Almost Mother's Day

In addition to sewing more costumes (yes, I know, never let anyone know you can sew), I have been busy making Mother's Day gifts. The first one I completed is a pot holder set for my mother-in-law's newly renovated kitchen. (shhh! don't tell her I made these for her! It's a surprise!)

I took this pattern from the Sew Simple Book I told you about earlier last week. I thought the pattern was simple enough, make a pieced piece of material using tapered strips of material. The trick for me was to alternate the wide an narrow ends of the strips. I think that I goofed it up several times, but you might not notice if I didn't point it out.

I used a color palette that matches her kitchen colors, a bright blue and yellow. I thew in the green to add some 'pop' to the design. I had fun mixing the colors and large and small patterns to create visual texture. I found heat-proof batting to use inside the pot holders, and added a loop of ribbon for hanging. I made the towel top so that it can be hung from a convenient spot in the kitchen. All I have left to do is add a button to keep the towel attached.

The book suggests that the same idea could be used to make coasters as well. Upon reading that idea, my head started spinning to all sorts of other ideas to use this construction: table runners, place mats, even the front of a tote bag. The possibilities are obviously endless.

I was so excited about the design, that I started piecing more material to make a set for my grandmother. Unfortunately, this set is yet unfinished because I was consumed with making 8 Lullaby League skirts for the Wizard of Oz at the elementary school and the fabulous photo pendants that Kerry and I made for several customers this week. I will show you those next week--I don't want to spoil anyone's Mother's Day surprise!

Mama's got a brand new bag!

We have both been looking for some new things to make. We are always looking for new designs, new patterns, fun colors, and pretty fabrics. We found this latest one in the book Sew Simple.

This book is filled with lots of simple, yet cute patterns for everyday living. There are easy home decor patterns as well as patterns for accessories and gifts. I think what I like best about the book is that the patterns are easy to follow, but the final product doesn't necessarily look too simple.



The first pattern I made was the Sling Bag, which is pictured on the back cover of the book. The bag was not too difficult to make, although I had to re-read the directions several times to make sure I understood the construction of the bag. I have become so used to tote bag construction. It is very similar to a Martha Stewart pattern that you can find on her website. Martha's bag is a simple and functional, unlined bag using a pillow case.

The Sew Simple bag is trimmed, lined and complete with pockets. I chose a pretty aqua and brown fabric for the outside of my bag, and a summery white with aqua and brown flowers as a lining material. The two complement each other nicely. I followed the instructions for using ric-rac as a trim. Chocolate brown ric-rac seemed to make a nice accent. Instead of using fabric covered buttons, I found some painted ones in coordinating colors and fun designs.

The bag is quite a bit bigger than I would use for a purse. But I would use it as a tote or market bag. I may try to scale the next one I make down a bit and add an interior snap, for every day use.

My next project will be the striped pot holders. I will let you know how those turn out, too. I guess I do still make things, I just haven't blogged about it in a while.