skillful

Since the money trees haven't finished their spring bloom yet, I've turned to locating sewing tutorials online.  My honest preference would be to print my well-crafted wish list from Powells.com and head to the Burnside location, but it turns out searching the Interweb (as my husband likes to call it) is a lot more affordable.

So I thought I'd share some of the clever tutorials I've come across and may experiment with in the near future.

Quilted Door Stop
I love the quilted panel on this - I was thinking of incorporating the same basic idea on a handbag or a cute dress for Chloe.

Stackable Boxes
This are so practical!  What a great way to keep organized.

Simple Party Clutch
This is a smaller bag than I would normally use, but just perfect for spending an evening running around downtown Portland.

Spring Ruffle Top
I haven't made any garments yet - this may be my first one!  I'm actually partial to the version without any ruffles.

take a leap

Now that my mother's special non-birthday birthday has passed (she was born on the leap year - there was a noticeable lack of a February 29th this year), I can post photos of the two gift projects I was working on for her!

First up was a canvas "All-Day Tote" from Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing.  This was my second try with this pattern and I felt a lot more confident - knowing where to make allowances and how to incorporate small changes.

I lengthened the handles and tried out a more solid, sturdy quilted bottom panel to lend the bag some additional form.  I was very pleased with the results!  The lining of the tote was my favorite component - it featured a lovely, slightly metallic sheen on the floral elements of the fabric.

Next up, I made a set of quilted coasters using this tutorial from Martha Stewart online.  I chose a subdued Southwestern pattern that will fit in perfectly at my parents' Arizona home. 

I don't know that I'll ever become a successful, crafty business person because I find it most enjoyable to give the items I make as gifts.  Which reminds me of one more project I conquered!

I located instructions for a boxy zippered pouch while searching for free online sewing tutorials.  It looked a lot easier than I had imagined this kind of project, so I set to making two - out of an amazing Dia de los Muertos style fabric I found.  As with the market tote, my first try was slightly flawed, but still functional.  With some experience under my belt, I managed to make a more skilled version, which I gave to a friend of mine who has some mega-Mexican style.  Here's a less-than-perfect cell phone shot of my less-than-perfect first try.

What do you think?  Is there more pleasure in giving gifts than receiving them?  I've received several today and it's wonderful to know that someone was thinking of you - but I think it's even better to share that sentiment with someone else!