FO: Snap Tote

Do you know Yahaira?
After a few interactions on flickr, I have gotten to know her on Instagram.
She recently put out a call for pattern testers, and I jumped at the chance. The pattern is her just-released Snap Tote (pattern available here on Craftsy).

And I love it.
I cut this bag out to take on the Wisconsin retreat, and was able to finish it (except for snaps!) very quickly. Jeni was kind of enough to model it for me.
I used a fun vintage-y combination of fabrics, with the lovely Melody Miller flowers, some Architextures lining and Essex Linen.

I omitted the side pocket, but that gusset pocket is my favorite part of the bag.
I will probably make two on the next bag (and yes, there will be another one). I added snaps to it last week, after purchasing a cheap tool at Joanns.

If you'd like to make your own version of this bag, I highly recommend the pattern.
And I have one free copy to giveaway! It is a pdf version, so leave ONE comment to enter!
Tell me what summer treat you are craving today!
Me? I am craving a snow cone, coconut flavored.
Please make sure I can contact you to send your pattern!
I'll pick a winner Wednesday.
Thanks to Yahaira for the chance to test the Snap Tote!

Comments are now closed. Thank you!

FO: Go Anywhere Bag

It's not often that fabric gets cut immediately upon arrival, but when I received this stack from Stash Fabric, I knew I wanted to use them together, and fast.

I bought Anna's Go Anywhere Bag pattern when it was released (almost a year ago, wow!), and decided to give it a try this weekend.

If you've never used one of Anna's patterns, let me say that they are very easy to follow! I've tried both her envelope and gathered clutch patterns previously.

I used a variety of prints to make this bag.

For the main exterior fabric, I used Laura Gunn's Painter's Canvas in Mermaid. Painter's Canvas is definitely one of my favorite blenders. I just love the texture of those brushstrokes! The front pocket is from Khristian A. Howell's Desert Daydreams. And you can see I used the Riley Blake Ombre Dots for the straps.

I also used them for the back pocket. Yep, those dots don't disappoint! I love their scale, and of course, their ombre-ness (Yeah, I just made up a word).

I decided to use two different lining prints, one for pockets, one for the main portion.

For the pockets, Jenean Morrison's Grand Hotel Mezzanine print in Sand. This is a great basic print!

The main lining is Joel Dewberry's Deer Valley, in Barnwood.

Have you ever installed a magnetic snap? They are so easy, and so fun!

This bag definitely feels summery to me!
I love Holly's version, too! It's so sophisticated!

FO: Starry Art Student Tote

I finished the Art Student Tote I shared with you earlier this week! I recommend this Anna Maria Horner pattern wholeheartedly.

My only trouble was during the cutting process. Since I made the slim version (view C), I got a little confused by the cutting diagram. I ended up cutting my main fabric (those beloved stars) wrong, and wasted some (but don't worry, I'll give those large scraps new life!).

I modified the interior of the bag slightly. The slim version has a divider wall with pockets, but since I'm hoping to tote around my laptop in this, I omitted the divider, and just added the pockets to the side of the bag.

Anna's directions were clear, but like with all patterns, reading through before starting is a good idea.
My only other modification was that I omitted the magnetic closure, mostly because I didn't have any, and was fine with not having a closure of some kind. My last modification was that I did not interface the straps.

All in all, I'm very happy with this bag. It was the perfect supplemental project this week. I started cutting fabric Saturday night, and Tuesday, I was finished!

Fabrics used: Joel Dewberry Woodgrain in yellow, Sundae Stripe in gray from Moda's Ruby, Cosmo Cricket crosshatch in yellow, Sandi Henderson Secret Garden (floral pocket print), and Dear Stella stars.

I highly recommend this pattern. When I first purchased this pattern, I thought a sew-along would be fun. I'd still be up for that, if anyone is interested. I have hopes to make the larger version.

Would anyone want to sew-along with me?

Blue and yellow on the brain

I'm not sure what started this fixation, but in the past few weeks, I've been drawn to shades of dark/navy blue and yellow.

I recently worked on sorting my scraps (they are so out.of.control), and pulled together this stack. Perhaps, for Rachel's Scrap Attack?

I also grabbed these fabrics from the stash last week, and worked on a new project this weekend. Here, we have some Dear Stella (I love those stars!), Joel Dewberry Woodgrain from Aviary 2, and Sundae Stripe in gray (or grey) from Moda Ruby.

After pulling that stack, I started cutting pieces for the AMH Student Tote. I've had this pattern for months, and decided to start a just-for-fun project.

I'm making the smaller size tote, and almost finished the exterior. In addition to the fabrics in my original stack, I added the Cosmo Cricket crosshatch and a Sandi Henderson Secret Garden print. I had those zippers in the stash (I love the copper red one, especially!). Hopefully, this will get finished quickly, as I have a little out-of-town trip coming up!

A winner (and also, my mom loves purple)

Before I get to the FOs, we have a little business to attend to! The winner of the Malabrigo Sock yarn and a ravelry sock or shawl pattern is... lucky # thirteen! Congratulations, Huei Sei! This yarn will be on it's way to Malaysia very soon!

