Category: sewing

August 15, 2016

DIY Polypro Tote Bag and a Giveaway!!!!

Today I’m going to share a little simple beginner’s sewing project and a handmade polypro tote giveaway!

I found this super duper cute tree material when I was shopping for something completely unrelated at Joann’s one day. Never happens…

I didn’t exactly know what I’d make with it, but I bought a yard of the fabric just cuz. It was just too cute. Then, of course, the logical thing to do with polypropylene is to make a tote bag out of it! We sell them by the hoards where I work, so I have some background in polypro, yo!

So, instead of losing myself in Pinterest to find a pattern, I winged it and made up my own. And now I’m sharing my mad tote-whip-up secrets with you, haha.

I made one small shortcut that you can totally remedy if you’d like–I didn’t use a separate piece of fabric for one of my gussets like a real pro would (I can’t even sew straight, so pfffff). If you don’t give any cares how a pro would do it, just skip it! And if you don’t like fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants patterns, then this probably isn’t for you;)

By the way, jump to the bottom of this post for a chance to win this very tote, made by me!

DIY Polypropylene Tote Bag

Materials

1 yard polypro material
Matching thread
Regular sewing supplies like a scissors, pins, etc.

Directions

Figure out the size you want your tote bag to be. I knew I wanted mine to fit standard magazines and books, so I used a picture frame that was just bigger than a textbook as my measuring stick. I just used a pencil and traced the frame on the back of the material. Pencils work like a charm on polypro.

I traced the frame for the front and traced it a second time for the back. Then I cut out a 3-1/2″ wide strip that was the length of one horizontal and one vertical side of the picture frame for the bottom and one side gusset.

Then I cut out one more 3-1/2″ wide strip for the other side gusset and two really long handles. I think I cut them to the length of the ream and 3″ wide. If you want to be precise, hang a tape measure over your shoulder to figure out how long you want the straps to hang.

From top: side gusset, side and bottom gusset, and front/back panels

Long strips for the straps, two straps per bag.

First, make your handles. Fold the long sides together, pattern facing inside, pin together and press. Sew down the raw side with 1/4″ seam allowance.

Now, try to get these suckers right-side-out again. It’s a pain in the butt, but using “tools” helps (i.e. a pencil with eraser, tiny kid fingers).

Now get to work on the bag. Begin by sewing the side and bottom gusset panels onto the front bag panel, right sides facing each other.

Pin the side gusset to the front bag panel, starting flush with the top.

Continue around, sewing on the bottom gusset, shown below.

Then sew the back panel to the other side of the gusset, right sides facing each other. And then the bottom gusset too.

You’ll sew on the other side gusset similarly, attaching it to the front panel, back panel and bottom gusset with right sides facing in.

Next, attach the handles. This is probably the trickiest part, but it’s really not all that tricky.

First, line up the open edges of the handles with the top of the bag and pin. Do this on both sides.

Now turn down the top of the bag 1″ all the way around and pin. At this point, you can remove the first set of pins. Sew all the way around this top rim of the bag. You can double needle stitch if you’re so inclined.

Now, fold the handle back upward and sew them onto the top of the bag, back and forth a few times.

I quadruple reinforced these suckers just for good measure.

Now press the bag for crisp seams and snip away any extra threads.

Voila!

Let me know in the comments if any questions come up for you as you’re making this.

The only thing the bag still needs is some kind of bottom support insert. But…it’s suitable for what I wanted, as is. It’s perfect for carrying library books, church supplies, a change of clothes for the gym, some TP and cereal from the store, or whatevs.

NOW FOR THE Polypro Tote GIVEAWAY!!!!

I made two of these bags and only want to keep one. So, the other one I’m raffling off to one lucky reader! You’ll get my very own invented tote bag with this adorable tree print made by my very own (albeit shaky) hands!

To enter, you must join my mailing list. There’s a box at the bottom of this post that offers 14 fat-shredding treadmill workouts. That’s where you can sign up.

Hey hey, you’ll even get a set of free workouts with your entry as a bonus, if you want them. Everyone’s a winner!

Once you’ve done so, leave a comment below. Your comment will be your entry for this giveaway. (edited to add: if you’re already a subscriber, just leave a comment and I’ll add you!)

