DVD Player Carrying Case

I saw this tutorial for a portable DVD player tote by Make It - Love It a couple years ago but never had either the batting or material to make it. We were using the box the DVD players came in for years until it completely fell apart and then we went to a reuseable grocery bag. We were always very careful with them but it was certainly not ideal. Someone was bound to drop the bag or step on it or such eventually.

I think this bag is a major upgrade! I just wish I'd made it a long time ago. It's all lined with quilt batting, and there's room for 2 DVD players inside with a divider in between.

I like the nice roomy pleated pocket on the back for cords, etc.

The tutorial on Make It - Love It was a little intimidating to me at first because she doesn't give you any measurements, only instructions, but if you measure your DVD players, add seam allowance, plus a little for the quilt batting you'll be fine. It was actually pretty easy to put together. I didn't have enough fabric for a strap so I just got a metre of nylon webbing and attached that.

A crochet bag to carry my current projects with me!

I haven't been doing much sewing for the past couple months, but I've been crocheting up a storm. I started learning in January, following a series of tutorials on YouTube by B.hooked Crochet. Her tutorials are very easy to follow and understand. My friend has been crocheting for a few months longer than me and I love the dishcloths she made and that's what got me going. That and Pinterest! Ha, there's so much there and a lot of it is so not what I expected. I'm pretty good friends with Ravelry now too. ;)

And now about the bag. I used this free Lion Brand pattern that uses only double crochet so it works up quickly. The yarn is from Walmart. The big skein of cotton Bernat Handicraft Yarn. There was easily enough for one bag plus a few dishcloths from one skein. I wasn't too keen on the plastic grocery bag I had my first couple projects stashed in so this was one of the first things I made. I keep my current project in it as I like to take it along just about everywhere with me. My daughter keeps her loom knitting project in hers.

Runaround Bag Pattern by Noodlehead Rocks!

I was given some beautiful fabric from Tanzania around Christmas time and I wanted to find just the right project for it. I've made 4 of these runaround bags by noodlehead. I love them! I scaled the pattern to 80% because I didn't want a giant bag. Turns out it wouldn't have been massive, but that's ok, this is just the right size. There is a zipper pocket inside and I love the instructions for how to make it. It only sounds tricky until you try it. There's also a regular slip pocket and I added a tag and ring to hook my keys to so I won't lose them in the bottom.

Sweet Pea is 10 now and definitely interested in sewing. She's done a couple of projects now and she's currently making one of these bags. It's challenging for her (especially the gathering at the bottom of the bag and lining) but she's doing well. This is a great project for the 'advanced beginner'. :) Is that a category?

The lining fabric has a picture in the middle as well as writing and I wasn't too sure what I could make from it, but the lining from the bags is perfect. I love that I was able to keep the words.

You can find the pattern here.

A New Purse And An Organizer

I decided I needed something in between my big canvas tote bag and the little clutch so I tried out this pattern. I printed it out the main body template, but smaller than it was supposed to be so just went with it and scaled down the rest of the pieces as well. It's very bright. I'm not sure yet if I'll carry it or if this will go to the little girl. It's just the right size ... but it's a bit loud. Definitely cheery!

There's all kinds of tutorials around for purse organizers, and since the bags I have right now aren't big on pockets I used this tutorial for the basic idea and made one. I'm really happy with how it turned out. It will be so easy to switch bags now, too.

A Cute Little Clutch

Yes, more daisy fabric. I love it. This time I've paired it with bees. And a butterfly strap. This is my new little clutch for when I don't need to take my big bag along. For the rare occasions there are no extra sweaters, snacks, drinks, trucks, books ... so will it ever get used? We'll see. I think for now I may just hang it somewhere I can see it because it's so pretty. :o)

You can find the tutorial at From An Igloo.

Reversible Bag And A Frilly Apron

This reversible bag is from The Best of Sew Simple book that I borrowed from the library. It's so easy - 4 pieces, that's it. The fabric is Flora and Fauna by Patti Young. I am definitely making more of these.

I had scraps left over and wanted to make something to keep for myself -- but what? And then I saw  this apron. Perfect. Isn't it fun? 

Have a great week. Take time to be creative. It's a great stress reliever, and I have some of my best talks with God over my sewing machine or paper and scissors.