Tuesday, April 30, 2013

My Recent Creation

Hello! I know I haven't blogged anything since my finishes, but I haven't been feeling well. I have had a headache for three days that just won't quit. I guess I need to just deal with it and get up and sew. I may do that later today. I'm tired of sitting in my recliner all day with my head covered up. We changed allergy medicine because I told hubby I might need a change, but nope. Not a good idea. My head is giving me fits. I think it is sinus issues. So back to generic Claritin it will be. I wanted to share with you the handbag I made for my daughter for a late birthday/ Mother's Day gift. I have had a lot of compliments on Facebook on my purse, and it makes me feel good. :D I added photos to show you the process I went through, somewhat, while making it.  So, here goes:  I purchased the outside fabric from Hobby Lobby. It is by Brother and Sister Designers. I really like how it looks on this bag. The pattern for the purse is Margo Bag by Lazy Girl Designs. They have several different styles of handbags.




This is all pieces laid out to begin. The pattern is on the left. Lazy Girl Designs: Margo Bag
 Beside the pattern to the right, you see my outside and inside of pocket fabrics I will use. To the right of that is the fabric I used for the pockets. The lining is the black with white version of the pocket fabric.

This is the outside pocket for the handbag
To make this part of the bag, the pattern included a template drawing for the cut out for the pocket. (The area where it comes down from the top to the sides of the pocket piece).

This is the inside pocket lining for the bag. As you can see, the outside pocket fabric is underneath here. I sewed the two pieces together and then top-stitched along the top of the pocket area.

This is the back of the handbag. 

This is the strap. It called for batting and interfacing. I used Pellon interfacing and some fleece type material for the batting. I folded over 1/2 in. of the fabric over, then pressed the fusible interfacing to the batting and folder over until I have approximately 1/2" left and then folded under the fabric to hide the raw edge and pressed.

The Strap when top stitching on each side then in the middle to secure. Note: I made the strap 30" instead of the called for 25" in the pattern. I know my daughter and I both like longer straps.

Inside of finished bag The pockets are on both sides of the purse and totals  about ten pockets.


Zipper area of the finished purse.

Finished purse on the front.

Back of handbag.



I love this fabric! What about you? I am very pleased with how it turned out. 

I have to be honest. I usually have so much trouble putting in zippers in handbags. This one is the easiest I have ever put in. I will definitely make this purse again. I need to make myself one. LOL I know she will enjoy this one. Thank you for sharing this time with me. 


NOTE: No payment was received by me for this post or giving credit to Lazy Girl Designs. I purchased the pattern and made the bag myself. I changed the length of the straps for my daughter without input from Lazy Girl Designs. 


Have a blessed day!
Teresa

Friday, April 26, 2013

Friday Finishes!


 Good morning! This is what I have been working on the past few weeks. Yes, I have been busy. No, they are not quilts, but a lot of handwork was done especially on the bed runner and then to the bottom of the pillows to close them up. Of course, I did a lot of hand work on the crazy pillows, but I really enjoyed seeing how they developed.




I am now making a purse for my daughter as a belated birthday present. I think she is really going to like it. I don't think I've ever told you all, but I HATE to put in zippers!!! I thought this was the easiest zipper I had ever put in. That was until I tried to zip it up! Argh!! I was so disappointed! I had to start taking two seams out. Black thread on black fabric is really hard to see! I just finally quit after my eyes started crossing. LOL I will get back to it this morning after breakfast. I can't wait to see it finished. When it is done, I will post pictures as I went through the process of making it. At least  part of the steps.

I pray you have a blessed day and come back to see me!



Tuesday, April 16, 2013

I Have a Finish!!!


First of all I want to say that my thoughts and prayers are with those in the Boston Marathon's bombing that took place yesterday. It is so sad that our country can not have a marathon for people who love to run without someone evil messing everything up: killing and injuring innocent people. Especially when one of the deaths was an eight year old boy cheering on his dad close to the finish line. I am saddened and angry at this tragedy. I pray that the person/s are caught and dealt with soon. The nation of America will stand strong and our hearts and love are with those of you affected by this.


I want to update you on the yoyo bed runner that I've been working on. It is for a client, and I think it looks pretty good if I do say so. LOL I showed you the leaves that I had made for it in yesterday's post. I finished it yesterday by sewing the leaves onto each end. Here is the reveal:

What do you think? I hope that the client will be happy with the results. I have two pillow covers to make to match the bed runner. She plans to put it on a white bed spread. It will really show up well then.

I hope you have a blessed day. Remember Jesus loves you, and I do,too!

Be creative and make someone smile.