If you would like one bonus entry, share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and leave another comment with a link to your social post and your name will go in a second time.

Click to Tweet: Win an adorable handmade tote bag over at http://ctt.ec/9wnQa+ And find out how to make one of your own! #sewingproject #giveaway

The contest ends at midnight on August 24th and a winner will be announced on the 26th when I’m back from camping;)

Good Luck!

P.S. I’m sharing this over on Skip to My Lou, Made by You Mondays.

September 26, 2013

My Second Ever Quilt

I never thought I wanted to tackle a quilt. However, after my first experience, I started gathering supplies for two more quilts before I was even finished binding up the first one.

This second ever quilt of mine is made with a vintage flower theme, mostly pinks and greens. I chose a fleece blanket for the lining instead of batting due to cost. I actually paid less for an actual fleece blanket than for as much batting as I would’ve needed, and I figured it would be really warm. See, Hubster doesn’t mind the pinks as long as the blanket is warm. Win-win, people!

The backside is a queen-sized bed sheet I found at the thrift store.

The quilted side is made with squares of fabric mostly from the clearance section at JoAnn’s and Walmart, cuz that’s how I roll.

Quilt top/fleece blanket/bed sheet

My grandma, the very person who taught me to sew, was very tickled when she saw my project one night when she came over for dinner. I just told her to not look so closely at the seams. I’m a total mess when it comes to sewing perfectly straight and all professional-like.

Peanut’s quilt is up next. His will be much more masculine, with fabric from several men’s 3XL flannel shirts and remnants I found at the thrift store. The back will be a cuddly soft deer-themed fleece blanket that he just fell in love with. It’s maybe a little too country for my taste, but it’s not my tastes that matter when it comes to him.

While I was all motivated and stuff to sew, I also whipped up some other projects that I’ve been thinking about for awhile. You see, Peanut has two Build A Bear animals that needed some more wardrobe items to choose from, particularly pajamas. So, I found a few tutorials online and took Peanut to the fabric store to pick out his own fabric. He liked the sailor anchor theme for the pajamas and the checkered racing fleece for the sleeping bags.

Tiger and Mr. Fluffy

There’s even a cutout for the tails! Be careful with the

tutorial though. The way you’ll be sewing the shorts isn’t

quite what one might expect.

Roll-up sleeping bags, aren’t these the cutest?

Sometimes I just really get on a roll with my sewing. I mentioned before that my Environment, particularly my home, is one of my biggest priorities in life (after God, family, that sort of thing). Home is the most important place on earth. I strive to do things that improve upon the comfort, serenity and security we feel at home. I tell ya, that quilt of mine is sure doing a number on my love for our bedroom. I just smile every day when I see it. Next up, I’ve been working on framing some pictures for behind our bed and DIY-ing a new jewelry shelf. You’ll see…

What projects have you been working lately?

September 26, 2013

My Second Ever Quilt

I never thought I wanted to tackle a quilt. However, after my first experience, I started gathering supplies for two more quilts before I was even finished binding up the first one.

The backside is a queen-sized bed sheet I found at the thrift store.

The quilted side is made with squares of fabric mostly from the clearance section at JoAnn’s and Walmart, cuz that’s how I roll.

Quilt top/fleece blanket/bed sheet

Tiger and Mr. Fluffy

There’s even a cutout for the tails! Be careful with the

tutorial though. The way you’ll be sewing the shorts isn’t

quite what one might expect.

Roll-up sleeping bags, aren’t these the cutest?

What projects have you been working lately?

