Blog make over

I've done a bit of a blog make over. Tidied a few things up. Created headings. Very easy to do I found out! What do you think?

Another quick gift

What do you get someone that has almost everything they want/need? A gift voucher for their favourite book shop.

What do you put the voucher in?

A fabric envelope of course.

Complete with Paris and Bikes, a favourite of the recipient.
Very quick and easy to make, and can be used afterwards for all sorts of things. I used my mum's gallery invite for the photo. Another perfect use.
So if you are giving gift vouchers for Christmas this year, why not whip up something special that can be used as wrapping and a handy pouch for later.

TTFN

Inset Zip Clutch

Inset Zip Clutch, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

I made this clutch so long ago but only just got it off my camera. I've started to become such an iPhone photo taker that I forget about my poor beloved Nikon. It's a faze I'm sure it is.

I made this clutch for my craft buddy's youngest for her 4th birthday, so she can carry around all those little toys girls play with these days.

I added a strap so she can pop it over her head to carry.

This may look like a tricky pattern with the zip inset like that, but it really was easy to make. I love how the zip turned out. I'd like to make more of these. If you would like to make one, pop over to Michelle Patterns (button on the right side bar). It also includes a smaller pouch version. If you would like to know how I added the strap, just let me know.

TTFN

The idea pouch

Source: Michelle Patterns on Flickr

Michelle has a new pattern. The idea pouch. Cool name. I made myself an iPad pouch a while ago (and I just realised I didn't blog about it here!! You can go to my other blog though). It has a pocket in the front I can put pens into but they are just swimming around in there. This idea to have pen pouches seems a lot more sturdy and things will stay in place for easy reach. I still love my cover, but I may make this one as a spare if its all I'm taking with me. Love the closure too. The pattern is on sale at the moment so better pop over and get it.

Source: Michelle Patterns on Flickr

Open Wide Pouches

Open Wide Pouches, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

I needed a toiletries bag for work and noodlehead had just blogged about some open wide pouches she'd made. So I made some too. Using hers as inspiration and changing things slightly (I have to fiddle!). Now I have a large toiletries bag for work, a smaller one for girls weekends and a makeup pouch. I think the smaller one needs some work, I don't like how angled it is at the sides, that will teach me for fiddling!! I used ikea fabric, it's a good weight, I didn't need to interface. I want to make some with the laminated fabric inside. I'm on a no fabric buying month so it will have to be another time!! They look kind of Dr Seuss don't they?!

Owl coin purse.

Owl coin purse., originally uploaded by MandyMade.

Feels so long since I've made something from Michelle's patterns, but it hasn't. I just keep forgetting to blog about it so I can record and remember it! Too much sewing not enough blogging? No, that's the way it should be!

Very cute and easy to make. I think this will be my go to pattern for girls birthdays for the time being. I added a snap instead of Velcro ( I hate sewing with Velcro) but I think its going to be too hard to open and close and may have to use Velcro. It's too small for a magnetic snap.

If you would like to sew one too click on the button for Michelle patterns on my side bar.

TTFN

Owl coin purse pattern from Michelle Patterns


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Work pass holder

I made myself a holder for my work swipe pass, you know, one of those white plastic things that would get lost if not in something. Just need to make a lanyard to go with it. Much harder to loose now and looks snazzy to boot!

Back on the hook

And hopefully back into blogging. So many things have just got in the way, like life maybe?

It's school holidays here at the moment and we have all been sick, yuck. Seems like everyone in Melbourne is at the moment. Sewing at the machine while I'm sick usually spells disaster, so I've picked up the hook again.

I've been eying off Planet June crochet patterns for ages, waiting for the right time. Well the right time came so I bought and made a few! Here they are.

First up a few of her free tutorials, just to make sure I wanted to start again and my fingers would cope. So I made the baby whale, apple and pear. These are now sitting on my desk at work.

By the time I'd finished the pear I was hooked (get it!!) again so I bought a set of dino patterns and the lemmings pattern.

Baby Brachy

Baby Stegy

Oh no! Lemmings

I've also been playing with a few photo editors for the iPad and iPhone. Haven't found my "look" yet. It's all flickers fault, I had a look, oh well.

I think another reason I haven't been blogging is I've been having trouble loading the pics from my camera onto the big computer, so I've been iPhoning all my pics. I guess its a certain look, just haven't found one I like yet.

I've got one dino left to make in the set. AJ has already put an order in for a T-rex! He wants a bucket full of dinosaurs!!

Well hopefully this will be the start of blogging again. You can always find me over at Ditto Crafts too.

Happy Hooking

TTFN

Been too long

So busy making for others I haven't had time to blog.

Here is what my son is now into. Making scarves on a barbie knitting machine my sister had as a kid.
He wants to make one for everyone! Teddy is the perfect size.

New purchase

Bags the Modern Classics by Sue Kim

I'm always on the lookout for new patterns to buy. There are so many talented pattern makers out there. One day I hope to have the time to design some of my own. But for now I'm cuddling up on the couch with my new book. Have you bought any good patterns lately?

Edit: I'm trying to load a photo from instagram. Please excuse me while I feel totally lost in todays social media, and I used to be so savvy! Any clues would be wonderful.


Edit again: Ok worked it out I hope, let me know if you can't see a photo!