Happy Valentine's Day

It's certainly been awhile since my last posting. Working outside the home, getting on the computer is not very high on my list of want to do's but my goal is to get back into blogging. I'm off to a great start with my family blog and am now aiming to get back into the groove with this blog. That said, here is a look at what I've been working on recently, some Valentine goodies:

 The inspiration for these came from Pinterest (perhaps my favorite website) where I saw this bag.

 I also found the images that I embroidered on Pinterest and felt they would work well for the bags

 In the end, I have some lovey gift fill bags to give to loved ones and friends

 These cute little bags were also a Pinterest find and came from a favorite blog. They were quick to put together and something the receiver can use for many things once they've enjoyed the chocolates within.

A Scrappy US Map

I saw something similar on the internet, Pinterest I believe, several months ago and could not wait to make one. The kindergarten teacher at the kiddos school was so kind to let me use her projector so that I could enlarge this project to fit a 24 X 36 canvas. The project as a whole was easy and fun but rather labor intensive. The New England states were the most time consuming with their small intricate sizes and shapes. Overall though, it turned out just as I had hoped and looks fantastic in the girls' bedroom. It goes well with their bedding and pennant banner.

I did these last month but am just now getting around to blogging about them. An acquaintance at church that I have done quite a bit of sewing for asked me to make three of these for her sister's 4th of July wedding. Now these were very labor intensive but oh so pretty. 

Getting A Start

Another pillowcase set in the works:

Blue and Cream Pillowcases

I am trying to complete a Christmas gift each month and was successful this month completing this set of pillowcases to be tucked away for a special someone for Christmas.

Could Not Resist

...making a couple more bags with the remnants of this fabric. Sarah was invited to attend a birthday party for a friend and so we decided to make another of the lunch bags to double as a gift bag and part of the birthday gift. There was just enough remaining of the fabric following this to make a cellphone purse that I took in to a coworker to give to her daughter.

Lunch Bag

After seeing the super cute lunch bags on Pinterest that Lori Holt of Bee in My Bonnet made using Ayumi's tutorial I just had to make one. I had promised one of my daughters a scripture bag and thought this would be perfect. Using some remnants from outfits I did for the girls a couple of weeks ago and some coordinating fabric leftover from another project this is what we have:

I added a pocket on the inside to hold a pencil/pen and her Faith in God booklet

A Bit of Sewing

My sewing Machine has been in the shop for the last three weeks getting serviced and a few repairs and boy did I have withdrawals. Nothing like not have your sewing machine on hand to let you know just how much you use it on a daily/weekly bases. I am so happy to have it back and already have a long list of projects I can't wait to tackle.
The first of these projects is this dress and skirt for the girls.

 Followed by these "fancy trash bags" that I made for a couple of friends who enjoy sewing.

Barbie Dollhouse

I am nearly finished with the girls' Christmas present. I decided back in the spring to make them a barbie doll house after finding some plans on the internet. In my research I came across several that I liked parts of and decided to take what I liked from each idea and make one of my own. I also came across a guy on Etsy that makes fantastic barbie doll furniture (all unfinished wood)while researching and bookmarked his site. Last month I purchased a bunch of items and then set to work constructing the house with a bit of help from Isaiah, who is interested in learning woodworking. It has been so much fun putting this together for the girls and is nearly ready for Christmas, just a few finishing touches to go. It is a project that we can continue to improve upon as time goes by so that will add an extra element of fun for the girls. Have a look at what I have to date:

Teacher Gifts

I made a couple tote bags for the girls' teachers for Christmas. I love how they turned out,especially the yellow/black one.

Ruffled Burlap Tableccloth

A woman from church asked me to make a three tiered ruffled burlap tablecloth for her youngest daughter's birthday party. After doing this project I don't know that I will sew burlap again as I discovered while working on it that I am allergic to the stuff. I must admit that it turned out pretty well and she was very happy with it.