I'm sorry I couldn't share with all of you that entered, but take heart;
I'll be sharing more goodies throughout the month. Promise!

Speaking of purple, if my mom could be completely surrounded by the color, I think she would. Her husband might not like it, but that would be her choice!

My mom recently celebrated a birthday, and I came up with three projects I thought she would enjoy, each in purple fabrics.

I made her an iPad pouch for her new toy, using Joel Dewberry's Aviary 2. [Side note: I'm such a huge JD fan. I can't recall a line of his I haven't loved, and I can't wait to get my hands on some Heirloom!]

I didn't use a pattern for the pouch, and I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out.

I also made her a Jane Market Bag. I've now made at least four of these, and I thoroughly recommend the pattern.
I'm not sure what the exterior fabric is. It's from my grandmother's stash, but it's a really soft cotton. It kind of looks like a Kaffe Fassett print, but I'm pretty sure it's several years old. The pocket fabric is by Kitty Yoshida.

Finally, I've been working on the amazing July mini quilt from the purl bee. I should be finished with it in a week or so, but now that I've shown my mom her last present, I can share it with you.

Geese! This is my first experience with flying geese, and I. am. hooked. Seriously! Geese are so much fun. The cutting is a little intense, but the result is just. Well, it's satisfying. I've since finished the top and pinned it (I'm using a very PLAIN backing). I hope to finish the quilting this weekend.

Happy birthday again, momma! I love you!

FOs: Jane Market Bags

This Jane Market Bag pattern is so much fun to make.
The proof? I've made four so far, with promises to make at least another three.

This one is for me, and I used Outside Oslo fabric by Jessica Jones for the exterior and pockets. The interior is Alexander Henry's Dasha, and the straps are Denyse Schmidt's Hope Valley.

I also made two similar bags using a Joann's home decor fabric I found on sale last year, as well as some awesome green Echino, and an Anthology balloon print for the lining.

I gave one to my sister and kept one for myself. I couldn't part with the sunglasses (or at least a piece of them).

I just love the green and purple combo!

Choosing the fabric for a project is definitely my favorite part, and I loved coming up with these combinations. The bag comes together very quickly.

I followed the pattern pretty closely, but I did make the straps longer on the last bag.

As written, the straps are not long enough to carry the bag on your shoulder, which I prefer.

Try the pattern for yourself, and you can grocery shop in style!

Received: Goodie Bag Swap

Yesterday was an excellent mail day. The happiest part?

This is the happiest part! My bag for the Goodie Bag Swap showed up, from Mamamary2! She chose such lovely fabrics to make me this fun tote bag.

You know I love the elephants, the colors (look at the contrast stitching!), and the Flea Market Fancy fabrics are such a treat. The bag is nice and roomy, and I plan to carry it along to the grocery store, and weekend trips as well.

She also sent me some amazing fabrics to complete the package.

Look! They are all so beautiful. Thank you again, Mary!

FO: Buttercup for Jenny

I've been wanting to try the Buttercup pattern for ages. I thought I might give it a go for the Goodie Bag Swap, but I ended up going in a different direction.

Then, my friend Jenny said she was headed to Seattle for a month-long course, and I thought that was perfect excuse to make her a gift.
Of course, she's already left, and is only two weeks from returning. I finished Saturday and gave it to her husband (also my dear friend), and now she'll have a gift when she returns.

Timing doesn't always cooperate with intentions, does it?

I knew Jenny would love the Ruby Star Rising View Finder fabric, and Michael Miller's love birds just called out to be used. This bag came together in just a few hours. There is a tiny bit of curve sewing, so be prepared for that!

Also, there are two options to obtain the pattern. You can download it for free (this is what I did), or you can purchase the pattern with two sizes, and a license to sell your finished bags.

FO: Goodie Bag Swap

Did everyone have a nice Mother's Day this weekend? My sister and I took my mom out Friday night for pedicures and Mexican food. It was a great night, and now I have green toes!

I finished the bag for my Goodie Bag Swap partner this weekend. My partner has been quiet during the swap, so I just went with my instinct (and her color specifications) to make this bag.

I used a free pattern by Artsy Crafty Babe called the Pleated Tote. It's a great pattern, and I think I will definitely have to make one for myself some time soon. It came together in one afternoon. I used a light/medium interfacing, but used two layers of it (fused one to the interior, one to the exterior) to strengthen the bag.

I used Quilter's Linen for the exterior (it's a little darker than the photos show), and a Studio E Etchings print for the lining. Angela said on flickr that the lining fabric looks like fireworks. Yes, exactly. Or dandelions. Either way, I love it. As you can see, I also used a piece of Anna Maria Horner's Woodcut from Innocent Crush for the pocket.

I also used some AMH for the straps, as well as some Monaluna Mingle. I used a button from the stash, and voila! The bag is complete.

I think the handles are my favorite part. I hope my partner likes the bag, and of course, it will be filled with some goodies, still to be determined. I may have to make one of these little guys to send along.

I'm linking up to Canoe Ridge Creation's Sew Modern Monday today (something new for me!).

For Jill

I only have one sister.

