Lesley Stein Design

Tooth Monster Pillows

noreply@blogger.com (LOTCP) — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 17:44:00 +0000

Pinterest can be an awesome resource for ideas. I've got a craft fair scheduled for Oct. 6, and even though I think I have some great items, I wanted additional things that are more crafty. I have my purses, knitwear, crochet items and greeting cards, but sometimes you need little inexpensive items.

When I saw a pin that showed Tooth Monster Pillows, I thought it would be perfect to whip some up and put in a little plastic basket. I followed the pattern a bit, but tweeked it some to personalize them. I have a HUGE stash of craft buttons and wanted to incorporate some for the eyes. The mouth part is perfect for placing the lost tooth, only for the child to wake up and find their dollar (or whatever amount your Tooth Fairy leaves).

If you're feeling crafty, why don't you try these cute pillows? All you need is some felt, buttons, needle and thread (these are entirely hand-sewn). I could have taken the easy way out and used the sewing machine, but I think making them completely by hand gives them a certain charm.

Thanks for spending some time with me.

*hugs*
Lesley

Cotton Wallets

noreply@blogger.com (LOTCP) — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 13:21:00 +0000

I've been playing with the idea of making wallets. After searching the web for ideas, I came up with a design that would incorporate what I needed- a place for cards, currency and my checkbook. When I go back to the drafting board, I will perhaps include a zippered pocket for change and a loop for a pen.

My concept includes using a section of fabric and making accordian type pleats to create the interior pockets. It is so much easier than cutting out individual pieces and it takes away from the bulk in the seams.

The finished width is about 7-3/4" total. The 6 card pockets are actually large enough to hold 2-3 cards each. The 2 pockets on the opposite side are roomy enough to include receipts if needed.

Want to know te greatest part? This type of project using up your scraps! You can have a cute print on the outside, and your interior can be a coordinating print or a matching solid.

This pattern is for sale in my Etsy shop if anyone is interested in making their own :-)

*HUGS*
Lesley

I'm linking to these great parties!

OOAK 100% Wool Shoulder Bag

noreply@blogger.com (LOTCP) — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Happy Sunday! Anyone have special plans for today? We're planning on heading to my Aunt and Uncle's house for an afternoon of swimming and food. That way we can use the actual Labor Day holiday to rest up before heading back to work.

Today I've got another upcycled shoulder bag, using another pattern from ithinksew called the "Martina" bag. I took apart a man's 100% wool coat and used a red and chocolate print for the lining. I really like how this one turned out, and if it doesn't sell in my Etsy shop, it may go to someone as a Christmas or Hanukkah present.

Front of the bag

Back of the bag

Front of the bag with the flap open. I just love the richness of the red print with the wool. You can also see how I made the pocket placement~ it's perfect for your cellphone or any other small items you need quickly.

Thanks for stopping by today and have a great day!
Lesley

OOAK 100% Linen Shoulder Bag

noreply@blogger.com (LOTCP) — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Lately I've been on a "recycling" kick. I've been using jackets or coats, cutting them up, and turning them into brand new accessories. It's not a new concept, but new to me. My latest find at the Goodwill store was a ladies 100% linen jacket.

*I seriously need to start taking before pictures of the clothing*

To begin with, I started with the Leslie purse pattern from ithinksew. It's a great shoulder bag for this project. I use an initial pattern piece out of scrap fabric, old sheets, anything to lay my "cut up" jacket pieces on.

Cutting the jacket apart is fairly easy. If following the seams you can snip and rip, but not too quickly or you'll hit a grainline and lose valuable material. I arrange pockets for practical use. I re-use buttons for decoration and throw in some embroidery thread with simple patchwork stitches from my sewing machine to create something that is truly one of a kind (OOAK).

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!
Lesley

Switching some things up...

noreply@blogger.com (LOTCP) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 16:12:00 +0000

I'm going to be giving my lil' blog a facelift, in hopes that I will actually start USING it again LOL. I've gotten so bad about not posting my projects anymore. I thank everyone who has stayed connected, and I promise to get back into the groove.

