Ruffle apron

I absolutely ADORE this apron. I feel so very lovely wearing it. I used Simplicity Pattern 3752

Bags, Bags, and More Bags...

While we're on the subject of bags, here are a few that I've done since Christmas time. These 5 are the ones I made for all my kids' different teachers for their Christmas gifts. (I have 5 kids--3 in school, 1 preschooler and a 2 yr. old at home). I just folded down one of the corners so that you could see what I had lined it with.This one I just made and sent off a couple weeks ago for a swap that Leslie held. I thought that it turned out really nice. A nice happy Spring bag.

This last one I just made yesterday--last minute for the kids' school silent auction coming up this weekend. I am one of the room mothers with another friend of mine from church and we were in charge of the class basket for the auction. Ours is a scrapbooking "basket" (bag in our case). I really like it. You can't see very well, but the inside fabric is an orange plaid with yellow running through it. This particular one I made slightly larger so that it would hold a 12 x 12 foto album easily.

Leslie, this is for you--here are the different sizes that I've made or adjusted. The pink camoflauge bag is the size that we all normally make--I think--for library bags, etc. I am pretty sure that the pattern that Em uses has a larger version in it and that is what I used for the black bag. This way you can see the difference in sizes a little better. The little bag is a nice tote for little girls. The other pattern I've used is Simplicity 8852, which appears to be discontinued now.

Finished Dimensions:

Small 11" H x 9" W x 3" D

Medium 14" H x 12" W x 5" D

Large 15" H x 16" W x 6" D

My "Picnic Bag" I made a couple years ago. This is also the same size that I've used for my swimming bag. It is the large size and will hold a lot of stuff for you.

Inside lining fabric

Detailing on the straps--single fold bias tape topstitched on the nylon webbing before the straps are attached to the bag. This also shows how I secure the top of the straps at the upper edge of the bag. I haven't had a strap detach yet.

More Bag Inspiration!

I think we all subscribe to the "more is better!" theory on projects. When one is good--5 is WAY better! :) We get on a roll and just start cutting and cutting... (Take for instance Leslie's Perfect Dress for L.) So here are some more bags I made this weekend--that I've had cut out FOREVER! I am SO HAPPY that my pile of projects is dwindling! Yea me! Then I can move on to my current "To Do" List!

For my friend Kathy, whom I love, but she carries a pharmaceutical sponsored 'freebie' bag now!! Won't I be happy to see her get rid of that ugly thing! :)

Inside Fabric and Embroidery Detail

My 15 year old babysitter is REALLY wanting me to give her this bag! I'm hoping to get some free babysitting out of her first!

Inside Fabric

The Best Bag Pattern Ever!

I don't think there is anything better than a great bag, especially if it helps you to stay organized, keep track of hard to find items, carry all your necessities, or just look pretty. This bag pattern is legendary in our family. Between all of us I think we've made it 1000 times (Renae has probably made 75% of those). We've made school bags, church bags, library bags, bags to hold yarn, travel bags, swimming bags, diaper bags, monogrammed bags, teacher bags, you name it--we've probably made it. We LOVE bags!!

I've had a bunch of bags cut out for a LONG time (I'm embarrassed to say how long..) and am finally getting around to finishing them. Never mind the fact that I just moved my sewing room from the basement up to the first floor and am LOVING my new beautiful space!! Being in the basement definitely had its disadvantages! So now that my sewing room is organized and pretty I've been sewing like mad trying to finish up all those unfinished projects I had. (Only 5 more projects to go... :)



Here is my latest bag. This one has been in my mind for far too long, also. Let's just say that my son has been taking music lessons for over a year now, and I had thought of doing one like this since before he started his lessons. Pathetic, I know! But, now that its done, I think it looks GREAT! It came out just as I had hoped. Now when I say to him, "where are your piano books?" he can tell me! (or at least that's the idea!)

I think my idea for this bag came when I found this fabric at the store. I mean what could be more perfect for a 'music bag' that this? I used it for the inside of the bag! Love it!!

If you need a great tote bag, this is the one for you. I call it the Land's End bag pattern.

It's Simplicity #9658

Chalkboard Paint Mania

Love chalkboard paint in 12 colors (Rustoleum)! Just finished kitchen cupboards (12Y painted them herself on spring break) & pots (idea from Pottery Barn & Martha Stewart). Need to wait a few days more before we can write on it. Red is back of metal front door - love that we can do magnets & chalk. Magnetic rocks from Great Wolf Lodge - kids change face according to weather & moods. - green girl S

The Perfect Dress-"Pink Lady"

Okay, I swear this is my last version of this dress (except for the Tuxedo version which needs a little reworking) and then I will move on to a new project. I promise.

front view


back detail of ribbon closure



In retrospect I think I should have used thinner ribbon so that the opening would close tighter, but I do like this width.

