dreaming of summer

This lavender sachet reminds me of summer since I picked the buds from a friend's garden. I found the wonderful tutorial here: http://checkoutgirlcrafts.blogspot.com/2009/08/ready-to-sachet-tutorial.html. I hadn't learned yet how to close a seam, so the left side looks a bit sketchy.

envelope-style pillow cover

This is one of my favorite IKEA fabrics. It's not cheap ($8/yard), but it's just fabulous. The covers on these pillows were looking really old and worn out and now they look fresh and new.

silent auction items

For my daughter's school fundraiser, I donated these items to their annual silent auction (and family dance!) The skirt pattern is fabulous and great for beginners. You can purchase and download it from Fabritopia (http://www.fabritopia.com/evelyn-apron-skirt-pdf-sewing-pattern-instructions.html). It's called the "Evelyn Apron Skirt" and my kids get compliments every time they wear theirs.

first projects

These are two of the first sewing projects I tried, back in September 2009. The skirt is the "twirly skirt" pattern from House on Hill Road (http://houseonhillroad.typepad.com/photos/twirly_skirt/). It's a free tutorial that I highly recommend, especially for beginners. I can't remember which book I got the reversible bag pattern from, but the fabric was clearance IKEA home dec.

earth friendly sewing

Another gem from Lexie Barnes' Sew What! Bags. A great way to stylishly store all those plastic grocery store bags I seem to accumulate even though I try to store reusable totes in my car.

cute little deer

Close up of some fabric from JoAnn's. It was from their Christmas collection and 60% off, so was $2 a yard. Not bad, especially since I can use it all year round.

wristlet obsession

I can't seem to be able to stop making these wristlets! Here are four more I made tonight. The Dia de los muertos bag is from a cute messenger bag I made for my daughter a few months ago with fabrics she chose. Work is about to get very hectic, so I think I'm sewing fast and furious since getting in an hour or two in the near future will be nearly impossible.