The Calendar Challenge

Appliqued Handbag

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:58:00 +0000

The first thing I made when I learned how to sew was a purse, then a tote bag. So, this was a flashback to my very first sewing "challenge". My first bag wasn't appliqued, but that wasn't much of a stretch. I appliqued this on the machine, but just because I wasn't in the mood to hand stitch my applique on. Also, I was disappointed with the final size of this bag...much like I was disappointed with the size of the fabric basket. I expected to be making a medium size tote bag and it turned out that I was actually making a tote bag just a bit larger than a wristlet. What would I ever use this for?

This project was provided by Kathy Beymer at http://www.merrimentdesign.com/.

Reversible Headband

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 17:57:00 +0000

I was so excited when I saw this project sheet. Finally I could make a headband that would actually fit properly. I was so excited that I made two. Unfortunately it turns out that my head was not made to accomodate a headband. It doesn't matter how much I adjust it...it just doesn't want to stay on. I guess that means my niece will be getting two new headbands now. Lucky her!

This project was provided by Ellen Luckett Baker at http://www.thelongthread.com/.

Felt Doughnut

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 22:50:00 +0000

Once again....felt....ugh!!!

A doughnut??? Seriously???

This project was provided by Cindy Hopper at http://www.skiptomylou.org/.

Party Bunting

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 19:06:00 +0000

I am not sure why I would ever need one of these, but since I went to all the trouble of making one...I think I might just leave it up for a few days. I am not one of those people who decorates every inch of the house for a birthday party or family gathering, so I definitely wouldn't go to the extra effort to sew one of these for such an event. That being said, I imagine this would be pretty cute if it were personalized with a name. Perhaps as a welcome home sign for a new baby! But, I will leave that to someone else!!!

This project was provided by Crystal Butler from http://www.mylongestyear.com/.

Crayon Roll

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 03:34:00 +0000

I have been AWOL for way too long and now I am left with just under 2 months to complete the remaining half of the projects...so I guess I better get to work.

This little crayon roll is such a cute little project. What a great invention. Instead of counting on a restaurant to provide your little ones with enough crayons to keep them entertained throughout the meal...just bring your own.

This project was provided by Cindy Hopper at www.skiptomylou.org.

Jam Jar Topper

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:22:00 +0000

Ugh!! Another stupid, pointless, waist-of-time, FELT project. I am getting really frustrated with these kindergarten craft projects. (Wait until you see the donut and the ice cream cone!)

This project was provided by Amy Adams at http://www.lucykatecrafts.blogspot.com/.

Cloth Baby Shoes

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:08:00 +0000

How adorable are these? These are such a fun gift to make! In fact, I saw this project on the Michael Miller blog over a year ago and made shoes for my nephews in their dad's favorite baseball and football team fabrics. They are pretty quick and easy! Imagine the possibilities. You could make a pair of shoes for every outfit, every occassion or maybe just make a pair for each day of the week.

This project was provided by Joanna Armour/Michael Miller Fabrics at http://www.stardustshoes.blogspot.com/ and http://www.makingitfun.blogspot.com/.

Flat-Iron Case

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:02:00 +0000

This is a pretty cool project. This flat-iron case is insulated so you can pack your flat-iron without having to wait for it to cool down. No more waiting around for it to be cool enough to throw in the suitcase. Genious!
I think I may have used an insulator that is a little too thick, so next time I will change that detail. Otherwise, I love this project. Love it!!! Everyone who owns a flat-iron needs one of these.

This project was provided by Singer Sewing Company at http://www.singerco.com/.

Passport Cover

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:02:00 +0000

The full description of this project is "Regional Colors Passport Cover." The intention is t0 represent your home town or home state in the cover. But, I didn't feel like doing that. So, I just made a passport cover that I thought was bright and cute. I am crazy about anything black and white, plus it will go with my luggage! This literally took 15 minutes to make. Very fast! Perfect project for a beginner.

I decided to line it with this adorable purple Burberry-esque fabric I have. Just a little splash of color is what it needed. I am toying with the idea of painting my initial on the front using this technique.

