the rest of my Christmas gift sewing . . .

My kids picked names with my nieces/nephews for Christmas this year, which meant that we had four gifts to bring.  So to save some $$, the kids came to the craft room with me and picked through my fabric and decided on what I should make.

For my 2 year old niece and 18 month nephew, we decided on backpacks.  Now they can carry their own stuff around instead of my sisters needing to take a diaper bag along.  The pattern is from Oliver+S Little Things To Sew, and the one that I made for my little guy has been getting lots of use around here.

For my 5 year old niece, we decided on an apron (no photo) and a Tinkerbell tissue pouch/notebook holder set.

And for my 10 year old niece, she had requested a cross-body purse and it was also my chance to try out a pattern from my new Sew Serendipity Bags book that I won on the ZiaMariaDesigns blog.

Then the night before gift opening, I found the time to make a quick pair of matching pyjamas for my two oldest girls.  I had won these two yards of Fly Away fabric on the Red Fish Circle blog a little while back (fabric line to be released Feb 2012), and it was just enough for two pairs of pyjama pants and some appliqué circles on some purchased shirts.  And I'm happy to say that these have been worn every night since :)

And that concludes my 2011 Christmas sewing.  I enjoyed taking the time thinking about each recipient and creating something just for them.

Sewing Industry: My Reflections + Predictions

This is part of a link-up at Sew, Mama, Sew!  Head on over and check it out!

Looking back at the 2011 sewing scene, what trends stand out in your mind?

Aqua and red - almost makes me want another baby girl so I can make a baby quilt with it . . .

Lots of solids being incorporated into quilts, I'd love to make a 'solids-only' quilt for my hubby one day . . .

What were some of your favourite things related to sewing this past year?

My new Baby GO! that was given to me by the generous folks over at Accuquilt . . .

And the dies that I need to make much better use of . . 

What did you make that you’re most proud of? (Share a photo in your post!)

I'm loving this quilt I just gave away for Christmas.  I think I need to make another . . .

What sewn projects have you seen this year that you absolutely love?

I've been in awe of the cathedral windows quilts floating around.  I hope I have the skills and patience one day . . .

Do you have a favorite sewing book or pattern from the past year to recommend?

LOVE this book that I received last month, I'd recommend it to anyone interested in bag making . . .

Are there any trends you’re over and done with?

I feel like I might offend someone out there, but the whole big white space and random spacing on quilts is not really my thing . . . I guess I'm more of a symmetrical quilter, and love it when the quilt shows off the fabric prints.

What are your thoughts about social media? How is it going for you? What do you love or hate?

I haven't really jumped on the Twitter and Pinterest wagons yet, but I love browsing Flickr and am a faithful blog reader.  Seeing the new fabric lines and what people create with them is so inspiring!

Did you have a favorite fabric collection or print in 2011?

There were so many beautiful new lines, and Aviary2 is one that jumps to my mind pretty quickly . . .

What do you predict for 2012 in the sewing industry?

Hopefully more beautiful fabrics, and more quilt designs.  And I would LOVE to see a blog hop for some bias tape makers (just like Accuquilt did with the Baby GO!) . . . this would be so handy for preparing quilt binding . . .

Can you tell us what to expect from you in 2012? Any big projects or life-changing goals?

I hope to continue creating quilts, bags, clothes and totes for friends and family (and hoping that my little guy keeps napping till he hits kindergarten so I can find the time to sew) . . .

Bloggers Choice Fat Quarter Bundle . . .

There's a little competition going on over at Quokka Quilts sponsored by the Fat Quarter Shop.  What you need to do is select 12 prints and 3 solids and make your own Designer Select bundle.

For my bundle, I chose fabrics for a quilt for our master bedroom.  The colours are a mix of charcoal, gray, green, and black.  I avoided floral prints (something my hubby would not like) and I really like the end result.  I'm going to be very tempted to order this bundle after the contest ends.

