Sewing Pin-Print Clutch

I've been on a bit of a clutch kick since I made my Flowers and Butterflies clutch a few months ago -- and since I discovered how convenient clutches are when you don't live in NYC and have to carry your entire life in a bag.

I needed to make a bag that was a little more fall and winter-appropriate.

The fabric from this clutch came from the Anything Fiber Sale & Swap I attended last month. I can't remember how much I paid for it, but I feel like it was around $1.

 

In other news, my sewing machine became ill after I finished this project. I took it to the sewing machine hospital/fabric store to be repaired today. I just hope it comes back safely and without emptying my bank account. Oh, how I miss it!

 

What do you do while your sewing machine is getting repaired?

Sea Coral Crochet Necklace

 

It's funny what can happen when you're just messing around without any creative direction. I was getting burnt out on knitting and sewing one day, so I grabbed my trusty crochet hook and just started crocheting. This necklace is what came out of that.



 

A day or even a necklace like this would've never happened when I lived in New York. Since moving, I've been feeling so much more relaxed and creative. That's why this necklace really makes me happy.

 

Have you ever started creating without a project in mind?

Win 9 Craft E-Books with Chronicle and Craftsy

From Amy Butler's Style Stitches

Do you ever buy digital craft books? In honor of Craft Month at Chronicle Books, I've teamed up with Chronicle and Craftsy to bring you a giveaway that'll make you swoon and shake in crafty anticipation: 9 craft e-books! The collection includes everything from Amy Butler to Jenny Hart, so enter to win by September 28th -- and if you don't win, check out the awesome deals on the e-books anyway.

Decorating with Books

via Instructables

 

Ahhh, books. I love to read 'em, but I find it so difficult to cut them up for crafting. However, seeing things like this colorful book headboard makes me rethink that decision. Head over to Quirk Books today to see my post on 8 Ways to Decorate Your Home with Books.

Craft Book Month Blog Hop: Peter Pan Blouse

It's time for the 3rd Annual Craft Book Month at Craft Buds! I'm so honored to be one of the lucky crafters chosen to participate in the blog hop. I have so many wonderful craft books hanging around my apartment. This blog hop gave me a chance to work on some projects that have been on my to-make list for months.

For my project, I chose the Peter Pan Blouse from Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing. (Also on my to-make list: that gorgeous brocade dress on the cover!) If you get around in the sewing world, you probably already know Gertie from her New Blog for Better Sewing.

 

My favorite thing about this book is that it teaches you skills that you won't learn from just any sewing pattern. I've sewn a fair amount of patterns from different companies, and never before have I tried some of the techniques that are in this book.

 

Dude. I drafted this Peter Pan collar myself!

 

Theirs and Mine: JCrew Polka Dot Pencil Skirt

I recently discovered the well-hidden JCrew clearance outlet right outside of Asheville. Clearance is about the only way I'll pay JCrew prices, so off I went.

Before I left, I picked up a catalogue and found plenty of inspiration in the pages -- especially when it comes to polka dots. But to pay more than $100 for a skirt? I'll make my own knock off, thanks.

Pattern: Modified pencil skirt pattern from Sew U Home Stretch
Fabric: Knit fabric from Joanns
Notions: Elastic

DIY Wire-Wrapped Ring

I love making birthday gifts for friends, and these wire-wrapped rings have become one of my birthday DIYgo-tos.

Now you can make them, too! Check out my Whimseybox wire-wrapped ring how-to and I promise you won't be able to stop wrapping. They're fast, easy, and a great way to use up random beads from your stash.