Repurposing stuff

I've been trying to use stuff I have around the house before I go buy new fabric and stuff lately. The fact of the matter is, I have a closet full of fabric and could just keep it and look at it and pet it, but I should really use it. I also have lots of other....stuff...that could be used for projects. I've been trying to be more creative lately. It's fun, and cheaper.

Anyhow, I got to thinking the other day about the big Rubbermaid tote full of old uniforms that lives on a shelf in my garage. You see, when I resigned from the service, I thought I might just go back, so I kept it all. It's been four years. I'm a chubbyish suburban mom...I'm not going back. So this stuff is fair game for crafting now. I got out an old top (BDU style) and started cutting.

I made shorts for the boy. If you haven't seen Petchy's 10 minute trousers, you should really check it out. If you have a kid, and want to make them shorts, that is.

This used a very small amount of the top. So I picked apart the remaining seams, and made this bag.

No lie, that is two sleeves, opened up and sewn together. I made a boxed bottom, stabilized it with double sided fusible Peltex, and lined the inside. The strap is pieced from the back of the shirt, topstitched with varigated thread. The original shirt pocket is on the inside, plus a snapped pocket to fit a water bottle or sunglasses case. I left the original cuffs on as the top of the bag...so the opening can be cinced up or left all the way open. (It is cinched in the pics) Love it!

Oh, and I got to use my new toy, I mean tool-- my snap press! It is sooo fun.

Another purse

This is my new favorite bag. I plan to make several more... It's the Multitasker Tote from Anna Maria Horner. Fabulous pattern! Look how cute!





The fabric is Moda Wonderland. I used light twill for the exterior, so I skipped the interfacing that the pattern called for. If I had used it, it would probably be a little more structured. But it is slouchy and cute. I really like the size and the outside pockets. It holds all I need with room to spare. Love it! I stitched this up in one evening, after everyone else was asleep and the house was amazingly quiet. It came together quickly and was a very satisfying project.

Toddler backpack

Next week is Take Your Daughter to Work Day. Having inherited my love of bags, my kid was really worried about what she would carry on this special day. She tried out several of my old purses and free-with-purchase makeup totes, but nothing seemed quite right. Yes, a new bag was in order. So I whipped up a little backpack out of the cutest lavender hippo canvas. No pattern! Yay! The straps don't adjust, but there is a nifty drawstring. It's already loaded up with treasures.

Gaggle of Guinea Pigs

I was looking for a little softie to make for my daughter. She gets excited when I sew for her, but is so picky about clothing that I get frustrated. I found this guineau pig at youcanmakethis.com. I made them for my two, and they love them. So I made more. They are such a cute, scrappy project....and good practice for my rudimentary embroidery skills.

Easter clothes in action

I couldn't be happier than I was this morning, watching my littles run around in gorgeous clothes that I made. So much fun!

Diaper caddy. I set out to make this because I was thinking we were going to be putting our house on the market, and the cheap plastic basket I was keeping diapers in might not look so elegant on my nightstand. So I made this- a little open-topped boxy caddy, out of scrap strips, interfacing and canvas. I wish I used heavier interfacing, so it would look a little nicer when it is only half full, because it starts to sag a bit after a few changes. Ah, oh well. It is definately cuter than the plastic basket.

Just what the world needs

A new blog! Yay!!!

Okay, I decided to put this up to have a place to boast of my crafty accomplishments, whine about my misadventures, and probably throw in a bit about cooking (cause that is a craft, too).

I'll start with my kids' Easter outfits. I made my daughter's dress from a crazy man's shirt (meaning the shirt was crazy...although the owner may have been as well) from the Goodwill. I fell in love with the paisley- enough to pay $7 for the shirt, which is highway robbery at the Goodwill. I used this tute for the inspiration, but since this was a long sleeved shirt, I had plenty of fabric to work with, and was able to cut an actual bodice. I just love it.

For my son, a new bowling shirt in a soft homespun, springy plaid. I did not match the plaid, but am very pleased with it. I highly recommend this pattern for anyone with little kids and moderate sewing skills. It looks so professional and neat. I think I've made 10 (!) so far.

And as a bonus, a tiny Easter basket for the baby, since he is too small for a full sized basket.