I've Still Got It! | Zipper Pouch

It has been entirely too long since I last sat behind a sewing machine. Between a busy summer and broken machine, I just haven't had a chance in a while. Today, I decided to change that. I'm in Oklahoma visiting my family for the week, so I busted out my mom's old Singer and got to creatin'. 

I chose a rather simple project today because I was limited on my supplies, but it still felt good to craft again! I can't lie. I was a little rusty. And it was hard using a different machine than I'm used to using! But it was still fun, and I'm glad to know I've still got it! :) The tutorial I followed was super simple, so you should definitely give it a try, especially if you're a beginner. I'm not a huge fan of the way the zipper turns out, but it's still a cute little pouch. You can make it in any size for anything you need!

And of course, what better place to take pictures of my creation than on my mom's antique sewing table? I just couldn't pass up the opportunity. 

Thanks for joining me on another sewing adventure! I can't wait to get home and make more! My husband's sweet aunt is giving me her sewing machine, so now I have TWO! And that means I can sew while my machine's in the shop! Yippee!

Happy Thursday!

Handmade Eye Mask

Just wanted to share a quick post to show my latest sewing adventure! Since I've been getting migraines lately, I've been dying for an eye mask to wear when I can't bear to see any light. I keep forgetting to buy one when I'm out, so why not make one for free?!

This project was SO easy. Anyone could do it. It just took some fabric, fusible fleece (you could use any Kind of filling - felt, rice, flax seed and lavender, etc.), and elastic! For my elastic, I used one of my headbands that I never wear (because they never stay on my head). So it was fun to use stuff around the house to make this eye mask!

I didn't get to topstitch, so it doesn't look as clean cut and professional as I'd like. My sewing machine is borderline broken (OH NO!!!), so I was only able to get this far. But hopefully I can get my machine checked out and fixed soon. It's been KILLING me not to be able to sew! I probably shouldn't have used the machine today, but I just had to try this project.

Anyhow! There it is! I'm really excited about it. Hopefully I won't have to use the eye mask for a migraine anytime soon. I'll just use it for my afternoon naps that summer so graciously gives me. :)

Hope you're having a great Sunday!! Happy July!

Linds

P.S. In case you were wondering, it's incredibly difficult to take a picture of yourself while wearing an eye mask. It took about 50 tries to get a decent picture. I felt like a dork. Oh, well...

Boxy Bags

Read to the end for info on purchasing a boxy bag!

Woah! It's been a while since I've posted on my blog! It's good to be back! 

Today I went on yet another sewing adventure and attempted the boxy cosmetic bag! I had pinned this tutorial on Pinterest a long time ago, but yesterday I was out doing some fabric shopping and found THE perfect fabric for this project, so I decided it was time.

The first one I made was a little large for my liking, and kind of a weird shape, but I'm sure it could be put to good use. I kinda just guessed at the measurements because I wasn't sure, but it was definitely a learning experience. The next one I made was a much cuter and more practical size. 

Here are a few pictures of the two I have made so far.

I'm slightly obsessed with both of them. I love the fabric I found for the first one, but you know me...I love birds. In fact, I currently have the bird bag up for sale (or it may be sold by now), and I'm already having a hard time parting with it. It's so cute!

Anywho! SEVERAL of you have mentioned wanting to buy a boxy bag, and that is so awesome! If you want to order one, please message me on Facebook. Here's what I'll need to know:

Size: Small $9  or Medium $12 (shipping will be $2.50 for both sizes)

Color/pattern preference

Email address (if you plan to pay online with debit/credit/PayPal)

Shipping address

I appreciate it! This will REALLY help me keep the level of confusion down! 

I am so thrilled and so thankful for all of your support! You guys are seriously awesome! I was just talking to Joshua at dinner tonight about how crazy it is that you people want to buy MY stuff! I mean, I've only been sewing for 4 months! God has truly blessed me!

Okay, I'm done being sappy and mushy-gushy! Thanks again, everyone! Have a happy Saturday night! :)

Linds.

Coming [Back] Soon!

I can't believe the semester is coming to an end. This time last year, I was stressing out like crazy, trying to study for finals and plan a wedding at the same time. Now I'm trying to study for finals and keep the house clean at the same time. Oh, how times change so quickly! Our first anniversary is just around the corner, and I feel like it was just yesterday when I was looking over at our precious groomsmen and praying they wouldn't catch on fire in the middle of my 104 degree wedding! Whew! So glad we all survived that!


