One more bag....

I completed this "manly" diaper for my brother-in-law some time ago. However, as it was a gift, and I couldn't risk anyone stumbling upon it and spoiling the surprise, I had to wait to post.

I made it using McCall's pattern M5339. I do not recommend this pattern. To say it was trying is a major understatement. There were an insane number of steps, many of which were unclear, even to a relatively seasoned sewer, such as myself. Some were outright wrong, and I learned to trust my instincts over the directions. Whilst I am proud of myself for sticking it out instead of giving up, I will never make this pattern again, and was even considering tossing my idea of making my sister-in-law a girly bag. I am glad I continued with hers, as it was a much more pleasant project. I am crossing my fingers that he gets much use out of it, and that it is practical.

Completed!!

The duel results are in!!

After much hemming and hawing, I finally finished this diaper bag for my sister-in-law. I was apprehensive due to difficulty with a previous diaper bag, but this pattern proved much more clear, despite the challenges provided by new (to me) interfacing.

I was dumb, and in a hurry, so I forgot to take photos of the inside. It is lined in aqua cotton twill, and provides pockets-a-plenty, and a swivel clasp to keep keys handy.

I chose the fabric based on colors I've seen her wear frequently, and thought it would be nice to have a stylish diaper bag, rather than one that is more for baby than mom. I like to think I succeeded, and judging the reaction at her baby shower, I think I succeeded.

Overall, there were some challenges, but I learned lots of things!

Now, we must wait and see for Proptart's response to the duel!!

A duel!!

It's a first in Procraftination history!

I am challenging Proptart to a duel.

Here's the sitch. I have a bag to finish by the weekend. She has a bag to finish, albeit not by the weekend, but she is procrastinating something fierce (not that any of us EVER do that). So, Here's the challenge: Come Monday, we must have our respective bags finished, with the surely amazing results posted here.

Will our trusty heroines finish in time????

Tune in Monday and find out!!

inside out and round and round

My mother has been wanting me to make her a bag for a bit, now. I thought it would be delightful to make her a tote bag for her library books, groceries, well, anything that needs toting. Since she'd recently purchased a number of red and black items for her wardrobe (which I wholeheartedly encourage for everyone!), I thought a couple of red-and-black fabrics would suit her needs. Mother's Day seemed like the best option for gifting of such a bag, but the sewing gods were not on my side, and my machine was in and out of the shop.
Thus, she only recently got her bag, and since I couldn't spoil the surprise, I had to wait until now to show off my handiwork. Having made this bag, I now have some modifications I will make for future bags, including the way I turn in the top and how I do the straps (straps are a pain to turn out!). However, I was pleased with the way this turned out and apparently Mom is too, as she has already requested more "in every color." I hope it proves sturdy enough. I double stitched all the seams, and made two rows of topstitching along the top edge to accommodate the various weights of toted things. I am hoping that is sufficient.
Overall, I am happy with this run at the bag, and will keep my peepers peeled for appropriate fabrics!

For reals, this time.

We apologize muchly for our lack of May posting. We had plans for challenges, and pictures, and projects. Alas, one of us sneezed, and the month was gone entirely (excuse us).

However, we are back! We are working on projects aplenty! Most importantly...we have a June challenge!!

We are about to head into a new season, and the waning of our days. So, to celebrate the longest day of the year, and the new season that will emerge, the June challenge is:

Learn a new skill and create something you've never created before! For example, I have done lots of crafty, arty things, but the one thing I don't know how to do is knit. So, I shall learn to knit, and plan to make a scarf (which will come in handy once summer has come and gone).

July 1st, we will post pictures of our projects, and ask you to do the same.

On your mark, get set, GO!!!