What to do...

I have been so busy working on projects that have been learning opportunities 

(ie, big fat failures) 

that I don't really want to post them tonight.  I do have some successes, but the main thing I have been working on is designing and creating a shirt for myself, without a pattern.  

Why without a pattern?  You might ask... 

Well, I really have no idea anymore!

At first it was because I just hate to read patterns. 

But now I'm thinking PATTERNS are starting to look pretty good!   

<GRIN>

 I made one that I knew wouldn't be able to be worn, but after the facing came out so nicely, I was disappointed that I made it from a junky, dirty old sheet!  Because really, no matter how nice it comes out, it still looks like a sheet!  LOL

 

and here...

then another - which I sewed, then cut, then sewed, all trying to avoid making those facings that I made so well in the Sheet-Shirt (above) - mostly because, I think, I wanted to just get one DONE!  And WEAR IT!  Have you ever felt that way?  Sure you have. No comments about this fabric pattern.  

And finally, tonight, I started a third.  I was doing some interesting things, and I think it is going to really look nice when it is complete...

But at this moment I am fairly certain that it won't fit me!  so basically I'm making a dress for my daughter, lol. And I still don't have a new shirt that I like!

So that's it.  I've been making LOTS of zippered pouches, which I love, but haven't posted yet.  I really should, because EVERYONE should make them - they give me such a sense of accomplishment.  They are so cute and useful, too!

Have a great day, and as always,

I hope you get the chance to get creative today!

Give-away Winner!

Thank you to everyone who played!  

The $20 Amazon gift-card give-away goes to Pam, 

from the blog Just Me.  

Congratulations, Pam!

Thank you, everyone!

Lunchbag #1

(Don't forget to click on the link for the $20 Amazon gift card give-away!)

Last winter my kids bought me an insulated lunch bag for my new job.  However, we have a very nice employee kitchen with use of a refrigerator.  I find that I put my food into the fridge and I don't need to carry the bulk of an insulated lunch bag every day.

So, because I have been in love with making bags of every sort - such as here,...  I decided I would try my hand at a lunchbag.  

 

It is simple and in the shape of a paper lunch sack. You can look below and see that the bottom is done the same way that you would do a simple tote bag (or a car trash bag, if you are like me and you LOVE totes).

The lunch sack tutorial uses a button for closure, and I love the look.  You can see the loop here, sewn to the top, used to attach to the button.

I used this tutorial on The Purl Bee.

I will be making a lot more of these!  But I'm going to make them larger. 

I placed a pocket on the front of mine, mostly for decoration, but I thought it would come in handy for some change for the soda machine! Here it is below with a matching keychain.

I hope you get the chance to be creative today!

What I Ate Wednesday

First, don't forget to click the link for the $20 Amazon gift-card give-away!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

I'm not posting a recipe today, just a simple meal.  I can't wait for my garden to start producing veggies!  We got ours in so late this year that I'm eating veggies from my friend's garden!  But even if you don't have a garden, make sure to check out your local farmer's markets.  Most of us have someone or somewhere to buy fresh produce.  Its worth the effort to find out where to buy it!  

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Now, here's what I've got for Jenn's What I Ate Wednesday:

You can see that I'm eating a little healthier.  

Except that I'm not.  

I just LOVE fish and broccoli. 

This was a simple, quick meal - tilapia in olive oil, 

with a touch of butter to help it brown (and for flavor).

Fresh broccoli - ready to be steamed...

And what did I say about eating healthy?  

Of course not.  

I'm topping it off with some of my daughter's birthday cake!

Check out the healthy (and some not-so) meals on Jenn's blog:

  I hope you get the chance to be creative today!

Give-Away Reminder

Just a reminder click on the Give-Away Link on the button below (or on the sidebar or above!) to enter to win a $20 gift card to Amazon!  

Car Trash Bag Sewing Project

My 20 year old daughter asked me to sew her a trash bag for her car.  Sure, you can buy them for $7 or so at Target, but she knows I'm enjoying my sewing projects.

In the collage above, you can see that I used canvas for the interior, because I had a scrap large enough, and using it eliminated the need for any interior strengthening.  Here is the exterior and interior before I put them together:

I made this just like a regular bag.  You can see that I've been making bags since my first success with this one.  

  

You can also see that her headrest has a strange arm-shape that comes off the side, so I had to attach the trash bag to the headrest in a way that would not disturb any passengers. It actually doesn't seem too intrusive to the people in the back seat, but Sas will let me know after some more trial runs!

And you can see below, that it is within easy reach of the driver.
The strap is attached with velcro.

 Or, if she is alone for a long trip, and wants it in the front, she can just move it!

I wasn't sure what design would work best, but we came up with something that we think might work.  I made it tall, so she could put plastic grocery bags in it if she wanted.  It also stands alone so that if she wants to put it on the floor if the car is full of people, then someone can just put it at their feet.

Have a great Independence Day weekend!  ~Also, don't forget to check out my give-away (the link is at the top or use the button on the side)

I hope you get the chance to be creative today!

            

Printable July 4th Flags

Just wanted to quickly share a free printable.


Have you heard of Pick Your Plum? I love it; its such a fun idea. Each day or so they offer something for sale at a REALLY low price.  Usually they offer craft, sewing, or home decor items.

 

I get an email from them, I go check it out, and if it is something I like, I buy it.  However, they get limited quantities, so some things go quickly!  And just for fun, when you make a purchase they put a little something extra into the package.  Sweet!

Go check it out to find out more.

Here is a picture of their item today - except it is a free pdf, to help us celebrate the 4th.

I hope you get the chance  to be creative today!