Earlier this year "Bib" sewing projects ~

I sooo wanted to make this bib pattern for our "sweetman!"  I had been searching for almost three years for my patterns I knew came in the move here and I couldn't find any anywhere!   Patterns I found in many specialty quilting shops over the years and on line; none of them! Most of the patterns were irreplaceable so I couldn't located any to repurchase even if I wanted to or afford to.  So it truly made my day when I recently found there in the container in a different box that I've over looked many many times! AUGH!  It literally made me ill to think of them missing!  The frustration it was even more so when I found them only to misplaced them a second time - oh my word!

In Ohio I purchased many cool cotton prints to use for kids and thankfully was able to use what I had for the bibs except for a few of the flannel backings.  I was invited to a baby shower for a friend at church and decided to make her a couple bibs for a little girl.  In the process I made up several.

I was happy how they all turned out.  While I was rooting through material I found leftovers pieces I used in a previous blanket for one or both of my nieces (its been years) and made this little throw to go with the shower gift to.  I stitched the hearts on top so they could fray with washing.  Just something simple.

I enjoyed working on this - my husband said it made him happy to see me sew and at times he was even teary eyed.  I'm always running around busy on the move (I never made it to the shower) - I'm thankful I was able to do this.  I've been slowing down a tad and trying to fit in things I've enjoyed in the past.

Years ago my sister and I were talking about blogging and said to me, "I don't have the luxury of time."  It offended me some because I felt that I was pretty busy, but felt sad to think she didn't have as much free time herself.  She was busy, though seemed to have that ability to plan things she and family enjoyed.  I was out somewhere shopping and saw this book - Women Who Do Too Much, by Patricia Sprinkle, "How to stop doing it all and start enjoying your life."  Upon seeing it I thought of her, I knew she enjoyed reading and it looked pretty good so I bought.  I never got around giving it to her and found it in with my other boxed up books to read.  I thought I'd check it out myself - that was two years ago maybe three - I've been to busy! LOL  I take time here and there for quiet  and when I get to bed - I'm done, comatose as my mom would say, but even then sometimes my brain remains busy.  I've slowly been changing that up.  :)

Bags ~

Ye Ole Loot Bag ~ (lined)

Nice size to carry a few groceries.

Straps made from super heavy nylon webbing.

upholstery fabric

Coloring is a bit off ~

Each project you decide on a size that will soot your particular needs.  The grocery bag was single heavier weight fabric cut 36" w x 19" L ,  I folded in half width - right sides together and stitched along the opening (L shape) 3/8 of an inch.  I then zig-zagged around raw edges or you could a serger if you have access.

I then brought the fold side together with sewn side (still right sides together) and you will have formed 2 triangles at the bottom either side.   Measure the point back 3" or 2" (this is to create the bottom and sew across.   This is also optional.  Do this on both sides and then I stitched corner triangle down (opt).  I think you can see the idea two pictures up.  

Once bottom is finished roll down and press at the top opening to form a 1" band.  I allowed for 2" folding once at 1" then again.  I stitched all the way around as close to the lower edge as possible.  Next I placed where I wanted the strapped and sewed down.  Middle picture of straps you can see I folded and sewn to fit the comfort of a hand.  (opt).

For the goodie I sewn top opening down and allowed to run a ribbon through to pull closed.  This was just a quick "look" at what I recently made, so if you have any questions on a how to let me know.

Merry Christmas!

Yep a new entry.  .  .

I have been up and down in the decorating department since we moved back to the southwest, more like on and off depending on able-ness.  It's complicated.  Anyway, I was able to ship out a few things surprising early.  And, I mean surprisingly! Yep something just came over me a couple weeks ago in the creative department.  I wanted to do something special for dear friends - even I was impressed.  I actually sewed something, keep in mind Julie I haven't forgotten the quilt (I'm ashamed)!  It's been so long I believed you when you said, "It's been so long I forgot what the fabric even looks like."  (I'm ashamed)!  I need more than inspiration! It's complicated ~

Getting back to being impressed -

Merry Christmas to my girls, Joan, Monica and Rita!

It's called "the emmeline apron" that I purchased from the Jack of Arts here in town.  The Teapot fabric I purchased years ago from Calico Corners in Ohio; it is a discontinued fabric from Bloomcraft. I tried everything in search of it and it's no where that I can find.  So the aprons are truly one of a kind including a few little mistakes! lol  There is so much fabric in this apron :D - and you can have fun cooking it up with one side and dress up serving with the other.  I opted out on tying around the neckline since the strap at the waistline is so big.  Some have made the pattern with a narrower strap; I followed the directions with the full 3" width finish.  If I make this again I would probably use less  - "possibly."
The smaller apron was an idea I had for Rita, youngster, that she can grow into, it actually is my favorite.  For the boys I made pillowcases that they can hangout together and watch sports or movies ~

I wanted to do something special for my dear friends (family) that have been a blessing to me.  This year I guess was it, my husband said his present was to see me sew again.  Will see if the "phenomenon" continues.

