Blink, and it's gone

Apparently, these crappy pics didn't stop my friend, Lena, from falling in love with this bag. It's the last of the Japanese doll fabric and I think that put her in panic mode or something because she called me twice and emailed me another two times. I listed it yesterday afternoon just before leaving to pick up Bella from school. Ten minutes later, Lena called and said she had to have the bag and I had to go straight home from school. I always knew she sat by the computer all day with my Etsy shop on the screen, hitting "refresh" over and over again.
Oooooo, and she said she was going to wrap it up and put it under the tree for herself (which surprised me because she's kind of a grinch). So, I wrapped it up for her last night so she really won't get to see it until Christmas morning.

Rain=Crappy Pics

I usually take all of my pics on a little old bench in the backyard that gets lots of natural light. But, it's raining and gloomy here today so I was stuck taking them in my front doorway. I really don't think the pics show off the bag well so I'll retake them outside once the rain goes away. Anyway, looking at the pics makes me want to paint my front door. I've always wanted a deep red. Our house is white with tan trim. Yay or nay on the red? Any other ideas?

Yay or nay?

Ok, let me preface this post with several statements.

1. This is the first item of clothing I've made myself other than some pj pants a long time ago.
2. I used $5/yard fabric from Walmart, not exactly the highest in quality.
3. I used a pattern intended for children who have no boobies, tummy, or ass.
4. Looking at these pics, I realize I need a good pair of Spanx.
5. Bella took some of the pics, thus the weird angle. Also, I'm sure it added 20 pounds:)

Ok, all that being said, what do you think? I took the same pattern I used for Bella's dress in the post below and tried to make myself a fancy shirt for hubby's work holiday party. Here's what I don't like...the fabric, kind of bunchy around my tummy, possibly making me look pregnant. Here's what I do like...I made it and it was cheap.

Ok, now leave me your harshest comments. I can take it. I haven't clipped all of the loose threads yet or adjusted the hem. Ugly? Makes me look too fat? I do have a back up so it's not like I'll go into freak out mode if you all say no, no, no.

Productive Day

In addition to the sock monkey bag (which sold in about an hour! a new record for me!), I whipped up this little dress for Bella. Used the this tutorial and added length to make it a dress. I think it's adorable as is but will probably add some width at the bottom next time to make it more a-line. I really want to make one for myself too:)

Could this be any cuter?

Seriously, if you're not smiling while looking at this bag, you need professional help. I'll put you in touch with my friend, Dr. Shana. She's a forensic psychologist so while looking into why your cold heart doesn't love sock monkeys, she can also explore the reasons behind you shoplifting that candy bar from 7Eleven when you were 6.

If it's not gone by Sunday, it's mine. No exceptions. Crafty Mama's in need of a new bag and I have declared that this shall be the one...unless you want to buy it and be entered into my free bag contest:)

Today's Creations

Despite having an all day headache, I was able to finish off two projects I started last night. I found this tutorial for a quick and easy ruffled twirl skirt so I thought I'd try it out on Bella. Overall, I'm happy with the result but I think next time I might add a third ruffle or layer because Bella's daily request is for a skirt or dress that's "really long". And I think it would look even cuter with some vintage look or shabby chic fabric but Bella really goes for the more bright and wild stuff.

Also made another bag with the new fabric. I think it's a little too subdued for my taste but I do like the pattern combos and style of the bag.

Fun, funky, and not brown

Shuffled one kid to school, one to her crib, and whipped this up. Love this Michael Miller print and wish I would have bought more than a 1/2 yard. I could keep this one for myself. Hmmmmm.