Cell Phone Cases, a Purse, a Favicon, a Participant Event, and Badly Dressed "Women." What A Day!

Hello!  I hope everyone (in America) had a great...and safe...holiday weekend!  To those not in the USA, I hope you had a great weekend, too!  I can tell you that my dog is glad the fireworks are over.  He has been petrified since July 1st!  He's finally able to come out from his hiding place under the bed and resume his domination over the cat.  Go get her Wallace!

I accomplished a few sewing related things over the extended weekend.  First, I finished the third, or is it the fourth, cell phone case?  I have been tweaking the design since the first one I made was completely unpractical for me.  My final (I hope) design is the same size, but instead of batting, I used two layers of flannel.  I tried one layer and found this too light weight.  For this final design, I also slipped a piece a stencil plastic in between the layers on the backside in order to stiffen this part of the case.  I used Velcro and sewed both pieces on with invisible thread.  The button is for decorative purposes only.  It serves no function.  I've given the case to a friend who has the same phone as me.  She has been tasked to carry her phone in this case and report back its practicality, etc.  What do you think?  Oh, this time I got the birds going the "right" direction. 

I also got my hands on some of the fabric I bought Friday.  I decided to try Simplicity 2396A Sweet Pea Totes  with the black and red fabric.  I found this pattern was written well and surprisingly easy to follow.  I really like the design of the bag and I love the pleats.  One thing I might change when I do another is to lengthen the straps.  They are a bit short for my taste.  The fabric is delicious. 

I'm very pleased with this bag.  I might have to keep this one for myself!

Have you noticed my favicon?  That's the little image that appears in your open tab or toolbar when you are on a site that has its own unique icon.  Mine is a shrunken version of my profile image.  As I have stated numerous times, I am not a super techno savvy mama.  This favicon was a HUGE accomplishment for me.  I have been working on it for days.  Last night when I clicked and finally saw the image, I nearly jumped out of bed!  I felt like I had won the lotto or something!  Now that I am an expert, I am willing to help any of you who would like their own favicon for their site.  Send me an email and I will let you know how I made mine!

BREAKING NEWS!!  I've got a participant event I am working on.  I'm sorting out some details, but I'll give you a hint...are you a Gen X'er? A Babyboomer? Do you still wear your favorite Chic jeans from the 80's?  Do you drool over Audry Hepburn fashion?  Mull over these questions and come back for the reveal!  I hope to post the details in the next day or two!

Okay, one last thing....I saw these "people" today as I walked into work.  I say people because I'm not quite sure if they are horribly dressed women or men in ugly women diguises...Happy Birthday America!  Only here can you walk down the street in slippers, rollars, and outfits like these!

Toodles for now!

Purses, Purses, and More Purses!

As promised, here are the pictures of the many purses I came across during Flea Market Friday yesterday:

I also saw a really old sewing machine inside a beatiful wood cabinet.  I was tempted to buy this, but unfortunately I really don't have any place to put it. 

And I just had to snap a picture of this song magazine after I spied the name on the cover....Amy Butler...another famous Amy Butler...designer of fabulous fabrics!

I hope you have enjoyed these photos.  It was a great (and long) day of looking and shopping. 

I'm excited to start my next projects so I can use the fabric I also bought yesterday.  Here is a sneak peak:

Pretty nice....can't wait to start!  Now, which one will I use first?

Toodles for now!

Flea Market Friday! I'm Pooped!

Well, I returned to the land of the living today.  With the kidney stone far behind (hopefully never to return), I succeeded in Flea Market Friday!  I spent the day shopping "vintage" style and also managed to sneak into my favorite fabric shop, where I picked up some fabulous yardage as well as a few fat quarters.  During my retro shopping, I focused on purses; so many variations.  While I did not buy any, I photographed a lot of them and will post these tomorrow.  I did purchase a vintage sewing pattern, a few books, and a 1937 McCall's catalogue.  This was my most expensive purchase.

This magazine style catalogue is so cool!  I wish you could see it in person! 

Check out this 1971 Simplicity pattern for bags and spats!  "Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!"

Alright, I have got to hit the hay.  I am wiped out!  I will post pictures of the great bags I saw today, as well as some of the other great stuff I found!

Toodles for now.

Tutorial Posted at Craft Gossip!

Good news and bad news.  First, my Belt Buckle Purse Strap Tutorial was posted at Craft Gossip! Anne Weaver sent me the nicest email.  Her website is great and there is really great information there on all sorts of different crafts.  I hope that a lot of people make a bag using my tutorial.  If you are one of them, I want to see it!  It is really very easy...give it a try.

Okay, now for the bad news.  My cell phone case did not work out very well for me today.  Backstory:  I got the new HTC Droid phone a few days ago and I have been paranoid about breaking the camera or scratching the touch screen.  This is the reason I wanted to make a case for it.  My phone fits perfectly inside my new case butit  really isn't very practical.  I mean, I can't get it out quickly when it rings.  So, while the case protects my phone great, I'm going to have to come up with another design.  The first change I am going to try is simply use velcro for the closure instead of the button.  I've already cut out fabric for two new cases.  I've decided to use flannel instead of batting.  I think this will "de-bulk" the case.  Hopefully, I will finish these up tomorrow.

One last thing...did you notice Wonder Woman's makeover?  Anyone that has been on this blog journey since the beginning knows that WW is special to me.  I only recently changed my profile from her image.  I'm not sure what to make of her new look.  I'm going to have to ponder this new look for awhile before I make up my mind.  What do you think?

