Speedy Stitching

Sometimes you need to change things up a bit. I was like that the other night.

I've been in a quilt finishing frenzy recently - frantically trying to get a couple of quilts finished in time for the local show in a month - it felt like I was getting nowhere fast and I sort of lost my mojo.

A quick sew was in order and this little earbud pouch from Dog Under my Desk was just the thing.

Earbud Pouch - front
(from pattern and tutorial at Dog Under my Desk)

The great fabric the monster picked for the reverse of the earbud pouch

The monster chose the fabrics from my scrap stash, I just happened to have the perfect zip colour in my box of assorted randomness, and it came together in about half an hour.

This is a great, easy and super quick sew. I can see this little project becoming a regular in my repertoire of go-to last minute gifts.

Now back to quilting.

Until next time.

K

Portable Projects

I remember a time when I avoided any hand stitching at all costs. I still avoid mending, darning and hand binding, but over the past year I've really gotten into embroidery.

I never realised how much I was missing out on!

One of the things I love about hand embroidery is how portable it is - I don't need a machine, just decent light and somewhere comfy to sit for a while. Taking my embroidery with me has become such a thing that it's even got its own tote and portable toolkit!

My embroidery goes lots of places these days.

"Sew Happy" - My take anywhere portable projects bag from Spotlight - A simple tote bag that fits a 10 inch embroidery hoop and the toolkit with masses of room to spare

My portable projects toolkit - mini scissors, needle threader, mini seam ripper, magnetic needle case, thread magic and a spare compartment to throw in whatever threads I'm currently using.

Multi-tasking: Laundry and Labyrinth stitching

Sewing by the sea A much better view than I get from my sewing machine!

Laptop bag - Part 2

There has been progress! The divided interior of the bag is pretty much done.

Now to sort out the design for the outside and put it all together...

Lesson for the day! Focus

I've had it reinforced yet again this afternoon...Winging it and working things out as you go usually works out much better when you are able to get your brain focusing on the task at hand.

Trying to cook dinner, discuss everyone's day, help with homework and create without a pattern can lead to results with the potential to get messy (and frustrating).

Thanks to Jack the (seam) Ripper and my trusty scissors I think I've salvaged it but there was a scary moment or 2 there when I thought I might have to just cut it and adjust all the corresponding pieces to the same smaller size.

Laptop Bag - Part 1

Over a year ago I replaced my old laptop after it decided it just wasn't going to turn on anymore. Unfortunately the new computer is a different size and doesn't quite fit in the carry bag used with the previous one. It's probably a good thing that my laptop doesn't go on too many outings because after more than a year I still haven't gotten around to getting a new bag.

I'm about to start studying again this week and I'll need to take my laptop with me to classes so that absence of appropriate carry bag needs to change and quick smart. I've looked around for a reasonably priced off-the-shelf bag but none of them are the right dimensions or the right style for me and my computer.

Solution:  Custom made!

I want an actual bag (rather than just a protective sleeve) so I can carry all the miscellaneous bits and pieces I will need all in one bag - the computer itself, the charger, the mouse as well as some papers, books or folder and my purse, phone, keys etc. 

I've been trawling the net for patterns and inspiration but as usual when i have something particular in mind none of the available patterns seem exactly right so I'm designing my own.

The basic requirements for the bag are:

1. Actually fit the laptop (duh!) - The laptop when closed is 28cm long x 41cm wide x 3.5cm high - the design will need to be based round these dimensions.
2. Have multiple, separate spaces to keep everything in its place and organised.
3. provide some padding and protection to the computer
4. Be easy to carry - I think either a backpack or messenger/satchel style will probably be most functional.
5. Be reasonably stylish - so many of the off-the-shelf bags are so very utilitarian and boring. I want something a bit different.

I've put some of my ideas down on paper and drafted a basic design for the interior of the bag and I've chosen the materials I'm going to use so now I need to bite the bullet and actually start cutting  the materials and see what happens.

The rough design for the interior 
2x dividers plus large elasticised pocket.
I'll probably add a couple of smaller pockets as I'm going as well.

Materials for the exterior
Faux leather in black, white and silver and a grey and silver patterned
home decorating fabric with a small amount of shimmer to it (I love that fabric)

Materials for the interior of the bag
The cream fabric is super soft and will help to protect the actual laptop section,
the grey chevron fabric will form the majority of the interior and I'll probably
use a little bit of the royal purple as an accent for a pop of colour.

Watch out for Part 2 coming soon.

K