Key Chains

Surfing around for a new (and small) project to add to items I'm making, I've come upon key chains. They're simple, durable, fabric-focused and quick to make. I had hoped to use the scraps from other projects to make a bunch, but I'm finding that the scale of the pattern on the fabric matters. Most of what I buy is medium to large-scale, but smaller-scale patterns seem most coherent. I'm interfacing the fabric before sewing it to the colored webbing, so these key chains should be pretty and practical for a long time.

Simply Messing

I have lately been reading the first few chapters of The Wind In the Willows with my son's Junior Great Books group at school. In the first chapter Mole, very inexperienced in the world, meets Rat who lives the high life on the river. He tells Mole, "Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing--absolutely nothing--half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Simply messing....messing--about--in--boats; messing---"
The fourth graders find this section very funny, and can completely picture the complete joy and distraction some people find with that one special passion. I am thoroughly entertained by fabric. Simply messing around in my sewing room is endlessly entertaining and almost always very satisfying.

Tote Bag

L is looking for a canvas bag to replace a handy and long-lasting canvas tote bag. She wanted the splashy Japanese floral fabric worked into the design. I used black canvas for the body of the bag to maximize durability. Encased seams mean there are no raw edges inside or out. A zippered pocket hangs from the top edge inside the bag. All-in-all, I'm pleased with the project. There may come a time soon when I'll need to redo my grocery tote bags in colored canvas with fancy fabric accent pockets. Nothing is too good for my sale crackers and store brand dish soap.

Party Favors

My niece was recently baptized, and the party that followed needed favors. Starting with the colors of the party, I made pouches with a silk-screened message to mark the big day. I think personalizing the pouches makes them more fun, and I hope the party guests will find treasures to store inside their gift.

Essentials Bag

This flat-bottomed zippered pouch is large enough to hold a range of collections. It measures 9 inches wide by 5 inches tall and is 2 1/2 inches deep at the base. It can stand on its own to corral bedside whatnots, small craft items, or desk supplies. I put a pocket on one side of the bag. I'm thinking this pouch would also be pretty made with one side of natural linen and one of a patterned Japanese linen fabric. Because of a different stabilizer and heavier-weight lining fabric, this new bag is beefier than the smaller flat pouches I am so fond of making. But, there is still plenty of room for combining fabric and beads. Perhaps I'll sew a whole bunch for this summer's farmers' market.

Favorite Tools

There is little better than the right tool for the job. A gadget that saves time, reduces frustration and improves the final craft result is fabulous. My current favorite tools include an adjustable hand vise for installing key fob hardware, a chisel for slicing exact magnetic clasp holes and custom ironing hams for pressing flat-bottomed pouches.

New Pouch

I've been playing around with flat-bottomed pouches in different sizes. This small one has a short side loop for using as a wristlet. It can hold a few essentials out on the table or secure in a larger bag. Experimenting with stabilizer combinations has yielded a bag that will stand on its own. Cute, right?

Sister Scooter Bags

I made these two smaller messenger-style bags for the significant others of brothers. The Japanese scooter fabric lends itself to a stripe across the back of the bag. Inside is a zippered pocket and an open pocket. A beefy 18 mm magnetic snap holds the front flap down, though the overall square shape of the bag also secures items inside. I've made this pattern several times now, and still find it fun to play with. Maybe a zippered pocket on the outside is on tap for the next generation of this purse.

More Color

I know you're supposed to limit your color to one or maybe two places on your person at any one time. With a necklace as bright as this one, it may even be prudent to wear all black the day before and the day after putting it on. But I like color and pattern. I like it in my house. I like it in my crafts. I don't draw the line in my closet. Bring on the color!

A Year of Blogging

One year has elapsed since I started keeping track of my craft projects online. I have thoroughly enjoyed channeling the extra time that comes with children who sleep through the night and eat off their own plates into bright and shiny beads, colorful fabric and ridiculous numbers of zippers. And, since the local farmers' market gives me a place to distribute finished projects, I have avoided becoming what my sister in-law termed the fabric equivalent of "the cat lady".
So, 2009 was a fabulous year of crafting, and especially sewing. I can further report I am not up to my eyeballs in zippered pouches, having sold 550 items since the summer to the fine shoppers of Urbana, my friends and my family. What a kick!

Blue Earrings

I haven't played around with beads for quite some time, so the best way to rejoin the creative flow is to make something simple. I found these lovely hand-hammered silver earwires and headpins online and added three pleated beads to each one. Voila! Fast and cute, even my husband noticed they were new.

Twas The Night Before Christmas

Cross-stitched stockings hang by the chimney with care. I designed them a little wider than the typical stocking to hold just a few more treasures from Santa each year. Though they require wire at the top to stay straight, they get the job done. The countdown is finished and Christmas is here.