Recently Spotted on my Sewing Room Table and other things

First the other things:

A lightweight, reversible jacket, great for spring/summer.  Cuffs can be worn up or down.  This jacket is for a customer who saw mine and wanted one.  Mine was a sample I made for a class I taught using Kwik Sew 3564.  Very easy, beginner jacket- no interfacing even.  A button can be added if desired.

My dad made me this dollhouse a long time ago and I played with it so much; I can't part with it.  My daughter has enjoyed it too.  Then it was a book case in the living room for awhile.  Now it has moved into my sewing room to hold books, rulers, pressing hams, and other sewing supplies.

 

Now for what was recently spotted on my sewing room table:

???

Besides the usual colored pencils, markers, fabric, sewing supplies and projects lined up to do, there is a bird house waiting to be hung in the yard and a mandolin in clamps.

How do I get anything done like this?  Sometimes I don't.

How To Make a Recycled Sewing Kit and Pin Cushion

A relative gave me a bag of these containers and said "maybe you can do something with them".  The challenge was on.  With a glue gun, fabric, stuffing and trims, you can make a pin cushion sewing kit or just a cute place to keep stuff.  Start by thoroughly cleaning and drying the container.  Remove any labels.  These containers are nice and strong and are completely clear of labels except the top.  If yours has side writing, just cover with fabric and trims.

Cut a square, or circle larger than the top.  Wrap the fabric around a nice big wad of stuffing.  I took a few stitches to hold the corners together.

Hot glue the pouffe to the lid.  I worked my way around, tucking under the raw fabric edge and gluing as I went- probably the hardest part.  Add trims around the rim to cover any glue drips.  I used trim and ribbon scraps I already had.

I have the fringe and lace facing up so it doesn't get in the way of closing the jar and

it is cute like this.  They remind me of flowers and cupcakes.

Makes a great sewing kit or place to keep jewelry. 

You could place fancy broaches and earrings in the pin cushion too.

Happy Feline Friday!

Free Giveaway offer from Firmoo

 

Everyone loves a freebie!  I have not personally had the chance to try Firmoo, but I thought this sounded like a great opportunity.   Firmoo is giving out FREE glasses !
Are you bored with your overused & old style glasses? Now is the time for you to replace those tired, outdated glasses that you may have had for so long and trade them in for glasses that are up-to-date, fashionable and perfect for you! It's also a given fact that we should have our eyes checked and glasses prescription updated once a year to reduce the risk of our eyesight deteriorating from using old prescription eyeglasses! Actually, I just recently got my first pair of reading (sewing) glasses.  I want my sight in the best shape possible.   Firmoo is offering FREE glasses (Frames + Lenses + Shipping = $0!) as well as discount coupons, so that any one of you can take an advantage of them! Furthermore, if you are a first time customer at Firmoo, you can also get your first pair for free . Only pay a minimum $6.95 shipping fee.But for those who missed the free pair, you still don't have to be discouraged because they have another limited time offer which will save you 20% off on frames + total shipping fee

 

Enjoy your good luck at http://www.firmoo.com/z/crazy-giveaway.html  And don't forget to wear sunglasses everyday to further protect your eyes (and throw on some sunscreen too)!

100 Days of Tombow Art Supplies

Amazing that Tombow has been around 100 years, making art supplies.  As a part of their "100 Days of Tombow", I receive some great art supplies and they donate to the Council for Arts Education- Win-Win!  I believe art education is so important.  One thing I vowed I would do for my kids is to always have plenty of materials on hand for them to create and express themselves.

Tombow makes these beautiful pastel colored pencils in shades like crocus, hyacinth blue and apricot.  The markers come in vibrant colors and have 2 tips- a brush and fine tip.  The Stamp Runner makes applying adhesives so easy.

My daughter and I had fun making cards.

I made Artist Trading Cards too.  This month's theme is our favorite book.  I chose Barbara Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible.  I used the markers and the Stamp Runner.

On the back is the label and pieces of a picture of a grapefruit.

Thanks Tombow!

Upcoming Class- Barbados Bag at Quilting Adventures

Barbados Bag Class at Quilting Adventures

Meet the Barbados Bag- possibly the perfect sized bag for your everyday needs!

Loads of pockets!  Class meets May1 and 15, 2013, 5:30-8:30pm

Come sew one with me at Quilting Adventures.

Sign up today!



Feline Friday-Vinal Cross Body Bag

My favorite red vinal shoulder bag that my daughter gave me 1 1/2 years ago is wearing out.  I needed a replacement.  Looking in the Feb/Mar. 2013 issue of Sew News magazine, I found the perfect bag.  I used red and orange marine vinal, a loud combo I know, but a statement bag for summer is what I want! 

It has swivel hooks and "D" rings to attach the straps.  The front and back look the same.

You can wear it with the flap up for more room.

A magnetic snap closes the bag securely.

Inside, there are 2 pockets.  Please notice the cats on the lining (it is Feline Friday after all!).

The textured panels called for a product I didn't have so I used tucks instead.

And of course, Emma wanted to be in the picture too.

A few notes- I left out the extra interfacing called for in the instructions.  I would use a stitch length of 3 but no longer.  Reinforce the strap tabs!  I love this purse!

The Winner is...

Most popular PDF Sewing pattern by Cat Song Stitchery is the Gig Bag!  The Gig Bag is so much more than a custom musical instrument case; it is also a custom sports equipment bag!  Anything you want a case for, can be made using these instructions.  Available on etsy, patternspot, and craftsy.  

Recent customer comment: "Thank you. The instructions look easy to follow." - Rebecca from Aberdeen, WA.

Craftsy's Spring Sale

It's time for Craftsy's spring sale! Starting April 5th through April 8th, a different set of Craftsy classes will be on sale each day, up to 75% off their normal price. Don't see the class you want on sale? Check back tomorrow - a fresh pick of courses will be on sale!   http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=458092&u=706178&m=29190&urllink=&afftrack=
 Click here for details.  And don't forget my pattern shop on Craftsy- instant downloads!

If You Missed Signing Up....

If you missed signing up for Alterations and Repairs, not to worry, I also teach private lessons!  You can take as many or as few lessons as you need.  Think of me as your sewing coach and cheerleader.  Any questions I can answer by email (or phone) are free!