In less than a week, I'll be a senior. That is, if I pass all of my final exams...but I think I'm safe. :) I'm so excited for the summer to come, not only because school's out, and not only because summer is filled with snocones, sunshine, and swimming. I'm also excited about summer because I'll finally have time to sew again!!! I feel like it's been ages since I've sat down at my machine. I'm really excited to jump back in with some new projects and hopefully create some of my own designs! 


On that note, I'd like to invite all of you to give me some input! Shoot me a message, leave a comment, post a link or picture to my Facebook wall, or contact me in another way to give me some ideas of what YOU would like to see me make and sell this summer! You can also check out my 'sewing adventures' Pinterest board to see some things I've pinned and let me know if you like any of those. 


Thanks to all of you who have supported me in this adventure so far. It's such a great feeling to know there are people who believe in me! And thanks to those of you who will take the time to share your thoughts with me! I look forward to hearing and seeing all of your wonderful ideas! :)


Happy Friday!
Linds

Hoot Hoot!

I did it! i did it! I finished both projects in one night! I'm feelin' proud.

Here are some pictures for ya.

Camera Strap & Passport Cover

The few stamps I have. I'm workin' on it. :) 

Now, the camera strap isn't for sale. That was made to order.

But the passport cover IS for sale! If you want to buy it, you can find it on my Etsy shop. No promises it'll still be there by the time you click that link, though. :)

Got a house to clean, hang out time with my friend/mentor, a child observation, homework, and a DATE tomorrow! So it's bedtime! Gooooooodnight.

Two in One

Just wanted to give a quick update! It's been awhile since I've posted on my blog!

Tonight I'm starting two new projects. I'm starting them at the same time because I'm using the same [adorable] fabric for both of them, so it was convenient to cut the fabric at the same time. I loathe fabric-cutting. In fact, someday when my business is booming and I'm filthy rich (in my dreams, of course), I'm going to hire a fabric cutter so I don't have to do it! :) Okay, not really. But it's kinda fun to daydream about.

Anywho! Back to the projects. Wanna see the fabric? Well, I'm gonna show you anyway. Here it is.

Told ya. Adorable.

So the first project is one I've technically already done before. It's a camera strap cover! I'm making this for my sweet, owl-loving, incredible picture-taker (a.k.a. photographer), used-to-be neighbor, Jessica. [You should all check her out on FB! Jessica Clark Designs. She's aaaaaamazing.]

And the second project I'm starting is a passport cover! My mom's sweet friend suggested it to me, and I looked up some tutorials on it, and it is SO easy! I love easy projects! So I'm really excited to see the finished product. 

It'll probably make me want to go back to Africa. :)

I may or may not finish these tonight. Hubs just put homemade chicken pot pie in the oven (Isn't he incredible? I would go hungry if it weren't for him), and I think we're planning on watching the Phineas and Ferb movie tonight (because we're cool like that). So I'll get as much done as I can! Can't wait to show you how they turn out!

I hope you ALL have a fantabulous Thursday evening!

Mini Wallets

Anything that begins with the word "mini," will most likely get the typical [girly], "Awwww...so cute!!" reaction. From me, anyway. I just love miniatures! Like mini candy bars (a lot of them, of course), a mini cheese grater (yes, I have one. It's smaller than my hand!), and even mini Dr. Peppers. 

-- And all of those were food-related...I think I'm hungry. --

Well, today I made my very first, very own, original sewing pattern for this adorable Mini Wallet! I can't take all the credit, though. I got the idea from...yep, you guessed it. Pinterest. I saw a mini wallet, but there was no tutorial, so I decided to figure it out for myself!

 And isn't it adorable?! I'm in love with it! It has it's imperfections, but it was only my first try, so I'm excited to see how the next one turns out! I'd like to make one with a snap closure instead of a button. I DO have snaps on hand, but I couldn't figure out how to attach them (and I was getting slightly frustrated), so I opted for a button. This project is perfect way for using up scraps because it doesn't take much material. Especially if you're like me and you hold on to every single scrap because you "just might need it someday." It's also very simple and quick to make! I just love it.

So that's that! Let me know what you think about it! 

