This orange bag is one of the first bags that I have attempted to sew and I have to say I’m pretty proud of myself. I still have some questions about lining and better construction, but pretty proud. I did make the lining a tad smaller in width than the outside fabric so that when I pinned it to sew, it did not line up all the way around. My husband though came up with a clever solution- I readjusted it so that there is a small pintuck in the front center of the bag that is hidden by the flap. (He often is the brains behind my projects!) I sewed two buttons together for more color and I like the way that turned out.

My next mission was to try and make some bags that were reversible. I am enjoying my sewing machine again (it comes and goes) so I whipped up this brown bag. With this second one again I thought I cut the 2 fabrics the same width and yet when I sewed them together there was still more of the outer fabric. Since I love the idea of making these I am now seeking outside of myself for further help. Do you cut both fabrics the exact same size when making it reversible? Does adding the handle between the 2 layers throw it off?

The second challenge I wanted to face was to find a way to make the bags stiffer no matter what fabric I choose. I bought some Iron-on Bond stuff to strengthen my lining and ironed it on the little piece of fabric I had left for the strap. I made the piece of iron-on too wide so when I folded the fabric together it bonded to itself and I had to leave the strap with the seam visible on the outside. Oops! Needless to say I did not want to iron-on to my main fabric. Any tips or feedback?

Before Lucy was born I was a sewing mad woman. Things have *ahem* slowed down since then. The desire is still there, just no time. One of the things I HAD to finish before she came was a diaper bag. I put this little ensemble together for our diapering needs. A diaper bag, a changing pad and little bag for my stuff. The changing pad was a towel that I died to match the fabric and quilted it sorta. If you can call that quilting- adding some batting to the back and sewing fabric on the other side. I love it when she’s on it cause it seems so comfy, but it’s too big and takes up most of my space. I’m also afraid to wash it cause the color might bleed into the fabric.

The bag has tons of pockets, I like that but it’s a little too floppy. I made it from some left over ikea curtains we used for our craft room at church and some floral fabric I found at Walmart. I also made the straps so I could remove them and just slip the bag into another bag and still have all the great pockets. Yeah that didn’t work so well. Again, too floppy. darn. Oh, the detail on the pocket is from an old shiny head band I had. You know me, gotta have my bling!

The little pouch for my things is the only thing I’m really in love with. I carry it with me everywhere. I even made a little side pocket for my “business” cards. Brian made me some Bloom cards so I could give out my number when I met a new crafting friend. I also love the bead on the side. It just gives it a little vintage somethin’. I am already designing a new bag in my mind with some Anna Maria Horner fabric that will be bigger and better! We’ll see when I’ll actually get to that…

I’m constantly searching for my crochet hooks, so as a part of my quest to organize my craft area, I decided to sew up a crochet hook case.

I cut two pieces of fabric 12″ x 18″, and a third piece of fabric 6″ x 18″. I cut the third piece of fabric on a slight angle along one long side, so accommodate for different lengths of hooks (this will be the pocket). Take the smaller piece, and iron the edges in approximately 1/4″ to finish the pocket.

Place the two larger pieces right side together, and sew around the edges using a 1/4″ seam allowance, leaving one side partially unsewn to turn the pieces right side out. Turn it right side out, and pin the pocket to the front of it. Ideally, if the same 1/4″ seam was used for the sewing and ironing, the pieces should fit together perfectly. Also attach ribbon for tying the case when its finished.

When I took the above picture, I had placed the ribbon wrong…you want to have both ribbon pieces on the same side of the case, not one on each side. Topstitch around the case to attach the pocket and for finishing. Then you will want to mark lines for the pockets that hold the hooks. I marked them at 1″ spacing, and then stitched over the chalk lines.

I added snaps to my case, so that the top stays put when folded over and the hooks don’t fall out. I’m pretty happy with how it turned out, except that I used a stretchy fabric, which didn’t sew up too nicely, my case isn’t exactly square But that’s fixable with adjusting the tension, and I just didn’t take the time to do that. Otherwise, it does its job and its cute too!

