Cotton Wallets

I've been playing with the idea of making wallets. After searching the web for ideas, I came up with a design that would incorporate what I needed- a place for cards, currency and my checkbook. When I go back to the drafting board, I will perhaps include a zippered pocket for change and a loop for a pen.

My concept includes using a section of fabric and making accordian type pleats to create the interior pockets. It is so much easier than cutting out individual pieces and it takes away from the bulk in the seams.

The finished width is about 7-3/4" total. The 6 card pockets are actually large enough to hold 2-3 cards each. The 2 pockets on the opposite side are roomy enough to include receipts if needed.

Want to know te greatest part? This type of project using up your scraps! You can have a cute print on the outside, and your interior can be a coordinating print or a matching solid.

This pattern is for sale in my Etsy shop if anyone is interested in making their own :-)

*HUGS*
Lesley



I'm linking to these great parties!

OOAK 100% Wool Shoulder Bag

Happy Sunday! Anyone have special plans for today? We're planning on heading to my Aunt and Uncle's house for an afternoon of swimming and food. That way we can use the actual Labor Day holiday to rest up before heading back to work.

Today I've got another upcycled shoulder bag, using another pattern from ithinksew called the "Martina" bag. I took apart a man's 100% wool coat and used a red and chocolate print for the lining. I really like how this one turned out, and if it doesn't sell in my Etsy shop, it may go to someone as a Christmas or Hanukkah present.

Front of the bag

Back of the bag

Front of the bag with the flap open. I just love the richness of the red print with the wool. You can also see how I made the pocket placement~ it's perfect for your cellphone or any other small items you need quickly.








Thanks for stopping by today and have a great day!
Lesley

OOAK 100% Linen Shoulder Bag

Lately I've been on a "recycling" kick. I've been using jackets or coats, cutting them up, and turning them into brand new accessories. It's not a new concept, but new to me. My latest find at the Goodwill store was a ladies 100% linen jacket.

*I seriously need to start taking before pictures of the clothing*

To begin with, I started with the Leslie purse pattern from ithinksew. It's a great shoulder bag for this project. I use an initial pattern piece out of scrap fabric, old sheets, anything to lay my "cut up" jacket pieces on.

Cutting the jacket apart is fairly easy. If following the seams you can snip and rip, but not too quickly or you'll hit a grainline and lose valuable material. I arrange pockets for practical use. I re-use buttons for decoration and throw in some embroidery thread with simple patchwork stitches from my sewing machine to create something that is truly one of a kind (OOAK).

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!
Lesley

Charcoal Gray Linen Clutch

Clutches like this are big enough to carry your everyday items, and quick enough to sew in a cinch! I created a very simple pattern (hopefully for sale soon) to whip up these clutches out of a variety of materials. This clutch was made from a Brussels Washer Linen I purchased from Fabric.com. It's a 55/45 Linen/Rayon blend, and when combined with interfacing and batting, makes a sturdy clutch that will be used again and again.



I used a Silhouette flourish design to make a stencil for painting. Remember, if you use a fabric medium, you can use ANY of the bottles of acrylic paint on your items. Without the medium the paint will eventually rub off your fabric :-(


(Back)


(Bottom)


(Interior)

Currently for sale in my Etsy shop: Item No. 97940579 $ 18.00



I've linked up to this party:

New Large Linen Flare Tote

I have made so many of these flare totes I can almost sew them blindfolded! This tote is a larger version of the pattern, and I decided to spice it up a bit by using linen and stenciling a flower on the front.



I used my Silhouette machine to cut a flower image out of vinyl. I then adhered the negative of the vinyl to the front of the bag to fill in the stencil. I used a craft paint in the color "Wasabi Green" for my color. Remember to use a fabric medium with your craft paints so it will adhere properly and not rub off *life experience*



I picked up some braided faux leather handle on a recent trip to Joann Fabrics. They are long enough for the tote to sit on my shoulder and tuck neatly under your arm.



Currently for sale at my Etsy store: Item No. 97929450 $35.00

Pretty Cotton Clutches

New cotton clutches have been added to my Etsy store. I'm thinking about creating a pattern for it, because you can easily create these beauties with one fat quarter and some batting.


Item No. 97415009 $14.00


Item No. 97414915 $14.00


Item No. 97414818 $14.00


Item No. 97414729 $14.00


Item No. 97414628 $14.00

Quilted Flare Tote (Yellow, Red and Black)

New item listed in my Etsy shop!