Happy Sunday evening!

Laptop Measurements

If you would like to order a Button-Up Sleeve for your laptop (or any other E-reader/tablet for which I may not be able to find the measurements online), I will need to know the length, width, and height. Below is a picture to help you measure your laptop. After you measure, send me the numbers, and I’ll get to work on your laptop sleeve! Thanks so much!

The Button-Up Low-Down

So here’s the dealio, people. (Okay, I’m done talking in my gangster voice.) I’m officially taking orders for my Button-Up Laptop/Tablet/E-reader Sleeves. BUT! Much like the wristlets, I will only be taking the first TEN orders! So if you want one, you better act fast! :)

Here’s the pricing breakdown:
(all shipping will be $4)

Laptop Sleeves (13” and up): $20
iPad/E-Reader (up to 12”): $18

Contact me via tumblr or Facebook to place your order!

Button-Up Laptop Sleeve

It is finished!

I started this laptop sleeve two nights ago, but realized I didn’t have enough batting, so I had to put it on hold. Last night, I got home from church around 9, which is only about an hour from my “bedtime.” But Hubs was out with the guys, so I decided to stay up late (livin’ on the edge!) and conquer this thing! I’m so pleased with the way it turned out! So take a peek at the pictures, and keep reading! Important info below!

It has two straps that button to the front.

My laptop fits so perfectly inside!

Pink polka dots on the inside!!

So there it is! What do you think?!  

If you like it, tell me! And tell me what YOU would want a sleeve for (iPad, Kindle, NOOK, laptop, notebook, etc). I want to get an idea of how many would want to buy one before I decide how I’m going to sell them. I might take orders, and I might just sell them as I make them. We’ll see! Give me your feedback!

My Wristlet Journey

I’ve been looking forward to this post for a long time! Not that I was ready to be finished with the wristlets, because I LOVED making them, but because I couldn’t wait to show ALL of the wristlets in one post! I still have two or three more to make, but they’ll most likely be repeats of one of these in the picture.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’ve made 35 wristlets!!! If you would have told me on the day of my first wristlet post that I would sell 30+ wristlets, I would have laughed in your face (which wouldn’t have been very nice of me)! But seriously! THIRTY-FIVE! I mean, think about it… I just learned to sew at the end of December. I got my first sewing machine less than a month ago. And you all were brave enough to spend money on something I made?! You guys have been so incredibly supportive of me! So thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to all of you who purchased a wristlet! I hope you love it and enjoy it! I truly give all the glory to the Lord. That may sound silly, but there is no way this could have happened without His help! I’m loving this fun journey He’s taking me on!

I’m looking forward to my next project, and I hope you are too! Keep your eyes peeled for my next blog post!!

P.S. Which wristlet was your favorite?

A Spontaneous Headphones Pouch

Well, I said I was going to get ready for the day. Then my mother distracted me!

As I was cleaning up all of my sewing stuff, my mom said, “I need something to put my headphones in so they don’t get messed up!” I remembered that I had pinned something on Pinterest a long time ago for a small pouch for headphones. I pulled it up on the computer, and it was such a simple tutorial! So I decided to make one for her really quick! And it was really quick! And super easy! Although, it is somewhat difficult to sew in a circle! But I’ll get better. :)

So there it is! Super cute! 

Now I’m REALLY going to get ready! Hubs, my sister-in-law, and I are going to the outlet mall! Woohoo!

See ya!!

There's a first for everything...

As most of you know, I’m home in Oklahoma for a few days because my dad had major surgery on Wednesday. He’s finally home and resting in bed, so I have some time on my hands. I brought my sewing machine along so I could get some wristlets made and try a few other projects! Today I decided to make an iPad sleeve. A few girls have suggested I try laptop/kindle sleeves (as I mentioned in the last post), so I wanted to practice and see how it’d go! So here is my finished product!

