Modge Podge Anyone? (and yes I am still alive)

Well hello there! Long time no chat, but I am here:)

Finally got around to a little crafting and thought I would share. Made the mom's some flower pots for Mother's Day. I have discovered Modge Podge and I must say I am hooked. I always knew it existed of course, but I had never actually gotten around to messing with it until now. I painted some terra cotta pots (and sealed the inside with some polyeurathane) and wanted to hand paint some designs on them. I am not much of a painter outside stripes and polka dots so I thought why not Modge Podge some fabric onto them instead. I found a couple prints in my stash and cut out the flowers and stuck them on there. It was a fun little project and super easy...and I really like how they turned out! Here is a pic of one of the pots...

Front:



Back:



This is my first experience with painting pots so I don't know how well they will stand up to watering and such. I sealed the insides and outside after many (many, many)coats of the MP. Only time will tell I guess and if not I may have to tweak my methods for next time. If anyone has any pointers please let me know:)

Hope all you mom's out there had a fantastic Mother's Day:)

Tutorials, Tutorials, Tutorials

I have been trolling the Internet the past few days looking for quick-sew gift ideas (quick-sew because I have waited to the last minute...again!). Here are a few neat ones that caught my eye:

Fabric Flowers (featured on SewMamaSew too)

Flexi-coin Purse (I heart that Uhandbag!)

Baby Burp Cloths (Got a baby shower next weekend)

Cute Appliqued Coasters (I am a sucker for owls)

Patchwork Placemats (I think these would be fun for Grandma)

Hopefully I will have some actual photos to share after the Holidays...if I ever get myself back into the sewing room:)

Mama Mia!...Here I Go Again!

The Mama Mia Apron swap comes to a close. Here is what I sent:)

My partner was Becca and she said her favorite part of the movie was the ocean and her favorite color was red. I decided to ignore the favorite color part (sorry Becca!) and focus on the ocean. After sifting thru my stash I found the perfect combo of fabrics to "make the ocean" out of. I decided on the Marie Antoinette apron out of "A is for Apron" (a great aproning resource). This is the end result...







Can you see the ocean in it? I made the ruffles out of some sparkly tulle, some aqua tulle, some sage chiffon and the main panel out of blue satin. The band and ties are fashioned from the thrifted sheet I acquired at Goodwill last summer. Then I used some funky buttons to secure the accordion pleats.



I threw in a recipe for some watermelon sangria, some blue cocktail napkins, an Amy Butler FQ, and some 3-D die cut stickers in a beach motif. Voila, swap package complete!

BTW, I got my swap package from Sherry when I arrived home yesterday (clap, clap)! I will post about it tomorrow...gotta get some pics!

Another Reveal

This time it is my Seams To Me bag...as in the one I received from my WTPS #5 partner (the swap mama and uber sewist Tracey). Thanks Tracey! I love it:) I started carrying it the day I received it and I have had SO many complements!

Check it out everyone!...and DROOL;)

Full frontal



Innards



Reverse



A better look at the cute fabrics, and the awesome wooden handles...such a good idea!

Initial Frenchy's (and I survived!)

Sorry for my long absence! I am seriously bad at blogging in the summer. Come to think of it I am not that much of a regular in the winter either;)...

Anyway, here is what I have been up to lately:



I trained for and ran/biked in a local biathlon. I even took 3rd place in my age group. I think there were only 4 entrants in my age group so it isn't like it is a major accomplishment, but I ran, I biked, I finished! YAY! That there is accomplishment enough for me:) As an added bonus I get a little award for my "3rd place" efforts.



Exercise photos are SO flattering...NOT!


On the sewing front:

I have been a busy little bee...

I just completed some Frenchy bags that are going to be given as bridal party gifts.



6 bags in total. It really went fast (well after the cutting part-which was A LOT of cutting-I think over 100 total pieces-no lie)and I was amazed how easy they went together. I recommend this pattern to anyone at any sewing level.



Each bag has a bridesmaid's initial which was monogrammed for me by my Aunt. I really want one of those fancy machines! They do some cool stuff.



I lined them in some gray broadcloth cotton and lined the pockets with so of the full moon polka dot. I am totally jazzed about them I think they turned out really nice. I hope the bride likes them! She is picking them up later today:)

Seams To Me Reveal

Tracey has received the item I made for her so I can share finally share the photos.

Here it is...



I decided to make the "I'll Take One of Everything Bag". I love the way it turned out! Although I did think it would be a little larger...I think if/when I make one for myself I will enlarge the pattern pieces so it will turn out bigger. I made it out of Katie Jump Rope fabric from my stash (some of my FAVORITE fabric).

One thing I really love about AMH's book...a lot of the projects don't appear require a huge amount of fabric so I think I am going to be able to use up some of my scraps. This is pretty exciting since my scrap pile is now occupying a rather large box...it could use a little dwindling:)

Excitement is in the air and I am having a GIVEAWAY!

This is a sticky post...new posts found below until contest closes on the 20th:)

********EDITED********

Okay, everyone, I am so excited!!! I am participating the We The People Swap Episode #4, hosted by the wonderful Tracey, and in this round we are making weekender bags! YAY! Not only do I get to make this awesome bag for someone, but I get one in return!

So today I have finally decided on my fabrics...and I am going to give all of you a chance to guess which ones they are. Those of you who guess correctly will be entered in a drawing to win a frankenpug wallet (inspired by 'this darn kat' tutorial)!!! So exciting right?!?

