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!