This project was provided by Kathy Beymer at www.merrimentdesign.com.

Sleep Mask

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:15:00 +0000

I have always thought I would make myself one of these, but I didn't know if I would actually wear one. There are so many cute ways to design a sleep mask. The possibilities are endless...

I covered elastic for the head strap, but you could also make a tie-on sleep mask. I just know that I am not a calm sleeper and it would come untied in the night!

That's right...minky dot on the back. I figured it would be cozy and comfortable having that covering my eyes. I don't know about you, but I need cozy and comfortable when I'm sleeping!

I have never worn a sleep mask before, so I figured it would be hard to blog about the benefits if I didn't give it a shot. So, I tried it out and I am still on the fence about it.

I turned off the TV and all the lights, crawled into bed and put the mask on. Obviously with anything new, there is going to be an adjustment period. I felt a little anxious and uncomfortable at first. Not to mention, the dog was very confused. This mask is not in any way tight, but I felt like there was all this pressure on my face. I actually took it off twice and then talked myself into putting it back on. I knew I had to do this. I had to just get past the initial shock to the system and let my mind adjust. OK, OK...maybe I am being a bit dramatic. But, I did lay there for 30 minutes...blatantly aware that this mask was on my face. Finally, I fell asleep. I certainly appreciated having complete darkness to fall asleep in (because I can't sleep if there is a light on, or the alarm clock screen is too bright, or the bright lights from the casino where I was staying in Reno are peeking through the curtains). Even more so, I appreciated having complete darkness the entire night and straight on to morning. I think I may have actually experienced a more productive sleep than normal. It may take several tries before I am completely used to it, but I am going to keep trying. I think this could be a good thing.

The Elle Tie-On Slippers

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:08:00 +0000

Honestly, I am embarrassed to even post this blog. These have to be the dumbest things I have ever made. Dumber than some of the stupid felt kid toys. Seriously?!? Who would wear these? Seriously!

This project was provided by Lisa Ancarrow-Maltby at http://www.tissupapers.blogspot.com/.

Luggage Tag

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:57:00 +0000

Again, not really a challenge...but this one I like! Perfect timing too since I am currently out of town and needed a new luggage tag.

I have a small obsession with houndstooth and had to incorporate that into this tag.

I also had some scraps of this great fabric with glamorous ladies in sparkly red dresses. Perfect!!

Add a little vinyl pocket and Voila! A luggage tag!

This would also be a unique way to package a gift card!!

This project is provided by Crystal Butler and www.mylongestyear.com.

Kidlet Hooded Towel

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 18:07:00 +0000

I can sum this one up in three words...quick, easy and fun! (I apologize for my model, but I don't have a little tot running around to pose for these pictures...so I had to improvise!)

I know, I know, I probably use those words a little too often to describe so many of these projects. But, it's true. When I started this journey, I was so excited to learn new sewing techniques and really expand my horizons. I am hoping as we get closer to the end, these projects will truly become more challenging. I wouldn't quite say that I am disappointed, but I am definitely not inspired. Maybe I am just experiencing a mid-challenge crisis and the best is yet to come! Let's hope!

This project was provided by Melissa Esplin of IS.LY at http://www.melissaesplin.com/.

Business Card Case

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Fri, 28 May 2010 17:56:00 +0000

Here we go again...another felt project. So, once again I refused the felt recommendation and made it out of heavy weight home decor fabric. I actually used the same fabric as the photo album cover. I decided to give the brag book to my mom (so she can show off pictures of her 5, soon to be 6, grandchildren) and I thought it would be much cuter if the business card case I was making her matched. So, now she has a set.

We both have the hard metal cases for our business cards, but mine just recently broke. This is the perfect replacement. It was also very quick and easy. A great solution for a quick gift idea for a co-worker or friend. These would also make great gift card holders...they are the perfect size.

This project was provided by Lauren Brandy and http://www.laurenbrandy.com/.