Monday, April 15, 2013

Happy Monday


Good morning! I pray you all are doing well. I haven't done a lot of sewing lately with family visiting, etc. but I did get something accomplished yesterday. I made twelve leaves for the yoyo bedrunner I am making for a client. Here is a pic of them:



This is the first time I have ever made leaves, so I think they turned out pretty good. I used a variegated green rayon thread I purchased at Joann's. I also used a grass green looking thread for the bobbin. The fabric I purchased at Wal-Mart, and I don't know who it is by. I will show a picture of the finished project as soon as I get it done and ready to show. I have actually enjoyed making this bed runner. It is the first time I have made yoyos without a Clover yoyo maker. I prefer the look of the ones I make with the maker because they are more consistent, but I think the new owner will be pleased. At least I hope so. I wonder if anyone would like one of these for their bed for Christmas present? Uhmmm need to think about that. LOL

DH told me yesterday that I needed to make another Desert Mirage Quilt for the summer time, but I really don't know how it would make a difference than what I already have, and I told him that that was not going to happen. I will make another quilt for our bed, but not a Desert Mirage. Whew! That one took me two years to make with my fibro issues coming ever so often. With the thousands of little pieces that quilt took, I doubt I will ever do another one.

Well, this is all I have going on at the moment, so I will close for now. Wishing you all a blessed week. Be creative and make someone smile!

Hugs,
Teresa

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Where I've Been Lately

I guess you have been wondering why I haven't posted much lately. I have been enjoying spending time with our daughter and grandson who arrived on the 2nd and stayed until the 9th for an awesome visit. We don't get to spend as much time as we would love to with them because they live five hundred miles away from us. This, of course, makes us sad, but her hubby's job took them there in 2008. We get to go there a few times a year and they try to come up as much as they can. Sometimes her hubby has to stay home to work which is what the situation was this week. It was their spring break. DD home schools DGS, so they can come when they get the chance and the money, LOL. I have added some pictures I took of our last day together. 

As you may know, I live in Alabama. The highest point in Alabama is Cheaha Mountain. It is 2400+/- feet above sea level. I know those of you who live either in Tennessee, Virginia, or out in the north west, that may not seem high to you. But if you can tell anything about the background of the first picture, you can tell we can see a pretty long distance from the top. We had a blast going to Bald Rock which is where a few of these pictures were taken. It is one of the main overlooks that is on the mountain. It is so so pretty there. Of course, the pollen was out in full force that day. The trees were just starting to blossom out, so even thought DH washed the car off before going up there, by the time we got back, it was covered again. 

This was DGS first time there. We took our children when they were small up there several times. Then, the boardwalk was not there, so we walked on a trail through the big rocks to get to the biggest rock called Bald Rock. The picture of my DH and DGS with their backs to you is on the rock itself. He wanted to go out there off the boardwalk. It sure was a lot easier walking to the rock on the boardwalk. We all went out there and onto different rocky ledges to take pictures and explore. DGS enjoyed himself, I believe. I know I did. It was fun, good exercise, and good Vitamin D exposure. 

I was able to get some really good pictures with my Christmas present camera. I am really pleased with it. It is a Nikon Coolpix. I love it! I hope you enjoy looking at my pictures. DD and DGS made it back home safely on Tuesday and yesterday was her birthday. It doesn't seem like she should be the age she is. I was 20 yo when she was born. She is precious to us as is her brother. We were blessed with the children God loaned to us. They are not only beautiful/handsome people, but smart, talented, loving people, too. We are very proud of them and that they are ours and Gods, of course. 

On the sewing/quilting front, I have all but two rows of four yoyos sewn onto the bed runner. Then I will add the leaves. The crazy quilt pillows are all but done, but I'm waiting until I finish the bed runner and those pillows to send them to the new owner. I sure hope she loves them all. Then, I will be designing and making a fishing pillow for her husband. I am so ready to make a few donation quilts and start on Christmas gifts for next Christmas. 

I hope you have a blessed day. If you live in the areas where the storms are expected or have been, I pray you are safe, and stay safe. Be creative and have fun doing so!!!
Hugs,




Tuesday, April 9, 2013

April Showers Blog Hop (Mug Rug Hop)

NEW BLOG HOP HERE!!!! Check out the wonderful mug rugs that will be presented by each of these great seamstresses/quilters. Hope you have fun hopping!