I love this fabric and have been dying to use it for something. It’s a light turquoise color with lavender birds and bird houses. The pictures just don’t do it justice. :)

I’m pretty pleased with the way it turned out, especially since it was my first try. The tutorial I used was pretty great! There were only a few things I didn’t like about it that I’ll definitely be changing for the next one. Also, it was supposed to have a flap with velcro at the top, but (long story short) it didn’t make it into the final product. You know how those “first tries” go. :)

I will most likely be selling these in the near future. I could make them to fit a laptop, iPad, or Kindle. First, I need to finish up the wristlet orders. I have 8-10 more to make. (I know! That’s a lot! You guys have ordered them like crazy, and I love it!!) Also, I’m trying to decided if I want to take orders for these or if I’ll just make them and sell them as they’re made. We’ll see! Anyway! I’m off to get ready for the day. Yes, at 2:30pm. Lazy days are the best! 

Happy Friday, everyone!

Looking ahead...

I have exciting things coming up for you all! I want to share a few of my thoughts with you and see what you think! 

During the Super Bowl, I did a wristlet giveaway and asked for people to leave a comment saying what they think I should make and sell. I had several girls suggest laptop/ipad/kindle sleeves! I’ve also had a few people ask about the fabric envelopes I made back in December. (Those would most likely be sold in sets of 3 or 6.) AND! I’ve had a couple people ask me about camera strap covers! How fun is that?!

So let me know if any of those interest you! I won’t be taking any orders yet. Just checking to see how many people would be interested in each item. What would you buy???

Well, I’m off to get ready for school! Have a happy Tuesday!!

Wristlet Giveaway! HURRY!!!

Well, it’s Super Bowl Sunday. But who really cares?! I don’t! And this post is for all of you ladies who feel the same way. I decided to make a giveaway wristlet today because you guys have been so great and supportive, and I’m loving every minute of sewing for you all! Here’s the wristlet!

So here’s how this is going to work! You have from now until the end of the game to  comment on THIS post (on my blog, not my Facebook) and tell me something you think I should make and sell! I’ll randomly select a winner when the game ends! Good luck! Can’t wait to hear from you! :)

For Sale: Wristlets

I made another one! Isn’t is cute?! This one is actually for an elementary school friend! (Cool, right? Facebook truly brings the world together.)

SO here’s the deal! I’m going to start by selling a limited number of them as not to become overwhelmed with a bazillion wristlets to make on top of all my homework! They will cost $9 each plus $2 for shipping (if applicable), and I will take the first SIX orders. You can tell me a color scheme you’d like, and I’ll find fabric for you. First come, first serve! And I’ve already had a few people show interest, so let me know ASAP if you want one!

(Once I finish up the first six, I might take some more orders!)

Sewing Adventure: Wristlet

I’d love for you to read this post and give me your feedback! I’m thinking this wristlet could have potential to be my next “for sale” item, but I want to know what you think!! 

This is the project that kept me up late last night. But I believe it was totally worth it. Hubs on the other hand…he wasn’t too happy about me coming to bed at midnight (yes, we’re like old people). Oops! Anyway, I found this wristlet on Pinterest last night, and thought I’d give it a try. At this point, I’m willing to try just about anything for practice! I think it turned out pretty well!

I’m going to make another one tonight because there are a few things I want to do differently. I kinda messed up the zipper a little bit, and I’d like the strap to be shorter and a little “crooked,” not sticking straight out. It kinda makes the wristlet look like Oklahoma. Haha! The tutorial was a little hard to understand, and the author didn’t do the best job of explaining all the steps, so I got confused a few times. All in all, it’s a super simple pattern! Now that I’ve done it once, I want to try again to make it even better! 

I think it’s a great size for a cell phone, chapstick, credit cards, cash, and whatever else you like to carry around!

So tell me…would YOU buy one???

My First Sewing Adventure: Pencil Pouch

Today’s an exciting day! And not just because it’s my birthday, although, that alone is pretty exciting! :) My family bought me a Brother CS-6000i computerized sewing machine for my birthday, and it. is. amazing! It has so many awesome features that I won’t bore you with for now (maybe in a later post when I know more about them). My mom helped me get it all set up last night, and today I decided to jump right in and do my first project!

Isn’t that owl pin cushion adorable?! My sweet mom made it for me! She’s the best! I think he needs a name.

I chose to do a pencil pouch because I already had everything I needed for it, and it looked pretty simple. The project itself was simple. It just took me forever because I’m a beginner with a brand new sewing machine, and I honestly have no idea what I’m doing. There were several moments when I came extremely close to giving up, but I didn’t! (At one point I moved to the couch and took a power nap with Hubs. I felt much better after that and jumped back in to my project.) I also went through almost an entire spool of thread because I messed up so many times. Good times, good times. Not.

