Sewing a gift :: a quilted tote bag

 

I just recently finished this quilted tote as a gift for my very first 'real life' sewing buddy! Yay, someone that I can sit & chat fabrics, patterns and all things sewing related with! We've even had a 'sewing date' at her house (her house is bigger than mine and has more room to cut fabric).

I tried to use fabrics from my stash, I know she likes the colour brown, so I found some fabrics that went well with each other. I love the bag so much that I'll be making one of my own too!

I didn't follow the pattern 100% as I added some more pockets into it - check out how I sewed it in this Youtube clip here....

Below is a piccie of the bag almost done, I was just going to handsew the binding in the photo.

I'd love it if you popped over to my YouTube channel & subscribed to it & even liked some of my videos. Every like, every follower, every comment is like a great big hug! 

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I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

A Christmas Wreath

 

I had the opportunity to attend a wreath making workshop with a friend recently and I sat down and wrangled dried flowers & leaves for two hours and managed to make this wreath. 

I love it, it's currently hanging up on my front door. Ironically, I found a list of things that I wanted to do for this Christmas (written after last Christmas) and the item on top of the list was to have a wreath for a door! 

I did a quick internet search and you can actually buy Christmas wreath making kits, there are some here.. and here.. for you to check out.

I'd love it if you popped over to my YouTube channel & subscribed to it & even liked some of my videos. Every like, every follower, every comment is like a great big hug! 

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I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

A froggy gift

 

I crocheted this absolutely gorgeous frog for my son for his birthday. He's now an official teenager and gosh, teens are hard to buy for AND make for but I think I nailed it beautifully with this frog.

Well, actually, the frog is supposed to be a toad but hey, he's still a cutie!

The frog has bendable arms & legs and you can even buy patterns for it to make jumpers etc for it AND even more adorable, is that you can buy accessories for it such as glasses, overalls, shoes, push bike etc to really amp up the cuteness.

Pattern for the toad is this one, there is also a knitted version of the pattern there too.

I'd love it if you popped over to my YouTube channel & subscribed to it & even liked some of my videos. Every like, every follower, every comment is like a great big hug! 

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I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

Gifts for me & you!

 Did you know that my birthday is coming up? Yep! I'm an October baby and I love 'window shopping' for me.
Actually, I'm not just doing this guide for me, I'm doing it for major drop hints for my hubby and well, if you're like me (cos you're reading this blog post) then maybe you might like some of these ideas for you too & buy yourself a sweet treat!

I have a real need for this awesome rug, I'm not sure where I'd put it.
Would it look weird next to my bed?  Check it out here...

Gimme this heirloom type necklace with the leaf engraving, photos and longest chain length! 
Click here to see more details, choices etc here....

I had a dream that I had a yellow bag... just like this one! Yes please!
It doesn't come in yellow, so maybe brown!
Also the shop has Salamanca in the name, so maybe it's local to me!
Have a look at all their awesome bags here.... 

The dog keeps eating all my ceramic planters, I need more but don't fret, I'll keep them inside away from the ruddy dog!  Check them out here, they're adorable!

Oh yes. I've always, always wanted a neon sign. I'd love one that says "love lives here"
and another just for Christmas that says "Merry & Joy".
 ..what would you have on a neon sign? Get yours here...

I need a handle for my greenhouse, this one would be ace! 

I'm seriously guilty of collecting random bottles & propagating plants on window ledge,
maybe this'll work better and look better too!    Get some for you too! 

Let's pretend that I have a Pinterest worthy kitchen and I'm styling this like in the photos.
Yet in reality, I'd actually love it for carrying (& holding) the sauces, cutlery & my daughter's water bottle to place on the coffee table for where we eat our dinner in front of the tv! 
Grab one or two for yourself or family here...

It says it all really, get yours here.....

For lots more ideas, you can jump over to this gift guide for more drooling!   

 

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

Hello my deer....

 

I recently finished the cutest thing ever, this gorgeous baby deer.

I knitted it for my daughter's 10th birthday, as a surprise, so I had to secretly knit it during the day when she was at school.

The fawn is so soft & squishy, it knitted up bigger than I expected but gosh, it's just the perfect snuggly size.

