Tag: handmade

Toad Stool?

It has been SO hot here in Tennessee. Already in the 90s and 100s in June and early July. Usually, it’s mid-July and August when it gets that hot. I’ve been inside most of the time enjoying our central air, but I have ventured out a little. Two of my grandsons have birthdays in Summer so I have been to one early birthday, a joint birthday and the later birthday will be tonight when the youngest turns three. We also enjoyed a cookout and the city fireworks at my son’s on the Fourth of July. Good food, good company, and good entertainment.  

The animals have been slower to come around too. The birds are busy with nests and babies, the frogs are busy catching bugs, and the turtles have finished laying their eggs and gone back to the river. 

We have seen a mid-size toad who lives under the porch ramp and one, a bit smaller, in the garage. Isn’t he/she cute? 

Garage Toad

Husband has spent some time hiking in the mountains. He got pictures of some nice mushrooms. No toads sitting on them when he got the photos, but you never know, there might be one hiding nearby.

I have also managed to make two Necessary Clutch Wallets and two purses. 

This is the Glennwillow Saddlebag by HolditRightThereBags

The bag below is The Raleigh Bag by me! 

I used repurposed upholstery fabric for the body and a piece from an upholstery sample book for the center panel. Both fabrics were given to me by my friend, Jo Ann. I used quilting cotton for the lining. The ribbon on the back accents the top of the large pocket.

 

The wallet below is the Necessary Clutch Wallet by Emmaline Bags & Sewing Patterns.  The Necessary Clutch Wallet by Emmaline Bags & Sewing Patterns with shoulder and wrist straps and a trio of owls to keep you company.

The feathery inside.

Blue Moon….

Blue moon, you saw me sewing alone! Sorry for the cheesy stuff. (Not really sorry. That’s just me.) It reminds me of the mice on Babe. I love those little critters.

I’ve been busy. I’m also feeling much better. We were in the ER last Friday, but not for me, because Husband dislocated three toes. He forgot to put the kickstand down on his motorcycle and it fell on his left foot. Got his three littler toes. It hasn’t slowed him down very much though. 

In the meantime, I’m doing a lot more since I can actually breathe now. I got a dress and 3 pairs of shorts made for the grandkids who are going to Hawaii later this month. Lucky kids! 


This is the Piper dress from Violette Field Threads. I have to admit that I saw this made in this fabric on Facebook and then bought the same fabric to make it, but isn’t it perfect? It’s Sleeping Porch Wild Flowers on Pink by Heather Ross for Windham Fabrics. 

Our girly girl will love it. My only concern is how much the fabric wrinkles, but I guess perfection even has some wrinkles, right?

 

These shorts were made using a girl’s shorts pattern. I had to take quite a bit off the sides and probably should have taken more. Then, after they were finished, I decided they were too short for a boy and had to add length. I think they turned out pretty well considering.

The ones on top have fish on them and the bottom ones have trains. I added length on the trains shorts by adding some engineer’s cap fabric. The boy is train-crazy. I know he’ll love these. 


And these little ones were made from a thrift store knit shirt. Love these. I can just see him running up and down the sand in these. He’s our little blur. The only time he slows down is to build something or ride in his little car with sister pushing. Sometimes, though, he acts like a little old man. Now and then he answers questions with hands in pockets and a drawn out, “Yeaaaaaaah.” 

What’s free and handy?

Interested?  I finally finished the free tutorial for this baby! The Insulated Market Bag.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I last wrote about this project here. That bag has been really handy at the supermarket. I live about 20-30 minutes from the store and need to keep things cold while coming home. This little beauty does the job well.

I promised a tutorial for the bag back in February of 2017. It’s taken a year, but here it is.

Sooooooo many pictures. That shiny aluminum really reflects! I tried to get a photo of the taping of the inner Reflectix® lining, but nooooooooo! Just a bright blob. It reminded me of the old-fashioned flash bulbs that blinded you for a few minutes.

So here it is. Belated Merry Christmas or Early Easter or Happy Birthday or even Jovial Stitching!

Insulated Market Bag Tutorial–New

Insulated Bag Pattern

If the above pattern link doesn’t work, try here.  Alternate Pattern Download

If you find mistakes or anything is unclear, please let me know.