Ruffled Tote bag for Kimmie

Tell me this isn't just the cutest, girliest bag ever?!  My friend Kimmie sent me a picture of a ruffled tote (ya know the one on Pinterest where they bought a canvas tote from Michaels?) and asked if I could make it for her, naturally I said, "of course!" I did tell her that I wanted to make the bag though and not get a cheap store bought, if I'm putting my time and effort in to something I want it to last!!  I made a couple of adjustments to mine... 

First off, of course I made the base of the bag.  It's roughly 14" x 14" x 3.5" (close to the same as the store bought tote), I also lined mine (see below) and it has a layer of fleece/batting and some interfacing... I wanted the bag to have a nice "shape" as well as a little bit of solidity (padding).  I also made my ruffles differently, while I'm in favor of the whole "shabby chic" look, I wanted Kimmie to be able to wash this and not end up with a hot mess on her hands ;)  So for my ruffles I cut the fabric strips to 5" wide and then folded in half (if you look up her ruffles the underside is finished as well).  To cover the raw edge of the top ruffle I made a small band and sewed it on, next time I will likely just make the top ruffle bigger (5 3/4") and then tuck the raw edge under and sew on.  I had so much fun making those fabric rosettes!  I went a little crazy and made a few "extra's", I'm sure I'll find a use for them ;)  On PILLOWS FOR THE COUCH!!! lol The Male population in my house would so NOT appreciate PINK or FLORAL rosettes on the couch pillows (they have no taste!). 

Kimmie really LOVES pink, so while I wanted to add some other colors I made sure that pink kind of dominated the show.  LOVE these stripes!  While this bag is for sale in my Etsy store (customizable to your tastes), if you choose to make one yourself and have questions, please feel free to email me!  I'd love to help!  Wait until you see the wallet and change holder I made for her! Stay tuned.

For the bag, all of the fabrics except one (the 2nd from the top) are from the Scrumptious line by Bonnie & Camille!  I fell so in love with this line I bought extra's and will be starting this quilt with them this weekend!!!

Big Bang Theory e-Reader cover!

My poor little blog has been so neglected!  and I have so much to share :)  Ok, so today I am showing off a Big Bang Theory e-reader cover!  This one is for a Kobo Mini, I made this for a friend in Canada :)  This is listed in my store here (Big Bang Theory), but I can also make these in ANY fabrics you choose here.  We can also make these for ANY e-reader you have. 

I am so in LOVE with this e-reader cover style... 4 "corners" to hold in your reader snuggly, but also a couple of little pockets to hold in some extra goodies.  There is one longer pocket and 2 shorter pockets, except for the Kobo Mini size (it's just to small to hold both pocket layers).  The orange cover is holding a Kindle Fire, this one was a gift for a Stampy Friend back in CA :)  Well that's it for now, time to get back in the studio... I'm working a ruffled tote bag, can't wait to show that off!  Thanks for popping by, hope to see you again soon!!

Holy Pink Diva Diaper bags Batman!

A friend of mine needed a Diaper Bag gift for someone at her office, she told me the girl LOVES the Kardashians and Pink and this is what we came up with.  Pink and black really aren't "my thing" but I just LOVE the way this bag turned out!!

The Bag has 2 large pockets inside as well as a cell phone pocket (complete with a velcro closing flap)

and a bottle pocket on the outside :)  The top flap closes with a magnetic snap.  Lots of room AND lots of style! :)  I like patterns that are flexible, here is this bag with a "cute baby look"... versatile :)  If you are interested in ordering a Diaper Bag, please head over to my Etsy Store, Crains Addiction!

Fabrics used: Dandy Damask in Candy by Michael Miller, Pinhead Dots in Black by Michael Miller, Small Black Chevron by Riley Blake Designs

Insulated Lunch Purse, with a laminated lining

I have been wanting to make one of these for some time now.  I decided that I'd have to make the pattern myself since I couldn't find any that were exactly what I wanted...one "small" dilemma, I haven't been sewing bags all that long AND I've never created my own pattern for anything other than quilts!  Oh yea, I should also add I don't think I've ever sewn a zipper, or used "do it yourself laminate".  This was going to be an adventure!  At one point Hubby had to order me to bed because I was tired and trying to finish "one more thing" and frustration was coming fast and furious!  It was NOT as painful as I had thought it might be, there were a few "lessons learned", but in the end, I LOVE my Lunch Purse!  I didn't have much fun with the "iron on laminate" stuff, I thought it would be smarter than buying laminated fabric since it really only has one use (for now) and it seems so limiting since not every fabric comes in a laminate, but after playing with the stuff, I think I'll just learn to live with finding and buying the pre-laminated stuff.  If any of yall have any tricks or tips for using the iron on stuff, I'd LOVE to hear them!  Well here's the inside (laminated) part...

The laminate seemed to want to seperate from the fabric when I manipulated the inside.  I do like that the bag is deep enough to hold a water bottle :)

I love the zipper all the way across.  I also did NOT want the zipper at the top, top of the bag so it sits about an inch or so down.  I used some InsulBright in the bag as well to keep lunches warm/cool.  For the finishing touches I grabbed a handful of ribbons from Ribbon Carousel made some bows and voila!  Pretty!!  Since I'm a SAHM with older kids I really don't have a need for one of these, so this one is for a friend... I hope she likes it.  I have added this as a "Custom Order" item in my Etsy store, but will be adding some more pre-made bags soon.

The Ultimate Baby Shower Gift

Well I think it's high time I start keeping this blog up to date :)  I've recently been sewing my heart out, working on items for my Etsy store, Crains Addiction.  Fortunately (double edged sword here, but I won't look a gift-horse in the mouth ;)) I have been blessed with LOTS of custom orders (makes filling the store slow, but again... I feel blessed).  Anyway, a family friend is getting ready to have her first baby so naturally I had to come up with a great and personal gift.  I apologize for the not so color clear photo :(

 I started off with this great diaper Bag, I called it the Rachel Diaper Bag.  I loved this bag because it is not ginormous, but has plenty of room to carry everything you need for a day out!  I chose the Children At Play line by Sarah Jane. 

Next up I made a Changing Mat/Diaper Clutch.  I used ribbon to hold it closed because velcro might have scratched baby's head :)  The inside is lined with Pink & white polka dot minky.... soooo soft!  The clutch holds a package of Baby Wipes as well as 1 or 2 diapers.

I made this simple, lined Drawstring bag.  It fits nicely inside the diaper bag and is just the right size for holding pacifiers, baby toys, etc.

 And last but not least, I made up 5 wash clothes lined with more Minky.

I am happy to say that she LOVED the gift :)  And even happier to say that aside from the Minky everything was rather easy to make!!  Well thanks for popping by, hope to see you again :)