September 18, 2013

Lately I’ve Been…

Sewing Build-A-Bear accessories for my Peanut’s stuffed animals. Those clothes get expensive and I found the perfect DIY projects online.
Fixing a workout bra that I somehow melted in the dryer. Didn’t even know that the fabric store carried bra hooks until I went looking for fabric for the above project. All I had to do was cut down the strap to the right size, burn the raw edges down with a lighter and sew the new piece on. So glad to have saved that one, since it fit really well. I’m mighty proud of my re-purposing skills on this one.
Re-seaming a thrift store T-shirt I found in college that I still like and has been sitting with pins in it for like 7 years. Ha!
Thrifting some necessary household items like 16″ x 20″ frames and some supplies for a jewelry storage makeover I plan on doing.
Spray-painting that thrifted shelving unit for my jewelry. I believe the wooden shelf I bought was once a spoon holder for collectors. Oh, you just wait and see what I did to it. I even went to the hardware store all by myself to DIY this one.
Hanging a collage wall in my dining room. I see these art displays in all my favorite home tours and decided to tackle one all by myself. It turned out sooo cute. I found this adorable $.50 vintage 3D picture that totally makes the wall. I’ll be sharing pictures soon.
Trying to keep my house from turning into a bachelor pad/frat house. Roomie just bought a beer brewing kid and a Soda Stream to add to my already cluttered counter space. Thinking of reworking the space a bit. This stuff doesn’t blend well with my vintage-chic aesthetic, as you might imagine.
Putting together bags of stuff to take to the thrift store. It feels good to get rid of more than we’re bringing in sometimes, especially when things start accumulating beyond my comfort level.
Registering for an EIN number with the IRS. I am now a registered business owner!
Eating soup alone at home while Hubster, Peanut and my Daddy-O go hunting. I’m really relishing this time alone.
Cleaning (finally!) one of the dreaded spots in my home. We have some high windows that accumulate spiders and webs and dust and ick. Whenever I clean it, I feel like the whole house is somehow much cleaner.
Making my bed with the brand-new quilt that I sewed. Can’t wait to share pictures of it on here soon. Just looking at it makes me happy.
Starting a new e-book project that I hope to launch on here in a few months. It’s in the baby stages right now, so I don’t want to share too much.
Buying tickets to the Sports and Fitness Expo being held in my town this weekend. Can’t wait!
Trying so hard to figure out how to connect my camcorder to my computer. I have a new cord on its way after a Radio Shack one didn’t work. I really want to add some workout videos for y’all. I may have to bite the bullet and buy a new, more laptop-compatible camcorder.
Dreaming up another trip “up-north” in October or November. I want to make this a regular tradition if we can swing it and Hubster can successfully get off of work. We stayed in Crivitz last year.
Writing up a job posting for the open pastoral position at my church. Since one of the committee members knew I was a writer, he thought I’d be the perfect person for the job. I like to help where I can.
Adjusting to having a child in all-day Kindergarten. Paying for hot lunches, meeting teachers, already dealing with bullying, packing snacks, collecting Box Tops, etc etc etc. I already get up at 5:30 to work out, run, and get ready, but we’ve somehow been running late anyway. This school thing is like a whole new world for me. However, I just love looking through the Scholastic Books order forms with him. I get all giddy like I did in school when those pamphlets come out. My wallet is never more open than it is for a Peanut who gets excited about reading and learning.

I think Chalene’s book was just the kick in the back end I needed to make myself even more productive than a Type-A person like me already is. I can’t believe all the things I’ve checked off my to-do list already. I use Wunderlist on my phone and it’s a true lifesaver and life improver, plus just seeing all the check marks I’ve accumulated already makes me happy. I have my to-dos broken down into “Today,” “This Week,” and “Soon.” Every day I try to do one thing to tackle one aspect of my priority list. For example, my home environment is one of my priorities. Therefore, many of the above listed items are helping make my environment more desirable from cleaning to small space makeovers. Another goal is setting up more of a solid personal training side business, so I am planning on networking at the Sports and Fitness Expo I signed up for and I finally signed up for an official EIN number (so simple to do, it’s pathetic). I’m taking steps each day to make this dream more of a reality. It’s really quite simple once you break it down into steps.

There’s something about fall that makes me feel like nesting. The little bit of chill in the air outside makes me want the inside to be the most cozy place my family could ever enjoy. Listening to the sound of Feist and blowing trees while tackling all these projects is just making my heart swell. I’ve decided that fall is officially my favorite season.

What have you been up to?

