Sew & Tell: Houston We Have A Problem!

It's been a little while since I've posted a "Sew & Tell".  That's because I've been busing sewing.  ...And - I must say, my infatuation with this sport is growing deeper and deeper with every little stitch!  So much that I couldn't pull myself away from Silvia to share all my new goodies!  ...But Houston help!  I keep making stuff that I love - and I dread the idea of letting go of these fabulous little treasures.  I'll cross that bridge when I have to, but I know that with this growing "Collection" - the time will have to come at some point to set it free.  Atleast I'll always have the photos as my memory of their existence.  ...And the hope that someone else out there will grow as attached as I am becoming!  Speaking of photos....here are a few of the newbies!

Front view

Inside view

Wristlets

Coin purses

Coin purse - Inside view

Make-up pouch

(Free Standing - woop-woop!)

Inside view

Clutch

Inside view

So there you have it - my confessional.  We're in the heart of March Madness - so there is a really strong chance that I'll get some sew-time in this weekend while my husband is planted on the couch watching basketball.  Gorgeous!

That's how I roll...

...Crayon Roll that is.  Silvia and I made a Crayon Roll for my nephew's Birthday. I love it when I have an excuse to sew a project....and I love it even more when they turn out - "presentable". This was my first Crayon Roll and I hope it's not my last because I really enjoyed making it.  I thought the Bug pattern was cute.  Seemed suitable for a three year old boy.

And....here is the happy birthday boy.  

Loving all the attention and birthday cake!

I love this little guy.  Can't get enough of him!

 

To view without music, pause the player at the top left-hand side of page.

Hello February!

Yesterday we/I kissed January goodbye.  In a way, I'm glad it's over.  It brings us one month closer to Spring, which in my opinion can't get here soon enough.  Last night my town was hit with another winter storm.  Yes, this makes nine storms so far this year.  This storm brought a blanket of ice and according to the meteorologists, it's not over.  They are predicting an even bigger one to come later today.  It's no secret that I love coffee - hence the name of my blog, so as long as my house is fully stocked with coffee beans, I'll be in good shape.  As I write this post, I have a steamy, warm cup sitting next to me.  It's the perfect pick me up on a sad, snowy day like today.

That being said, I'm ready for February.  Aside from all the ridiculously, cheesy jewelry store commercials, there is something special about February.  I love the pretty pink and red in all the stores and I might be imagining it, but it feels like the days are noticeably getting longer.  I'm currently wrapping up some big design projects and as a freelance graphic designer, you never know what projects are around the corner.  Just when I think I'm caught up, I get slammed with more work.  This is not a bad thing because it pays the bills and I really enjoy doing it.  I am just hoping to get some good quality sewing time this month with Silvia.  I really want to sit down and work on my seat cover for my sewing stool.  It's the only missing piece for my "sewing studio".  There are a lot of other fun things I want to make.  I just need the time.  Last night, since it was sleeting, I refused to leave the house to go watch my husband's basketball game across town.  Instead, I stayed in and made this little clutch with some leftover fabric I had from a couple of other bags I've made.  I even created a little pocket on the inside.  Perfect for my cellphone or some lipstick.

Zip it!

Ever wandered what 100 zippers looks like?  Of course you haven't but I can show you.

See Exhibit A (shown below)

Exhibit A

Yes, this could be dangerous.  I successfully overcame one sewing project that required a zipper...and the resulting confidence that I gained, apparently overwhelmed me and drove me to purchase 100 zippers.  Needless to say, Silvia and I have several zipper projects ahead of us in the near future.  I can hardly stand the suspense!

Silvia and I Get Technical

Yes, you heard right.  My lean, mean, sewing machine: Silvia and I got technical alright.  Together, we created this fabulous little laptop sleeve.  Fully constructed with all of the appropriate padding to keep it snug & secure.  She's a dandy!  ...It's a perfect fit, but it doesn't match my lovely purple macbook cover, so I guess I won't be keeping it. Oh-well.

Everytime I make something new, my husband / #1 Fan gets excited and says:

"That's awesome.  What are you going to do with it?  Are you going to sell it?"

...and my response,(when it isn't a gift for someone) is always:

"Well, I'll keep it of-course." 

He says I need to start selling my stuff inorder to support my habit - I mean hobby.  Well, maybe someday.  ...But for now...I look at every project as more, needed practice.  I just hope  the saying: "practice makes perfect" is true!

Oh Silvia!

The adventures in sewing continues with Silvia.  This week, I ventured out of my comfort zone and tried a new pattern.  "Big deal" you're thinking, right?......but let me remind you that I'm still learning - so it is a big deal!  ...And when I try new patterns there is a HUGE risk of something going horribly wrong.  I lucked out however, and didn't run into anything too challenging - and there was very little seam ripping involved. (That is always a plus.)  I choose to view this as a positive sign.  Perhaps a sign that I'm graduating from my own self taught School of Beginning Sewing for Dummies.  ...Or perhaps, I just chose a pattern that was well illustrated with very well written - step by step instructions.  Something new for me, that I hadn't ever done before was the boxed corners at the bottom of the bag.  I love learning new things!

Monday, I had a girls night out with some neighbor friends to celebrate two birthdays, so these little bags were my gifts for my friends.  The second bag is actually the same fabric for another bag I made recently, but it was a different style.

 

Oh Silvia!

...I recently sat down with Silvia & together we created a few homemade (with lots of love) gifts.  Pretty much everything I've made is stuff that I've already made & posted about before, but I keep making these things because:  1. They're good gifts and 2. It's great practice for me!

Some bibs for my friends baby boy.

A bag for my neighbor friend's birthday.

My signature "TAB".

Now, I really want to keep this next bag because I happen to LOVE Elvis.  ...Which is why four years ago, I hired an Elvis impersonator to perform at my Wedding reception.  Sure, it's a little cheese-ball.  But, I'm ok with that.  I'll be giving this bag to someone who also has a strong appreciation for "The King".

A bag for a client who is the biggest Elvis fan ever.

My signature "TAB".

Oh Silvia

Silvia and I have been on a bit of a hiatus. Please forgive us. You understand don't you? That being said, we do have another lesson scheduled! Yep, it's on the books for next Tuesday and we're excited. This will be a two hour session, so I think it will be a great chance to really get to know one another. For those of you just now tuning in, Silvia is my Singer. I have purchased most of the supplies for the next sewing session - I just need a zipper and then I'll be all set. Hopefully between now and next Tuesday, Silvia and I will get a chance to knock out a few more simple projects so we'll be all warmed up for our class together.