I decided to make a bag for my mom for her birthday. I found this great fabric and thought what a pretty bag it would make, so with no pattern or ANY clue on how to make a purse, I began cutting, sewing and assembling. The whole thing took about two hours, mainly because I didnt know what I was doing so I was having to stop every few steps and draw a diagram.

I had some trouble attaching the straps because I did them next to last, when I should’ve sewed them to the lining before attacing the lining to the outter piece. But hindsight is 20/20 and my mom loved it anyways.

I had a good time doing this, and I can’t wait to make some more bags. I found this tutorial for quilted patchwork bags and will be attempting this next week, so hopefully it will turn out just as perdy as hers.

I’ve been wanting to take my sewing to the next level, and start sewing more professional looking items. I’m also going to venture into sewing clothes for myself, my husband and my daughter. Plus, with all the diapers I’ve been sewing lately, I wanted to make that a bit easier too.

So I splurged, and bought myself this:

A new serger!! At first, I wasn’t sure if I really “needed” a serger. Its possible to sew any garment or project without one, you just have to take extra steps to ensure your raw edges don’t fray. I had also heard that the learning curve with a serger can be a steep one, especially when it comes to threading the machine or surging corners and round edges.

However, the one reason I really wanted to get the serger was that I love the look of serged fitted diapers. I think they look really cute, and I had also heard that a serged diaper comes together much faster than a turned and topstitched one.

From diaperkit.com, a comparison of serged and topstitched diapers.

So after lots of debate, I decided to purchase one, and I received it on Valentine’s Day. And I must say, I got so much more than I expected with the machine. You can do decorative edges on your garments, decorative topstitching, and so much more! Plus, I love the fact that when sewing a seam, you sew it and finish the edges at the same time, saving you time. Also, serging goes so much faster than a straight sewing stitch, saving time there as well!

I’ve spent lots of time serging scrap pieces of fabric, learning curves and different methods. I’ve also threaded and rethreaded the machine numerous times, to learn how to do it correctly. This learning time I took was really beneficial, and I’ve already been able to start with projects using my serger!

I serged a fitted diaper for my daughter, and I think it turned out really well for a first attempt!

Of course, the serger didn’t take away all the extra steps you need a sewing machine for, but it sure cut the time to make the diaper in about half for me!

I’m also currently working on a shirt for my husband, and I have purchase a couple of patterns to make my daughter. I also bought a pattern for shirts to make myself, but they are a bit more advanced and I will probably wait until I am more confident with my serger before trying them.

Does anyone else have a serger? Do you think its a good investment? I love mine!!

Bill Dooley October 20, 1953 – February 24, 2004

” Bill Dooley was the first missionary Bruce knew: “I remember thinking, this guy is NEAT-he’s so real and personal.”

“conversations with ABWE missionary Bill Dooley inspired and motivated Beth to consider missions as God’s specific will for her life.”

I would like to introduce you to Bill Dooley, my dad. He was a missionary for 14 years in Chile and later a recruiter for the same missions agency. He encouraged many to know God and love Him. At 50 yrs old, 3 years ago today he flew away leaving us with a hole in our hearts that would never heal. He was a great man and we miss him so much.

I wanted to share with you what I have made for my family so we will always remember him and keep him near. He wore this great sport coat all the time. He looked great in it. It was his favorite. For my mom’s birthday I made this bag for her from his coat. I attached his name tag he wore while he was at conferences and a great picture of his teethy grin. Love that smile!

I made the inside out of the shirt they got on their Alaska cruise their 25th wedding anniversary. The tie tips were a few of his favorites. The blue one he wore at our wedding when he married us. She loved the bag and it’s nice to know that a peice of him is still close to her.

I really started missing him a lot when I got pregnant and wished Lucy could know him. It kills me that they won’t get to play together. So I made her this Lion. (I have a slight obsesion with lions thanks to the Chronicles of Narnia) Papa the Lion is also made from the same sport coat. Recognize the tie? same one. This is the only way I know to keep him close. When you loose a loved one won’t you do the same? Don’t throw all their things away but make something new and keep them close. It’s all we have left of them. Thanks for letting me share this with you on this very special day to me and my family.

Ok, I am so excited right now. I have been dying to tell you about Anna Maria for a long time! I am soo obsessed, addicted and crazy over her stuff. There are few blogs you really want to read every word and go back to posts and look at the pictures again and again. This blog is just like that. Watch out if you’re not careful you’ll spend hours there! I feel so privileged to tell you about this amazingly creative woman. When I get this excited I have trouble sharing my thoughts. My mind goes faster than my hands can type so bear with me here.

Thing is I totally want to be just like AM when I grow up. She has 5 kids and still finds time to craft! Be sure to take a look at her bio, for I am sure to leave something important out. Her daughter Juliana who just turned 15 is adorable. She helps her with all of her big craft projects. My favorite is the younger kids play room they designed together. I can’t wait to be able to do stuff like this with Lucy! So fun!

She is a fabric designer among other things. Take a look at her home studio. She has her own line right now called Bohemian. She just came out with a new line called Chocolate Lollipop, which will be out in April or May. I can’t wait to get my hands on it! Oh my gosh super cute!!

some of her fabulous pillows. (she has made so many her husband has threatened to put them in storage!)

Be sure to check out her great technique for making super circles. It’s so great I want to try it right now!
and a few more reasons why I love Anna Maria….

For those who like to make their own clothes, but can’t afford a store-made dress form, deck yourself in duct tape and you’ve got an inexpensive alternative. Threads magazine gives four easy and fun ways to create your own dress form using either papier-mâché or duct tape. They say you can complete this project in as little as two hours, using no more than $15 in materials. I’ll be trying this in the weeks to come, so check back to see my cloned dress form.

We are getting ready for the fair coming up in April. I’ve been going crazy trying to make sure everything is in order. The idea was much funner in my head. Pulling it off is going to be a miracle. I know it will all be worth it. To chill I just sit and knit.

I came up with this knitted bag pattern that is super easy. There are two things I hate - purling and seams! If I can come up with something where I never have to purl a row or stich something up when i’m done then i’m thrilled!! That is just what I did with these bags. I used the Peaches n’ Cream cotton yarn and double stranded the solid color to make it more sturdy.

I started by casting on 40 stiches on a size 7 and knit in garter stitch for about 5 or 6 rows. Then I picked up the stitches around the edge ending up with a total of 90, give or take a few. At first it is too narrow to put on one circlular needle so I knit with 2 circulars as you would with double pointed needles. I knit the rest of the bag in the round. Adding the verigated yarn about half way thru and finishing up with the rest of the solid color. I made the strap by casting on 100 stiches and knit about 6 rows of garter stitch. I used some fabric I had left over from some Ikea curtains to line it and made a button with fimo. I love the way they turned out. I’m working on a green one now. So i’ll have my little collection of 3 similar ones for the fair.

It’s nice to know I just used some random stuff i had around the house for this. I didn’t spend any money on this and they will sell for at least $15. What would you pay to benefit a ministry in Mexico?

For Valentine’s Day my husband and I decided to make each other a gift. I am anxious to see what he comes up with, while I decided to make him one of the things on his “list” that he can enjoy while playing with our son: Superman. We want to fill a chest with costumes for playing dress-up, so I made 2 versions of this cape that would hopefully make Clark Kent proud.

I bought red 1/4″ bias tape and 2 yards of red satin, measured the length to about the bottom of the seat of their pants.

Small Child: 18″L x 16″W
Adult: 40″L x 28″W

1. I like to iron my hems rather than pinning so I started with the sides, turned over twice about 1/4″ and ironed them down. Then I hemmed the sides and did the same with the bottom.

2. At the top I ran a thread through near the edge and pulled it in to gather. Then I sewed across my gathering. Be sure to keep your finger near the sewing needle so you can press down the fabric where it gathers.

3. Next, I used 1/4″ red bias tape to create the tie. Open the tape, center it across your fabric, and tuck in the newly gathered top seam. Then sew all the way across the bias tape. It shouldn’t unravel but you can also tuck in and sew the ends of the tie.

I think this would be really cute with a contrasting color of bias tape around all of the edges. I can’t wait to see them play!