Felt Photo Album Cover

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Tue, 25 May 2010 17:44:00 +0000

I cheated on this one a little bit and didn't make it out of felt. I don't normally work with felt because I don't really like felt. I can't believe how many of these project sheets want you to make all of this stuff with felt. So, I am revolting. I am rising up against the felt lovers of the world and refusing to join them. I like fabric. So, I made my album cover out of a heavy weight home decor fabric. I think it is much cuter than felt and will keeps it adorable appearance longer. Felt tends to show it's age and with a brag book like this one that will be taken in and out of my purse, I don't want it to show it's wear and tear.

Now I will step down from my soap box and move on. This is such a great project. So quick and there are so many possibilities to make this unique. I just bought a small brag book photo album from the dollar store and used up some fabric scraps I had laying around and now it looks like a million bucks. Ok, maybe not a million bucks, but definitely worth more than a dollar now.

This project was provided by Emily Montgomery at http://www.thepaperseed.com/.

Teapot Cozy

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Wed, 19 May 2010 16:45:00 +0000

It has been rainy and cold around here for about a month, so I have been drinking a lot of hot tea these days. That means the tea pot is sitting out on the stove every day and now I have something to cover it up with. This was pretty quick and easy to make. I didn't use bias tape around the lower edge, instead I just tucked the raw edges in and hemmed it. I think it turned out just fine like that. I also didn't line it, but you could use a heat resistant lining material to be able to use it when the teapot is still warm. I only plan on having it on the tea pot when I am not using it, so I just didn't bother with the liner. Either way, this makes a great gift for a friend or family member. It's quick, easy and you could personalize it with an initial or name on the front.

This project was provided by Ann DeOtte at http://www.stilldottie.com/.

Clothespin Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Fri, 14 May 2010 15:09:00 +0000

I must admit, I stared at this project sheet for hours trying to figure out another use for it. I don't have a clothesline in my back yard (I guess you can probably tell from the fact that I had to take a picture in my bathroom) and I don't even own any clothespins, so I didn't know what I would possibly need this for.

I was obviously not having a creative moment, because I didn't come up with much. Possibly a storage bag for hair accessories...or mittens...or plastic grocery bags.

I am sure there are many, many more uses...but, I gave up. I decided to make this for it's intended purpose and pass it along to someone who does have a clothesline in their back yard. And I had just the perfect fabric in mind. My sister in law was thrilled with it. She has two little boys who steal her clothespins from the laundry basket while she is trying to hang the clothes, so this will hopefully keep them out of her stash.

This project was provided by Christy Hemby at http://www.christyscreations.com/.

Fabric Flower Brooch

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Tue, 11 May 2010 20:13:00 +0000

This project, so far, has had the most vague directions!!! I read the instructions and then I read them again and then again and then I finally had to form a committee (committee = my mom and I) to discuss the possibilites of how to form these flowers. Finally, after several hours of intense thought and discussion (might be a little overdramatic here), we figured it out. Once I got past that challenge, these were very quick to make. I don't know what I am going to do with it, since I don't ever wear a brooch. Maybe I will attach it to a purse. Hmmmmmmm...

This project was provided by Solveig Petch at http://www.madebypetchy.com/.

Bicycle Lunch Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Fri, 07 May 2010 15:43:00 +0000

Although I have a bicycle (and I must say a very nice bicycle) leaning against my garage wall with the intention of someday becoming an avid bicycle rider, I don't ever ride it. In fact, it doesn't even have the front wheel attached right now. So, this isn't really a project I could use. But, I am sure my niece and nephews are bicycle riders and perhaps one of them would like one. Anyway, I do have a few complaints about this project. The instructions don't call for you to add the velcro closures until you have the bag assembled. This makes it very difficult to add the velcro strip that goes on the body of the bag. Pretty hard to get that area into the machine and not catch the backside. It is a very crafty idea, but just a little heads up for those of you (and by you, I mean us) who don't think 5 steps ahead and adjust the instructions after applying your own knowledge to the project.

This project was provided by Lenore M. Edman at http://www.evilmadscientist.com/.

Zippered Pouch

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Thu, 06 May 2010 16:22:00 +0000

I promise this didn't really take 2 weeks for me to make this pouch. More like it took about 30 minutes. I just got overwhelmed with other non-calendar-challenge projects. I can't believe it has been 2 weeks since my last post. AAAHHH!!