Here are the choices...

Fabrics for the main body of the bag:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Fabrics for accent and lining:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.



Ok, so here's the rules...EDITED

Select a main fabric and and accent fabric (you can identify them by number) and type your selection, along with your wallet color preference, in the comments section of this post. Those of you who guess the right combination will be placed in a hat,or into the RNG, and one lucky person will be the recipient of a frankenpug wallet. Only one entry per person. Contest will remain open until 2/20. Good guessin'!

New Rules:

Posting a guess will give you 1 entry
Spreading the word will give you 1 more entries
Guessing one of the fabrics correctly will give you 3 extra entries
Guessing both fabrics correctly will give 5 extra entries.

Add em up and that could equal 10 entries!


oh yeah...I will announce the winner on 2/28 (the swap deadline)

Peek in the variety of sneak...

Ok...I finally re-batteried my camera! Everyone do the happy dance with me:)

I wanted to share a sneak peek of the mini quilt in a bag I am making for Jill. It is nowhere near as awesome as the one she made me (and I have only seen the sneak peek of mine-I am totally excited to see the whole thing in person!) , but for a first timer I don't think it turned out too bad. Here is a little sneak for now. You will be able to see the whole thing once I get it completely done and it has been received by Jill.

Winter Sassy Apron

The fair Katy of Queensland (check out her blog...she is one crafty gal)has received her Sassy Apron so I can share photos with all of you. YAY! I know you are all on the edge of your seats in anticipation...haha.

So here it is...





I did the Emmeline by Sew Liberated. I thought that would be the best way to make a holiday apron and a winter apron since it is a reversible pattern. It can be worn on the Christmas side for the rest of the month then flipped around for the rest of the winter. I added a little yo-yo pocket to the "winter side" which didn't turn out as nicely as I had envisioned, but I don't think it looks too bad.

I also included some cookie cutters, pencil box and magnets, and some list making paper:)



Happy Christmas, Katy! I am glad you enjoyed your sassy package!

Doing the Peruse

Ok, so I am bored so I was perusing fabric webistes (shocker!!) and I stumbled across some yummy fabrics that are making their debut in early 2009! Here are a couple...ok a few...ok A LOT...that make my little sewing heart go pitter-patter:)

Garden Friends by Jay McCarroll (Yeah, of Project Runway fame)

Coming in February 2009...here are a couple of my favorite swatches:









Woodland Wonderland also by jay McCarroll

Also coming in February 2009







Urban Flannel by Valori Wells

Coming this month (if it isn't already out there)







Treetop Fancy by Tina Givens

Coming in January 2009









That is what I have for now...I am going to keep digging;)

Laters...

Mini Quilt Swap Goodies Recieved!

I recieved my goodies from Spinster Handmade for the Mini-Quilt swap. Such a lovely collection! I hope I can do them justice. This will be my first quilt ever! I have tons of ideas rolling around...hopefully I can channel them into sewing up something fun:)

I am hoping to get started this weekend...I will post my progress as things start moving along.

My camera is suffering from dead batteries so to peek at the fabrics click here. I hate it when I can't put pics in my posts...but apparently I hate buying batteries more...lol!

Laters:)

Swaps and Such

I recently participated in the We The People Swap (III) over at itching 2b stitching which was great fun! I recommend joining up if she hosts another round of them next year!

My partner was Hope and here is what I sent her.



Just kidding...she has received it so I can show you the goods:)



The swap requirements were 1 pattern and 1 charm pack from your partner's wish list. I sent her the Urban Chiks 1974 charm pack from Moda (which I have now decided I must have!) and the Cupcake Pincushion pattern by Sandi Henderson (also something I now must have...lol). We could throw in any little extras we wanted-it wasn't required, but I threw in a couple things. I added a couple 1930's repro fat quarters, a fabric covered button (covered by me-which is a fun little hobby), and a couple lengths of ribbon that match the charm squares.

I had a good time getting all of this stuff together and I mailed it way early!! Cha-ching...I am usually a late mailer. Score 1 for Heather, procrastination ZERO! I am trying to turn over a new leaf;)

BTW, I also finally got my Mini Quilt Swap goods into the mail...they are on their way to Spinster Handmade...can wait to see she does with them!

Fabric for Grabs!

I found a giveaway! This one has 2 yards (yes, 2 YARDS) of Denyse Schmidt Flea Market Fancy fabric up for grabs!!!

I was having issues making a button so click here to be redirected to Little Blue Cottage. The drawing is Wednesday so scurry your little behind over there and enter!

Good Luck (to me...lol)

Fabric Finds

Everyone who reads my blog (all 6 of you...lol) knows I LOVE fabric. I just thought I would share some faves I have stumbled upon of late. You all have probably seen them before...I am not the most informed fabricaholic:)

Feathered Friends by Wendy Slotboom



Bell Bottoms by Jennifer Paganelli



Alexander Henry Novelties & Geometrics



Sugar Snap by Melissa Averinos



Also, a couple sewing patterns I must make room for in my pattern box(es)...

Fresh-Picked Pincushions ~ Heather Bailey Sewing Pattern



Happy Stacker Ring Toy ~ Heather Bailey Sewing Pattern



Cupcake Pincushion Sewing Pattern ~ Portabellopixie



Claire Sewing Pattern ~ Portabellopixie



Feather Your Nest ~ Amy Butler Sewing Pattern



and oh so many more:)