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.

A quick project

I saw this quick sewing project on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/pin/84653667965434844/ and decided to give it a try.  The quilting of the lining took a bit of time, but otherwise it was an easy sew.  Mine is being used to hold pencils, and cell phone, or whatever by the bed.

I'll make a few changes if I make more to make them just a bit sturdier.  

That's it for this time...

Just a note to say I'm posting my necklace holder project today at

 

<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/" ><img src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/button2.jpg" /></a><br />

Check out some great projects!

China hutch door remake

Years ago one of my sister-in-laws gave me a set of old china hutch doors.  I love a good treasure!  During our two moves since then I've thrown a lot of things out, but never could get rid of those doors.  I kept thinking they would be so beautiful as SOMETHING.  It has taken 19 or so years, but yesterday I had an idea for one of them.  Here it is ... china hutch door remade into a necklace holder!  The pictures aren't the best, but here is a peek.

The old door.  I thought about painting it, but decided to clean it up and keep the natural color.

I used decorative paper for the backing behind the glass and grid work.

Add some small brass hooks and there it is -- a way to hang necklaces so they don't get all tangled up!

I'm hoping it doesn't take another 19 years to figure out what to do with the other door.

Trying a new Blog look ... and a project.

I find it interesting that I can be quite satisfied with my room arrangements at home staying pretty much the same.  Growing up, I used to love coming home to find that Mom had switched the furniture or the rooms around.  Every time I visit her the furniture is arranged differently.  (I love it, Mom!) She is an interior decorator at heart!  I enjoy changes, but don't have quite the same motivation to try a new way.  I've been doing this Blog for over a year and up until today was still using the same header and format.  Finally, it's time for a change.  What do you think of the new look?  Any ideas from my readers of things you would like to see here?

My first project of the year was to make a hanger cozy, a design from the Joel Dewberry book I've been working through.  I used some fabrics from Mom's scrap box, and am overall pleased with the project.  I would make some changes to make it more practical for me if I do another one.  Perhaps making it longer, with deeper pockets to hold my growing collection of scarves!

This went together quite easily.

Opps -- got a bit uneven at the bottom.

The instructions did not tell how to leave an opening for the hanger, so I sewed it and then used the seam ripper to open up a spot.

I love the automatic button hole function on my sewing machine!

A new year -- 2012

Part of the new year celebration for me always means to reflect on what has been, and to plan for what I hope to see in the year ahead.  Yes, plan.  The older I get, the more I realize that simply stating a resolution is not enough.  We have embarked on several "journeys" this year that have taken intentional planning.  Learning to play the harp was something I really didn't plan for a long time to do, but when I began lessons I soon learned that it will take a daily time of practice to accomplish what I hope will be a beautiful sound.  The practice is slow, labored at first, but I find as I practice a piece, eventually a melody begins to emerge.  The playing becomes a bit easier, a bit more automatic.  This is so true for many new ventures in life.  I find a lesson in that thought; that change, new situations, new challenges are like that.  They feel labored at first, a feeling that tries to take the path of what is comfortable.  The joy, however, is in practicing and listening for that melody to emerge. That is what I look for in the new year -- the melody that comes from new challenges and experiences.

On a "creative" note... a few pictures from some holiday sewing fun.

Two machines ready to sew...and a messy table.  Somehow when I sew there is fabric everywhere!

The finished bags