Nantucket Bag

I used some of the Nantucket cheater print to make a little tote bag. I followed the instructions from the free Windsor Tote Pattern by Moda Fabrics. The only change I made was using a single piece of fabric instead of a patchwork and I used Soft and Stable by Annie so it's a little more structured. I used these handles from amazon, which made it a very quick project! 

The lining is the cute little hearts from the Hush Hush fabric line. 

 

All The Things Tote

 

I made an All The Things Tote to match my Patchwork Duffle. I love how it turned out and I am feeling a little obsessed with these pretty low volume fabrics. 

Traveling: Carry-On Bag

We travel quite a bit. Between camping, visiting family, and mini-vacations, we are on-the-go quite frequently (and we love it!). I feel like I've gotten the packing thing down to an art form (although I still have room to improve on the quantity of "stuff" it takes for our family to be away from home... another story for another day!). One of my favorite bags to bring along is what I've always called my "carry-on bag." Granted, 99% of our travels do not involve flying, but the name has stuck anyway.

I made this bag yesterday to use as my new carry-on bag for our road trips. It's about 15"x13" and is reversible. 

The straps are about ¾" wide. 

 My carry on bag is my stuff to do in the car. Magazines, books, ipad, and knitting. This bag is just the perfect size.

 It came together in less than an hour and feels pretty durable. Now I just need a little trip to "test it out..."  : )

Nook Cover

Last week was my birthday and my husband spoiled me rotten. I got a new Mac computer AND a new Nook Color e-reader! The computer was desperately needed - our PC was more than 7 years old and a dinosaur in terms of technology. And the Nook is so much fun! It's perfect for taking in the backyard to read or play online while the kids are playing and will be awesome for traveling since I love to read and most of the places we stay have wi-fi. Woohoo!

Anyway - I want to keep the Nook cozy and protected, so I made a cute little cover for it using some bird fabric that I love. I quilted it and added a little loop and button to keep it from jumping out.

My daughter found it absolutely hysterical that I used one of her pony-tails. Hey! It works great and didn't cost me anything!

Trash

I got a new (to me) car this week and in an effort to keep it clean (no easy task with two little ones as my co-pilots!), I made a trash container. It seemed a little odd to use such a beautiful Amy Butler print for something that will be holding trash. But I wanted something pretty since I will see it every day. And, besides, it's washable.

I made it using the same pattern as this bag, but with only one fabric and only one handle (which loops around the cigarette lighter to hold it in place during my crazy fast driving - oh yeah).

Tulip Purse

My mother-in-law and I took a class last night and made cute little Tulip Purses. The pattern is called "The Two-Hour Tulip Purse" by Janice Pope. I made the Standard size - about the size of a cantelope. And it took more than two-hours.

It's got a pretty cute profile.

And cute handles...

And even a cute "butt."

The inside lining is a red dot pattern with one pocket inside.

I also added a snap on this purse - a first for me.

My new favorite color

My favorite color changes often - sometimes from week to week. And lately, it's been fuchsia. I'm all about fuchsia shoes, jewelry, clothing, and maybe even a fuchsia purse?

Laurie & I had signed up for this class a few weeks ago and I had planned on using some soft blue fabrics from my stash (a "favorite color" from a few months ago). In the middle of the night, I remembered this fuchsia fabric and was giddy at the idea of using it for this project.

It has sweet little ties on each end to cinch it up.

The handles are pretty spiffy, too!

I used my FAVORITE funky green fabric for the inside lining and a fun purple polka dot for the pockets that wrap all the way around the inside. This bag also has a zipper, which was a first for me.

The pattern is by Penny Sturges and is called the "Bow Tucks Tote." It took about 5 hours to make, although I am thinking I will be able to go a little faster next time. And there will be a next time, I love this bag!

Purse

I made a little bag this afternoon... this time using a pattern from this book and I am pleased with how it turned out. It's just the right size, although I may have a hard time getting my hands on it. A certain little toddler seems to be claiming it as her own.

I love the lining fabric - it's just the right splash of color.

The bottom of the bag is squared, which was very easy to do ~ and I learned something new today!

Little Funky Floral Bag

I made another bag - much smaller this time.

Inside detail of the cute gingham print and the two pockets.

I'm not sure if this one is a keeper or if it will become one of Mia's toys. Stay tuned.

Bag Lady

My mother-in-law and I took a class yesterday and completed a "Hawaiian Quilt Bag." It was fun to make, although this baby is h-u-g-e! It's a lot bigger than I expected (maybe too big?). But I like how it turned out and was impressed to have finished it in one evening (almost).

Detail of the side ties which allow the bag to expand to hold a small village, if needed.

Detail of the inside lining and the super-fancy pocket (1 of 2).


Thank you, Laurie, for treating me to the class!