New Zippered Pouches

Features:
-Rounded top..which I love! I think it makes a plain pouch a lot more sweet and feminine.
-Zipper closure
-Shabby frayed edge flower accent

Only $12 in my shop. And my Christmas in July sale is good through the end of the day so you'll get free shipping AND 10% off.

I'm enjoying a quiet weekend at home with my family. We have lots of cleaning, organizing, and household projects to do but instead I'm sewing like crazy and Crafty Papa's working on a wiring harness (whatever that is!). I'm hoping to list a few more of these new pouches during the weekend and really want to take advantage of Jona's big Fabritopia sale...but I'll have to check my bank account first:)

Coraline Gourd

Yesterday was Matea's 4th birthday and Crafty Papa and I gave her this amazing Coraline gourd painted by Lena.

Doesn't it look exactly like Coraline?

Matea was so excited. "Coraline" is her favorite movie and I caught her hanging on the couch with Coraline watching tv. She wanted to sleep with her too but I convinced her that might get uncomfortable.

I can't tell you how detailed and truly amazing Lena's work is in person. You can check out her gourds in her Etsy shop here. I've given them as gifts to my mom, mother-in-law and now Matea and they've always been a hit.

Handmade Gifts

I love them.

I do not love when the recipient responds to my handmade gift the same way he/she would respond to a clearance Walmart item. Crafters, I know you know what I'm talking about.

I treasure my handmade gifts. I'm giving Matea the most amazing handmade gift for her birthday this weekend and can't wait to share it here. Unfortunately, I didn't make it, Lena did, so I don't get to bask in the glory of its awesomeness.

Bella went to a birthday party this weekend for Lena's daughter, Hannah. Hannah was Bella's first ever BFF when they were only 2 1/2 years old. I wanted to make something for the birthday girl but my skills are not nearly as interesting as Lena's. I settled on a personalized fabric banner for her room because what girl doesn't like to see their name everywhere like they're princess-level important? (Wait, are all girls like that or just Bella?)
Lena did an excellent job of faux-gushing over it and talking about how special it was. I know it's more my taste than hers but I think the birthday girl liked it. This was handmade gift giving gone right. Doesn't it suck when it goes wrong?

Christmas in July Sale

***CHRISTMAS IN JULY SALE!***
-Free Shipping
-Take 10% off all items

Just make your purchase and wait for a revised invoice from me that reflects the discounts. Discounts good through the end of July. Happy Shopping!

Also, I'm currently accepting customer orders so feel free to contact me for details. Have a look through the sold items in my shop for some great ideas.

Poppy

LOVE this collection from Laura Gunn and I don't think it's what I usually gravitate toward.

This fabric is GORGEOUS in person. Really, one of the most vibrant fabric collections I've ever seen. I think I may need to buy some more and maybe get the fall-ish color scheme. (Yeah, because did I mention I'm already looking forward to fall and the start of school? Ok, I'll mention it again.)

And I really like the size and shape of this bag. It's definitely big enough for carrying some mama essentials...snacks, little toys, spare undies (for the kid, not me)...but doesn't look like the typical boxy mommy tote.

You can see all of the specs and details in the listing in my shop and also check out the bargain listings in the sale section.

Dumpster Divers

Am I the only crafter who has a problem with my children constantly digging through my sewing studio trash? I was just telling friends that at least once a day, I walk by my sewing area and it looks like raccoons have been in my trash can.

The girls have an amazing craft supply stash with lots of fun stuff. There's no reason at all for them to be hunting for treasure in my trash. Crafty Papa says I need to put my trash in the kitchen trash can. Say what? I'm supposed to walk through our weird maze-of-a-house to throw away every stray thread and teeny tiny scrap of fabric? I don't think so.

Remind me again when school starts? I was really looking forward to this summer but the reality hasn't been quite as fun as the dream. We've been busy every single freaking weekend with one event or another to attend. The girls are at each other's throats and I'm still trying to figure out how to balance working from home with my stay at home mom duties. The girls are watching more tv these days than I would like but I believe that may be what's keeping us all from killing each other. They start swim lessons next week and I could almost pee myself thinking about having 45 minutes straight without having to tend to children.

I'm missing sewing for Crafty Mama Creations and really wish I could list more frequently (and actually sell something now and then!). I'm currently working 15ish hours a week sewing for my employer and a lady can only sit at her sewing machine for so long, you know?

Free Motion Quilting

I think I could become addicted to it.

Not sewing in a straight line or aiming for perfection is just perfect for me.

My new friend, Rachel came over a few weeks ago to ask a few questions about free motion quilting. Apparently, some incredibly crappy stippling on three quilts and a few quilted bags makes me an expert. Now I can't stop thinking about free motion quilting ideas. My Pfaff machine was made for this kind of thing. I'm aiming to do a lot of handmade gifts this Christmas and am on the hunt for any great free motion quilting projects. Any suggestions?