Luggage Tags for Grandparents

There were lots of tutorials for luggage tags this year.  I whipped up two and of course had to change the design a bit, mostly because my sewing machine does not get along with vinyl.  I sewed my right sides of fabric together, sandwiching the strap piece, then turned them right side out.  I top stitched and sewed the vinyl in place at the same time, which also closed my turning hole.  Tissue paper on top of the vinyl helps things along, but don't look too close, because the vinyl is still a bit crooked.

I guess you can't even see the vinyl pocket, but you get the idea.

Wallets for the Boys

I'm taking the easy way out this year and getting my nephews gift cards for Christmas.  At 9 and 7, it's hard for me to know what they'd really like.  But I can't just have them opening an envelope on Christmas Day, so decided to make them each a wallet as well.

I'm not a very original crafter, so scoured the internet looking for a free wallet tutorial.  I didn't find anything that would work.  Most were designed for women, and I just wanted a simple bifold design.  So, I made up my own pattern and am pretty happy with how it turned out.

Here is one of the finished products.  The other was done in Steelers fabric and turned out nice, but it seems I forgot to take a photo.

(Sorry, guys, but the twenty wasn't included when I shipped it.)

 Maybe someday I'll share a tutorial for the wallet.  C wants one for herself, so I'll definitely be making another.

For fun, here is a picture C drew of me.  I'm not sure what my hair was doing that day, but I love the eyelashes.

Cute Little Dolls (if I can say that about something I made...)

Last year I bought my niece dolls like these for Christmas.  I loved them for C, too, but since S was in the crawling/mouthing stage, I worried about the potential choking hazard.

Then I saw this post over at Twirling Betty and it reminded me of how much I think C would enjoy her own set.  First, she looooves having multiples of things.  Secondly, we travel a LOT and it's nice to have toys with their own carrying device.

I couldn't resist and made her a set.

I didn't have a real plan or theme, but think she'll be quite creative with the collection.

Their "home" was a Robeez shoe box in another life.

A cat and a dog.

Two gnomish characters.

Not bad for a glue gun, Sharpie Markers, felt and fabric scraps.  Ten dolls in an hour.  But for some real art check out this Etsy shop.  I'll take one of those, and one of those, and those...

Lady Bug Bag

I made this quick tote to "wrap" some Christmas gifts.

The lady bug applique is from Sew Liberated by Meg McElwee.  I *hope* to do the puppy on a library tote for C.

I LOVE Big Butt Baby Pants!

I am addicted to Made-by-Rae's Big Butt Baby Pants pattern.  I bought some fine wale brown corduroy in hopes of making C & S coordinating fall outfits, but I only got as far as the pants.  I lined them in flannel for extra warmth.

(His favorite activity--cooking!)

I bought the flannel on clearance last spring and although I don't really love the flannel print, I actually think they look cute turned up.

 (Check out that big fat balance toe.  He's already worn a hole in the bottom of one pair of shoes!)

The pants have been seeing lots of action, as they are super warm and soft.

Now, although S doesn't need another pair of pants, I have some leftover navy blue corduroy that needs to be used on something.  

And this is where I write a note to myself to assemble the pants differently next time...Sew the right sides together of exterior and lining.  Turn right side out and sew 3/4" down from top for elastic casing, leaving a couple of inches for inserting elastic. Then wedge the elastic up from the leg.  Although I will curse at myself along the way, the finished product will result in a nicer waistband than the brown pair (which fortunately you can't see right now).  

Oh, and leave a nice amount of fabric in the length, because I hope I can let these out and he can wear them next year, too.

Ribbon Blanket Part 2

Taggie blankets, ribbon blankets, whatever you call them, several of the recipients of these blankets have really, really enjoyed them.  One of the babies has had some medical problems and I've been told that the blanket is his favorite comfort item.  Every mom knows it's important to have a back-up lovey, so I made another.

This one is bigger and I added some corduroy squares for more tactile enjoyment.

I think the sock monkey fabric is the perfect fit.

