Messenger Bags

It's time for some messenger bag show and tell!  My kids messenger bag tutorial has been so popular and it's so fun to see your creations.  

Here are some great ones from the Zaaberry Flickr pool.

from Bruise Mouse via Flickr

from Rice and Soup via Flickr

Don't want to make one yourself?  Here are some gorgeous bags from Zaaberry licensed sellers.

Nicole from Bobbin's Boutique has done really well with these super cute bags. 

A reversible bag from Little Frienz.

This fall I also released my first PDF e-pattern for the Mirabelle Messenger Bag.  It's been a goal of mine and was super exciting for me.  

You can buy the pattern and make your own, or just buy a bag!  Here are some wonderful bags for sale from Sew Sofia.

One I made for for a friend recently.

 A cute corduroy bag from Jane of All Trades.

Here's my newest creation that's a larger, upgraded version of the Mirabelle bag that makes a great diaper bag.  So excited to make a few more of these.

Are you feeling inspired yet? 

Easy Camera Strap TUTORIAL

We're going on vacation soon, and I thought it was about time I prettied up my camera strap.  I've seen a lot of different tutorials for straps, but really didn't want to make the sleeve type.  I didn't want it to slide around at all, and since I have more than 1 strap, I figured I would just go ahead and sew a cover on.  Here's what I did.

First, I measured my strap.  I wanted to cover up the little buttons on each end, so my strap measured 22 inches long by 1.5 inches wide.  Be sure to measure just the part you want to cover, not the whole strap, unless you really want to cover the whole strap.

Fabric dimensions = (strap length + 1 inch) by (strap width x 4) 

 I cut my fabric to be 23 inches long by 6 inches wide.

I learned in my first attempt that my machine was not happy trying to sew through the leather on the ends, so I decided to fold the ends to the wrong side 1/2 inch and sew in place, so the ends will already be finished.

Fold fabric in half and press.  Open it up and fold the edges to the center, so you've basically folded your fabric in quarters.

 Sandwich the camera strap inside.

 Then fold over and pin the fabric along the edge.  Sew along each long side.  Notice that the short end looks like it's already sewn down

 Pretty new camera strap!  Ready for vacation.

Did you know you can't take a photo of your camera strap unless you have another camera?  Or a mirror I guess.  I don't like taking mirror photos, I always look slightly deranged.  Thank goodness for camera phones.  

Enjoy your new strap!

DIY Message on a Bottle

I work in a research lab at a University.  Every so often when a lab is closing, they offer up what would otherwise get thrown away, to other labs.  So I wandered down looking for things I could use in the lab, and ended up with 2 boxes of these beautiful bottles.  The glass was so beautiful, I just couldn't stand to see them get thrown away.   

My first thought was to etch them.  I've seen some really great etched projects.  So I bought a bottle of the etching cream and gave it a try.

The instructions say "may not work on Pyrex", but I've seen it done on Pyrex.  I think people just increase the time they leave it on.

Well, even after 30 minutes (the instructions say 2 minutes), no luck.  The glass was just as beautiful and clear as before.  

So, new plan, chalkboard spray paint!

I used a punch to cut some contact paper and carefully smoothed it on the glass.  I learned that you really need to smooth it out well as the spray paint will find any tiny crack and run underneath.  The good news is that it scratches off fairly easily, so you can fix any imperfections later.

Spray on the chalkboard paint, let it dry for an hour, do a second coat and let it dry for 24hrs.  

Add some flowers and a message.
 You could do this on any kind of vase to add a little message.  Would make a nice little Valentine's gift.

Another Washi Dress

 We're headed to Florida soon and my thoughts are on warmer weather.  Perfect excuse to whip up another Washi Dress.  I like my first Washi Dress, it definitely needed some fit adjustments.

 This time around, I made some adjustments to the bust.  I moved the darts up a bit, shortened the bust, brought the shoulders in and widened the neck.  I also cut just about 2 inches out of the middle.  I also did a partial lining instead of the facings.  Rae has a series of videos to walk you through it.  I think it's actually easier than the facings.  I had my computer next to my machine and it felt like Rae and I were sewing together.  How fun!
 The result of my haphazard adjustments is a shockingly perfect fit!  This is my first attempt at fitting and makes me think that I might actually invest in a dress form.  I've got my eye on this one. 

I really like adding a tie to the Washi.  This time I made it wider and added some belt loops to the side.  

I'm sooo happy with this dress. I picked this fabric up on clearance for $2/yard and really didn't think it was that great. I figured for the price it would make a good muslin. 