MONDAY, APRIL 8:

MONDAY, APRIL 8:
Erin @ Sew at Home Mummy
 Patty @ A Stitch in Time
Jenny @ Squawk That
Stacey @ The Tilted Quilt
Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio
Lisa @ In The Boon Docks
Julie @ Jolie Maxtin: the project girl
Beluah @ Sowing Stitches
Karen @ Bungalow Bay Quilts
DeAnna @ Georgia Girl Quilter
TUESDAY, APRIL 9th
Gina @ Sew Much and More
Sharon @ Vroomans Quilts
Theresa @ Bumbleberry Stitches
Jennet @ The Feathered Nest Studio
Patti @ A Yankee in Queen Liz's Court
Gene @ Gene Black - Alabama Artist
Susan @ Susan's Scrappy Domain
Bente @ I Like to Quiltblog
Deb @ Quilting & Other Craft Therapy
Megan @ AnnieOak Designs  
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10th
Hayley @ Mrs. Pickles
Karen @ Sew Much 2 Luv
Mélanie @ Les passions de Cliodana
Cindy @ Quilt Doodle Doodles
Jamie @ Busy Bee Quilts
Judy @ That Other Blog
Regena @ The Distracted Domestic
Amy @ Domesticity and other Ponderous Things
Denise @ My Whittle Adventures
Heather @ a Reformed Heath'n
Marica @ ~Englating~
THURSDAY, APRIL 11th
Kathy @ Kwilty Pleasures
Jill @ Apple Avenue Quilts
Cathy @ Cathy's Chatter
Quilter Kathy @ Kathy's Quilts
Marsha @ Quilter in Motion
Pat @ Life in the Scrapatch
Connie @ Shepody Mountain Crafter
Vickey @ Gingersnaps Quilts
Danielle @ A Geeky Crafty Life
Gwen @ Get More Done...Today
Rachel @ Sew Happily Ever After!
FRIDAY, APRIL 12th
Bobbie @ From This to That
Leslie @ Les Quilts
Kristen @ Meadowbrook
Lavonna @ ZellerWear
Lynn @ Thimblemouse & Spouse
Amy @ Sew Incredibly Crazy
Martha @ Living Life
Shawn @ Creative Inspiraciones
Rhonda @ Sunrise at Ravelly's!
Toye @ Quilting Adventures of a Ginger
MONDAY, APRIL 15th
Cathy @ Cate's Linens
Nicola @ Sunshine Reflections
Martina @ Sunshinequilting
Judith @ Frimart
Anita @ Anita's quilts en handwerken
Linda @ Sew Nicely
Kris @ krislovesfabric
Laura Ann @ The Fuzzy Hat Quilter
Carol @ Just let me Quilt
Selina @ Selina Quilts
Mary @ Crooked Gulley Art Quilts
Marisa @ Passion et Couture
TUESDAY, APRIL 16th
Cathi @ Quilt Obsession
Jane @ Jane's Fabrics and Quilts
Heidi @ Nutz4Redwork
Cherry @ Cherry'sPrairiePrimatives
Christine @ Quilt Monster in my Closet
Vickie @ More Stars in Comanche
Pauline @ Stekje
Jan @ Jan's Art Friendzy
Nissa @ Nissa Made Stuff
Robin @ As Sweet As Peaches
Lyndsey @ Sew Many Yarns
Eleni @ That Other Blog
Wednesday, April 17
Jen @ Quilter in the Closet
Marjorie @ Marjorie's Busy Corner
Elita @ A Pieceful Perspective
Green @ So Sew Green
Mara @ Greco Mara
Wendy @ Why Knot Kwilt?
Gmama Jane @ GrandMama's Stories
Debby @ Debby Kratovil Quilts
Britt-Inger @ Hill Valley Quilter
Connie @ Freemotion by the River
Beth @ Words and Stitches
Kathy @ iHeartSquishy
Thursday April 18
Merry Gay @ Merry Gay in Stitches
Mary @ Sew Maybe I Can
Joanne @ Everyone Deserves a Quilt
Linda @ Buzzing and Bumbling
Mary @ NeedledMom
Sherry @ Peanuts Patchwork
Fredrika @ Feltfree på Åsly 
Shauna @ Welcome to Shauna's World
Sharon @ Dancing thru Threads
Madame Samm @ !Sew WE Quilt!

Friday, April 5, 2013

This Week


Good morning! I just wanted to let you know why I've not posted this week. We have our beautiful daughter and grandson up for the week until the first of next week. So, we have been pretty busy cleaning house to prepare for their arrival and they have been here since Tuesday. Wednesday, we spent the day shopping for necessities like fresh milk from the dairy and cheese and some wonderful Amish Cherry Jam w/o added granulated sugar, new cord for my laptop, some meat from the meat market, etc. We were wore out by the time we got home. Yesterday, daughter, grandson and I went to the America's Thrift Store and Walmart. At the thrift store, I found some craft books; cross-stitch, a Christmas quilt book by Debbie Mumm, and an Mary Engelbreit embroidery book. I am excited! I haven't gotten to look at a couple of them, but I hope I can find something that I want to try in both of those books. I believe I will. With those and a fire truck, plastic horse, motorcycle, and a super hero looking guy for the grandson, I spent $9.15. Pretty cool, huh?


I pray that you all are doing well and being crafty. I've not worked on anything this week other than finishing one of the crazy quilt pillows. Updates on all the projects will come later. Hugs!