The prints I used:

1. Circa 1934 Black Ginger YardageSKU# 37003-24 
2. Nature Elements Moss YardageSKU# NE-102 
3. Impressions Green Medallion YardageSKU# PWTY020-GREEN 
4. Palladium Gray Tear Drop YardageSKU# STELLA-10-GRAY 
5. Outfoxed Brown Wild Vines YardageSKU# 5573-N
6. Heirloom Green Opal YardageSKU# JD52-GREEN
7. Fleur Noir Grey and Black Brocade YardageSKU# 33187-2   
8. Impressions Green Ivy YardageSKU# PWTY017-GREEN 
9. Grand Bazaar Charcoal Spade YardageSKU# DS5073-CHAR-D 
10. Yard Sale Grass Basketweave YardageSKU# STELLA-2-GRASS 
11. Tuxedo Collection Black Small Damask YardageSKU# C2696-BLACK
12. Palladium Gray Gridlock YardageSKU# STELLA-3-GRAY 
13. Kona Cotton Charcoal YardageSKU# K001-1071 
14. Kona Cotton Moss YardageSKU# K001-1238
15. Bella Solids Soft Finish Black YardageSKU# 9900-199 

A quilt for my big sis . . .

Now that Christmas is over, I can show some of the presents I've been working on!  This quilt was my 'big project' this year.  We pick names between my parents and siblings, and this is for my 'twin' sister (we share a birthday but we're actually 2 years apart).

The quilt pattern is called New Wave by Oh, Fransson! and the fabric is from the Cloud9 Across the Pond collection with a solid white organic fabric for the sashing.  The backing is an extra-wide solid blue flannel.

I straight-line quilted, and used my foot as a guide on either side of the ditch.  I love this method - more forgiving than in-the-ditch, and I love the way the quilting looks on the back of the quilt.  I forgot to take the finished measurements but it is a very generous lap-size, almost a twin.  

And I'm happy to say that with four siblings, I now have only one left to make a quilt for!  I made this one for my brother in 2009 and this one for my little sister in 2010/11.  So now I just have my oldest sister left to make one for - hopefully it will get done in the new year.

Christmas Greetings . . .

Two Peas In a Pod ~ Tie Front Tote

This pattern is from an online class and is a great way to see step-by-step instructions if you're fairly new to bag making, or are a visual learner.  All the measurements and instructions are included in the class, so it's not necessary to purchase the pattern separately.  The designer Trish does a great job and you'll be impressed with the quality of the video and editing.  You can find more Two Peas in a Pod patterns in her shop.

The fabric I used is from Riley Blake's Feeling Groovy line and a coordinating fabric for the lining.  I modified the measurements to make my finished tote a bit smaller, and it was a gift for a birthday party that one of my daughter's was invited to.  It's a very quick tote to sew up, and the tie gives it a fun unique look.  Definitely a pattern I will go to again when a birthday invite comes home.

Linking up to TNT Thursday.

Sweet Pea Totes ~ Classy Curvy Handbag

This is my first time using a pattern from Sweet Pea Totes.  The designer Mary is a bag-maker extraordinaire and has MANY beautiful finished bags in addition to her patterns in her shop.  The unique thing about this pattern, is that it is one of four designs that you can purchase as an E-book or through Simplicity as a printed pattern.  The E-book is great for beginners or someone that likes more detailed instructions - it is 32 pages long and full of photographs and easy to follow step-by-step instructions.  The Simplicity pattern is your typical paper pattern and all the instructions fit on one side of the fold-out sheet; a second bag pattern is included in the same envelope.

The fabric I used is from Anthology's Rendezvous line and the button was picked up from Jo-Ann's.  The bag came together quite easily and I love how many details are included in the design.  The finished bag is quite roomy, making it great for carrying a few extra things or a lunch.  This is definitely a pattern I would make again.

Linking up to Manic Monday, Take-A-Look Tuesday and Fabric Tuesday.

SMS Giveaway Day Winners!

THANK-YOU so much to everyone who stopped by and entered my giveaways for the Sew,Mama,Sew! Giveaway Day!  I am just blown away by the number of comments, and so thankful for those that decided to follow my blog.  I've worked with a number of sponsors and hosted a bunch of fabric giveaways this past year, and hope to continue to do so in 2012.

So without further ado, here's the winners . . .

Giveaway #1 - Stack of FQ's

Congratulations to Laurel!

Giveaway #2 - Handmade Tote

Congratulations to Natalya Hoak!

Giveaway #3 - Baby/Toddler Quilt

Congratulations to Dawn!

I'll email all the winners to get your mailing information.  THANKS again to everyone for entering!

SMS Giveaway #3 - Baby/Toddler Quilt

I'm going to be hosting three giveaways for SMS Giveaway Day to say THANK-YOU for all the amazing online crafters that inspire me every day and all my wonderful and supportive followers!  I've also been blessed by winning a bunch of giveaways this past year, and want to spread the joy of giving!

