A new lunch bag

I've been wanting to sew a new lunch bag for some time now, and wanted to use a laminated fabric.  A week ago I stopped in at a fabric store and found an iron-on laminating product.  I didn't have a pattern that I really liked, so decided to just "wing it" and try a combination of ideas.  Here is the end product.

I cut 2 11 x 12 pieces of outside and liner fabric, then followed the product instructions for ironing.

It worked great!  Ready now to sew.

I wanted a zipper on this one sew stitched each zipper side to a front and back.  

Stitch right sides together using a zipper foot.  

Do this for both sides.

When you zip the zipper together...

You will have the front on one side,

and the lining on the other.  The zipper was too long, but that actually made it easier to sew in.

Just stitch several times on the end, and cut at the edge of the fabric.

Top stitch along the zipper edge.

Then WITH ZIPPER OPEN part way, pin right sides together matching right sides together of outside and right sides together of lining.  

Sew along outer edges, leaving about a 4 inch opening at bottom lining to turn right side out.

Box each corner.  I measured about 2 inches from the point.

Turn the bag right side out and ... here it is.  Oh yes, you do need to stitch the opening at the bottom of lining (I use my machine to sew a narrow edge to close the opening.)  I also had an old belt I cut to make a handle.  I sewed this on after the bag was finished, attaching it along the top seam.

The plastic was a bit "wrinkly" when I turned it, but I "pressed" it carefully making sure to use the protective paper covering the plastic when pressing.  This helped a bit.

My Bento box fits perfectly!

My new lunch box!

Ready for a Giveaway?

I'm ready for a giveaway.  How about you?  :)  My Cindy Apron is finished, and I love the way it turned out.  I'm tempted to keep it and pretend I never promised it as a giveaway, but... that wouldn't be much fun for you.  So... Here's the scoop.  Just leave a message on this post sharing a happy thought of any kind -- perhaps something that was an encouragement to you today.  I'll keep the giveaway open until March 1.  This project is in memory of my sister, who was such an encouragement to everyone she knew.

Cary

I created the apron without a pattern, however, it was inspired by several aprons I saw on Pinterest.  Follow the links below to see them.
http://pinterest.com/pin/84653667965549083/ 
http://pinterest.com/pin/84653667965653283/

Finally a Snow -- or should I say "Sew" day!

I was shocked this morning to find that we had a snow day!  Finally.  All winter I've been dreaming about one, and today we have one.  The odd thing is that as I look out my window there is no snow in sight!  Somewhere in the county there must have been enough to close school.  I will take it any way it comes! :)  I'm hoping by the end of the day to finish my "Cindy" apron http://creativemomentsbycary.blogspot.com/2011/03/cindy-apron.html.  I'm really liking it so far, and couldn't wait to post a few pictures.  Here's the progress.

I found this vintage piece at a thrift store.  Part of the lace was missing on the other half, but this side was perfect for a unique pocket.

I'm not following a pattern, but cutting and figuring as I go.  Hopefully by the end of the day this apron will be finished.  This one will be a give-away!

Valentine "Yummies"

I'm not sure what to call these -- perhaps Valentine "Yummies"!   They are quick and easy to make, and not overly sweet.  

You need: Cherry pie filling, Nutella, and a roll of fillo dough (thawed)

Lightly spray 3 sheets of fillo dough with oil. Cut shape with cookie cutter. Dipping it in water first helps to cut through the dough. Place on cookie sheet (lightly sprayed), top with a bit of Nutella, a dollop of cherry pie filling, top with second heart.  Lightly spray top. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until browned and crispy.  Cool slightly and drizzle with icing.

More Fabric Boxes

You know it's time to clean out the dresser drawer that holds socks and other things when you keep having to push things down to get the drawer closed!  I'd been using shoe boxes as drawer dividers, and after my attempt at making a fabric box a few weeks ago decided to give it a try again.  After emptying the drawer, throwing out the old, and reorganizing, I'm happy to say the drawer closes easily. :)  The box inspiration comes from  http://pinterest.com/pin/84653667965434844/ .

Step by step...

Pin right sides together.

Sew around the top, leaving a small opening to turn the fabrics.

I sew the vertical edge of each side to help the box stand better.

During Nap Time...

Nap time?  I usually enjoy a nice, long Sunday afternoon nap.   Today, I rested for a few minutes, but really, my eyes did not shut once!  I had cut out fabric for a new apron yesterday evening, and today, during "nap" time I sewed it together.  It's a bit "boxy" as you'll see from the picture, but I still like it.  It is using my favorite apron pattern I found years ago.  It will soon be time to make my annual "Cindy Apron" (see this post http://creativemomentsbycary.blogspot.com/2011/03/cindy-apron.html).  I think I will gift this one to someone, so be watching for an opportunity to comment for a giveaway.