I made my first tote!!

It was easy, but not what I expected really.

I chose a template from a book (I'll picture it below) that was labeled something like Lazy Sunday Bag because you were supposed to be able to do it in short time and it was a beginning bag (not because I'm lazy!). I did leave out the magnetic clasp because I don't think I'll need it. In the end, it was definitely easy to do and I'm going to alter my next one to make a pocket with dividers for knitting needles.

This might sound silly, but I want to make people aware of just how much fabric you need compared to what you use. There will be large scraps left over from knocking the template out of the fabric because the handles are so long. Also, if you buy interfacing (and I did) keep in mind how tall it is. The template didn't go from the top to the bottom of the interfacing because it wasn't tall enough so I'm left with some rather odd shaped pieces left over. Luckily I always buy more than I need so I had enough. And, if you end up with leftover scraps, check out my posts about coffee cozies and key fobs because the scraps are perfect for it!

This is Bags the Modern Classics. Obviously, I checked it out from the library (my favorite place to get books!)

Lots of cutting and scraps left over! (scraps not pictured)

Just a little picture of the pocket. =)

This was the oddest part. You pretty much sew the top up and pull the whole bag out through a hole in the lining.

Final bag before tying the straps.

And it's done!

I had a hard time taking this picture, but it's the little pocket inside...don't you just love the fabric!

In case anyone is interested, I bought this great Ghastlies fabric a long while ago but didn't know what to make with it. I'm really glad I got to actually make something for myself for once! Of course, I'm using it as a guinea pig for the next bags, but oh well. =)

Fabric, fabric, fabric...

...I always buy too much!

If you sew you probably know how this feels. I buy way too much fabric. Even when I'm not making something, I just see cute fabric and I have to have it. You never know when you might need it!! So, I decided to inventory my current stash (though this isn't technically all of the bits and pieces I have) and post it here.

The mermaid pattern is a perfect example of "I'm sure I can use this later!"

Some generic fabric and some school spirit fabric!

These are some of my favorites and are great for gifts!

Here we start to get into the flannel fabric on the left.

A lot of different textures here from linen fabric to cotton to flannel!

Here we have the thicker of my fabrics: duck cloth & outdoor fabric!

I've had to rearrange on multiple occasions to fit all of this in. Most recently (this last weekend) I moved all of my fabric to a drawer that would fit the home-made bolts. They're almost perfect but would fit better if I could use up some of this fabric! ;-)

Let's talk about traveling...

...and bringing the things we can't live without!

Okay, this is only technically true. Today I'm posting about a hair straightener travel case I made, but technically I can live without my hair straightener. But, I do know that there are people who can't (and I'd definitely rather have mine on hand) and this little sewing project is great!

I found the tutorial on Sew4Home (yes, again!) and I made it in one afternoon, even while having a 13 year old help me with some parts. In fact, it was a gift for her friend so I didn't reap the rewards technically, but I always love making new things so that's a reward in itself.

The open travel case with straightener inside

My helper demonstrating how it ties closed

The whole thing from the front view

The back has a neat pocket for the cord to tuck into

As always, I'd love for people to be able to make this themselves, so here's the tutorial from Sew4Home: Tutorial! It also works for holding a curling iron instead. ;-) Enjoy and go sew stuff!

Keyfobs are all the rage...

...and so incredibly easy to make!

Ever since I found this tutorial (from Sew4Home again!) I haven't stopped making these easy little key fobs (also called key chains). They're the easiest thing to do. Plus, I found out that I can print my own fabric designs for the outside and because the fabric is thicker, it works great!

Here are a few I have made, but trust me there are many, many more!

For the Beaver fans in my extended family!

Whoooo is this for? Crafty Pants (my bestest crafting friend)!

This was actually made for a matching clutch and they looked adorable together!

Find the tutorial here: Sew4Home Key Fobs. One note about these is that they actually turn out quite long. I've been shortening them ever since I started making them without the tutorial (that's how easy they are!)

Now go out and use those fabric scraps to make a ton of these! Oh, lastly, I got my key fob hardware from Amazon. It wasn't very expensive and I got about 25 of the sets.

Apparently, I made a blanket once...

...though I might never again because I hate working with so much fabric.

Buuuttt, it's an easy tutorial and the binding isn't too hard so I'm posting it here. Plus, I made a dang blanket! That's a pretty big deal for me!

Cute little bow made from left over binding to tie it all together!

Close up on corners...don't judge my terrible stitching here!

The whole blanket!

Here's the tutorial for this comfy blanket: Minky marshmallow bound blanket from Sew4Home (of course!)