Take Time To...

I am always working on self-improvement. I don't use self-help books, I use the Bible. I get advice from friends. I talk to my mother. Most importantly, I pray. Today is one of those days where I'm trying to remember to be the bigger person. This is not always easy. I would definitely rather be petty and childish and just do back what is being done to me. But I won't. Today I will choose the higher road. Tomorrow, who knows? Hopefully I'll choose the same, but

I have to take it day by day.

Today I stumbled upon this tutorial at Kind Over Matter for a Take Time Jar. I think this is a great idea and plan to make one for myself.


I love little reminders like this. Issa Sarza, the creator of this tutorial, has included photos, as well as a free download for the words to put on the glass beads. Very cute! Thanks, Issa and Kind Over Matter!

Rag Quilt Alphabet

I found this fabric alphabet tutorial the other day on Happy Together and had to share! I was so excited for a new idea for a toddler gift and will definitely be making some of these for my nephew for Christmas this year. He will be 2 1/2 so I think he will be the perfect age for these. I may even try to make him some numbers, too. This is also the perfect way to use up some fabric scraps that I just can't make myself throw away--and now I'm glad I didn't!

Let me know if you make any--I'd love to see them!

so much to do, so little time

Things are still crazy busy with me trying to get goodies made for the Childbirth fair. Sorry I haven't had much time to blog, as of late! Hopefully everything will calm down in the next couple of weeks.

Here are some of the bibs I have been making:)

You can get the pattern here. It's very easy:) You'll love it!

Also, I recently found this site for free blogger templates, but I mostly love the free monthly calendar desktop wallpapers. Here's the one for August:

How fun is that? I'm using it right now at work. Keeps the room bright:) You should definitely get one for yourself. What's better than free?

Not-So-Beginner Handbag

I was recently browsing Martha Stewart's Web site when I found this cute purse pattern and instructions:

Martha said more than once that this was a beginner pattern. Well, Martha, I beg to differ. Though it was somewhat easier the second time around, my first attempt was severely wonky. The second attempt turned out much better and I might would even say "Etsy-worthy", but it still didn't feel "beginner". The first few steps were very elementary, but when it came to sewing up the "arm holes", I wanted to pull my hair out.

I will take post a pic of my second and more successful attempt soon. I really like how it turned out, love the purse, and am so glad I made it, but don't let Martha fool you into thinking it's for a "beginner".

Try it out, you'll like it. Good night, and good luck.

Summer is Here (Almost)!

I was on MarthaStewart.com today and as usual, she has a slew of new sewing projects up to get ready for summer. Hopefully I can try some of them before summer is over!

I really like this Ribbon Water Carrier:

My only question is where do you find these little springy clippy things? (Yes, that's the technical term.) Martha certainly did not offer up that information.

They also added some very simple embroidery to a fairly plain bag to dress it up for summer. I will definitely be using this technique as seen on this Circle-Patterned Tote:

These are just a couple of the many projects Martha has shared. Go to her site to see them all. She is always full of great ideas.

Since I didn't have time to do any sewing last night, I did make some more cover button magnets for my store.

Maybe I'll be able to get some sewing in tonight.

Rag Quilt Part 1

I am about to start working on the rag quilt for a baby gift and decided to create a tutorial! It's really easy and quick! If you can sew a straight line, you can do this. Here's what you'll need:

~3 coordinating flannels, 1 yard of each (you can substitute cotton fabric if you prefer, but flannel is really soft for babies)

~1 package of high-loft quilt batting (crib size)

~rotary cutter, rotary mat, and straight edge (you can use scissors if you don't have these)

~coordinating thread

~scissors

~sewing machine

For inspiration, this is what the finished product will look like:

*This tutorial will be for a baby-size quilt, but you can always add fabric for an adult quilt.

Next time we will cut out the squares of batting and fabric, so go get your supplies ready!

Project Pincushion

I recently realized that my pincushion is absolutely, ridiculously absurd. It came from a box of sewing notions that I bought at an estate sale. It's ugly, but it works. Here, take a look for yourself. This is basically it, but mine's tomato red.

Aww! Look at the cute little sumo wrestlers holding hands! haha! Hysterical!

Anyway, I found this tutorial on making your own pincushion with fabric scraps over at Paper.String.Cloth. It was super easy to make and really only took me about an hour from beginning to end (including picking out the fabric and buttons, which always takes me a while). Here's mine!

I thought it turned out pretty good for my first time. What do you think? I did, however, make some small adjustments to the tutorial. I only used 2 coordinating fabrics instead of four. Also, instead of measuring out a 2 1/2 inch square for tracing, I used my rotary mat and cutter to cut four 3-inch squares of each of the two fabrics I chose, then sewed them together using a 1/4" seam allowance. I hate tracing if I don't have to.

Next I think I'll try this tutorial over at Make It and Love It for covering my camera strap! :D I definitely love it!

Stay Tuned for Tutorials

Sorry I haven't posted in a bit. I plan to work on my hand-embroidery tutorial tonight, though. Please stay tuned!

Until then, here are a few of my favorite places to visit for inspiration:

Homemade by Jill

Little Birdie Secrets

Feeling Stitchy

You Can Make This

Craftzine.com

Craft Gossip

Craft Bits

So Lovely Creations

Ric Rac