September 18, 2013

Lately I’ve Been…

Sewing Build-A-Bear accessories for my Peanut’s stuffed animals. Those clothes get expensive and I found the perfect DIY projects online.
Fixing a workout bra that I somehow melted in the dryer. Didn’t even know that the fabric store carried bra hooks until I went looking for fabric for the above project. All I had to do was cut down the strap to the right size, burn the raw edges down with a lighter and sew the new piece on. So glad to have saved that one, since it fit really well. I’m mighty proud of my re-purposing skills on this one.
Re-seaming a thrift store T-shirt I found in college that I still like and has been sitting with pins in it for like 7 years. Ha!
Thrifting some necessary household items like 16″ x 20″ frames and some supplies for a jewelry storage makeover I plan on doing.
Spray-painting that thrifted shelving unit for my jewelry. I believe the wooden shelf I bought was once a spoon holder for collectors. Oh, you just wait and see what I did to it. I even went to the hardware store all by myself to DIY this one.
Hanging a collage wall in my dining room. I see these art displays in all my favorite home tours and decided to tackle one all by myself. It turned out sooo cute. I found this adorable $.50 vintage 3D picture that totally makes the wall. I’ll be sharing pictures soon.
Trying to keep my house from turning into a bachelor pad/frat house. Roomie just bought a beer brewing kid and a Soda Stream to add to my already cluttered counter space. Thinking of reworking the space a bit. This stuff doesn’t blend well with my vintage-chic aesthetic, as you might imagine.
Putting together bags of stuff to take to the thrift store. It feels good to get rid of more than we’re bringing in sometimes, especially when things start accumulating beyond my comfort level.
Registering for an EIN number with the IRS. I am now a registered business owner!
Eating soup alone at home while Hubster, Peanut and my Daddy-O go hunting. I’m really relishing this time alone.
Cleaning (finally!) one of the dreaded spots in my home. We have some high windows that accumulate spiders and webs and dust and ick. Whenever I clean it, I feel like the whole house is somehow much cleaner.
Making my bed with the brand-new quilt that I sewed. Can’t wait to share pictures of it on here soon. Just looking at it makes me happy.
Starting a new e-book project that I hope to launch on here in a few months. It’s in the baby stages right now, so I don’t want to share too much.
Buying tickets to the Sports and Fitness Expo being held in my town this weekend. Can’t wait!
Trying so hard to figure out how to connect my camcorder to my computer. I have a new cord on its way after a Radio Shack one didn’t work. I really want to add some workout videos for y’all. I may have to bite the bullet and buy a new, more laptop-compatible camcorder.
Dreaming up another trip “up-north” in October or November. I want to make this a regular tradition if we can swing it and Hubster can successfully get off of work. We stayed in Crivitz last year.
Writing up a job posting for the open pastoral position at my church. Since one of the committee members knew I was a writer, he thought I’d be the perfect person for the job. I like to help where I can.
Adjusting to having a child in all-day Kindergarten. Paying for hot lunches, meeting teachers, already dealing with bullying, packing snacks, collecting Box Tops, etc etc etc. I already get up at 5:30 to work out, run, and get ready, but we’ve somehow been running late anyway. This school thing is like a whole new world for me. However, I just love looking through the Scholastic Books order forms with him. I get all giddy like I did in school when those pamphlets come out. My wallet is never more open than it is for a Peanut who gets excited about reading and learning.

What have you been up to?

March 21, 2013

Book Pages: Patternless Fashions

I don’t think I’ve ever used this book except to help me dream (yet!!). I always thought a book about patternless fashion would make a great starting point for an e-course or blog tutorial or something. Growing up, I always hated sewing with patterns. I learned how to sew with fussy patterns and grew annoyed with sewing itself because of the rigidity. Once I realized I could make things without a pattern, I felt so free. Novel idea, huh?

This book has the cutest little hand drawings that our modern books lack, but that give books a little extra character. They give you a glimpse into the hand-work put into the book by real live people. I think it’s endearing. I mean, the descriptions are enough to make me gush, “awww, cute!” Basic School Dress with Yoke and Gathered Skirt, anyone?

Sweet little ribbon-tied girl. Sometimes I wish I could have a girl to dress up like this.

Cutest father/son duo ever (besides my guys of course:) Looks like a Leave it to Beaver family portrait, doesn’t it? Love it!

When’s the last time you heard the word “slacks” and it wasn’t coming from your grandma?

