Friday, March 22, 2013

Reusable Grocery Bags - Love, love, love them!!

Go green with these reusable bags!
I found this pattern here. And if you are a "green" type, I encourage you to go buy this pattern.  This is the same place I got my laptop case pattern BTW.  Anyway, I digress.  Here is why I love these so much:

1. They are super easy to make.  Total time for 3 bags from start to finish 3 hours.  I had some interruptions, and of course, it's a new pattern.  When I make more, it will go much faster.

2. They are super durable, washable and reversible.

3. They were inexpensive to make. Total cost for 3 bags was less than $10.  And I have fabric left over!

4. They help save our precious planet which we should all make more of an effort to do.

5. They hold so much stuff!!!  All of this fit in ONE bag.  Yes, one.  There are 3 sizes incidentally.  I made the large ones.  That is a huge container of spinach, a small loaf of bread, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, 2 deodorant rolls, a bag of almonds, a jar of garlic and 7 protein bars all in one bag.


6. They are so cute!  This is what they look like completely full. And as long as they are full, they stand up by themselves.  No more rolling around in the trunk of your car!!!  I can take corners on a dime, and these puppies stay put!  See that little plastic bag beside?  That has my meat.  Didn't want that in my new bags getting their little juices all over them.


View from the top

 7. They fold up so neatly. All three (only 2 pictured) fit nicely in the side pocket of my car door.  I keep them there; otherwise, I'd forget to take them to the grocery store - completely negating the whole reason for making them!


The only change I'll make is to make 2 or 3 with laminated fabric lining.  That way, I'll have a place for my meats or anything else that might have a tendency to leak.  It will wipe clean easily.  The others can be thrown in the wash!

How much more convincing do you need?  I plan on making some of these for teacher gifts this year.  Maybe even Christmas gifts.  Oh I can think of a few people who would love these.

Happy Friday!!
Angela

Saturday, March 16, 2013

My newest project.

Colette Pattern
This is a dress I'm making for Britt for a Pansy Brunch hosted by her Sorority (Tri Delt) the first weekend in April.  I found the pattern at Martha Pullen online.

The one posted on MP was completely white and looked really pretty.  I found this beautiful blue floral at JoAnn's and thought it would work nicely with this pattern.  I also found the dotted white cotton for a nice contrast.


This is a fully lined pattern.  I could have opted out of the lining for this dress but  decided to try it anyway.  It is a very light weight cotton, and I thought the heavier material would definitely be needed on the bodice, since my baby girl is just a tad top heavy. lol  She is going to need that extra support to hold the girls in place.

The pattern is by Colette, and I would not recommend it to any beginner.  It is definitely an intermediate pattern.  I had several issues with this pattern which I'll detail more when I post the finished, modeled pictures.

Happy Saint Patty's Day!
Angela

Monday, March 4, 2013

Another Wrap Skirt

You may recall this McCalls 3145 One Hour Wrap Skirt I did last year.  I thought it would make the perfect skirt for Easter.  I also have this pattern and chose the peplum top to go with the skirt.  I bought white linen fabric last year to make the top and a very pretty cotton for the pants.  I just never got around to it.

Anyway, here is the preview of my WIP.

McCalls 3135 one hour wrap skirt
I found the paisley fabric at Joanns and loved the colors.  The fabric for the top is very light and flowy with a crinkly look.  Here's a close up.

I think the colors will work very well together.

Since the paisley fabric is a polyester blend, it doesn't hang like the first skirt made of 100% cotton.  I had to make some adjustments to the fit.  I'm not quite there yet, but I think I'm close.  I'm at a stand still with the top until I find the right zipper.  No one in this area has the right length in the right color. I'm tempted to just order a metallic chunky zipper and make it exposed on the back.  I think silver might work.  Then I can wear a pretty silver sandal to pull the look together.

The top went together fairly easily, but I can't determine the fit until I get the zipper installed.  This is my first top, so that will definitely be trial and error.The reviews I've read are not favorable with the fit.

Maybe I'll get the skirt finished this week.....if I'm lucky.  Baseball starts this week, so that will cut into my sewing time. :)

Have a super Monday!
Angela