Typical for me, I made a few mistakes but hey, that's all part of being an individualised project, right?!

The pattern is from this book and you can see my knitting journey with the fawn softie here. 

I'd love it if you popped over to my YouTube channel & subscribed to it & even liked some of my videos. Every like, every follower, every comment is like a great big hug! 

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here....

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

The oversized bird zipper pouch.

 

I found myself jealous of all the awesome oversized zipper pouches that I had made for the kids & their friends last year, so I had to make myself one.

When I saw this gorgeous bird fabric, I just knew it would be perfect for my own project bag. I even took the time to hand quilt around the birds.

Do you like it?  How would you have quilted it?

If you'd like to see more, then check out this: https://youtu.be/Zo9GQ2l8Wsk

I'd love it if you popped over to my YouTube channel & subscribed to it & even liked some of my videos. Every like, every follower, every comment is like a great big hug! 

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here....

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

The Donny Shirt

 

I just finished sewing myself the Donny shirt and wow, I love the style of this shirt!

Firstly, it's a super size inclusive pattern, I did extend the length of the pattern though as it's designed to sit on your hips & I wear my shirts longer.  

The pattern was super easy to follow, there is a well written pattern, a tutorial and also a Youtube sewalong clip (from the designer) as well. 

I actually 'cheated' and had this pattern printed out on A0 paper as I wanted to see if it would be easier than printing & taping it together. My home printer often doesn't work so I was keen to try it this way and yes, it was way easier! I ordered it online and honestly, the time delay didn't matter as it gave me a deadline to clear the table, find the fabric etc.

I'm definitely going to be making myself more of these as it is super comfy to wear, I love how it doesn't have buttons!

If you want to follow my sewing journey with this top then you can see it here on my Youtube channel. You'll have to tell me what you think of the fabric that I used. I upcycled an old vintage bed sheet as I'm trying to use what I have rather than buy & store & therefore 'hoard fabric'.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to take any more photos of the shirt yet as it's super cold here at the moment, too cold to be outside in a thin blouse!

I'd love it if you popped over to my YouTube channel & subscribed to it & even liked some of my videos. Every like, every follower, every comment is like a great big hug! 

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here....

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

The Cardigan Drama

 

Not wanting to sound dramatic with the headline but gosh, sewing this cardigan really was an adventure!

From not having the right fabric to trying to calculate how much I need to stuff sticking to the iron not to mention that everything fell out of the cupboard when I went to get the ironing board out. The dog was supervising me from outside, barking at me in frustation cos it was raining. The overlocker decided to eat the fabric and I had a heck of a time getting it out again. 

..but it was all worth it, I absolutely love my cardigan. Does it look ok?

I'm wanting to make another one but I can't decide on the colour, it'll probably come down to what fabric is available as I want to use the same quilted jersey fabric like I did with this one.

Anyways, enough of me writing about my drama, if you want to see how I magically made this cardi then check out the Youtube clip here: https://youtu.be/vfBCfnKszA4

I'd love it if you popped over to my YouTube channel & subscribed to it & even liked some of my videos. Every like, every follower, every comment is like a great big hug! 

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here....

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

Quilted Journal Covers

 

I recently made a big batch of quilted journal covers in preparation for upcoming birthdays for the year. They're super easy to make, absolutely gorgeous and honestly, I just want to keep them all for myself.

I filmed myself making them so you can be inspired and sew some yourself.
See it here: https://youtu.be/7ZX6V5uEtwU   It's my first time doing free motion quilting, so you'll have to tell me how I did, does the scribbly quilted bits look ok?

I'm thinking of making some more using selvedge edge strips as the fabric and some scrappy fabric ones too. 

Do you think they'll make nice gifts? If you (or your child) were to receive one as a gift, would you be happy with it?

I'd love it if you popped over to my YouTube channel & subscribed to it & even liked some of my videos. Every like, every follower, every comment is like a great big hug! 

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here....

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

What are the best knitting needles?

 

The best knitting needles are ones that you use over & over & over again. They are the needles that glide easily with any project with any yarn. Bonus points if those needles are have interchangeable swivel cables & cables ends to make life easier, so you switch from the back to the front, sleeves etc with your project and not have to worry about dropping stitches or losing needles.