After all the time and effort I put into it, I’m feeling very proud of myself for accomplishing something and not giving up! 

So here’s the finished product. Don’t judge my crooked lines. Remember…I’m a beginner.

I was a little nervous about the color combo between the zipper and the fabric. I only had two zippers that were long enough, so I asked Hubs which color would look best, and he chose this one. I think he was right! Even though it doesn’t really match, I think the colors look good together! 

And that’s that! I had fun (most of the time) making this pencil pouch, and I can’t wait to create more things! Now I must spend the rest of my birthday doing homework. Boo. I think I’ll eat some cookie cake to make it better.

P.S. I think I’ll be working on a bracelet to sell soon! Keep an eye out for it! :)

Sugarholic

I’m not a crazy sugarholic.
Okay, that may have been a false statement.
I am a crazy sugarholic. And that’s why I was very sad when all of my lemon crinkle cookies were gone. SOMEONE ate them all!

Yeah, you’re right. It was me.

But that’s beside the point. Hubs wanted to try them in a different flavor, so I decided to go for it! Last night I made chocolate crinkle cookies, and they are amazing! I’m not a huge fan of chocolate (I know…I should have my “woman card” revoked for that statement. Wait…do we even have those?) I like to eat an occasional candy bar, but I don’t really crave chocolate like some of you crazies. I get my sugar high elsewhere. But if you like brownies, you’ll like these cookies. I promise. They taste a lot like brownies, and they’re super soft and chewy! And the bonus: they’re covered with a layer of powdered sugar all the way around!

The thing I love the most about these cookies is that they’re practically fool-proof. Like I’ve said before, I tend to mess something up when I’m baking or cooking, but both times I’ve made these cookies, they’ve turned out perfectly! So don’t be scared to try them. Unless you’re scared of all the sugar… I’m not.

As you can see, I had a very happy Hubs. And he had a very powdered-sugary face.

So go make these and make someone else happy! Or you can keep them all for yourself. There’s no shame in that.

Notes: I cut the recipe in half and it made exactly 2 dozen. Also, I didn’t refrigerate the dough for 4 hours (I am NOT that patient). I just put it in the freezer for about 30-45 minutes while I did some homework, and it was good to go! You just need it firm enough so you can roll it into balls without it sticking to your hands. ENJOY!

Friends and Cookies: what more do you need?

I’m currently sitting in the Kendrick Library at Evangel University. I should be studying, but instead I’m blogging about some super delicious cookies. Priorities, people. Priorities.

Last night I had some of my favorite Springfield friends over, and we made Lemon Crinkle Cookies! I don’t know about you, but I love lemon flavored sweets. My father-in-law makes some bomb-diggity (yes, I just digressed to some good ol’ 90’s lingo) lemon pound cake. People usually love lemon or hate it. Bless my sweet husband’s heart…he came home from class last night and tried one of the cookies (he’s not a huge fan of lemon) and said, “Wow. This is really moist. Does it come in other flavors?” Hahaha! He’s so funny.

Anyway, when I found this recipe (from Tasty Kitchen) and saw how simple it was, I was beyond excited. It’s even easier if you have two friends to help you! Kudos to my friend Vanessa for putting her precious fingers on the line and dangerously zesting the lemon with a not-zester. Apparently I don’t own a zester. Oops!

I intended on taking more pictures specifically for my blog, but I forgot. Next time…
So here’s the finished product.

You can always tell which ones were rolled in powdered sugar by Audrey and I. Vanessa (and her healthy self) was not being very generous with the sugar, hence the plain, less white and sugary cookies. We still love her though. :)

And here are my crazy friends!

I love spending quality time with friends. It’s so refreshing! Talking about awkward moments in life and dumb decisions we’ve made, laughing at each other for the dumb decisions we made…you know…normal stuff. I even got to learn Audrey’s new favorite “language” which contains my least favorite words like “totes” (totally) and “supes” (super) and “a-may-may” (amazing). She is (in her words) cray-cray (crazy). Did you catch all of that? Yeah, neither did I. 

Aaaaaaaaanyway! I better really study before I have to head off to my last class of the day! Happy Wednesday to you all! And here’s the recipe for the Lemon Crinkle Cookies!