Friday, May 18, 2012

birthday stash crafting...

My sister Janelle is having a birthday this weekend and I wanted to whip up a little something homemade to give to her with her birthday gifts. Since its a May birthday, I didn't think a knitted gift of hat and/or scarf would do. She got some knitted legwarmers and a hat for Christmas.  Instead, I headed to the sewing machine.


Janelle liked the fabric for the stroller bag I posted about yesterday and "hinted" that she'd like a zippy pouch for some essential items that she likes to carry in her purse and school bag.  I had some more of the stroller bag fabric in my stash, as it seems that each pattern I find recommends almost twice the amount of fabric that I really need.  I looked for a tutorial for a little pouch and was inspired by this tutorial. I didn't actually use the tutorial much, but liked the contrasting ruffle. I made up my own measurements entirely to make a pouch that measures about 11" x 7". It needed to be big enough to hold an iPod, cell phone, granola bar, and maybe her keys and some cash.  I lined it in the same yellow fabric as the ruffle and added a blue zipper for an additional contrast.  I think future pouches like this one will include a little pocket inside, but I didn't actually think about that this time until after I finished sewing the lining shut after turning it rightside out. 

Speaking of stash busting, here's a cute tutorial I found yesterday that I'd like to tackle some time soon for at least one of the upcoming baby births around here: A patchwork puzzle triangular ball! I think this project will use up a bunch of the smaller stash scraps I have stored up around here.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

a new strolling bag...

After making all of those little project bags, I decided to make a carry all for my daily walks with the kids. I'm branching out! I wanted it to hold my wallet, some tissues, wipes, snacks, water, library books...the kind of stuff we always need while out and about and at the park.

I decided to do this on a Sunday afternoon while Asa was out for a long bike ride. I did a "google" for a pattern for a tote bag. I decided on one with two handles, a snap closure and some pleats. You can find the pattern here if you'd like to give it a go. This particular pattern had some directions to add a pocket. But, I improvised and made up my own pocket, sewing a doubled over piece of fabric with some bias tape from the outer material to create the top of the pocket, onto the lining of the bag.

I headed to the fabric store to pick up some materials and came home and got down to sewing. It took about 2 hours, from start to finish and I came up with this!
my new stroller bag...

bright yellow lining to help me spot things inside...

a pocket to hold my phone and maybe some sunscreen...
The bag is working out great. I only used a light interfacing inside so its flexible/floppy enough to be mangled into the bottom stow away compartment of the stroller. The magnetic snap keeps things from falling out while on the go. And its a bright sunny print which makes me happy to carry it!  I also made a small pleated coin purse to throw in there too- but I have to admit I haven't used that once because I don't really want to start keeping two wallets...one is enough to manage.