Don't Miss This Great Deal

There is a great deal this week at Jo-Ann Fabrics that you really shouldn't miss. It was on the back page of their ad in Sunday's paper. It is a 26-spool box of Gutermann Thread for only $19.99. The normal price is $29.99.

I usually use Coats and Clark or some of the other cheap value thread, but a few weeks ago I decided to try one of the pricier brands just to see if there was really a difference. After trying out some Gutermann thread, I can tell you that there really is a difference between the lower-priced brands and the more expensive ones. 

Here is what the box of thread on special looks like:

Just one spool of this thread normally costs around $2 at Jo-Anns (and even more at other stores), so to get 26 of them for around $20 is a STEAL!! And not only do you get all that thread, in a wide variety of colors, but you also get a nice holder to keep it all in too.

Run to your nearest Jo-Anns before they're all gone!!

Crayon Roll and Matching Tote

I'm still busy sewing stuff for the upcoming craft show. While I was at Jo-Ann's awhile back (my home away from home LOL!) I saw these small tote bags and the idea hit me... why not do an applique on the front and then use the same fabric to make a crayon roll.. and then throw in a coloring book. So that is what I did. Here is how the first one turned out:

The tote bags came in packages of 3 and I bought 2 of them, so I've got 5 more of these to make.

Fabric Trays

I decided to make more of these fabric trays. They are really addictive... once you make one, you really do have to make more. I have been playing around with sizes too. Here is the first one I made according to the instructions:

Once my sister saw it, she wanted me to make her a smaller one that she could put on her desk at work to hold candy. So I made this one 8 X 8:

Once you fold up the sides, it obviously becomes smaller than what you started with. I think I will try 10 X 10 next.

I think these would be soooo cute for Halloween filled up with candy, don't you? I also used Pellon 808 Craft Fuse (found at Jo-Anns) as my fusible fleece. It is very sturdy and really helps to hold the shape. 

I'm making some more of these to sell at the craft show, but of course I am keeping one for myself!   

Blogging Help

I don't know about you, but I am kind of feeling my way blind through Blogger. I've picked up bits and pieces here and there, but I really don't know what I'm doing most of the time!

That's why I'm so grateful when people like Linda over at Craftaholics Anonymous help us newbies out by giving us tips and hints. She has started answering questions people have sent her about blogging and it has been really helpful to me already. I changed my header thanks to her easy-to-follow tutorial. If you're interested, you can find her first post answering questions here.

Sew Much Fun

Yay, I can finally show you all the neat projects I did last week for gifts! The recipients liked everything (at least I hope they did!) and they were all a lot of fun to make.

I made some art for our nephew and his girlfriend, as they have bare walls in their apartment. Found the idea for these here and they were so easy to do.

This "spa art" matches their bathroom colors. His girlfriend liked them so much she said she wants to try to make one herself on a larger canvas for their living room.

Then I decided to try my hand at re-purposing some clothing. I see this all over the blogs and wanted to try it. I made a shirt for myself, then made one as a gift for my SIL Becky for her birthday. Here is me modeling mine:

And here is the one I made for Becky:

You can find the tutorial on how to make this shirt here. I'm all about easy projects, and this is another one!

Becky also wanted a zippered pouch, so here is the one I made with the fabric she chose out of my stash:

Doesn't she have great taste in fabric??

Then while browsing through blogs the other night I came across this tutorial for a fabric basket and immediately made one... it turned out so cute.

Here is a picture of it with stuff in it so you can get an idea of what it will hold:

I gave this to Becky also, since I had made coasters for her out of the same fabrics. You could use this little basket for so many things, and it is a breeze to make. I think I will make some up for the craft show, as I found some cute Halloween fabric at Jo-Anns that I think would be perfect for this project.

Well, back to house cleaning for me... just wanted to share with you all the things I made like I promised! Have a great week everyone.

Anticipation

I finished several more projects that I can't wait to share with you... problem is, all of them are gifts, and the recipients won't get them till this weekend!

I'll have lots to share with you on Monday.  Until then ........

Finished Tag Blanket

I made another tag blanket today. This one I purchased as a kit from a local quilt store. I think it turned out really cute:

Since his nursery colors are blue and brown, one side is brown and the other blue... both are minky fabric. It is soooo soft, but is also a little harder to sew, as it tends to slide around a bit.

I sure hope baby Kael likes it!  I'm so excited that I finally get to see him in person on Saturday... his Momma and Daddy are coming to visit and I can't wait. We will be having everyone over to our house to swim, eat and celebrate all the birthdays etc. in the family this month.

I also finished up some art projects that I did that I will post about later. I am still working on the birthday gifts for my SIL Becky ... will finish those up tomorrow, as I have my sewing class on Friday. Hopefully the jacket I am making in my sewing class will be finished and I can show you pictures of it.

Have a great evening everyone.