These are the lovely items I received in my package from Teachart.  She is a truly talented lady!!!  I love it all!  My 11 yr-old daughter is jealous b/c she loves the handbag.  What's not to love?  The Phish decal with the awesome beadwork.  The mushroom button.  The lion bead on the shoulder strap.  The cool appliques and different fabrics.  I love Lindt dark chocolate and couldn't wait to rip into the bag and wolf down a few. I have the headband on my head right now.  The linens were given to Teachart by her mom.  Can you tell I'm excited!!!!  Thank you, Teachart!!!

I love www.urbanthreads.co m!! I can always find a design that fits my personality perfectly. This pattern pretty much sums up how I feel about crafting. It was so relaxing to work on this.  I can't wait to get started on my next Urban Threads design. 

I got this great tutorial here:http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/2009/06/basic-messenger-bag.html, and made this fun and functional messenger bag.  I rescued a pair of my hubby's old pants from the donation pile, and set to work!  I got the super cool owl fabric at Hobby Lobby and for the longest time I couldn't figure out what to do with it.  Then I noticed the colors in it paired nicely with the khaki pants.  I did not put the back pocket on my bag, but I did put one on the inside (actually 2 pockets made from one big one).  I also embellished the front flap with a small owl applique.  The really cool thing about this bag is it is reversible.  If I'm feeling especially funky, I turn the owl-patterned side out, and if not, I go khaki.  I can't wait to fill it up!  This bag would be great to make if you are someone who shies away from zippers, buttons, and snaps (because there are none!!). 

Front view of outside of bag


inside of front flap


bag turned inside out with view of inside double pocket


inside view of bag


owl applique on front, right corner

I got this great design from www.urbanthreads.co m, and could not wait to hand-embroider it.  It was so fun and relaxing to work on it, and now I have a great pic to hang on the wall of my bedroom.  Embroidery is my newest addiction, so it looks like all my family and friends will be receiving embroidery for Christmas gifts.   

I love to machine-sew, but decided to try something a little different.  My newest addiction is hand-embroidering.  I have made a few wall-hangings and decided to try embroidering on a knit onesie.  I like the way it turned out.  I got the pattern from www.urbanthreads.co m.  I love their designs, especially the "earthy" ones.

Here is a dress and panties I made for a friend who is expecting a baby this spring.  I ordered the fabric online from a company called Chez Ami.  It is cotton twill and so easy to work with.  I also plan on making some matching booties. 

I got this great book for Christmas.  It's called, "One Yard Wonders" by Rebecca Yaker.  I have so much fabric stashed in my closet, but I never use it because most of it is under a yard and a half.  Well, this book is terrific.  On page 234, there are instructions for making a child's messenger bag.  I found some wonderful batik fabric in my stash, and knew I just had to make it.  It was very easy.  My only complaint is there were not enough illustrations to go with the instructions.  My next project from this book might have to be the toddler pinafore smock top for my niece.  Too cute!!

I made this dress with Simplicity pattern 2874.  My 10 yr-old daughter has outgrown dresses like this, but fortunately, my 6yr-old still jumps with joy when I make her a dress.  I showed it to her when she got home from school one day last week, and she couldn't wait to try it on.  She gave me a thumbs up.  Yay!  I got this wonderful flower (and the striped fabric) at my local Hobby Lobby.  They have such great "girly" fabric.





 

A friend of mine just had a baby boy and I couldn't wait to make him a cute little outfit.  I found this fabric at Joann and fell in love with it.  I had so much fun making these pjs.  My cousin is expecting a baby boy in January, so I may be making another pair of these.  

I found an old long-sleeve t-shirt that didn't fit my 6 year-old anymore, and decided it needed a new life.  It was super easy and fun to make.  I simply cut off the bottom of the sleeves and t-shirt, and added a skirt with some cool fabric I picked up on impulse at Hobby Lobby.  I love the way the t-shirt bodice picks up the pink in the flowers of the fabric.  My daughter loves her new dress, and couldn't wait to wear it to school. 

The outgrown t-shirt ready for recon


Shirt marked and ready for for cutting


Cut shirt


Finished dress


My muse, Willow.