NYDailyNews.com

  Toodles for now!

Droid Cell Phone Case Complete!

Droid Cell Phone Case (front)

Backside

Well, I finished the case for my new cell phone tonight.  I found the tutorial for the case at Sew Mama Sew a few days ago.  I thought I was going to have to alter the measurements for my phone, but luckily, I didn't have to!  This is great because measuring/math is not my forte.  That sounds terrible for a sewist doesn't it?  I'm getting better, but I've been very guilty of "eyeballing" my measurements in the past.  I now pinkie swear I will no longer do this...Anyway, I'm pretty happy with my results.  My new "Droid" phone (I'm not sure what that means) fits inside perfectly.  I used a fabric from Tina Givens' Free Spirit line called Rachael  for the outside and decided on a pale pink flannel for the lining.  I thought this would be softer on the phone, which it is, but it also makes it a bit bulkier since there is also a layer of batting.  I will definately make more of these since they don't take a lot of fabric and it was a pretty quick project from beginning to end.  Maybe I'll change the closure on the next case I make.  Maybe velcro or a snap?  What do you think?

Just one more thing.  Awhile back I signed up to receive newletters and discounts from Simplicity, McCall's, Vogue, and Butterick.  I usually get two or three of their adds every day.  I got one from Vogue a few days ago and just opened it today.  In it I found their new collection.  In this collection is one gorgeous dress.  It is Vintage Vogue 1171. 

Vintage Vogue 1171

 

I also found what I am certain is the most awful dress I have ever seen.  Tell me what you think of this Mrs. Roper number, otherwise known as Vogue 1181.

Vogue 1181

Pretty terrible huh?  I don't have anymore words for this.

Toodles for now!

Knick Knacks, Rusty Lawnmowers and A Sweaty 40 Year Old, Ultra White (Now Sunburned) Lady. Is There Anything More Sexy?

Whew!  My first ever garage sale was a success!  I started setting up yesterday around 10:00 and made my first sale at about 10:15!  Although I made $127.75 total, I realize now that I could have been more successful had I started my sale earlier.  It was extremely hot and I think most "garage hunters" start and finish their hunts early, especially when the weather is super hot.  I have also learned that buyers are attracted to lawn mowers, plastic large outdoor play equipment, and bikes.  These items sold quickly.  Even though the heat was unbearable and my shoulders are now sunburned, I think I have the garage sale bug!  Except for the heat, doing this garage sale was pretty fun.  I met some really nice people, including Megan, a gal that bought a lot of my treasured cake decorating supplies, namely, my fondant and gumpaste cutters.  I sure hope she enjoys them as much as I did...I know whoever she makes the decorations for sure will!  I can't wait for my next sale!  Next time I will be more organized, start sooner in the day, and have more one dollar bills on hand for change!

I want to thank Dotty at Totally Tutorials for posting my Belt Buckle Purse Strap Tutorial.  This is my second tute and it was really fun to do.  If you have never been to Dotty's site, you should visit.  She posts all sorts of sewing how-tos as well many other crafts...even on blogging!

I'd also like to thank Karen at Some Days Are Diamonds for starting the Bloggerette Sorority!  I joined this group today and although I'm too late to participate in the "Rush," I can't wait to get involved in this sisterhood!  There are all sorts of different crafts represented by the blogging sisters.  I am sure I am going to learn a lot from these ladies and from being part of this community.  Check out the Sorority button.  Isn't is beautiful? 

Now, what should my next project be?  I am definately still looking for a design to cover my iTouch and new cell phone.  Anyone have a great pattern?  Send it my way.  I found a design at  Sew Mama Sew, but I'll have to change the dimensions to fit my gadgets...and you know, math really isn't my thing.

Sew Mama Sew

I've had a fantastic weekend!  I hope you all have as well!  Oh, and I am almost feeling back to normal after the kidney stone.  Thanks again for the "get well" wishes.  I have an appointment with my super sweet doc tomorrow and I know he'll be giving me the "all clear!"  (Fingers crossed)

Toodles!

Can One Have Too Many Purses?

As you know, I normally spend my Fridays shopping at flea markets, thrift stores, garage  and estate sales, as well as vintage outlets.  Today, however,  I was busy getting organized for my own garage sale!  Believe it or not, I have never had a garage sale!  I'm not sure I knew how involved it would be.  Every year my neighborhood has a "hood" sale on the same three days.  I have never participated before, but I decided to have a go this year after my next door neighbor told me she made $400 last year.  Can you believe that?  Even half that would be great for the new camera fund right?  I will keep you posted on well I do tomorrow.  I will also post any items that I don't sell tomorrow in case anyone is interested in cake decorating supplies, gumpaste cutters and molds, pans and stands, as well as vintage cake decorating books.  Sorry, I've just realized if I can clear out this stuff, I would have more room for fabric!!

 Simplicity

I stayed up late last night and finished the Simplicity Pleated Purse.  I am really happy with how it turned out.  I found the pattern pretty straightforward and fairly easy to follow, with the exception of the inside pocket.  Luckily, I learned how to do an inside zipper pocket when I made the black and gray purse just last week.  I actually used the zipper from the deconstructed skirt for this inside pocket.  I absolutely love the fabric and to think that the entire purse was made from the fabric of a $2.00 skirt I bought at Goodwill makes it even sweeter!  I will definately make this purse again, but maybe shorten it a bit.  As a vertically challenged person, this bag kind of hangs a bit low for me. 

Have a look at the photos and let me know what you think! 

Notice my Sew Loquacious tag?