Monday, March 30, 2009

Apron-O-Rama!

It was an apron fiesta this weekend. It started out with the dino fabric. I couldn't help but buy it. And then the hearts -- so sweet, and on clearance! The aliens I had already, so I only had to buy lining fabric. *sigh* Even when I can't buy anything I buy things.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Mmmmm...

Some of the "forbidden" fabric... I'm doing pretty well with getting the fabric I buy made into bags quickly. This must be what it's like to buy fabric with an exit strategy. :)

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Dos Mas!

So the first... meh. It's okay but nothing inspiring. I mean, it's a really nice bag, and the blue lining is cute... but it's not my favorite or anything. The "button" bag is way cuter, I think. A couple snazzy cushion covers from IKEA and a cute bag! It was suggested to me that I might want to think about sewing a couple of real buttons on it!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Magazine Review: freshHOME

So, here's the deal: I love magazines. The only thing I love more than a regular magazine issue, is a PREMIER magazine issue! There are many favorites that I've purchased over the years. Some, I've watched grow into full-fledged established magazines, others I have watched struggle to build an audience, then fold, much to my chagrin.

The most recent addition to the list of premier issues is that of freshHOME (freshhomemag.com). On a recent bookstore trip, I spied the title with the tagline, "Easy ideas for Hands-On People." I like easy ideas! I am a hands-on person! I could have easily holed up in the store's coffee shop, perused the mag, and quietly ditched it for an unsuspecting employee to stumble upon. However, I couldn't do that. Well, I could've easily holed up, perused the mag, and ditched it. However, I would have ditched it in its home in the home improvement magazines, as karma would have taken its toll had I left the periodical for one of the clerks at the bookstore. Enough about that, the magazine made its way into the small pile of purchases I made that evening.

Fortunately, the hubs drove me home, as I couldn't wait to dive in. With the overhead light illuminating my purchase, I dove into the pages. The publication got immediate points for an opening ad by Elmira Stove Works. One day, when I am wealthy and living in my dream home, I will own their vintage inspired pieces. The fact that the ad featured one of my favorite colors was just icin gon the cake. I forced myself past the ad, and continued on.

A favorite point was the key to the projects contained within. Each project contains not only the price it will cost to DIY (do it yourself) it also contained the price to BIY (buy it yourself), along with where to find the piece. As someone who looks at many items in the marketplace and knows I could make them myself, it is refreshing to see if it is worth it to make it myself. After all, my time is worth something. Finally, each project lists the skill level, and about how long the project will take. All this information makes it much easier to decide which projects are worth the time, and which I should just drive to the store for. In some cases, the stores are on my blacklist, which makes it a no-brainer for me to either build it, or live without.

For a premier issue, I found freshHOME nicely balanced between basic information to get one started, and generally useful information. For instance, the listings of basic tools one should own was more basic than I need at this point (thanks Dad!), however, I loved the pages on making one's curb more appealling, and making the maintenance simple.

This issue, available until April 27th, offered articles for seasoned craftspeople as well as the novice. I look forward to the next publication to make a better assessment of how useful it will be.

Please note: This review is completely voluntary! I happened upon this magazine by chance, thought it was interesting, and am offering my perspectiv on it for those who are curious. I am not being compensated by the publisher, nor am I receiving anything for posting this.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Bye Bye Plastic!

As if my making reusable bags will somehow help me remember to bring them into the store, not leave them in the car. Anyway, this is one of the new patterns -- I reduced it, which makes this size that's good for a quick run, but not so much for serious shopping. I'll have to give the big one a try, too. I'm thinking about buying some snap tape, because they fold up so nicely. Perfect for sticking in your bag!

Monday, March 16, 2009

2-cute!

I'm still unsure about this fabric in general, but the bag turned out pretty cute!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Meh.

I was pretty excited about finally getting to sew something out of this fabric... It was kind of an odd-sized scrap, so I didn't get to be too choosy about how the pattern was used. I guess it's okay -- a *great* red color, that's for sure.

My goal this weekend is to try out one of my two new patterns from last weekend -- maybe there will be more pictures to come!

Friday, March 13, 2009

A Sad Story...

Well I love* this fabric, but it was a bit too much for my poor machine to handle. It was pretty thick, kind of a tapestry-style material. After I got it assembled I noticed that it has a flaw on the front panel and pocket, and it fell apart a little when I flipped it to finish it -- but it's still pretty nice.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

From Naughty to Nice!

So here's the first bag from my forbidden fabric purchase of last week. I really* really like it. It's got this faboo teal lining, and the upholstery fabric makes it so nice and sturdy! The next bag should be completed tonight... Excitement!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

I'm naughty!!!

So, I had to drive to Elk River today... and I was ahead of schedule... and maybe I didn't HAVE to drive by SR Harris, but there was a reasonable route that would take me BY there... and I didn't think that they would be open at 9:30, but they were...

I only shopped the remnants!

I only stayed 20 minutes!

I only spent $20.

I know I broke the code -- but I think they'll make some snappy bags!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

A couple newbies...

So I re-created a bag I gave as a gift, and then tried out a leafy-pattern as well. The scribble works out so great when matching the pattern up -- I think the leaves might be a little too large of a pattern for a bag this size.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Two more!

So a couple more bags here... the first I really like, the second I'm a little disappointed in the pocket fabric placement - as far as the pattern goes. I should have gone for more leaf action on there. Ah well, maybe next time.