Tote-ally Cool

First, I'd like to apologize for the quality of the pictures in this post. I was in a bit of a hurry, and the room was dark, and I'm an amateur, etc. etc.! But, I wanted to show you the beach tote I made for a friend who's getting married soon!

Since she loves France, I tried to find a fabric that reminded me of that. Amy Butler's Love fabric line spoke French to me!



I decided to make the tote simple and functional. Basically, the bride can take it on her honeymoon and carry her sunscreen and towels.



The tote is different on each side! I love doing that for some reason. I think it makes it seem like two bags in one!

I also added gussets on the sides because I think it helps to give the bag shape.



Have a great weekend. You know what we'll be doing! Yes...biking!

The Birdie Sling

The last part of Lindsey's gift was a beach bag/tote bag. She told me that she loves bags and colors, so I wanted to make her something to maybe take with her on her honeymoon or tote stuff around town!

I used Amy Butler's Birdie Sling pattern. Another fabulous pattern by Amy Butler, let me tell you!!! This is the second time I've used this pattern and it was easier than the first time. It certainly wasn't hard to begin with because her patterns are so user friendly, but the more you make something, the better you get at it.

Of course it had to be different on each side. Everything I make is two-sided in case you haven't noticed! Maybe this could be my signature :)

It turned out fabulous! The colors were bright and spring-like. The bag is the perfect size. I know she will enjoy using it!

I try very hard to think about the person and their personality when I make something. Every card, bag, purse, etc. that I make is special to me. Just like the person I make it for. 

If you're looking for a great pattern, this is it! All of Amy's patterns are great! 

pretty blue purse

A good friend asked if I could make her a purse using blues. So, this is what I came up with...

I really love the blues and greens in this fabric. Of course I had to make it different, so here's the other side...

I really like a two-sided purse. It is different (you definitely won't find another one like it) and gives you different options for different outfits. You just carry the side you want people to see facing outwards.

I was very pleased with how this purse turned out. It is the Frenchy Bag from Amy Butler. I absolutely LOVE her patterns. They are so user friendly and Rachel proof!

I sometimes alter the patterns just slightly to fit my taste, but overall it is the same purse. After you use the pattern a few times, you learn what works for you and what doesn't.

I do hope my friend likes it! But, if not...that's ok...I'll make another one!

Have a great Thursday!

Some Christmas Presents

I thought I'd share some of the Christmas presents I made this year!

For my co-worker, a little change purse using the Coin Keeper pattern from Amy Butler...

And, I modge podged a giant "M" for my cousin. She is really into zebra print...apparently that's the thing these days...

And, since she is redesigning her bedroom with the zebra theme in mind, I made her a little accent pillow...

I made our Adopted nieces each a special memory book of our year together. I can't believe that I didn't get good pics closeup to share, but here they are looking at them. I think they were really excited to each get a book with our special moments with them over the past year. They asked if I'd be doing them each one at the end of next year. I said, "of course." So, I guess they liked their books!

Spring tote

I'm so excited about my most recent project, which is for sale in my ETSY shop now! It's a beautiful tote done in gorgeous spring colors from the Amy Butler Midwest Modern fabric line! Oh, I love Amy Butler fabrics. They are so beautiful!

This tote has a large outside pocket, which is great for keeping items like your cell phone and keys for quick access.

The inside is lined with coordinating fabric (matches the handles).

My first dress

Yes, I made this dress. It's my first dress ever! I made a skirt a while back, but didn't really like it. I struggled with the elastic and sizing, but this one was super easy. The pattern is for the Anna Tunic by Amy Butler. It can be a tunic, cami, mini dress, or dress. Multiple patterns in one. I'm working on a tunic now. I'll report in later on that!

Back in December I decided that I wanted to learn to sew. I had attempted and succeeded in making myself a clown costume for Halloween. It wasn't perfect and I didn't win the contest. No biggie! I'm not bitter at all...really, I'm not!

Some of my friends and I talked about taking a beginner sewing class. My one friend said to me, "Can you read?" I said "Yes." She said, "Well, then you can sew." At first I was a little shocked. For sure it couldn't be just that easy. Well, it was. Just...FOLLOW...the...directions. She was right. Thanks, Leslie! You motivated me to get started. Do NOT fear the sewing machine!!!!

I think I started with an excellent "teacher" because I chose the Amy Butler patterns. The first pattern I picked up was an Amy Butler pattern for Stash and Dash bags. My mom couldn't believe that the patterns today were so easy to understand. The techniques are well explained too! There are definitions and lots of pictures. Now, dealing with the sewing machine was more of an issue than making my first bag. I even had to call in Dynamo for assistance in reading the manual. Don't get me started. Sears needs to take some lessons from Amy Butler on their manuals.

I went on from there to make the Birdie Sling by Amy Butler, an elephant by Melly & Me, Henrietta Turtle by Heather Bailey, the Smarty Girl Book Bag by Heather Bailey, two mini quilts (my design), and a few more things! I have found things I like and dislike about each designer's patterns. Some are definitely easier to understand than others. Amy Butler is my favorite. And...I just LOVE her fabrics! My dress is made from her fabric too! It just feels good and the colors are so rich. The designs are so fun and modern!

I hope if you're thinking about sewing you'll give it a try. It is addicting. I am so fortunate to have two sewing machines. My small machine is set up for sewing small projects and cards. My big machine was a gift from my mother-in-law. She shipped it all the way from Florida to me. When we were down visiting in February she offered it to me. She said she no longer used it. I was so excited. It was so generous of her to offer. It's so special because it was her machine. Both of my machines are Kenmore. They are great! My little one was a gift from my mom a few years ago when I first thought I'd give sewing a try. It's robin egg blue. My little mini can do the job of any big macho machine out there.

Have a great Wednesday and do something creative today!

monkey-ing around...

Over the weekend I worked on this little guy! It's a pattern (modified a little) from Melly & Me called Magoo. Isn't he a cute monkey? I like that he has a jagged look. Here is a little closeup shot:

I hate to sew and then turn right-side out. It's just a nightmare for me and with his little arms and legs that would have been so frustrating. So, I decided I wanted him to look a little frayed! I think it gives him texture and personality!

The monkey is a gift for my Adopted Niece, Jordan, whose birthday party is this weekend. Her parents told me that she said "If Aunt Rachel gets me a gift I know she'll make it herself." Needlesstosay, the pressure was on to create a cool birthday gift. I hope he fits the bill. I think the wild Amy Butler fabric makes him special. I'm working on something else...If that works out I'll post it later this week.

Hope he brought you a smile like he did me!