Handmade Holiday

I love the idea of making gifts for the people I love.  I am finding a lot of inspiration at the Sew Mama Sew blog, which is doing a fantastic series highlighting new gift ideas every day.  C and I are making ornaments.  She does the drawing and stuffing, I sew them up for gift giving.  

I just LOOOOVE how she draws faces and this is a great way to preserve it.  

Messenger Bag

I made a messenger bag based on this idea, but used more of these directions so that I didn't have to convert my measurements to centimeters.  (I used to really like math, but not so much anymore.)

I still had to do a bit of seam-ripping because of really stupid mistakes, but this time the bag went together a lot easier.  Last time, my flap was totally screwed up and way too skinny, so I had to turn it sideways which resulted in a shorter flap.

I made a few other changes as well, and since I may make another one of these bags, decided to put my personal directions on my blog (because paper tends to get lost in my mess of "patterns").  This is not a tutorial so things won't be explained in great detail.  It's just a reminder for myself, so the directions make sense to me if no one else.

Cut:
Long Strap 45 x 8 inches in exterior fabric
Short Strap (to use as loop for adjustable strap) 4 x 8 inches in exterior fabric
Body 14 x 25 inches in both exterior and lining
Flap 11.5 inches wide by 12 inches tall in both fabrics; curve one side with a cereal bowl
Outside pocket 9 x 6.5 (cut 2 in exterior fabric)
Interior pocket 9 x 5 (cut 2 in lining fabric)
Fob piece 5 x2 in lining fabric
Ruffle 3 x 55 in lining fabric
Interface as desired

A few words about interfacing...
My first bag I didn't interface and it's quite floppy.  For the second bag I used Craft Fuse on the lining.  I hate this stuff and previously promised myself I'd never use it again, but had a lapse in judgement because I ran out of my favorite interfacing.  Craft Fuse always bubbles on me and is a bit too crunchy.  So, I ended up not interfacing the exterior.  What I should have done was used Pellon SF 101 on both fabrics.  I don't bother interfacing the strap because it ends up being four layers thick.

*Pattern calls for 1/4 inch seam allowance except as noted.*

Make and Attach the Pockets:
1.  Place right sides together and sew all the way around, leaving an opening to turn.
2.  Clip corners and turn right side out.
3.  Top stitch what will be the top side of the pocket.
4.  Fold in half and press center (this will help center the pocket when attaching to the bag).
5.  Attach interior pocket 4.5 inches from the top.  First stitch the center, following the ironed crease.  This will hold the pocket in place while stitching the edges and bottom.  Make sure to close the gap left for turning.
6.  Attach exterior pocket 4 inches from the top, using the same method.

Prepare the Flap:
1.  Fold long ruffle strip in half, wrong sides together, and press.  Gather ruffle by hand, aiming for finished length of 24 inches.  I used a drop of Sewer's Aid on my needle and it made this a lot easier.
2.  Sew flap to right side of flap lining, facing toward CENTER of flap, along one side, the curve, and the bottom.
3.  Place right side of flap exterior on top of flap lining, sandwiching the ruffle.  Stitch ruffle edge with 1/2 inch seam allowance (non ruffle edge will have 1/4 inch seam allowance).  Do not sew top of flap.
4.  Turn flap right side out through the top of the flap.  Press and top stitch if desired.

Make the Straps:
For this project, I made the straps using what I call the "bias tape method".  I am sure there is a better description for this, especially because it's not actually at a bias, but whatever.  Point being, the finished width of the strap is 2 inches, important for the slide adjustment.  Next time, I think I will do the regular "tube" method, maybe using one side of exterior fabric and one of the interior fabric.  The "tube" will allow me to finish one end nicely, because it shows with the slide.

Prepare the fob by sewing a small tube, right sides together, then turn right side out and press.

