Robots and Boys

Little Man started preschool this spring...big event for us all! I had wanted to make him a nice backpack, but was unable to find a suitable pattern...a few months later I found this pattern for $6, and using some robot-based fabric I picked up here and there, I adjusted the pattern to create a bag for the school-boy. Good news is, everyone likes it, and no-one has given me a hard time about him taking a home-made robot-backpack to school...though the big guys haven't put in any orders for their own, ah well...guess it's not cool enough for a 15 y/o.

The main fabric is canvas weight and

I appliqued a funky robot to the front pocket, with metal button eyes...

It's a good size to hold his towel, shirt change, attendance book, tissue and a few other things...

I combined fabric with handle cord for the straps, and learned how to make an adjustable strap...

Inside is lined with a lighter cotton (robot) fabric...

And he's ready for school!

Tissue Box Covers!

Was busy last month stitching up a few of these quick and cute tissue box covers! These are for Japanese tissue boxes, and just as soon as I get in the mood to make another, I will attempt a tutorial on how to DIY! On a roll, it takes me about 1.5 hours (along with answering questions, checking FB, watching TV and getting a drink) to finish one off. Not too bad!

Bitty Tea Time Mat

Using this Tea-Time Mat pattern from thesplitstitch that I found on Pinterest.com, I made a little tea-mat for a friend's birthday. I just love it, the cute tea-bag applique, the nice use of scraps, and the size is perfect for a cup of tea and small dish of cookies!

closer up of the applique...first done with double-sided fusible web and ironed on, then hand stitched around the edges...notice my 'handmade' tag on the side

simple patterned cloth for the back

finished product...notice the piece of lace dividing the pattern, I rarely work with lace, but loved the way it turned out

The Bitty Bag! Applique carry-tote for Mother's Birthday!

The bag!

After one test run at making The Bag, I came up with a version I was quite proud of! Tadah!

4 pockets along the outside (a little pincushion on a string)

2 large pockets and 2 smaller pockets on the inside

Big enough I hope to hold an applique iron along with tools and your project

I chose a really pretty blue mushroom lineny cloth, and neutral polka-dots to compliment it. And I sewed a ladybug trimming on the edge of the pockets

And of course a little handmade tag...

I kept version one of the bag for myself, it doesn't have a closure at the top or reinforced pockets on the inside, and is harder to use, but the size is perfect for holding small projects and tools.

Happy Birthday Mom!! Love you!

Bitty Bread Baskets

Ever since I saw the pattern in one of my Japanese books to these baskets, I wanted to make them! And the next birthday that came along, I stitched up a few. They were quick sewing, and turned out really nice. Once I have a bit more time, I intend to make some for myself, great for serving snacks at a party!

Lots of little bits!

Some smaller projects I've worked on in over the past couple of months!

Scrap Coasters, based on Japanese fabric, with a touch of hand embroidery.

Japanese fabric flower. It's a good size, would work as a table center, or cushion cover when done.

More scrap coasters. I love this windmill design, one of my favorites right now.

Little sock owls my granddaughter and I made while she was visiting from Kanto.

Bunnies in the garden, felt bunny mobile, so cute!

100-yen shop find of the day! Cracked glass jar and pebbles (candle was mine). It's really pretty on the table at night.

Bitty Shopping Bag

I needed a smallish type quick-grab bag to throw my wallet, cell-phone and ipod into when dashing to the store for milk and eggs. Following AllPeopleQuilt.com's pattern, I came up with this little bag, a perfect size for 2 or 3 necessities and a quick run to the store! I used all Japanese-themed fabrics for the outside, and a more westernish fabric for the lining. I think it took just over an hour from start to finish to make this bag, any future replicas will probably be quicker. It's a great use of scraps!!

Whenever possible, I send Yoshi to the store for me, he usually manages to bring home the eggs!