I think my next venture is going to be figuring out how to add an invisible zipper to the back.

Happy New Year!

Wishing you a happy and healthy new year!

I'm not big on new year's resolutions.  I prefer to reflect on everything that has brought joy to my life in the past year.  It's been wonderful watching my children change and grow.  We started school and embraced the change as a family. 

I've enjoyed learning to use my camera more and not getting so hung up on photos for blogging.  

My husband traded his classical guitar in for a banjo and it's been really fun watching and listening to him learn as he adds another instrument to his collection.

Overall, it's been a great year.  Can't wait to see what new joys the new year brings!

Happy new year to you and thanks for stopping by.  

Matryoshka Messenger Bag

 Back in November I was commissioned to make a Mirabelle Messenger Bag for a local friend.  Luckily, she's very patient and understanding, because I just finished it yesterday.

 Since the print is directional, I cut the gusset band in 2 pieces so that the dolls wouldn't be upside down at the top on one side.

The fabric is so pretty and looks really great with the pink piping and lining.  I ended made the piping (using this tutorial) and bias tape myself so that everything would match perfectly. 

I hope she loves it!

New Apron for ME!

I've been in a bit of a sewing slump lately.  When I actually have the time to spend with my machine, I get overwhelmed with all the projects floating around in my head and end up doing nothing.  Ever feel like that?

Well, maybe it's because it's the first day of vacation or maybe it's because I got a few things checked off the list, but I finally just sat down and sewed something.

I've been wanting to make a new apron for a while and have gone back and forth on what pattern to use.... So today, I sat down and just made it up as I went.  I held the fabric up to my body, cut, gathered, did it all on the fly.  It was so much fun!  I ended up with an apron I love and a renewed creativity and energy.

So, here's to a relaxing and renewing holiday.

Burlap Heart Ornament Tutorial

I never leave Joann's without hitting the remnant bin and just recently scored this burlap remnant for $1.25!

I came up with this cute little ornament to give to friends and neighbors to go along with our annual gift of granola.  So, friends and neighbors, avert your eyes!

All you'll need to make some of these are:

• some scraps of fabric, I used knit since cut knits generally don't fray or unravel
• a little burlap, you could probably make 10 or more from half a yard
• some kind of string, I used a cream colored yarn
• fiberfill of some sort   
• pinking shears 

Cut a heart (or 6) out of the knit fabric.

Lay the heart on 2 layers of burlap that are about an inch larger than the heart.  Then cut a piece of string that's about 12 inches long.  Tuck the ends in between the 2 layers of burlap as shown, making sure it's tucked down under the knit heart. 

Sew the heart in place, through all 3 layers of fabric and making sure that the string gets secured as well.  Leave a small opening as shown by the arrows.

Fill the heart with a little fiberfill.  You can use a knitting needle or pencil to gently push the fill into the top of the heart. 

Pin the opening closed, making sure all the batting is tucked inside and none is hanging out.

Sew the opening closed.  I also sewed around the whole heart again, just because I like the look and I thought it might make it a bit more secure, but this is optional.

Now take your pinking shears and trim away the extra burlap.  When you get to the top center, make sure to move the string out of the way so you don't accidentally snip it.

If you need to, you can use regular scissors to trim away any extra in the center.

There you have it!

Make one, make six!

Who will you make yours for?

Heartache

Ever since I heard the news of the tragedy in Connecticut on Friday, my heart has been aching.  I can't watch or read the news without crying.  I can only imagine what those families are feeling....

 As I send my 6 year old out the door to school tomorrow morning, a small reminder of my love. 

 Tutorial later this week.....tonight, only thoughts and prayers.

“Making the decision to have a child - it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ”
― Elizabeth Stone

Traditions - New and Old

This year, we decided to jump on the gingerbread house bandwagon.  I grew up with a pretty minimal Christmas celebration given that my parents grew up in India and didn't celebrate Christmas themselves.  But, how could I resist this gingerbread house kit from Trader Joe's.  For $7.99, it's pretty great.  Next year I might have to make my own and start a new tradition.  

 Another tradition in our family is attending the local ballet company's performance of the Nutcracker.  I make a new dress for my daughter each year.  She really liked the style of last year's dress, so this year's is the same in different colors.

 The back....with 2 little helper monkeys.

I don't often do a rolled hem on my serger since it requires changing a plate and removing a needle.  But, since I teach about rolled hems and lettuce edging in my serger class, I thought it's about time I do it on my own machine.  It came out really pretty and is easier than doing a regular hem.

Another holiday tradition complete.

What's your favorite holiday tradition?