Making the bag:
1.  Fold the body in half and sew up the sides.  Do the same for the lining.
2.  Attach the fob to the lining with hardware in the loop, approximately 2 inches from the edge (want it place near where the strap will be).
3.  Attach the short strap in a loop, with the rectangle hardware, to the right side of the exterior, facing downward.  Be sure to center the strap on the seam.
4.  Attach the long strap to the other side of the the exterior piece, facing downward.  Be sure to center the strap on the seam.
5.  Attach flap to back of exterior, right sides together, centering between straps.
6.  Place bag exterior into the bag lining, right sides together, making sure to keep straps and flap tucked.
7.  Sew exterior and lining together with 1/2 inch seam allowance, leaving a gap for turning.
8.  Turn and topstitch, closing the gap.

Finish the adjustable strap (photos here because I messed up the first time and need a visual reminder for next time).
1.  Slide long strap through slider (under, over, under).

2.  Then through rectangle loop as shown below.

3.  Slip end back under slider, following the same path but in reverse.

4.  Fold raw end under and stitch in place.

5.  Finished!

Now put some Trader Joe's snacks inside and ship to a very wonderful sister-in-law!

Edit:  Of course, after I went through all the work of making these notes for myself, I came across this wonderful tutorial for a messenger bag, complete with directions for that tricky adjustable strap.  Maybe I'll just have to try one like hers! 

New Hat!

S has been sporting a purple hat lately.  He's cute in it, but it still fits C, so really she should be wearing it.  When found this tutorial, I knew it was time to make a new one. By the way, that blog is GREAT!  Love seeing the boy stuff.

Although the tutorial recommends using upcycled knits, I decided to use up some fleece scraps to make the hat warmer.  I love her boy embellishments, too, but we needed a hat ASAP.  No time for fun add-ons.

Here he is hanging from the backyard bush.  I made the pants last year using Katrina's Longies Pattern.  Those were the first pants I ever sewed and truly the reason I bought a sewing machine in the first place. They are still holding up quite well and fit great over his fluffy cloth diaper.

Packing for Kids

We've traveled a lot lately, mostly long-distance road trips.  Really long distance.  Like 3 days in the car with 2 nights in hotels on the road long distance.  Since I am packing three people's clothes in one bag (thank goodness hubby takes care of himself), I need to stay organized.  Ha, ha, did I just use the word "organized" on my blog?  When talking about me?  Traveling???  OK, so I am not the most organized person, and things get pretty jumbled when we travel, but really and truly, this is a great tip...Ziplock bags!  This isn't my idea, but I am so glad my old college friend passed it on.

I pack the kids clothes together, one outfit per day, complete with any underwear, socks, etc in a Ziplock bag.  That way, when it's time to get dressed, their clothes are right there and we aren't scrambling for lost undies.  I also pack pjs the same way, complete with nighttime diaper and pull-up, and it makes post-bath time so much easier when Daddy knows exactly where things are.  We recently spent ten days with my sister, and as I folded laundry I packed those clothes back into the Ziplocks.  Then, when we loaded the car up for the long trip back home, I pulled out a few baggies and put those in C's suitcase, so we had a smaller load to take in and out of the hotel.

We also used the Ziplock method for the "emergency" items for the flight.  Safely stowed in the bottom of C's backpack, just in case someone puked.  This idea is from my international-traveling mom friend.  (She flies overseas with two kids by herself!)

C loved having her own rolling suitcase and carried it and her backpack for our flight.  She was a such an amazing helper, since I ended up carrying sleeping S in his car seat, above my head, from the back of the plane to the front.  My kids have an amazing ability to stay awake for the entire flight, only to fall asleep upon landing.

My Best Sewing Friend (or Foe?)

Friend, I think.  I really couldn't live without him and find a strange calm wash over me as he does his job.  Yes, it may mean I really screwed up, but it's proof that in sewing, most things are salvageable.  I don't know what you are thinking about...I'm only talking about my seam ripper!

Those colorful, stripey pants I made for C were a bit too snug in the bum area.  So, I actually managed ten quiet minutes to myself this afternoon to listen to the rain, put my feet up, and start tearing the pants apart.  I know, TEN WHOLE MINUTES!!!  Granted, I probably should have been folding laundry, or some other domestic duty, but it's a rare occasion when both kids are napping/resting simultaneously, and after a busy day on the the go, I needed to take those ten minutes and methodically pick apart those threads.  I'm not finished with it, but at least I've started!

