Grab 'n Go Bag- Super Easy Errand Tote

This bag is super easy yet strong and versatile!  I use mine for errands, shopping, library, camping etc. and I've made several to donate to a local women's shelter.  Foster care uses them too.  Ones I sewed years ago are still hauling cans from the grocery every week!  Did I mention they are great gift bags too?  Use sturdy decorator fabric for a pretty, strong tote! Grab 'n Go Bag- Super Easy Errand Tote- FREE instructions!

Really Easy Quilt Pattern

 I made this quilt for a friend using my Flip Quilt Instructions .  Super easy, it can turn non-quilters into quilters! This quilt is 33"x33", but often I make them 45" or 60" depending on the size of my backing fabric.  Usually I choose a print out of my stash and then choose other fabrics to go with it.  I started this one with the narrow print strips.  I like mixing quilting cottons with upholstery fabrics and clothing fabrics. 

The quilt reverses to red on the back.  It took about 3 hours to complete and was fun to sew!

Cutest Little Button Book

I love this little accordion style button book by Stephanie Davidson.  It has got me looking at my button collection in a whole new way!  I decided to try making one.

 Here it is closed.  My edges stick out a little.  Oh well.

 Here is the inside.

It was fun to make!  Yet another use for buttons!

Happy Villages by Karen Eckmeier

I had the best time making a Happy Village- it felt like playing.  I used Karen Eckmeier's very easy instructions.

 I used fabric already in my stash, and arranged the shapes, then added the roofs and details.  Cover the whole thing with tulle and stitch.

 Adding the church was my idea.  My village is roughly 16"x16".  I bound mine, but in the book, Karen has the villages backed with felt that frames it from behind.  I just didn't have any felt on hand.

 Even the back looks really neat, with all the stitching.

I will definitely be sewing more of these!  My next village will have trees and maybe a fountain.

Class Starts Soon!

Register now for my new class "Clothing Alterations and Repairs".  Deadline is Feb.21 and class starts Mar.7, 2011.

Cat Song Stitchery is now on Kindle!

Now you can subscribe to Cat Song Stitchery and recieve updates right on your Kindle!  Check out Amazon for the listing.

Quick Change Valentine's Day Wreath

 Here is my winter wreath.  It is just a fake pine wreath with Styrofoam snowballs (just pushed onto the wire) and a fleece scarf tied around it.  To make it ready for Valentine's Day, I just use twist ties to attach paper doilies.  Ta da!  For St. Patrick's Day, I remove the hearts and put on paper shamrocks.

 Same story with my ficus tree.  Winter snow theme gets replaced by hearts!

 And lastly, my son (8yrs. old) and I made this "Box of Chocolates"- totally fat free!

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!

Alterations/Beginning Sewing Class for Henrico County Adult Education

I will be teaching an alterations/beginning sewing class for Henrico County adult education , starting March 7, 2011.  Students can bring in their own clothes in need of work or bring fabric for making samples of techniques.  Gain more wear from your wardrobe and save money fixing it yourself!

Boy Scouts Anniversary

Boy Scouts was founded this day in 1910.  Robert Kaufman has some scouting fabric and projects to share.  I like the nifty water bottle holder- free directions on the site too!  Other projects include a teepee, bean bag lounger, several quilts, pajamas, messenger bag and an explorer's belt pouch.  My little guy is a Bear this year.  I also noticed Girl Scout fabric too.

Most Popular Purse Pattern

My most popular purse pattern is the Weekend Bag or Lola.  She is relaxed and easy going, no hardware involved so you probably have enough supplies at home already!  A great summer bag as shown or change the fabric to richly textured upholstery remnants for an autumn/ winter bag.  I was inspired to create this pattern because a friend gave me the fabric and I was excited to make something RIGHT NOW!  So I used what was in my stash and I love the results.

Groundhog Fabric!

I found this really cute groundhog fabric on Spoonflower.  I love the groundhogs in their hats and the cardinals are a nice touch.  Happy Groundhog Day!