Halloween wreath, take two

 

 

A few weeks ago, I shared this wreath, with some thoughts on a second version.  Miracle of crafting miracles, I actually made a second version!  

 

 

Same grapevine wreath, but different paint.  This time, I used Rust-Oleum American Accents Ultra Cover Gloss in Real Orange.  I was really happy with the color, shine and coverage, even with the first coat. 

 

For the flowers, I loosely followed this tutorial.  The cream and yellow flowers were made with 2 1/2" circles, while the smaller gray ones were made with 1 1/2" circles.

 

I cut a simple 3" strip of felt with this and tied it to the top with a simple overhand knot. 

 

Except for my uber-procrastination, this project would have taken about a night.  I think I might be slightly addicted to this spray paint/wreath/fabric flower wreath project.  Don't be surprised if you see a few more (dozen) in the future! 

 

What are you doing to decorate for Halloween?  If you are looking for some other fun, simple projects, check these out:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kiss Lock Clutch

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of taking a sewing class at Stitch Lounge in Greenfield, MA.

If you are any bit local to the area, I highly recommend a trip into Jenna's lovely store.  (For those not local, her etsy shop has the sweetest fabrics!)

During the class, we learned to make kiss lock clutches.  Jenna's pattern is perfect for using up small fabric pieces, including these treasured black and yellow florals from Moda.

Unfortunately, I couldn't make my piece of Anna Maria Horner's Good Folks work for the bigger clutch.  Luckily, Jenna had a fat quarter of this pink floral, which ended up matching my lining pretty well.

It was great to be a sewing student, rather than teacher, for a night, and spend some time in somebody else's sewing space.  I think I see more of these clutches in my future! 

Hoping you find something new and fun to create!

 

 

Pleated Clutch from Charm Stitch

Every year, my high school friends and I do a holiday gift exchange.  Over the years, it has turned into more of a gift-card exchange.  Being a sewist, I always like to make a little something to make the gift more personal.

I found this tutorial from Charm Stitch and thought it would be perfect for my always-fashionable friend.  I didn't create my own design on the fabric as they suggest, but I did fuse batting to the lining fabric, and add the handle and flower pin...

...and a black metal zipper.

I love the pops of yellow against the simple black and white.  (I was tempted to use hot pink, but figured this was a bit more classic/conservative.  I think she would have gone for pink, though, raised in the '80's on Cyndi Lauper and Madonna!)

Just the right size for a coffee gift card.

This is the first flower I made for it, but didn't think there was enough contrast.  Also, I'm much happier with the finished edge on the final flower vs. the frayed edge on this one.

It was fun to sew something new, and the pattern was well-written.  Thank you to Charm Stitch for sharing!

Zippered Yarn Sacks from Just Crafty Enough

Hey there!
Just a quick pop in to share my latest completed project - zippered yarn sacks from Just Crafty Enough.  The only change I made was to round the corners before sewing.  The first two have a slightly rounded corner.  The yellow polka dot has a larger rounded corner.  I think I prefer the smaller.  What do you think?

There are a few knitters in my life who will be receiving these for Christmas.

I love the eyelet for the yarn to pop through!  No more balls of yarn rolling all over the floor while you try to knit.  And, a set of three might keep projects that use more than one ball from getting all tangled (ask me how I know these things!).

I'm especially excited about the yellow and gray fabrics - two of which I recently bought at Stitch Lounge - a very fun new find in Western Massachusetts.  If you are local, you definitely have to check out Jenna's space - it's just lovely!

 

A peek inside at the coordinating fabrics.

Hope you are enjoying some crafting-for-the-holidays!

Sunny sailing days spring top

Here is my second spring top for Rae's sew along. 

 

It is entirely inspired by a Tracy Reese shirt I saw featured in Real Simple.  I couldn't find black and white striped fabric, so I used this mustardy yellow stripe from Joann instead.  It is a polyester spandex knit.  Just a little fancier than cotton knit, there is a slight shimmer to the fabric.

 

While I didn't have expert photographer hubby helping with photos this time, I did have an apprentice take this shot for me.  Not bad for a five year old whose fingers barely reached the shutter release!



Business card holder

Now that I have a snazzy new bag , people have been asking a bit more about my sewing endeavors.

Is there a better segue for handing over a business card?  But fishing through my wallet for one doesn't quite cut the mustard.

This little card holder certainly does!  Tutorial found here.

And look how nicely it coordinates with my new bag!

Wishing you some snazz and pizazz today!

Linking to:

Hello, yellow! (spring bag - just for me!)

I wish I were a more successful clothing sewist - then I could be whipping up skirts and shirts for this lovely spring weather.  However, a new spring bag doesn't require fitting tricky curves - it just looks great!

 

I love the combination of this mustardy yellow (with a tinge of green), black, gray and pops of red.

 

 And this button!  I think it's the perfect soft accent for this geometric print.

 

Interior zip pocket (do you know these are actually really easy to make?  I never knew!) and blue dot coordinating lining fabric.

 And these pleats!  I love the double stitching on them - so crisp like the springy air today.

Wishing you something fresh and bold today.