I absolutely recommend these KnitPro knitting needles, not only are they are incredibly beautiful, I love the style, the feel and how they all come together in the set. 

The knitting needles set that I'm using is The Gratitude set that is from the Mindful collection by KnitPro. They are an all inclusive set, knitting needles in a large range of sizes, with all the cables & accessories that you need.

The knitting needles are smooth gliding needles that are easily attached to the cables. The cables have a swivel action, so they won't tangle, bend or crimp in your knitting. If the cables aren't long enough then there are cable connectors included so make the cables longer. The matching accessories included in the cute case are cable ends, darning needles, cable keys (for attaching the cable to the knitting needle) and a large variety & styles of stitch markers.

This handy knitting set is the perfect gift for yourself or the new or seasoned knitter in your family. 

Check them out here for more information!

This has been a collaborative blog post, all images, thoughts & comments are my own.

The 25yr project

Have you ever had a box that you moved from here to there & back again for years & years? Well, I got sick of moving one and decided to make the unfinished project so I could clear up some space. I mean, this box has moved house with me 4 times, so I think it's time to get rid of it.

I bought a bunch of woollen blanket remnants at a sale many years ago and had a great plan to cut them up and make a patchwork blanket but I after cutting it all up, I was at a loss as to how to stitch them all back together again, so it got boxed up and forgotten.

25+ years on, I have an overlocker/serger, so guess what? No excuses to not finish this blanket! It was actually pretty easy to make, I even sewed up all the scraps together and made a smaller lap sized blanket for the car. I filmed the process, if you're interested then you can view it here: https://youtu.be/1Qcz7-HSFa8

Unfortunately, it's not my only long term project, I can think of at least 3 more ... so I guess there is no rush to finish them but it would be nice to clear up some space!

How are all your projects going? Do you have long, long, long term projects or do you like to finish each project that you start?

I'd love it if you popped over to my YouTube channel & subscribed to it & even liked some of my videos. Every like, every follower, every comment is like a great big hug! 

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I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

Almost failing before I even started.

 

I set out to sew myself a dressing gown / robe but I almost failed before I started as I kept hitting hurdle after hurdle.

I thought you might be interested in the making journey, here it is:  https://youtu.be/k--1GfWajpQ

Plus sized robe pattern (to your own measurements) from here: https://patterns.bootstrapfashion.com/?i=bd747e5b

I'd love it if you popped over to my YouTube channel & subscribed to it & even liked some of my videos. Every like, every follower, every comment is like a great big hug! 

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here....

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

An easy Laptop Case.

My son started high school this week and needed a laptop case, so I made a quick one using no pattern.

I made the case using Neoprene fabric (wetsuit fabric) and I wasn't prepared for sewing it! I had the wrong sewing needle, wrong tension, no space on the table and kids that needed feeding.  

I got there in the end and I think it looks awesome! The motif on the front of the case is a dragon that my son designed & drew onto felt for me, I then cut it out and hand stitched it to the case before folding the sides and sewing it up. I used a piece of velcro for the closure as I didn't want to scratch his new laptop!

For those not in Australia, our school system is like this:
~ school year starts in February as it's mid summer,
~ Primary school goes from Kindergarten to grade 6,
~ High school is grade 7 to (now) grade 12 &
~ the year the child turns 5yo is the year they start Kindy.

p.s. the dents in the below photo are from the clips that I used when I was thinking I'd hem the case but it turns out that the fabric doesn't need hemming! Time saver!

I'd love it if you popped over to my YouTube channel & subscribed to it & even liked some of my videos. Every like, every follower, every comment is like a great big hug! 

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here....

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

Sewing a coin purse / card holder / bus pass holder

 

I needed to sew/make/come up with a solution to hold a bus pass, coins & money (for buying the bus pass) that is easy to use, easy to hold and of course, looks good so it in fact gets used.

I came up with this one, I think it worked out well and more importantly, my son loves it. 

Come & watch me come up with the idea, from sketch to sewing to finished piece: check it all out here on my YouTube channel.

I still can't believe that my baby is just about to start high school!

I'd love it if you popped over to my YouTube channel & subscribed to it & even liked some of my videos. Every like, every follower, every comment is like a great big hug! 

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here....

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie