Baby Blanket

I'm an auntie again! Ella Thomas Stone was born on November 15.

As soon as my sister told me she was pregnant, I began a mental list of all of the projects I would make for her.  This list continues to grow.  The first project was to crochet her a blanket.  I have been making baby blankets for family and friends for years.  I have tried many different patterns, but I always seem to go back to one of the very first blankets I made.  It came from a book called, Our Best Baby Afghans.  I have used the book so much that the pages are falling out.

It's a pretty basic pattern of shell stitches and V stitches.  I have made a few minor adjustments.  I use the pattern for the body, but have changed the edging a bit.  I like the way the ribbon looks woven through the edge.

It is very soft and cuddly.  I hope that Ella likes it as much as I do!

Cookies

 Although crocheting and sewing are my main craft interests, I enjoy baking also.  I've never been into anything fancy, just the basics.  Banana muffins and zucchini bread are two of my favorites.  That is until recently.

Last year I started following a friend, Ibakery, on Facebook who decorates cookies for a living.  I was amazed at how great all of her cookies looked.  Then I found two other fabulous blogs about cookie decorating, Glorious Treats and Sweetopia.  They both share different cookies they have created and they have tutorials to help readers learn cookie decorating. 

After spending many hours reading and watching their tutorials I decided that I would try some of my own.  First, I made some for my sister's baby shower.  I decided to stay simple with some stripes and polka dots.  I thought they turned out pretty good.

Then I actually won a giveaway from Glorious Treats.  It had some Halloween and fall cookie cutters, along with a few other decorating tools.  I figured I should make some fall cookies for Thanksgiving.

I tried a marbling technique for the leaves.  They took a while, but I was pretty impressed with myself.  The acorns were quicker, but I liked the way the look too.  I think they must have tasted good too because the ones that I took to my in-laws didn't last through the night.

A New Purse

I love getting a new purse.  Unfortunately it had been a very long while since I got one.  I decided that I would try making myself one.  I searched online for some different patterns, but couldn't find what I was looking for.  One day while I was at Jo Ann's, I started going through the pattern books.  I found exactly what I wanted.  Then I had to decide on the fabric I wanted.  That was when I made one of my newest and favorite discoveries...I can buy fabric on Etsy.  As soon as it arrived I started working on my new purse.  I was a little nervous because it had some somewhat complicated steps.  I read and reread the instructions many times and took my time.  I love the way it turned out.  I get so excited to go somewhere and take my new purse.

It has a small zippered pocket inside.  If I make another one, I will add some more pockets.  It's large, so I can carry a lot, but things get lost in the bottom.

Computer Sleeve

With school getting ready to start, I wanted to a new computer case.  Back to school shopping is a great thing about being a teacher.  It's not just for the kids!  It's like getting a new lunch box and backpack.

When we were in Napa I found some great fabric.  When I bought it, I didn't know what I was going to use it for.  As I was going through my fabric stash, I knew that it would be perfect for a new computer sleeve.  I found a simple tutorial at Sew, Mama, Sew!

I think it turned out great and love the circles.  The tutorial can be customized for whatever size you need.  You could probably follow the same tutorial for a camera or cell phone case.

Cosmetic Bags

While I was on vacation, I was shopping with my sister-in-law and checking out a quilting store.  She saw a little make-up bag and said that she wanted something like that to keep my niece's food in.  I told her to pick out some fabric and I would make something for her.

 I love the fabric she chose.  This a not a great picture, but they are great bright colors.

Before I even got home from vacation, I started looking for a tutorial.  I found a great one at Sew Like My Mom.  I was a little nervous because this would be my first zipper.  The tutorial is easy to follow and I love the way it turned out.  I forgot to take a picture before I gave it to her, but I loved it so much I made one for my self.

This one turned out great. The fabric is one that I picked up on vacation.  It will be the perfect size to carry all of my toiletries for traveling.  I loved it so much I decided to try to make a smaller one for my make-up.

I love the way it turned out.  I reduced all of the measurements by 3 inches and it is the perfect size.  I got them both finished just in time for our trip to Napa.  It put a smile on my face every time I saw them sitting on the bathroom counter.

Sew Much To Do

I recently got back from a wonderful vacation on the east coast.  One of my favorite things to do on vacation is find a local yarn or fabric store and buy something as my souvenir.  I visited four shops on this trip and now have a wonderful little stash of fabric and yarn with an ever growing list of ideas of what to do with it all.  Happy Sewing to me!