Zakka work in progress...

The tiny size of this week's Zakka sew-along project really did not excite me, but I finally got started on it.  Once I got going it really wasn't too bad.  Next step is to add some quilting... then a backing... and finally the magnet.  Here are the "mini-samplers" so far.

The other work in progress is my Week #1 tote bag.  From the comments I've been reading of others participating in this sew-along, the points are tricky to get right.  Mine is no exception.  The inside points are fine, but the outside ones, as you can see, have disappeared into the fabric.  The point was too close to the edge on these sides to make it work.  I think the end product will still be quite nice, though.

A stitch here, a stitch there -- hoping to finish these off this weekend.

This week's sewing

My Zakka sewing for the week will be to make some little quilted magnets.  The tiny size of them is slowing me down from getting started on them.  But soon...  In the meantime I finished a skirt, and have started a quilted tote bag.

I had lost the waistband pattern piece for this skirt pattern, and ended up  making my own.  It worked!  It always feels great when a project turns out!

Love, love, love this fabric.  It screams BEACH!!    This is for the Zaaka style project  from Week 1.  We are now on Week 5 so I'm obviously late on this one!  

Check out this left over bundle on the right!  This may appear in my little magnets...

Zakka Style Week 5 - Pencil Case

Did I ever say how much I am enjoying this Zakka Style sew-along?  It's been so much fun.  This week's project is a pencil case.  It was an easy project --  and quick!  I've posted my pencil case here -- http://lrstitched.com/).  If you scroll down to the "links to collection" you will find pictures others have submitted for this project as well.  Mine is pretty much to the pattern this time, but some of the pictures show some wonderful creativity.  Other sewing in the works right now include a summery skirt, and a tote bag (from Zakka Week 1, which I missed).  I'll post pictures when they are finished.

A pair of glasses fits nicely in this case as well.  

This pencil case is designed by Shannon at http://www.petitsdetails.com.

Zakka Style Week 4

Zakka, according to my Japanese dictionary means miscellaneous (sundry) goods.  From what I understand, in the crafting world it has taken on the meaning of simple, useful handmade items.  I am really enjoying the Zakka Style sew-along.  The project for this week was a sewing kit.  I used a linen for the outside of mine, and lined it with an Amy Butler fabric.  The trim on the pockets, as well as the patch on the pin cushion is a Joel Dewberry fabric.  The designer of this project suggested using leather ties, but I didn't have any so decided to use twill tape embellished with a few beads from a broken necklace I had. This was a very easy project, and "sew" fun to make!

Opps!  I forgot to "erase" a few chalk lines mistakenly drawn on one pocket.

..."Gentle thoughts to thee from me"...

I'm all set for a take-and-go sewing project.  What shall I take, and where shall I go?

I am sharing this project at http://www.inlinkz.com/wpview.php?id=147834.

Zakka Style sewing

I recently purchased a new book called Zakka Style. It is a great book, with some wonderful projects. I am excited to try many of them. This site, http://www.inlinkz.com/wpview.php?id=145948 is hosting a sew-along, and I am sharing my project there.  This week's project was a pin cushion.  Here are my results.

Pieces are cut and ready to go.  Notice the half of a doily -- this is the piece left after using the other half for my recent "Cindy Apron" pocket.  I cut a strip of lace from it to use on this pincushion.

I had an old crocheted button in my button box, which came in handy for the front button.

The back

This was a great, simple project!

New sewing

I was motivated a few weeks ago to do a bit of sewing.  I made a spring top.  Making clothing for oneself can be tricky.  If you make it and it does not turn out, you can't exactly return it to the store for a refund!  I've hesitated to post about this project because I was not real happy with the fit.  I made a top with a bit of a "billowy" (if there is such a word) fit.  I thought it might work, and for some it may, but the day I wore it I felt as if I was wearing a maternity top!  But alas... I will share the good and the possible misfits here on my sewing blog...

The top bodice is lined.  I love the colors of the fabric.

Next came pleats on the bottom piece.  This part reminded me of some beautiful clothing my Grandmother had made for my Mom back in the 40s or 50s.

Tiny pleats!

More pleats -- can you tell I was impressed with the pleats? :)

One side has loops and buttons on the bottom part of the top.  This was NOT a quick project.

Ta-dah!  The finished top.  I'm still deciding about it!

Felt Easter Grass and chocolate eggs

Today while shopping at Costco, I was saw a bag of beautiful, foil-covered chocolate eggs.  Knowing they would make a great treat for the grand-nieces egg hunt, I purchased a bag.  I don't usually do much "egg"-themed decorating, but felt these were too pretty to put in the cabinet until Easter.  Here they are...

I didn't have that plastic "grass", but did have felt, so "felt grass" it is!

A crystal bowl instead of a basket

Yummy!  Will they make it until Sunday?

Oh dear... as I was filling the bowl I noticed four that had broken shells!  Wait -- one, two, three... where's #4??

I couldn't resist!