But I digress...

This is such a great project. I have a zippered pouch that I always carry in my purse for loose change. I didn't make the one I have, but I will certainly make many more of these in the future. The one in the picture has already been given away as a gift, and...in case you were wondering...she LOVED it!!!

The main reason I love this project is because I am one of those really picky people who refuses to carry a wallet and purse that don't match or at least coordinate. So, now I don't have to worry about the coin purse clashing either. I tend to always make my own purses and sometimes my own wallet and now my own coin purse.

This project was provided by Cindy Hopper at http://www.skiptomylou.org/.

Quilted Pot Holder

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:48:00 +0000

This pot holder project goes with the apron I just made before it. This was very quick and simple to make. Literally, it took me about 20 minutes from start to finish including the cutting. I, of course, used the same dessert fabric again. Then I backed it with hot pink and made my own bias tape out of the polka dots. I quilted a wave pattern on it, because I know I am not talented enough to quilt much more than a wave or diamonds. I think it turned out pretty cute. My only issue was that I used a quilt batting and I don't think it is thick enough. It would be better to use a heavier batting piece.

This project was provided by Singer Sewing Company at http://www.singerco.com/.

F2f: What the F2f is going on?

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:12:00 +0000

I am getting really frustrated!!! It doesn't seem to matter what I do, I just don't lose anything. I weighed in on Monday and I was up another pound...right back to the starting weight. Then I weighed in on Wednesday and I was down 2.5 pounds. But, this morning I was back up 1.5 pounds...which gets me back to the first week. AAAAHHHH!!!!

It is time to get drastic. Maybe I should try a liquid diet...or take on a drug habit...or try the Survivor diet of a spoonful of rice and a coconut everyday. Except I hate coconuts, drugs are too expensive and I don't think I could handle drinking all my meals.

Whats a girl to do?

I guess I will just stick with what I know and double the exercise. I am planning on doing a 5K walk (or 10K depending on how fast I walk) next weekend and then I am going to do an 8K run on Memorial Day. I am going to just focus on training for those and hope that will make a difference. Somethings gotta give eventually! Hope everyone else had a better week than I did.

Gathered Apron

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:39:00 +0000

As you can probably tell from the last apron project, I love making aprons. I was excited to see another project sheet for a different apron. Although, after finishing this one, I will say that I like the tea towel apron better. I think it's because I am not great at folding the ribbon over a seam, lining it up and making sure I catch the ribbon on both sides. I always have a few spots where I missed the ribbon on the back side. Regardless, this did turn out pretty cute. A little long for me, but I am only 5'1"...so, it is probably the perfect length for people of a more normal height. Plus, I made this a little more difficult than it had to be. I had the perfect dessert fabric that I wanted to use, but I only had it in fat quarters. Since it wasn't big enough, I just pieced it with polka dot fabric to make sure I would be able to use it.

This project was provided by Singer Sewing Company at http://www.singerco.com/.

Fabric Bookmark

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 22:28:00 +0000

Finally, I have come across a project for something I can actually use. I love to read. I probably have over 100 paperback books in my house, but not one bookmark. Usually, I use junk mail. So, I am so excited to not only have my very own bookmark (how sad is it that I get excited over having something that I can buy at the store for less than $1?), but to have my very own personalized bookmark. I was going to paint my initial and applique something else, but the fabric I chose as the back didn't work with the paint I have. So, I appiqued my initial instead. Very quick project, and fun as well since you get to design it exactly as you want it. What a great gift!!!

This project was provided by Kathy Mack of Pink Chalk Studio at http://www.pinkchalkstudio.com/.

Butterfly Mobile

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:54:00 +0000

What am I supposed to do with another mobile? Actually, this is the only one I have because I tossed the last mobile. It was sooooo stupid. This one is a little better, but I don't really have any use for any of them. So, just to make this one a little more exciting, I made it out of all shoe-related-fabrics. I am not really sure why, because I know I won't be hanging it up in my house...but I did it anyway.

This project was provided by Ellen Luckett Baker at http://www.thelongthread.com/.