In keeping with a reversible theme, and not to leave out  -

Our "Sweetman" Logan

I felt like he needed his own stocking.

      I had leftover material from other projects.

Jim suggested the bandana. 

With special touches. 

So a couple days ago I decided our girl Reilly needed her own stocking from me.

Stockings had become an important part of our family (immediate).  Our Christmas tradition we started when our boys were very young.  I don't know how I decided to do this but all of us enjoyed having the stockings.  We first would include them as part of our over all decorations.  Then after the boys went to bed Christmas Eve I would fill up the boys stockings with all kinds of fun things and goodies.  The stockings would usually be placed in their rooms on their beds just before they'd wake,  Then I'd go back and lay down to prepare myself for the day but mostly listen for happy sounds of excitement.  We got to rest awhile and the boys enjoyed their loot!  My husband said he thinks the boys enjoyed their stockings the most.

Part of the fabric used in Reilly's stocking came from Christmas curtains I made when the boys were younger in NM.  Also the corduroy I used for reversible side is also trim for Logan's.

I pray that everyone has a blessed Christmas.  Last year at this time was spent at the hospital with my husband recouping from an emergency neck surgery.  I didn't get anything done as far as Christmas goes.  It was a long hard time for us.  I'm so thankful that he came out of the surgery alive and not paralyzed.  Praise God!  Our journeys aren't over and the past year plus has been something for the books as my gram used to say.  But those stories will have to wait for more time to share.

Merry Christmas one and all with blessing for the New Year!  I serve an awesome God who loves us all.  It's why we celebrate Christmas - though maybe not the exact day but we celebrate the birth of Jesus - Gods gift to a sinful world.

For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6

Reilly's Blanket ~

It took some doing with some delays but it finally went into the mail this week!  Yippee! After the birth of our grandson Logan, our great niece arrived just about four months later. Neither, I'm sad to say, I've been able to hold and hug.  I'm hoping to one day soon. Babies can grow so fast and I was hoping to get this done for Reilly to use - Lap quilts are nice to! LOL

I had fabric I used on another blanket for a special little girl I got the above I idea from.
I used part of the fabric to boarder.

A few of the blocks are the same as in Logan's all made in like manner.  Three of the children's are blocks copied from a quilt that was made for our gram in the early 90's.   For hers the kids made a few blocks each and I choose a few more suited for Reilly a bit different from Logan's.

When I saw the print I thought of Reilly and used it in blocks and backing.

As with Logan, I made a pillow for Reilly using the pattern on my pillowcase totorial here.  I just shrunk it down.

I'm pretty much pleased with how it turned out.  :)  Reilly received her blanket/quilt - I was waiting to post this tutorial but not wanting show it before it was seen by recipients. :)  I hoping to post a picture of Reilly and her blanket soon.

Yippee!! Reilly got it.  .  . I'm happy happy happy ~

Throw Rug Tote's ~

Most of us have them or inherited them - either grown tired of them or they've started to wear out.  Now what to do with those old or new little throw rugs?  The older rugs still may have some usefulness so why not give this a go.

This is another idea I wish I could take credit for and I have NO idea where I saw this.  It's a cool one I'll say that - who doesn't need an extra tote for something - I apparently like tote I see to have made enough of them over the past several years.  :D

What you will need:
Throw rugs
Grommets & placement tools
Strong good quality thread
Needle(s) suitable for heavy fabrics
Webbing for straps or other

When making two you don't make the same mistakes with the second. LOL  The second tote was thought out better and went much faster.  Measurements etc. were quickly made since I did all the figuring with the first.  First bag I placed grommets last - I did not do that with the second tote.

Grab the throws you'd like to use.

Since it is fringed I didn't pin entire both sides,

so I could turn down for a decorative look.

Figured out where I wanted the handles to be and placed grommets.
Since the throw was thick I had to use 4 grommets on each side.  See below.

Measured out 28" of webbing for 2 handles.  Then as in picture above
folded over & pinning sew as close to edge as you can.  This is for a
loop in grommets.  Do this at both ends then sew together making handle. 

That was the first tote.
Second tote I decided to place grommets first.  If you've never used them or if you have and forgotten - there is a front and back and a easier way than the first tote I did. :)  I had the right stuff lost directions finally decided to look on line here it was a good refresher.

I then knew what this was for! LOL hole placement~

Before you put top and bottom of grommet together,

make sure you know which is top and bottom. :) 

I needed to use as above for added thickness with fold.

Some thoughts ~

When I first decided to do this - I folded it in half, pinned, threaded my machine but didn't use proper needed for the project, and it was a bit of a struggle.  Also I was originally going to just sew the handles on.  I think - :)  Anyway, I headed into town and "search" for a size 14 - 16 machine needles to finish the job.  Next day got up and started on the grommets! LOL Afterwards I thought was I going to sew on the handles!  I do like the grommets better and on the second tote - I did them right.  (Photo's were taken with camera and cell - explaining coloration changes).

Again here's how to install grommets.