I have sewing on the mind...

I have so many projects that I'm super excited!  Currently this week a friend is having a birthday.  She's into couponing and crafting and all sorts.  So Im making her a coupon tote.  I have already told her what I was making her because I wanted to know what color she would like....Brown and Blue.  I found the prettiest fabric at hobby lobby and I can't wait to get it made.  I'll be sure and post a pic and hopefully a pic of Debbie too! :)

My first buttonhole...

So I have been on a short vacation this week.  My family and I went out of town...out of state.  A much needed trip for myself I do believe.  A different pace.  I feel revived.  I came back home though with sewing on my mind.  A friend started the below dress and gave to me.  She had cut it out and done the front pleating on the dress.  I finished it by sewing it all together, added the binding trim, and .....my first button hole.  The pattern actually called for making a thread loop for a button and I'm thinking at that point...lets shoot for the button hole.  My sewing machine has a 1, 2, 3, 4 step on it...so it came together pretty easily and now I've done it.  This dress is for my neice Ella Grace.  I hope to get a photo of her and add her to my blog.

"My" Binder Tote...

Ok - so I am finished pulling thread out and was able to save my red straps from my error as I mentioned in a before post.  I decided to go for it and make myself a binder tote - one for me!  My friend that wants one and brought this idea to me has not yet decided on how she wants hers made.  My friend has a coupon binder way larger than you can imagine.  I believe she mentioned 10 lbs - but I'm thinking maybe more than that.  She may have to go to a second binder...but she's trying not to.  Anyway - thats another story and this is "my" tote.  I love it and have already rec'd several compliments on it.  It can be used for more than just coupons of course.  I love the red and white.  Hope you like!  Ok - and the side view can be made a little longer so the binder isnt seen at all to give you another idea and I left room for expansion...though right now I dont have plans to go as large as my friend.

For a friend...

A friend loved my zebra tote below and asked that I make her one.  We added her name (another friend did that part for me though I won't mention her name unless I have permission).  Embroidery really adds to it.  Turned out really good and Gina was very pleased!  Thanks Gina!  I hope you enjoy it very much!

Remember my title does state "New to Sewing"

Ok - I made a blooper on the binder tote last night.  I am new at sewing - remember?  I have to tell myself that too because I was on a roll thinking I was doing great.  I was sewing the straps on - looking great!  I'm finished and then I decide to see how a binder looks inside of it - but wait - I sewed the pockets on the other side where the binder slides into when I was sewing the straps on the other side!!  Oh no!  Yes I sewed those straps on so nicely too.  Okay - so now comes that tool - the thread puller!  At least I was working on "my" pattern tote and not the tote I am making for my friend.  I havent started hers yet thankfully!  Trial and error - I will do it!  Now, I have to get to pulling some threads out.....

Binder Tote

Ok for those couponers out there as well as Teachers, Girls going to school/college, little kids wanting to carry coloring pages and crayons - any need for a binder tote!  Here is how this came to be - A friend approached me and showed me a pic of something she saw recently and asked "Can you make this?".  I actually took some sticky notes and planned it out in my head and went home that night and cut out a pattern.  This is it.  You see in the photo actual sewing pins still stuck in this tote because it is not finished.  You can add pockets on the inside of this tote for more storage but there is a pocket on the backside of the tote between the straps as well.  Its cute!  Super cuter in person!  Thank you so much Donna for showing me this.

Zebra Pattern

Found this cute ribbon and a Fleur De Lis to add - and this bag was born!  I just love these bags!  I am hoping someone else out there does as well.  I am trying to sell them and support my new sewing addiction - lol.  But I love making these bags!  They are fun and have endless possibilities.  Great for little girls - dancers, birthdays, or just to tote their stuff around in; great for teachers; moms; or any other girl/lady in your life!