Getting Chilly!

Fall is in the air!  We are having a nice fall thunderstorm as I type.  Mornings are chilly and since C is more of a leggings girl, she doesn't have many warm pants to wear over her gymnastics leotard.  I just purchased a new fleece in her favorite color, and happened to have some matching fabric.

Honestly, what doesn't match this multi-colored fleece?  C chose it last year, and I am finally getting around to using it to make her something.  

Although I have several "patterns" for pants in my sewing pile, I didn't mark them, so am not sure if they were drafted for C or S.  (I know they are 2 years apart in age, but the cloth-diapered toddler body is remarkably similar to the panty-wearing preschool body.  They actually wear the same play-pants--which are pants for S and capris for C.) 

I made a new pattern using this basic method.  This time I marked it with her name and the date.

I also decided to make a quick scarf.  

I don't think we'll lose track of her while she's wearing this outfit!

Baptism Dress

My beautiful new niece was baptized on October 10th.  She is such a delightful baby.  I was so happy my family and I could attend her baptism and especially pleased to help my sister sew the baptism dress.

 The dress was made from a shirt Neely wore while pregnant with little W.

Can it be considered an heirloom even though only one baby has worn it?  I really loved helping make the dress and like to think that it will be worn again.

Sewing with my Sister

The kids and I recently spent ten days with my sister.  She and I found a few evenings to sew together.

Growing up, she was the one that learned to sew.  I remember the scrunchies she churned out on my Gram's sewing machine.  She even made some to match our candy striper uniforms.  She modeled an outfit at the county fair, too.

I didn't started sewing until last year, but it inspired Neely to get out her machine again. It's much nicer than mine.

Why would Pooh Bear be serving as a model?  Very "Project Runway", don't you think?

Big Butt Baby--Pants!

I've been trying to perfect my pants pattern for months.  I can do knit and fleece, which stretch, but using cotton or something similar has proven challenging.  They just don't want to go over that fluffy diaper!  And store-bought pants are a joke.  So, I was thrilled when Made-by-Rae recently published a pants pattern appropriate for cloth-diapered babies, aptly named Big Butt Baby Pants.

My first pair I made using some fabric I picked up very cheap at an estate sale.   I didn't want to use something I had spent much money on in case they didn't turn out, and it turns out I LOVE them.  I also found out the fabric is called chambray (kind of like denim, but cotton-weight) and Rae made something similar for her daughter.

These pants feature an extra panel in the rear, which not only helps accommodate that big ol' dipe, but it is so cute!

I also added some pockets, but clearly my placement is off.  They ended up more like knee pads.  Oops!  Check out Rae's for a better version.  The wide cuff is because I made the 2T size, but S is more of 12-18 month height, but this will leave plenty of growing room.  In fact, they fit C as capris!

I am also working on a pair in a linen-like fabric to coordinate with a project my sister is working on.  We're headed there this week so you'll have to check her blog for progress.  

Cloth Napkins for the Kids

Now that S is eating everything we do, and using a spoon, we need more cloth napkins.  They are so much more effective then using a disposable napkin or paper towel, and at the end of the meal, we can just wet it and give the little guy a really good wipe down, then wipe the crumbs off the table, chair, wall and floor.  C's "job" at mealtime is to lay out napkins, and the kids have their own flannel monkey set.  Flannel is great for kids because it is so soft.  So, when I found this fun flannel for my ribbon blankets, I bought extra for napkins.  This is the same method I also use to make cloth wipes, so pay attention Neely, I know you'll be needing more of those soon!

(Since I sew at night, these photos are not the best.)

First, off, what size should you cut the napkins (or wipes)?  Since these are kids' napkins, you don't want them too big.  I find 8x8 to be a good size, but in the spirit of using every single inch of my fabric, cut mine 8x9 (so the finished size ends up being more like 7.5x8.5).  Put a few pins in, noting that black pin at the top of the square.

That black pin at the top helps me remember to leave a 2 inch gap for turning.  (Yes, I have forgotten.)

