The New Year

My New Year is starting out ok, nothing exciting to report... I am weaning my broken foot out of the walking cast. I can honestly say the foot doesn't hurt .... it just gets sore... My foot feels funny when I walk on it . Like there is a huge lump on the bottom. I am hoping that is only swelling and it goes down... The Ortho Dr did say it could take up to a year for my foot to fully heal... Wow.. I mean double WOW!!

We have had snow on the ground here and there the last couple of weeks. I was laughing and saying how nice it was to be able to be home when it snows, now that I have Retired. No more scraping ice from the windshield of my vehicle when the wind and snow is flying around like a blizzard.

I have started to get the sewing itch with all the adorable and useful patterns that have came out. Here are a couple of them that I have.

First I would like to talk about Sally and her fantastic Bionic Gear Bag..
You can find it at Craftsy .

Sally has taken her pattern a bit farther, she has made useful groups and videos on YouTube. Here is a  video you can watch. I am adding another link to show..... you don't have to use this bag just for sewing.. you can use it for your gadget bags too.... What a handy little tool bag for all your sewing needs. Sally has also formed a sewing group for ladies that are making these bags. The SewMuchNicer  group was formed to help each other, in making your bags.. just in case there is a sticky situation. I have noticed in the group the ladies are adding handles to the bag. Which btw I am loving that idea.  One woman mentioned she was making this bag for her niece to keep her makeup in... yep lots of ideas for using this bag.... not just for sewing :O) What a fun group of ladies in there. Why not???? I'm in there. Join up if your a Face Book fan. Sally is great.. I have spoken to her several times. She even called little ole me on the Phone and chatted with me several mins... Yes I feel very special :O) Sally lives in Co and you know me I live in.. Ta Town Ks....so hopefully one day soon.. we can meet in person. Sally states she comes to Ks now and again. It would be so fun to meet her!!

Have you gotten the itch to get that sewing machine out yet? Well dust it off and lets get going... On to the next item I want to show you... its the newest fun pattern to come out.... is the Tooly Tool Holder Easel,  This pattern can be purchased on Craftsy.

I have to be honest.. I haven't heard much about this pattern other than the Ladies are loving it..I also loved it when I saw it.. what a handy way to hold your tools.

Tote Handles

Carol asked how I make my Easy Peasy tote handles....

It's hard to explain without a photo.... I hope my Photo example helps.

First I decide what color I want my Main fabric. I cut this strip to 2 1/2" wide and desired length. (I cut these strips from centerfold to selvage on the material. I use my ruler and rotary cutter). Fold this strip in half and press wrong sides together with edges even to one side, and the ironed crease on the other side. Open the Main strip and fold and press the raw edges to the center as indicated in the photo.

This is the same way you would make a bias strip.

Cut a piece of batting 1" in width and the desired length. This batting strip is placed inside and down the center of the main fabric fold. Press all of this flat. Cut a 1 1/2" wide accent strip with desired length.

This accent strip is also made like a bias strip.

To construct.. Place the main fabric and batting with raw edges up. Next Pin the raw edges of the small bias to the cover the raw edges of the main fabric opening. As shown in the photo. Stitch down either side of the small bias to secure it and cover any openings.

I have found I love adding the accent trim to the handle.. but you can make them the old fashion way.

4 inch strips.. fold in half then fold in half and stitch down either side of strip to secure. If I do a handle this way I also add a bit of iron on interfacing to make them a bit stronger and not so wimpy.

I hope your not to confused with my instructions. Once you make one.. you will understand my concept.

Making Spirits Bright Stocking Swap

Yes right now is one of my Favorite times of the year...... Halloween has almost passed.. only a few days left of spookable fun. I just love Halloween....... the smells, colors, sounds and squeals of laughter. Even though that fun time is now passing ... it's on to our next favorite Holiday for us seamstresses... yes its Christmas. 
As you know some of us are already in the Christmas Spirit making our Christmas Swap Blocks....
Your asking your self what sort of fun swap are we having??? I hope your not disappointed... 
I know I did this swap last year.. but I had so many requests to do it again...
Yes your right we are doing another 
Christmas Stocking Swap!!
Yeah!!!    
 

