a simple cotton tote.....

.....so I tried my hand at making something new today, this was my first handmade tote. I had a lot of fun sewing this, I was going for a shabby/cottage style.....what do you think?

Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people. ~Colossians 3:23 (ISV)

New Reading and a Tutu~:o)

So I was at Wal-Mart a while back doing some light shopping for some things we needed around the house. I always love to go past the magazine racks to see what's new. Well I stumbled upon a new read that I really enjoyed! This magazine reminds me of a Christian based/Martha Stewart type of reading material! A different perspective on decorating, crafts, cooking, money, and it also talks about the family too! I'm not sure how long it's been out for but I can't wait for the Fall issue!! Just thought I'd share this wonderful new reading magazine with you all~:o) If you should happen to come across one, it is well worth the read~:o)

In crafting news I finally completed my first Tutu a couple of weeks ago!! I have been meaning to post pictures of it but have been a little busy trying to balance things out around the house lately. What a tedious chore it was to complete this!! So worth it though! Hope it fits you know who when the time comes to try it on her~;o) I went by a sizing chart and this should fit a size 3-6 months. Doesn't appear to look it though lol, we'll see!! I thought these colors were just lovely for the Fall season! I really enjoyed making this too, it beats paying those outrageous boutique prices. I'm thinking of making some more, but then I have about a dozen other ideas swarming around in my head too right now~;o) Yes, crafting is my addiction. I know there are more of you out there who suffer from this wonderful addiction as well! So then share with me, what is your crafting addiction? I'd love to hear~:o)

My First Handsewn Baby Blanket!

Practice makes perfect right? Well after practicing quite a few squares (which eventually became coasters) and place mats, I decided to kick things up a notch and sew a blanket. Today I sewed my first double-sided flannel baby blanket and I think I'm hooked! I am thinking about adding some satin trim to this receiving blanket too so we'll see~;o) Although I am clearly still amateur, I plan on making more of these. Stay tuned!

A Placemat and some fabric squares.

I tried to make a handmade mini tote out of the lovely fabric squares shown at the top, but it didn't turn out that well. Guess the next pair will be made into coasters~;o) I really love the way my double-sided placemat came out though, I think I'm going to make a whole set using Michael Miller fabric~:o) The pictures came out real light for some reason this time, I took these in the evening and will try and take them in natural lighting next time so that they come out better. I also sewed some practice squares using some baby flannel fabric, I made a little doll pillow using the same fabric, I'll try to list pictures soon. I LOVE SEWING!!!!! I love my new mania~;o) Stay tuned!

A Little Pin Cushion

(I think I'm addicted...this wasn't even the hint~;o)

I call her Betty.....

(Blackberry and Strawberry Tart)

No not the tart, that would be the sewing machine lol~;o) I hope everyone had a wonderful New Years Day celebrating with family and friends! I spent the day cleaning shop to make room for one of my new best friends! So then today after waiting for a week, I went to Walmart and got my new sewing machine! Complete with how to cd and everything! I actually surprised myself at how quickly I was able to thread the bobbin and all that good stuff...I was able to even sew a couple of things! A tote strap and in the picture above, a little pouch with roses on it! Although both came out totally amateur, I was just thrilled to be able to work the thing! I have a couple of works in progress and I'll drop ya'll a hint soon~;o) For those of you wondering how the tart fits into this post I just thought I'd share with you what I recently baked for our company New Years Eve potluck. My blackberry and strawberry tart was a huge hit at our luncheon! Want the recipe? CLICK HERE. Until next time darlings~:o)