Growing up, there were times I wished for a brother, or for a different sister, but most of the time, I liked her, and we got along fairly well. More than anything, I've always tried to protect my little sister. Now, as adults, we're good friends, despite our very different lifestyles. Jill turns 24 this Saturday, and I've been working furiously to finish her present, Twiggy Tweed.

Details:
Twiggy Tweed, by Missa Hills
Yarn: Paton's Classic Wool Merino (dark brown)-.5 skein, RYC Cashsoft DK in Kingfisher, 1 skein
Size 7 straight needles
Time: A little over one month
for Jill
Mods: I striped the strap for extra funk, and I lined the inside with a neat fabric I found, rather than a t-shirt, as the pattern suggests.

The fabric gives it the right amount of fun.
Also, I used velcro to fasten the middle of the opening, and sewed the edges together, to make the opening a little smaller (so Jill's stuff doesn't fall out).

So, happy birthday, sister. I love you.

Seasons

You can often hear me complaining about the lack of seasons in Houston, but I guess there's something to the fact that around this time of year, you can expect temperatures in the sixties to eighties, which really, is pretty comfortable. This morning, the boyfriend and I went to buy home improvement stuff, and while at the store, I spotted some beautiful flowers. On my back patio, I have a small flowerbed that until today was run over with primarily weeds. I bought some Impatiens, Marigolds and Osteopermums in yellow, orange and pinks, cleaned up the flowerbed and planted them-all by myself!

It's pretty nice to look out the window and see color.

Of course, Bella supervised to ensure the plants were properly handled.
In knitting news, I worked for a while last night and this afternoon to seam up one side of Twiggy Tweed. The other side is blocking, and I might seam it up tonight.

The colors are so much fun, and I'm pretty sure I'll do a little embroidery to jazz it up a bit., or at the very least, a little contrast color stitching.

Confidence

Buried in a drawer in my office/knitting room/guest bedroom, was one half of a fetching set. I originally intended to give the set to my friend Jenny for Christmas, but I couldn't finish the thumb, not to mention a dropped stitch that I wasn't sure how to pick up, so I let it fester. And fester. This was way back in November. Forever ago.
The good news is that Saturday night, while needing a break from the severely monotonous stockinette CC panels of Twiggy Tweed, I decided to pick up the neglected glove, and give it some love (I don't know what's wrong with me, excuse the ridiculous rhyme). I was able to knit back enough to then pick up my lost stitch (with a crochet hook! I've never done that before!) and through some miracle or intoxication, I figured out how to properly complete the thumb. Wow. What a road block that was. So, feeling successful, I finished off the first glove, woven ends and all, and cast on for the second. I just knit in the waste yarn for the thumb, and I plan on finishing before the weekend. I don't have any new pictures of the glove, but here's one of the wip as it stood in November, which coincidentally, is close to where I'm at on the newer one.

In other knitting/yarn news, I just bought a ton of stuff on Knitpicks. I wasn't going to buy anything else, but I did use a gift card from Christmas, so it's not as bad, or at least that's what I'm telling myself. Only a month until my New Mexico trip, so seriously, no new yarn until then.

Feelin' good

Yesterday was one of those days that just kept getting better and better. I got a raise at work, a fabulous hair cut, followed by a brand new computer (it wasn't free or anything, it just happened to be ready to pick up last night) and sushi!!!
Ah, it was lovely.
No real knitting news to report, although I'm still finishing up Twiggy Tweed. All I have left is the CC panels for either side, and I'm contemplating a pocket or some other embellishment. I bought some really fun fabric for the lining from one of my stash enhancement favorites.
I get to have sushi again for dinner tonight. I'm the luckiest girl.

WIP-Twiggy Tweed

Jill's birthday gift is coming along nicely. I've almost finished the front, and I've picked out a contrast color. I'm knitting it on size 7 needles, as the author (owner of my favorite online yarn store) suggests. I'm using Paton's Classic Wool Merino in Taupe, and I've decided to use some of my coveted RYC Cashsoft DK in Kingfisher for the accents. I'm excited about how the panel looks so far, and I only have four rows to go before binding off. The construction is really cool-I like how the holes form.
I plan to knit the back piece this weekend as well, as I've heard many horror stories about gauge change if you wait too long between matching pieces. I've learned a new cast-on, the backwards loop method. I've only ever used long-tail, but there is a section of this pattern where you must cast on out of thin air, so to speak, and my typical method doesn't fit the bill. It's always nice to add a new stitch to your catalog. :)
Here's a shot from a couple of days ago. The holes are now completely apparent, and I think that turquoise Cashsoft is going to look splendid peeking out!

Weekend busted

The boy had a crazy week at work, so we opted not to go to Austin this weekend after all. I went to the book club, which was very entertaining, and hung out with my sister after the meeting. I didn't do much knitting, but I did watch more football than I intended (and actually enjoyed it a little). I got a few inches done on my mom's scarf, but am still afraid to pick up the stitches on the shrug. I just need to bite the bullet. I offered to make my sister a purse/bag for her birthday (March), and she chose Twiggy Tweed, so after I finish the shrug or the scarf, I'll start that. I've picked the yarn (from stash!), but I need to figure out which t-shirt/fabric I'll use for the lining.