There really are great tips and pointers in this book for making real clothes today. The original book was created circa the 1950s, and the styles are pretty true to that era. However, you can tweak a little bit here and there or even use some of the patterns just as they are. Many of the styles are fashionable again today, depending on the fabric that you choose. Some of the instructions just give you guidelines on how to use clothing you already own to fashion new items. This totally translates to today’s world, if ya ask me.

If you’re a beginner, you might want to try a project that is a little less involved first, like a pillowcase or curtains or something. Once you get the hang of sewing basics and techniques, you can always refer back to this book. This book also doesn’t work for people who need the structure that patterns provide. My grandma taught me to sew using patterns because she prefers them herself, and that’s just fine. I just operate a little differently and enjoy the freedom of patternless sewing. I have also always had an affinity for completely original clothing, and this book puts that idea at my fingertips.

If you’re interested in this little gem, there are a few copies on Amazon.

February 25, 2012

A Crafty Sunday Evening

This past Sunday, I had a surge of motivation that led me on a crafting frenzy. I sewed four spit-up rags for my brand-new baby nephew, whipped up one pair of super-adorable infant pants (that were supposed to be toddler pants, but oops), put together a sewn yo-yo garland, finished up a “happy birthday” banner for a work friend, ironed some wrinkly things that had been laying around, and put the finishing touches on a few other projects. I hooked up the embroidery hoop and am now dreaming of designs for a way-too-cute little onesie. Boats keep coming to mind, because his daddy’s in the Navy. Maybe an anchor. We shall see.

This has got to be the best kind of therapy around. Nothing can beat me when I’m a-workin’. And there’s nothing like that feeling afterwards when you look in awe at all you did and wonder how you did it. I’m going to try and remember this feeling so that next time I’m feeling down, I can replay this little trick. I’m also going to remember a few little projects that I can slip in during those 10 minute increments I keep talking about. I just love spending my time productively.

My Peanut, meanwhile, was completely engrossed in pretend play behind me. When I was done at the sewing table, he climbed his little legs up there and pretended to sew, cut, fold and perfect his little sewing craft. He brought in his two “babies” and taught them too! Those four little spit-up rags we put together are sure wrapped in a lot of love.

October 1, 2011

Some Soule Mama Inspiration

If you don’t already know about her, you have to check out this awesome mama/writer/pioneer/artist… I just got done going through her Handmade Home book. I am completely smitten with the concept of handcrafting things for your home that nurture your family, entertain your children, mother your sick, and personalize your space. I swoon a little bit every time I read through the pages and gaze longingly at the pictures. I am reminded again and again what the purpose of my life is at this very moment, for my three-year-old and husband–to nurture my family and carve a loving home.

I did, however, actually complete one of the projects in the book. Yay me!!! Mind you, my sewing machine had tragically been sitting unused for at least five years before this. I suddenly had a strong desire to make something that had a certain purpose in my home that I couldn’t find any other remedy to.

My husband has this annoying habit of grabbing a second towel to put on the floor for his feet. It’s sloppy, but I didn’t have any better solutions. We had tried a carpet square, but the second that that started, um, smelling, I had to throw it away. It was unwashable.

Enter the washable bath mat. Hooray! This was also the least intimidating sewing option for my rusty skill. I found a microfiber cloth at the dollar store and a pillowcase at the thrift store. I cut a piece of the pillowcase fabric the same size as the towel, sewed ’em both together, and voila! I got a tiny bit lazy and skipped the part about layering towel pieces over the top, so it doesn’t look quite as cute as Amanda’s. But it works!

In putting together one’s sewing toolkit, Amanda also suggests finding a sewer’s user manual. She says new or old, the basic sewing principles have not changed much. Guess who was a little giddy when she snagged a vintage copy of the Better Homes and Gardens Sewing Book in mint condition? Oh yeah. And that $2 price tag tasted oh-so-sweet.

Look how sweet the old-time pictures are.

To top off all the great feelings and motivation that came from making something practical with my own two hands, I even thrifted a new sewing machine cover. Ok, I think it was intended to be a toaster cover, but it fits over the guts of the machine perfectly. And the sunflower print was much too perfect to pass up.