Show Me A Story: Book Review and GIVEAWAY-RESULTS

And the winner is.....

Lise, who said

I'm not a great storyteller, but my daughter constantly asks me to "tell me a story about when you were a little girl." She's even started giving me prompts, like "did you ever need your parents' help when you were outside?" I don't know where they come from, but they sure help me think of stories to tell her! Would love a chance to win the book--thanks!

Thanks for all the great comments.  It was really to fun to hear how what inspires the storytelling in your lives.

 

Have a great weekend!

Show Me A Story: Book Review and GIVEAWAY-CLOSED

Today, I'm honored to be a part of the blog tour for Emily Neuburger's new book, Show Me a Story.  

Not only is this book amazing and Miss Emily super talented, but she's one of the most genuine and kind people you'll ever meet.  I am fortunate to be able to call her a friend. 

This book inspires the storyteller in us all.  The projects are simple in design, but the possibilities boundless.  The 4 year old story teller in my house, couldn't keep his hands off of it.

Since the weather has been so nice, we decided to go out for a Storytelling walk.  The idea is to "mentally" collect items to later create a story with.  For my little boy, physically collecting items to tell stories with is part of the fun as well. 

We took along a bag, and some friends, and collected.

There were stories of troll homes along the way,

and at home, we drew and retold stories from the day.

This book truly inspired me to look at the world around me and even if for but a few moments, get lost in an imaginary world.  I have fond memories of creating these worlds as a child and look forward to sharing that experience with my own kids.  This will be the guidebook to help lead us there. 

To enter to win your own copy of this fabulous book:

• Leave a comment (with your email address) here telling me what inspires the storyteller in you (US residents only, sorry!)

• You can also enter a second chance giveaway on the Storey Publishing Blog: HERE

• Giveaway closes on Friday, October 7 at midnight

Happy Weekend. 

My Washi Dress

I finally finished my Washi Dress and I have but one photo to show.  I was actually trying to get my face in this one, but my tripod and my son weren't cooperating.  I don't know how people get such great photos.  The hubs tries, but I'll be honest, I'm kind of picky.  
So, here are the deets:

• I cut an XS and sewed it up as instructed.  The result for me is a bit big.  Next time I'll take it in and probably make it narrower
• The fabric is a 100% cotton, lightweight denim 
• I used a topstitch needle and topstitch thread to add some detailing.  Would be awesome if I had an up close pic, but I don't....

 Anyway, I love the pattern.  It's gotten a bit cold here, so I'll need to be sporting this one with some tights and a sweater. 

Oilcloth Zip Pouch TUTORIAL

On my most recent trip to IKEA I picked up a yard of this great oilcloth for only $3.50, which ended up being perfect for a little zip pouch.  To make your own, first download the pattern here. 

For the pouch you'll need, some oilcloth for the exterior, a quilting cotton for the interior, and a 7inch zipper.

Here are the cut pieces with some extra rectangles for an optional zipper tabs.

If you are going to make the zipper tabs, cut 2 rectangles of oilcloth that are 2 inches by 2.5 inches.  Fold as shown, sew on the end of the zipper, then trim the excess. 

 Lay the right side of zipper down on right side of exterior piece and the right side of the lining on top of that.  Using your zipper foot, sew a 1/2 inch seam across all 3 layers.

Here's what it looks like when you unfold the pieces.

 Do the same for the other side of the zipper.  Again, lay the right side of zipper on the right side of the exterior piece and the right side of the lining piece on top.  Again, sew a 1/2inch seam across. 

 Fold it all back and top-stitch along zipper.

Match up the lining and exterior pieces as shown.  Sew around all sides, leaving an opening for turning in the lining.

To box out the corners, match the side seam to the bottom seam and sew across with a 1/2 inch seam.  Do this for all 4 corners.

 This is what it should look like a this point.  Turn the bag right side out, close the opening you left for turning either by sewing it by hand, or making a little seam with your machine. 

Finished pouch measures approximately 8"x4"x2.5"

Thanks for stopping by!

Winner winner!

 The winner is, Jennifer B, who said:

these are adorable! the monkey pants made me laugh out loud :)

Thank you to all who entered and for all the great comments!

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!

Yay or Nay?

 With all these baby gifts I've been making lately, I had the idea to also make a cute reusable gift bag.  We try to be as green as we can be, and I thought this would be really great.  For whatever reason, it was A LOT cuter in my head. So what do you think;

Cute or not?  

Tutorial or no?