Spread the love

I think Valentine's Day is as much a day to celebrate your special sweetie as it is to celebrate your other loved ones: kids, parents, friends, and relatives.

The girls and I sewed up a few Valentine felt garlands for the grandparents, and honorary grandparents (special aunts and uncles).

I love how simple this project is, and how much Valenteine cheer can be spread with it. 

Rolled up, slipped into a clear plastic bag, labeled with a simple tag, and ready to deliver!

Hope you are finding some holiday inspiration this week!

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!

Color block spring top

Okay, I've put aside my sewing-for-me hang ups and made a shirt for Rae's Spring Top Sewalong.

I drafted the pattern myself and used these great rayon/spandex knits.  The black one is from the April Johnson for Project Runway line at Joann's.  Do I feel facier that I was sewing with PR fabric?  Yup!

I get bored with the plain t-shirt and jeans option, but never feel like I find interesting shirts in my price range.  This color block option feels just interesting enough (without the "what were you thinking?" piece).

And, if you were wondering what the back looks like (or what I would look like being frisked), here it is!

Look for me in the Spring Top Photo Pool!

Wishing you the courage to tackle a new project!