Update on Covered Tin Cans

Yesterday I walked by my tin cans and discovered they were all peeling at the seam. So if you decide to try them on your own just add a very thin line of Elmer's glue at the seam (have to hold it together for a few seconds for it to bond). That way it won't peel up. Problem: Solved! Also I sprayed both the paper and the can surface with mounting adhesive. The instructions on the can said this would produce a "permanant" bond. Not so much. So hopefully this helps.

Recycled Artwork Cards

I think that most mothers have the dilemma of "What do I do with all my children's art work?" Especially when they insist that you don't throw it away. And if you have more than one child then that dilemma multiplies exponentially. Alot of times I just take a picture of it and then toss it (or just toss it directly), or I'll send it to one of the grandmas with a letter, since none of them live nearby. The really great stuff I save in a folder in the filing cabinet or their journal/scrapbooks.

However, when B. made this little watercolor drawing I immediately saw some abstract potential in it. I've had it floating around my kitchen for awhile with the intention of making it into a card or two. Today we did just that as it is a yucky looking day and trying to decide whether to rain or not. At first she was not thrilled with the idea of me cutting up her picture. However, I talked her into it and she decided she needed to make one too. The allure of using gluesticks can be quite powerful for a little person.

So here is what we came up with. B.'s card she made completely herself is the bottom right card. I think they look rather cool, if we do say so ourselves. Now we'll have to decide who the lucky recipients of our abstract cards will be. I should have taken a picture of the painting before we cut it up so that you could see the before and after, but I forgot....oh well.

More covered tin cans...

Here are some "boy" versions of the covered tin cans. Z. hasn't yet seen them, but I'm pretty sure he'll be happy to store his treasures in something fun like this. He tends to want to save some of the recycle containers anyway--this way at least they look better sitting up on his shelf.

Beautify your desk

Feeling blah today as it is very murky and rainy outside. Yuck! These picked me up a bit.

Covered Tin Cans found in this month's Good Housekeeping

Their version:



My version:


These are SO EASY! You could use them to hold pens and pencils, sewing supplies, or as little flower vases for a decorative table. I haven't decided what I am going to use them for yet...probably put on our desk.

*** I thought it would be fun to do a giveaway. Especially since this little project took me about 20 minutes max. Enter to win your own set of paper covered cans by commenting on this post. Winner will be selected at random on April 23rd. (Sorry contributors, you can comment, but won't be entered) Can sizes my vary slightly. It depends on what I make for dinner in the next few days.

The Perfect Dress-Jeweled Neckline

This one is my new favorite...and I want to make a big girl version now for myself



Inspired by this:

Jeweled Grace Dress at JCrew

Fabric Backdrop

This post is mostly for SIMPLE GIRL, but I'm beginning my search for a fabric backdrop for the portraits at our summer cherry party (be prepared if you are attending). The red one is my fave and is so totally what I envisioned, but it is $40/yard. Yeah right! Even at 40% off that is not going to happen because I need about four yards. Still have a few other places to check and there is plenty of time to get the right one.
isn't this red an absolute beauty!


this one is much much cheaper $10/yard on sale, but not quite what I am looking for.

P.S. Dearest SEW GIRL,
Will you please keep an eye out at your oh-so-wonderful fabric store near you? I would also consider a yellow or green backdrop, but red is #1 choice.

Yummy Crescent Rolls

My kids love crescent rolls, and usually devour the packages that we buy from the store. We found this recipe in one of our magazines and finally made the recipe. The kids were thrilled, because #1--they made HUGE rolls, and #2--they taste better than the store bought kind.

The only drawback is that they do take time--which is only for the yeast to raise. So you have to be prepared and start them around lunch time in order to have them for dinner. Actually I started these yesterday for our dinner--at about 2 p.m. thinking that would be plenty of time since it said to let it raise for 3 hrs. Well, once I got them going and starting to raise I read the rest of the recipe and after you roll them out they raise ANOTHER 2-3 hrs. So I took my bowl, covered it with plastic and stuck it in the fridge until this morning when I pulled it back out to start the raising process. It worked. So...Enjoy!! We sure did!

Crescent Rolls
1 scant tablespoon yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1/3 cup warm water*
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup warm milk*
5 cups flour, more as needed
1/2 cup butter, melted

1. In a small bowl, mix the yeast, tablespoon of sugar, and warm water. Set aside for three to four minutes, allowing the yeast to activate. In a separate bowl, mix the salt, oil, and 1/2 cup sugar. Stir in the yeast mixture. Add the eggs and warm milk. Slowly stir in the flour. Add an additional 1/2 to 1 cup of flour if the dough is too sticky to form a ball.

2. Cover the dough and let it rise for three or four hours.

3. Divide the dough into two pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about 1/4-inch thick. Brush the dough with melted butter. Slice the dough like a pizza into 12 wedges and roll up each wedge from the wide end to the narrow end. Place the rolls on baking sheets with the narrow tip of dough tucked underneath. Cover the rolls with a clean dish towel and let them rise for another two or three hours.