Requirements for the SWAP:

You will be making one Handmade stocking at least 16 inches in length and approx 7 inches across. 

(Please line your stockings) (Name on stocking Optional)

Once your stocking is completed it's time to stuff your stocking :)

Please include the following two items, the rest of the stocking stuffers are your choice.

It wouldn't be Christmas without these two items ;)

You must include:

One store purchased or one handcrafted Christmas Ornie. Your choice.

Some sweet sugary goodness. (Everyone knows the APP loves her some Chocolate)

Please be generous and fill up your stocking. 

It is Christmas Gift ;)  

Please wrap your extras with tissue ;)
The stuffers don't need to be expensive...
Examples:

Tea wallet

Zipper Bag
Shoop Shoop Bag

Cup Cozy
Pin Keep
Cookie Cutter
Chap Stick
Nail Clipper
Holiday Broach
Small tube Hand Lotion (please place in sealed zip bag)
Stickers
Note Pad
Sewing items
Fabric
Ink Pen
Book Mark
Color Pencils
Emery Board
Key Chain

Cup cake papers
Cup cake picks
Hand crafted recipe cards
Christmas CD Mix you make

Sign ups start Today and sign ups end Nov 8th

Once you sign up and get a return email from me.. please start your stocking..

I will try to get partners assigned 2 days after swap closes.

Your swap MUST be completed 
and mail by Dec 14th,

We want your partner to enjoy your lovely handmade stocking for the Christmas Holiday.

Please send the swap Mommie the following to:
auntpittypatsfun@yahoo.com

Name

Address

Phone number (swap mommies eyes only)
Blog
International... No or Yes

Ladies PLEASE if you can not complete this swap on time.. DO NOT sign up!!

I don't want any disappointed partners.. it's Christmas... let's put a smile on each others face... 

Sorry No Angel on this swap! 

There will not be enough time to make up the swap and get them out before the Holiday.

Swap Button to come soon... keep watching ;)

Christmas in July Part 2

I have received a lot of great comments from the items that I posted on the last Christmas in July post. I thought I would pass on some more fun stuff. I just love trying to find new and fun free things to make and give to my family for special occasions. I have found some more fun things to share with you :O)

What little girl wouldn't like this little Bear?

 Find the link HERE along with 1500 other patterns.

Here is another adorable pattern for that little girl in your life...I really thought this was cute.. it's written in Swedish.. but you could use Babble Fish to translate.

 Go HERE for the pattern. 

Flat Emelie and Matt

 I just love this little boy and girl...They remind me of those little Colorform toys.. You ask what was the toy? Sort of a paper doll if you will. It was a little card board scene that you stick the little plastic pieces on. You could dress up the people any way you wanted to...my daughter use to play with them for hours when she was little.

Here is a great idea for those ladies that travel ... speaking of traveling.. I love to travel. You can find the pattern for these very cute personalized laundry bags at  

NOODLEHEAD.

I always have trouble trying to find fun projects to make for little boys.. I think this is the most clever idea yet. A little car caddy with a little city street on it.. run over to  

Just Another Hang Up 

to see the pattern.

I can see the following item made for either a guy or a gal. Good project for those people in your life that own an Ipod and are active in sports... You can find the tutorial at  

Roubidou.

Awesome idea for those little ones in your life. This would also work well for those of us that have to take our lunch to work. Just throw a few in the clean and then toss them in the dirty to know which to use or not use. You can find these very cute pouches at  

The Silly Pearl.

What a cute grab and go tote. Of course it would have to be a favorite of mine because it's made from Up-cycled Jeans. You can find the pattern at  

Indestructibles. 

Here is a cute idea to keep the little ones busy while your driving in the car or waiting on dinner at your favorite restaurant. It might even be fun to give to and older child of yours. ;O)

You can find a PDF for this tic tac toe board at 

Lark Crafts. 

