I got around to adding the exterior zipper and binding. Then the bleeding and cursing began.

Sara had warned that the main reason this pattern was rated as advanced was because of this last step. I had anticipated adding the binding by hand, but I underestimated how much of a pain in the arse that is (I've never adding binding by hand before). Quilters actually do this by hand stuff all the time?! Yet another reason I am not a quilter. I used lots and lots of pins and stabbed myself probably about 5 million times. I think I may have lost a pint of blood in the process. Sewing the binding through the heavy nylon of the zipper is what really got me, it HURTS.

After what felt like 7 hours, the binding was on and the wallet was complete! The binding is wonky (that's what I get for not knowing how to hand sew properly). I would rip it out and redo it but I cringe at the thought of more stab wounds so it's gonna have to wait.

The wallet is a serious wallet. I cannot believe how big it is, it's practically a clutch and I LOVE it. It's the perfect mom wallet, and has everything you could need. I love that the zippered pocket is inside, I love that it's in the middle and acts as the divider, I love that the card slots are vertical instead of horizontal, I love that there are card holders on both sides. It's perfection!

Seriously, do yourself a favor and go to Sara's shop and buy this pattern immediately!


Monday, May 6, 2013

241 Tote giveaway

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER...THANKS TO ALL THAT PARTICIPATED :) NO FURTHER ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED

To keep the fun going...a second giveaway!!!

The last Sew Mama Sew giveaway week was about the same time I started this blog. I was new to the whole blogging thing, as I still am but this time I want to join in the fun by having my first giveaway!

Who doesn't need a new bag for summer?  This colorful and fun handbag was made using Noodlehead's 241 pattern.

It measures 15" W x 10" H and has pockets galore! There are 2 zippered pockets on the outside, that hold much more than you think possible, and two generously sized slip pockets on the exterior that easily fit in a large pair of sunglasses and cell phone.

The interior also has a smaller slip pocket to further keep you organized. The strap is the perfect length to toss over your shoulder or wear cross body if you prefer.

Daisy 241 toteDaisy 241 tote


This giveaway is open to anyone who resides on earth and all you have to do is leave me a comment telling me about your favorite summer activity. I will announce the winner the following Saturday May 11th via email. Please make sure to leave your email address, if you don't have a Google account so I can reach you!

If you follow me, you get an extra entry...just leave another comment letting me know that you are a follower For another chance to win like my Facebook page and leave an additional comment letting me know.

That's 3 chances to win!!!



Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day!!!


THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER...THANKS TO ALL THAT PARTICIPATED :) NO FURTHER ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED




The last Sew Mama Sew giveaway Day was about the same time I started this blog. I was new to the whole blogging thing, as I still am but this time I want to join in the fun by having my first giveaway! So in honor of Giveaway day I'm giving away a $25 Etsy gift card!






This giveaway is open to anyone residing on Earth, and all you have to do is leave me a comment telling me what goodies you would spend it on! The giveaway will close at 2 p.m. EST on Friday May 10th and I'll announce the winner the following Saturday May 11th via email. Please make sure to leave your email address, if you don't have a Google account so I can reach you!

If you follow me, you get an extra entry...just leave another comment letting me know that you are a follower For another chance to win like my Facebook page and leave an additional comment letting me know.

That's 3 chances to win!!!