Shop Update

 

I have been meaning to get this posted for nearly a week now.  I have been having issues with my newest computer.  At any rate, I made a selection of pencil pouches and listed them in my etsy shop. 

 

I have them available in 7 different colors (or you may request a custom color): red, orange, yellow, lime green, teal, turquoise, and royal blue.  They are approximately 8 inches wide by 4.5 inches deep.

Since I have been into all things planner/stationery- and art-related lately, I felt it was only right to make some bags to fit my mood.  I have few other things that I am working on as well.

 

Enjoy!

Simple Tablet Sleeve

First off I want to say I miss you all.  I feel like I have been a bad friend.  I can call you guys friends, right?  I feel like we are all friends at any rate.  I have been neglecting my poor little blog for no reason whatsoever really.  I have been volunteering at this Christian pro-life women's clinic for some time now, and Kelsey is in kindergarten.  So these events have kept me occupied.  With that being said let's jump right into this.

I purchased a tablet a few days ago.  I purchased a 7" Nextbook tablet. So far I am thoroughly pleased with it.  It came with this horrible black velveteen bag that collects all the dust in the world and is just overall ugly. I knew I wanted to make a simple sleeve for it to fit into.  I wasn't sure what style I wanted to make.  I was thinking about an envelope clutch but decided against it.

So this bad boy ended up costing me less than $2 in supplies.  I purchased some vinyl fabric sheets from Hobby Lobby for $ 1.47 a sheet and some felt sheets for $0.25 a piece. I only needed one of each.  The sheets were bigger than I thought they were.

I settled on the giraffe print textured sheet.  It's not so bad looking after all.  I was mostly just using it to test it out, but I actually like the end result.  I may try some other vinyls or leathers later, but for now it will work.

I did purchase some scrap leather, acrylic paints, and studs for a more designer cover.  Once I figure on a design for the leather, I will post the results.

What have you been creating lately?  I would love for you to share! I hope you all have a great day!!!

Shop update: Sorority Keychain Wallets

If you follow me on instagram, then you have seen that have been working on some new embroidered bags for sororities.  Well I have been working on stitching some out and just wanted you all to know that I have added some to my etsy shop: createbylani.  I am also doing them by request, since I don't know all of the sororities or colors or preferences. Go take a peak! Thanks, guys!!!

Vintage Sheet Laptop Messenger

I was in desperate need of a laptop bag.  The one that I had was the traditional black canvas number that was both ubiquitous and blah (and also long gone because I trashed it.)  So I decided it was high-time to make myself one when I resorted to carrying my computer around in a flimsy totebag from World Market.

So I rounded up some linen that I had, selected a bright and playful vintage sheet and also some vintage strapping trim that I bought, and set to work.  This baby turned out waaaaay better than I had anticipated especially since I didn't necessarily have a direction that I was going in.

It has 3 zippered compartments: the main bag, a tiny zippered pocket in the lining, and the accented outside zippered pocket.  The accent pocket is quilted and padded, while the main body is double padded.  And it is so HUGE.  I have a pretty typical Dell laptop, so I went off of that measurement.  I didn't want the bag to fit snugly though.  The body can hold the laptop,the charger, and probably a couple of books.  The accent pocket can hold a few incidentals as well.  I keep flash drives and other tiny cords in the smaller interior pocket.

To make it fun, I also lined the bag in vintage sheets.  I just love this pansy print.  I have been trying my best not to use it until I had something special in mind for it.  I think this is a good use of the print.  The zippers were some vintage ones that I bought at a thrift store.  I knew they would come in handy one day.  

Another favorite feature of this bag to me is the strap.  I love this natural colored trim with salmon top-stitching   When I found this stuff at the thrift store I snatched up as much as I could help.  I have it in about 3 or 4 colors.  This "webbing" makes such a good strap because it is comfortable and slightly padded.  It doesn't dig in you from carrying around the weight of the laptop.  And it blends in really well.  I'm not sure from what fiber it is made, but it has the weave; texture; and color of  the linen I used.  Plus the stitching matches the print and the zipper.

Can't wait to take this out more!!

Shop update

I added this cute little guy to my shop: create. today.  These are customizable personalized card wallets.  Like the others, they feature quilting and keychain clip with bright contrasting embroidery.

They are available in the fabric colors below (and also the same fabric as the sample).

Go check them out today!!

A Little Digitizing

So I was on Pinterest one day and came across the cutest little bag. (When I find the link, I will have to remember to post it.) I started my gears a-turning, and I ended up with an embroidered version of a little girl's face turned into a pouch.

I lined and backed them with vintage sheets. I used lipstick colored zippers. The multicolored one was just a test dummy to see if my stitches were right.

I think I'm getting the hang of digitizing embroidery designs, especially the in-the-hoop embroidery. In-the-hoop embroidery designs are my favorite embroidery designs to digitize and stitch out.

These are so fun and cute to tote around. Even my daughter loves them!! They are perfect for carrying around a couple of extra dollars, a handful of coins, and lip balm and other small necessities. I've been toying around with other hair, skin, and eye colors.

Vintage Sheet Clutches

I have been a sewing mood as of late. I have been especially fond of sewing with vintage sheets. I am not  one that is crazy about cutting into my precious stash, but it has been fairly easy to cut and rip into a few of them. A bunch of them I have duplicates of so that helps. For the past couple of days (when I can sneak off and get a moment's worth of peace to myself) I have been designing and sewing a clutches. I have only managed a couple so far, but hopefully when the weekend gets here and can push out a few more.