Now clip the corners.

Turn it right side out and poke the corners a bit with a chop stick.  Press it and think of Gram (remember from this post how I said she loved ironing).  Top stitch with a smaller seam allowance, remembering to close the opening.

When you get to a corner, make sure your needle is down, lift the presser foot, and turn.

If you have difficulty getting around a corner, use your scissors to help push the fabric along.

I always make sure to trim the extra fabric from the beginning before I meet up with it.  I've had those threads catch in my bobbin before and it made quite a mess.  

Admire your top-stitching.

And now you have new napkins (or wipes)!

 P.S.  Has this ever happened to you?

What a pain.  If it's on the inside, I just trim the threads nice and close.  No one will see.  Otherwise, rip out the seam and start sewing again, making sure to back stitch over that area.  

Road Trip?

We're ready!  In fact, road trip is a regular part of our 3-year olds vernacular.  She LOVES traveling, and also LOVES playing with her cars (and trains, for that matter).  At home, we build parking garages, car washes, car haulers, etc.  With several trips coming up, the girl would be lost without her cars.  So, inspired by this and this over at Homemade by Jill, I made C a nice little packet.

Which unfolds to reveal some fun.

You can easily tell where we do most of our errands--Whole Foods, the library, Costco, and of course, home.  You could find several better-made versions of car play mats and car caddies, but the best part of sewing for a preschooler is that they don't really care how nicely it is constructed, just how fun it is.  I think this will be lots of fun!!!

I'm thinking of adding some little felt replicas of our family to go with it.  Another day, another trip. 

Finding Time

People often ask me "When do you sew?"  I guess answering the question "Why do I sew?" makes it more clear.  I sew because, as I joke, it's my therapy.  Being a full-time stay-at-home mom, however rewarding it can be, can also zap you of brain cells. Sewing gives me a chance to think about something new and challenge myself to create something unique.  I rarely follow a pattern, preferring to design my own.  It can be frustrating (I am very well acquainted with my seam ripper) but totally worth it when the finished product is exactly what I wanted, or at least I know how to do it better next time!

So, I usually sew at night, after the kids are in bed.  I'll stay up way too late to finish a project.  Or, since my husband understands why it's important to me, he'll entertain the kids on the weekend while I get a bit done.  On rare occasion, I'll cut some fabric while the kids are entertaining themselves in the play room, which is conveniently where my sewing area is.  It also helps that my sewing machine is always out, so even if I only have 10 minutes, it's spent sewing rather than setting things up.  My house is usually cluttered, but the laundry is folded and dishes are done, and my sewing machine humming.

French Seams

I mentioned on this post that I used French seams to finish off the pillowcase.  I am terrible at zig-zagging and really dislike doing it, however, just the name "French seam" was a bit intimidating.  Now I know it is a very easy technique and really polishes a project.  So, although I am sure there are a million out there already, here is a French seam tutorial of sorts.

To start things off, remember I used the "Hot Dog" method of assembling the border to the pillowcase.

Here is peak inside how that nicely encloses one of the raw edges.

Now on to the french seams.  Pin the wrong sides together along the side and bottom of the pillowcase.

Sew with a small seam allowance, approximately 1/8 inch.  Alternatively, you could do a 1/4 inch seam allowance, then trim to 1/8 inch, but I am all about short cuts.

Here is a look at the finished seam.

Now press the seam to one side.  However dull ironing may seem, it does make the finished product a lot nicer.  Besides, ironing always makes me think of my Gram, who loved to iron.

Now turn the pillowcase inside out and iron again.  Make sure that your seam is at the very edge.  Tip:  Wet your fingers to help "roll" that seam out.

Now, with right sides together, sew a 3/8 inch seam.

This is what the finished seam will look like.  See how the raw edge is enclosed in that little pocket?

Another view.

And here is the finished pillowcase!

One other note on making pillowcases...although the directions say you need 3/4 yard of your main fabric, you just never know how much the fabric will shrink when you prewash, and whether the cutter at the fabric store will cut it straight for you.  Get a yard to be sure.