So here's Giveaway #3 - this sweet little quilt is made from the Tweet Tweet line by Moda.  It's sure to make a special gift for a little one, or you can use it as a wallhanging in a child's room or the playroom.

To enter, just answer the question, what's your favourite handmade gift to give or receive?
And to thank all my followers (new & old), you can leave an extra comment for a bonus entry.

Open internationally.  Giveaway ends December 16th.  Winner will be picked by random.org.

Good luck!

SMS Giveaway #2 - Handmade Tote

I'm going to be hosting three giveaways for SMS Giveaway Day to say THANK-YOU for all the amazing online crafters that inspire me every day and all my wonderful and supportive followers!  I've also been blessed by winning a bunch of giveaways this past year, and want to spread the joy of giving!

So here's Giveaway #2 - a 241 Tote made especially for one of you!  This tote has lots of handy pockets (I love the outside ones for my keys and cell phone!), and has a longer strap so it can be worn cross-body.

To enter, just answer the question, what's your favourite style/size of bag?  If you have a pattern suggestion, please leave it in your comment!
And to thank all my followers (new & old), you can leave an extra comment for a bonus entry.

Open internationally.  Giveaway ends December 16th.  Winner will be picked by random.org.

Good luck!

SMS Giveaway #1 - Stack of FQ's

I'm going to be hosting three giveaways for SMS Giveaway Day to say THANK-YOU for all the amazing online crafters that inspire me every day and all my wonderful and supportive followers!  I've also been blessed by winning a bunch of giveaways this past year, and want to spread the joy of giving!

So here's giveaway #1 - a custom fat quarter stack that I ordered just for today!  It contains two prints from Aviary 2, two coordinating designer prints, and 2 Kona solids.

To enter, just answer the question, what would you make with this lovely bundle?
And to thank all my followers (new & old), you can leave an extra comment for a bonus entry.

Open internationally.  Giveaway ends December 16th.  Winner will be picked by random.org.

Good luck!

Notebook holder tutorial . . .

I've made several of these quick little notebook holders now, and thought I'd share the tutorial for the Handmade With Love tutorial round-up.  The notebooks I used are a standard size (5.5" x 3") but a slightly larger one would still fit.  I used my KamSnap pliers and a plastic snap for the closure, but you could use velcro or a button as well (you might just have to attach one side of it to your main fabric piece before assembling).  All seam allowances are 1/4" and it's a great project for leftover scrap fabric.

Cut out your pieces:
Main outer - 7" x 9.5" (interface this piece)
Inside main - 7" x 5" (cut two)
Inside coupon/calculator pocket - 5" x 4.5" (cut two)
Inside notebook holder pocket - 6" x 5" (cut two)
Closure - 7" x 2" (cut interfacing 3.5" x 2" and interface half of piece)

Take closure piece, fold it in half matching short ends, and stitch both long sides.  Trim seams, clip corners, and turn right-side out. Press.

Center closure piece on one short side of the main outer fabric, and stitch 1/8" from edge to secure.

Take your two sets of pocket pieces and stitch both sets right-sides together on 5" edge.  Press in half, wrong sides together. 

Layer your pocket pieces on top of your main inside pieces.  Put smaller coupon/calculator pocket on left, and larger notebook pocket on right.  Sew the middle seam, right-sides together making sure to sew through all layers of pockets and main inner pieces. Press seam open. (Note: I placed a notebook in the picture just to show the difference between the notebook pocket and main inner fabric because I used the same print for both).

Layer outside and inside pieces of notebook holder right-sides together, making sure to put the closure piece on the same side as the larger notebook pocket.  Sew around entire outside edge, leaving a 4" opening for turning, and double-stitching over closure.  Clip corners, and turn right-side out.  Press.

Topstitch entire outside edge, making sure to close opening that was used for turning.  On inside piece, also make two lines of topstitching - one on either side of middle seam.

Attach one snap centered near end of closure.  Close notebook holder and mark where the other half of snap should be placed.   For second-half of snap, hide backing inside of coupon/calculator pocket.

And you're done!  You have a handy little notebook holder to throw in your purse or give as a gift.

And why not make a tissue pouch or a chequebook cover to match?

Here's another set I made for one of my daughters (she's already on her third notepad).

I hope you have fun with this little tutorial!  Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.

Linking up to Confessions of a Fabric Addict, Sew & Tell Friday, and Finish It Up Friday.