Terra's Treasures Pattern GIVEAWAY-CLOSED

With the kids back at school, who couldn't use a new sewing pattern?  Terra at Terra's Treasures is giving away one PDF sewing pattern of your choice from her shop.

Here's a little bit about Terra:

I'm a stay at home mom of two wonderful little boys and a darling girl. I've been sewing since I was a little girl. My mom gave my sister and I scraps of fabric and a needle and thread. I didn't start making my own patterns till I had my first son, I had things I wanted for him and couldn't find in the store in the colors I wanted. So I tried to find a pattern for it, and couldn't. Which got me started. I originally started out selling the things I've sewn, but now I've switched over to selling the patterns I make. I really love coming up with my own designs, and seeing what other people do with it.  

Terra let me try out one her patterns, and I have to tell you, this dress is amazing!  I love the retro style.  The instructions were very clear and easy to follow. 

 So pretty!

To enter the giveaway:

• leave 1 comment 
• be sure to leave your email address
• giveaway closes at midnight on Friday, September 7
• winner will be chosen by the random and notified via email
• good luck!

Back to School Backpack

In the blink of an eye, this little baby girl

became this big girl, heading off to kindergarten. 

The first day was tough, but we all hung in there and she had a great time and can't wait to go back next week.  The backpack she was using seemed too big and heavy for her, so I finally used Rae's instructions to enlarge her toddler backpack and made a big kid backpack. 

Miss M picked the fabric and was happy with the result.  I'm curious to see how it holds up on the back and forth trips to school 5 days a week. 

If nothing else, at least I know I'm sending her off in style, with a little reminder of me on her back. 

Fabric Gift Bag - TUTORIAL

Thanks for all the comments on my previous gift bag post. Definitely gave me the push I needed to put together this tutorial and to make a few changes.  I was inspired by the Nautical Adventures Tote that Roselee over at Jane of All Trades posted recently.  Her technique for sewing and finishing the seams all in one step is genius!  Go take a peek, but be sure to come back so you can make a cute little gift bag.  

Here's what you'll need to make a cute, simple and reusable gift bag:

• 1 piece of duck canvas that is 10"x22"
• about 21 inches of 1/2inch double fold bias tape (this is a great time to use up some scraps or try making your own - good tutorial here) 
• 4 large eyelets and setting tool

Fold the fabric in half so you have a rectangle that is 10"x11" and iron the fold well. 

If you are going to add some applique, now's the time to do it.  You want to add your applique to the INSIDE of your folded piece of fabric.

Here's the genius part I borrowed from Roselee,  start your bias tape about an inch from the top (open end of fabric) and sew a 3/8 inch seam from the top all the way to the bottom, folding the bias tape under at the bottom (folded end of fabric).  You've sewn and enclosed the seam in one step.  Amazing!

Next, box the corners by marking 2 inches from the bottom corner. 

Match those marking, draw a line across and sew on the line.

Iron the seams and from the corners up so the bag has more shape.

 Here's what the inside will look like.

Finish the top edge with either a serger,

or cut with pinking shears. 

Fold the top edge towards the inside about 3/4 inch, so that the raw edge of the bias tape is covered, and sew around. 

2 inches down from the top, centered, and 1 inch apart, make 2 markings for where your eyelets will go.  My bag front was about 5.5 inches across, but this might vary a little depending on how you ironed it.  Just make sure the markings are centered and the spacing is even. 

Follow the instructions to attach the eyelets.

Use the front 2 eyelets to mark where the back eyelets should be.  This insures that they line up at the end.

There you have it!  Thread some pretty ribbon or bias tape through, fill with a gift, and you're ready to go.

Be sure to add yours to the Flickr Pool.

It's alway so fun to see what you come up with!