Much love,

Charcoal Gray Linen Clutch

noreply@blogger.com (LOTCP) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Clutches like this are big enough to carry your everyday items, and quick enough to sew in a cinch! I created a very simple pattern (hopefully for sale soon) to whip up these clutches out of a variety of materials. This clutch was made from a Brussels Washer Linen I purchased from Fabric.com. It's a 55/45 Linen/Rayon blend, and when combined with interfacing and batting, makes a sturdy clutch that will be used again and again.

I used a Silhouette flourish design to make a stencil for painting. Remember, if you use a fabric medium, you can use ANY of the bottles of acrylic paint on your items. Without the medium the paint will eventually rub off your fabric :-(

(Back)

(Bottom)

(Interior)

Currently for sale in my Etsy shop: Item No. 97940579 $ 18.00

I've linked up to this party:

New Large Linen Flare Tote

noreply@blogger.com (LOTCP) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

I have made so many of these flare totes I can almost sew them blindfolded! This tote is a larger version of the pattern, and I decided to spice it up a bit by using linen and stenciling a flower on the front.

I used my Silhouette machine to cut a flower image out of vinyl. I then adhered the negative of the vinyl to the front of the bag to fill in the stencil. I used a craft paint in the color "Wasabi Green" for my color. Remember to use a fabric medium with your craft paints so it will adhere properly and not rub off *life experience*

I picked up some braided faux leather handle on a recent trip to Joann Fabrics. They are long enough for the tote to sit on my shoulder and tuck neatly under your arm.

Currently for sale at my Etsy store: Item No. 97929450 $35.00

Pretty Cotton Clutches

noreply@blogger.com (LOTCP) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

New cotton clutches have been added to my Etsy store. I'm thinking about creating a pattern for it, because you can easily create these beauties with one fat quarter and some batting.

Item No. 97415009 $14.00

Item No. 97414915 $14.00

Item No. 97414818 $14.00

Item No. 97414729 $14.00

Item No. 97414628 $14.00

Quilted Flare Tote (Yellow, Red and Black)

noreply@blogger.com (LOTCP) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

New item listed in my Etsy shop!

Fat Quarter Tote Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (LOTCP) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Lately I've thrown my hat into the ring to try and create affordable and simple patterns to create some really awesome things. My latest project explains how to take a group of coordinating fat quarters and sew up a CUTE tote bag. They are for sale in my Etsy shop for $3.95!

Thank you for stopping by to say "Hi". We love getting your comments.

Vintage Sheet Girls Dress

noreply@blogger.com (LOTCP) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:22:00 +0000

What do you do when your tomboy daughter suddenly craves TONS of dresses? If you're me you start sewing LOL.

About a month ago, my 7-yr old daughter went to her first Princess dance at school. I took her shopping at Kohls, primarily because I like the selection of clothes for kids. I found an adorable dress clearanced for $16.00. SCORE!! It was faux velvet and embroidered tafetta, left over from the holidays. Still being winter time, the dress was perfect for the occassion.

I made the bad decision of letting her look at additional dresses- the new Spring ones were all so cute. I had no idea my Lil' Boo would go into fashion overload and want EVERY dress she saw.

My solution: Break it too her that I can make her some dresses.

It's easier.

Gentle on the pocketbook.

And I can use up some of my vintage bedsheet stash.

I found this cute Butterick pattern, and decided on it because of the various neckline, sleeve and hem options:

I grabbed a pink/floral sheet and asked Lil' Boo if she wanted sleeves- of course she did :-) I started the dress last night, and finished it up today while she was at school. When I asked her to try it on, she was AMAZED that I got it completed. Honestly this is a super-duper easy pattern to sew. Only 4-5 pieces and bias tape for the neckline. I make my own to match the dress...

Here's Boo modeling for me. She just had to grin big and wide to show off her missing teeth!

She loves that the skirt is full enough to twirl around and around.

I love the idea of using a sheet for this project. It recycles, it's cost effective (I get them for less than $5) and who knows how long this obsession for dresses will last.

Actually I hope it lasts because I already have a son, and really want a girly-girl. Maybe my tomboy is a changing!