Vintage Sheet Girls Dress

What do you do when your tomboy daughter suddenly craves TONS of dresses? If you're me you start sewing LOL.

About a month ago, my 7-yr old daughter went to her first Princess dance at school. I took her shopping at Kohls, primarily because I like the selection of clothes for kids. I found an adorable dress clearanced for $16.00. SCORE!! It was faux velvet and embroidered tafetta, left over from the holidays. Still being winter time, the dress was perfect for the occassion.

I made the bad decision of letting her look at additional dresses- the new Spring ones were all so cute. I had no idea my Lil' Boo would go into fashion overload and want EVERY dress she saw.

My solution: Break it too her that I can make her some dresses.

It's easier.

Gentle on the pocketbook.

And I can use up some of my vintage bedsheet stash.

I found this cute Butterick pattern, and decided on it because of the various neckline, sleeve and hem options:


I grabbed a pink/floral sheet and asked Lil' Boo if she wanted sleeves- of course she did :-) I started the dress last night, and finished it up today while she was at school. When I asked her to try it on, she was AMAZED that I got it completed. Honestly this is a super-duper easy pattern to sew. Only 4-5 pieces and bias tape for the neckline. I make my own to match the dress...


Here's Boo modeling for me. She just had to grin big and wide to show off her missing teeth!


She loves that the skirt is full enough to twirl around and around.

I love the idea of using a sheet for this project. It recycles, it's cost effective (I get them for less than $5) and who knows how long this obsession for dresses will last.

Actually I hope it lasts because I already have a son, and really want a girly-girl. Maybe my tomboy is a changing!

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Weekly Pinterest Obsessions

I've been obsessed with pillows here lately. Traditional ones and comical ones too. Granted I never make time to DO these projects, but I love to collect images and organize them :-)


I pinned this pillow from The Chic Ecologist. Possibilities are endless with any solid color and decorative accent in the corner.


This pillow is from an Etsy shop called Pillow Pallooza. She's taken a giraffe print, but changed the tradtional shades of brown and tan to black and turquoise. VERY striking. I'm thinking maybe light blue and brown to fit my needs.


Ms. Pacman just ROCKS. This felt pillow is from The Green Girls. I'm thinking to take it a step further and pairing this pillow with another one that is only black with a few dots, so the concept transfers from one pillow to the other.

Well thanks for stopping by today and have a great weekend.

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Upcycled Punk Rock Girl Handbag

I had the idea for this handbag floating around in my head for some time now. I finally took the time to make it happen LOL.







I started with a worn out gray knit top. I cut 2 rectangles for the main body, then picked a hot pink on pink polka dot cotton for the lining. I cut a skull and crossbones out of white felt and blanket stitched to the front. It measures roughly 6" x 6". I then stitched a hot pink bow off to the side.

Since the gray was knit and would stretch, I ironed on fusible interfacing to the back before sewing. There's also a layer of cotton batting sandwiched in there too.

This item is for sale in my Etsy shop here if you are interested. Thanks for looking :-)

I've linked to this great party:
Freestyle Friday @ Happy Hour Projects

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My Love for A Green Dress

I have a slight obsession with movie musicals. I adore movies like Grease and Moulin Rouge. Mainly because of the fashions involved with the musicals. I have found a new musical and dress that I'm obsessed with.

Truth be told, I don't particularly care for Christina Aguilera. I've never really cared for singers who sing mostly about sex, etc. She's not as bad as Britney, and there's been a few songs of hers I've liked.

So here recently my husband and I switched to Direct TV and we have a plethora of new movie channels to choose from. That's when I saw the movie "Burlesque". I love Cher, I love Stanley Tucci so I thought "What the heck".

I didn't buy that Christina's character was from Iowa. I can buy into people from little po-dunk towns have big dreams and want to move to the big city. But just the way she looked "living" in Iowa didn't cut it with me.

So let's cut to the chase. I loved most of the costumes in "Burlesque".

I would totally wear this number while doing housework. I would shimmy and shake while vacuuming the living room every day of the week LOL.

This little pearl number is just WOWSA to me. Christina sings a song about a man "taking his time" (if you know what I mean). I wonder how Greg would like something like this LOL.

But my end all, be all favorite dress is this one:


I just adore the graceful neckline and color of this dress. With Christina's hair and makeup, it almost didn't even LOOK like her. I'm honestly thinking about trying to find a way to incorporate this look into mine when I dress up to go out. Love LOVE LOVE!!!

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