This is my favorite of the two.

I haven't had a chance to make the purse straps yet. I haven't any D-rings at my apartment; I have to pick them up from my parents still. I just love mixing the prints together to get a whole new look. I can't wait to make more.

I have a few pillow shames that I have in the works as well. Can't wait to get those done!!

What have you made lately?

{Tutorial}: Oilcloth Market Tote

Inspired by the oilcloth lunch bag that I posted, I decided to whip up a quick tutorial for a large oilcloth tote in the likeness of the lunch sack. It comes together fairly quick, especially if you have the proper tools to sew on oilcloth.

Let's begin!

TIPS FOR SEWING VINYL:

-Use a Walking (Even-feed) foot, Roller Foot, or Teflon Foot if you have one available.
-If none of these feet are available, attach a piece of Scotch tape to the bottom of your regular presser foot so that the vinyl won't stick. Or place a piece of tissue paper on top of the vinyl and tear away once the stitching is complete.
-Never pin vinyl. It will leave holes. Instead hold pieces together with masking/painters tape, binder clips, or paper clips.
-Use a denim or leather needle, a longer stitch, and a looser tension. I usually set my stitch length to 4.5mm or longer and my tension at 3 or 4.
-Go slow and take your time. The slower you go the more control you will have over this tricky fabric.

You will need:
-at least 5/8 yard of 2 different oilcloth prints
-Teflon foot, roller foot, or Even-feed (Walking) foot--If none of these are available then making tape on the bottom of your regular foot will suffice.

Cut 2 pieces 16" by 18" from each oilcloth print.Designate one pattern for the outside of the bag and the other pattern for the lining. Place one outside and one lining piece right sides together, making sure you match up all of the sides. Since you cannot pin oilcloth without poking holes into the fabric, use paperclips or bobby pins to hold the pieces in place. I used a temporary adhesive and some hem clips.

Now mark a dot 2.5" down from the shorter edge and another dot 4". At the 2.5" mark a dot a 6" and 10" and connect these 2 points. Repeat at the 4" mark. Now connect the lines to form the rectangular handle.

Stitch on the shape that you just drew.

Cut inside of the rectangle like this. Then push the lining through that hole. It looks tricky, but I promise you it will work.

Your panel should look like this now. Repeat with the other 2 pieces of fabric.

 

Topstitch around the handle.

Place the 2 completed panels right sides together and stitch around the three sides not closest to the handle.

Box the corners of the bag 2" from the edge. Trim close to stitching.

 

Sorry this photo is sideways...

This is what your bag is supposed to look like by now. If the top is uneven, now  is the time to even it out. You will need to cut a "binding" strip from a scrap piece of oilcloth that is 2" wide by however long your your oilcloth is.

 

Fold your strip in half and crease it. Fold it over the edge of your bag's opening like so. I used some vintage hem clips to keep it in place while I sewed and took them off when I started stitching close to them. Bobby pins, paper clips, quilt binding clips, and bulldog clips all work well too. Edgstitch close to the cut edge of the binding.

 

When you get close to the finishing point, overlap the edges about an inch and finish edgestitching. And you're all done!!

 

Enjoy!!!

Oilcloth Lunch Bag

I absolutely love oilcloth. I especially love the Mexican floral patterns that are available for purchase from different online shops. Months ago I ran into an oilcloth clearance on Fashion Fabrics Club and purchased a couple yards of oilcloth. I never really did anything with the oilcloth but I knew that I wanted to make some sort of lunch bag from them.

It wasn't until the other day when I ran across this Reusable lunch bag/car trash bag on Craft Buds that I was sure what to do with my little stash. So I pulled out a couple of coordinating prints and whipped one up.

I did make a few changes to the way that I sewed it. For example instead of cutting squares out of the corners as the tutorial calls for, I left them in tact and just boxed the corners of the bag. I also left the handle lining the same size and just sewed it in as part of the bag. I didn't fold the opening down and stitch, instead I stitched the bag outer fabric and lining together and trimmed close to stitching.

It turned out to be a pretty deep little sack. I love the cutout handle, makes it very easy for carrying and makes the bag a tad sturdier. I really like the idea of using oilcloth for a project like this because oilcloth absorbs cooler temperatures well and doesn't require a lot of finishing stitches to secure the fabric.

The next time I plan on making one of these I think I will fully line it and maybe add a snap to it. Maybe even pink the top edges.

This will be a nice pretty addition to my sandwich lunches to work. It gives me a little more height than my Old Navy oilcloth lunch bag and is much sturdier than it as well. I can't wait to pack a "sack" lunch now!!!

More Vera-Inspired Wallets

I told you guys that I would have better pictures coming. Unfortunately it took so long to post. My blogging client on my phone has been malfunctioning due to Picasa, so I haven't been able to get any posts out lately.

Without further delay, I will show some of what I have made so far.

I will have these and others available in the shop soon. I also will have the embroidery file available soon. I have been getting many requests for the embroidery design files that I digitize, so I will start offering up those in the shop too.

I have many things in the works and I cannot wait to get back into the groove of things and show you guys!