4. Brush the tops of the rolls lightly with butter and bake them for 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Makes 2 dozen.

*Must be 110°–112°F (43°–44°C) for the yeast to activate. (Liquid should feel warm to the touch.)

"Kitchen Krafts", Friend, Nov. 2007, pg. 27

Pant Leg Bag

Here's a little recycle project. One of B.'s favorite pair of jeans got a hole in the knees and so we cut them off and made them into shorts for the summer since they still fit. Well, part of her favorite part about the jeans was it had some fun embroidery on the hem. So we used that piece and turned it into a little bag for her.

I sewed up the cut end. The hem became the top of the bag. And we attached a little piece of ribbon that she picked out and used it for the handle. Voila!! Little bag for a little girl--and very minimal sewing.

Easter dress--full view

After all those Easter pics I forgot to get shots of the dress.

Feminine Apron

I made this apron last night for Simple Girl and I's upcoming summer cherry party. (Simple Girl has a cherry tree in her backyard). We originally had this idea for last year, but the cherries froze so, alas, no party. But it's given us plenty of time to refine our ideas. Let's hope this year the cherries flourish because when Simple and Modern collide...it's a beautiful thing.

I had this fabric laying around from this. I'm going to pair it with yellow wellies (except I'm getting the cheap version from our local farm supply store) and tap into my downhome side. I am from the midwest after all. The truth is, this modern girl can't wait to get country chic.

Help me Decide

Which jewel design do you like better? I'm undecided, but leaning towards the first one. And I'd probably take it all the way around the neck. Let me know your vote

"Fabric Wall" Mini Quilt

I have always LOVED the fabric store! Our mom used to take us there a lot as kids. She would spend lots of time searching through rows and rows of fabric to find just the right piece, so...consequently, we would spend lots of time searching through fabric, too. I really love the way all the fabric looks on the walls in a "rainbow" row--Starting from reds and going on to pinks, to yellows, and then to the greens and blues...That wall of fabric has inspired my latest mini project.

Like Renae, I can't throw a good piece of fabric away, but unlike Renae, I do love to create quilts. I am by no means a "quilter", merely a sewer who likes quilts. I love the idea of turning a tiny scrap of fabric into a beautiful work of art. I am probably more fascinated, though, with the idea of using/recycling things that no longer have a use into something pretty and useful. I am constantly wondering how I can use old shirts, dresses, jeans, etc for new projects. But when all else fails, I cut smaller pieces of fabric into 6" squares to add to my ever growing and constantly changing patchwork stash.

I am trying to finish the last bits of my sewing room "swap" with K's bedroom, so while I'm trying to get organized I am also trying to think of things that would look great and "inspiring" on my new sewing room walls. I have decided that I need a huge magnet board to post all my ideas on (my cork board is way too ugly), I'd love to have some great pictures, and I need some quilts to add lots of color and "life" to the room. (If anyone know of a place to get inexpensive (and pretty) dress forms, I'm also trying to get one of those, too!) I guess my love of the "rainbow wall" and my love of all fabrics (I haven't met a piece of fabric I didn't like...) has made me crazy enough for this little quilt.

I started out thinking that I would replicate the "wall" with little bits of fabric--so I started out with 2" x 6" pieces of as many fabrics as I had in my junk stash. Well, that didn't go as far as I had thought, so I had to dip into my regular stash as well. I just started putting them together in color rows until I had the desired length. But that seemed a bit boring and really "unrandom", so I took each color row, cut it in half and "flipped it" around. So now it gives me the look I was after, with a lot more random-ness thrown in! Now I just need to come up with a cool way to hang it!

On a side note: This is very typical at my house. The minute I lay out a project it seems one of my kids (usually the littlest ones) is right there to walk across it over and over! Case in point would be when I was trying to find a 'back' for this project my little S came running over, grabbed her book and blanket and said "night-night" right on top of my project. Umm..Excuse me, Miss, I can't work under these conditions! :D

The Perfect Dress

I got a little sidetracked from starting my second JCrew coat. This is what I have been working on instead. I cannot say enough about how simple, easy, and versatile this pattern is. It really is the perfect dress.

Ok, approximately three years from now we need a wedding invite so baby L can wear her dress. OK, any special event will do. This one is definitely my favorite. I used metallic linen and added the ruffle.


detail view of the button in the back


this is just to show the sheen a little bit better.


because every girl needs a red dress...even little girls


denim version. Aren't the pockets cute?

Stay tuned for more of my OCD adventure. I've got two more in the works. Purple with a jeweled neckline and a Tuxedo version. Can't wait until my baby is three because that is the size of these dresses. I guess she'll already have her church wardrobe.

Simplicity 4927