I love this idea. I try never to put clothing on wire hangers. This creative project takes care of that problem.You can make these out of any fabric. Not just vintage sheets or pillow cases.  To find the instructions for this very nice gift idea go to  

Cherished *Vintage.

As everyone knows I just love aprons. I have found another fun project from Lark Craft an adorable apron. It is also one of those projects after my heart it's made from up-cycled men's shirts.

Here is another amazing idea .... A Christmas Present to yourself... You could also make one for your sewing friends they will marvel at your brilliant gift. When I first saw this.... I ran right out and purchased what I needed to make this awesome fold away ironing board. I haven't made mine yet .. its on the list of things to do... but I love the idea ;O) 

Photo from Texas Freckles... Tutorial is at 

Oh, Fransson!

Do you ever need two pot holders to take something out of the oven. Well I do.. but I am a goof and use a folded up paper towel most of the time... and yes its still hot hot hot on the ole fingers. Well my problem is now solved.. here is the cutest potholder I have seen in a long time. You can find the tutorial to make this fun potholder at  

A little Gray. 

Do your hands get cold in the winter??? Mine freeze. I found a very cute functional Neck scarf with pockets. Yes I said pockets.. this would be a perfect gift item for your friends and family. You can find the tutorial at  

Delia Creates. 

I been on a trip to the 70's and I have came up with a very fun idea... Craft Knife has provided a tutorial to make some Tie-Dyed Socks... I think they are fantastic.. I am sure it will be messy.. so be prepared :O)

I wanted to post more fun.. but the notebook has given me trouble all night.... I have been working on this project for about 4 hours now... I guess the notebook is still loading up all the updates it didn't get when I could not get on line... It has taken way to long to do this post... maybe there will be a part 3.... Thanks for letting me share.. I hope you like the projects.. and if you try some out.. let us know.

Maybe it wasn't the notebook computer.. blogger is doing some strange things with my fonts... 

Getting Caught UP ;O)

I am finally getting caught up on Swaps and other UFO's Speaking of UFO's here are two of them completed.

Spring of 2012 Mug Rug swap.
I tried my had at some thread sketching on this mug rug.
It turned out OK... Could be much better!
I would like to continue to learn and improve on thread sketching
I would love to make art Mug Rugs ;O)
Or any type of Altered Quilting Arts.
I think it takes a skill just like painting.. and I am no Artist!
This thread sketching might be a struggle for me!
This mug rug is the one I shipped out.. not the one with thread sketching.
Sorry haven't taken a photo of that one.

Sorry about the poor Photos.. house lighting is awful!

I held a Christmas stocking swap in 2011. I made a beautiful Stocking with this little Snowman Applique. I liked the little Snowman so much I made a few mug rugs for myself. It took me a while to complete the handwork. (Binding)  My fingers are still not working like they should.

I made an adorable Sun Bonnet Sue that I sent out as a thank you gift to a sweet helpful internet friend. Of course I forgot to take a photo of her.

 Here is my Little Sue.. I found a photo of her that the owner had posted ;O)

 I guess there was a reason I forgot. I need to make one for me. I have all her parts and pieces cut out. I just need to stitch them together. WHY yes I have one of every mug rug that I have made so far. I think I make two just because..... It's so hard to give up the finished project. Most of my friends know... I just love mug rugs!!! You can do so many things with them and they are so very fast to make. It's not like all the Beautiful Quilt Blocks that I have laying around that need to be put in to a quilt. That will come soon I hope. My limitations has kept me from completing my Holiday Quilts. Completing the quilts was on my list of things I wanted to complete this year.

Speaking of Quilts... thank you to all that has sent me beautiful Christmas Fabric Scraps for my piano boarder for one of many Holiday Quilts. I can still use donations... send me an email if you would like to donate. I was just looking at the donations this morning and wishing I felt up to sewing them together. Maybe in Oct after the surgery....

Anyway ladies.. I hope your days are filled with Lots of Sewing and completing UFO's.

I am AMAZED ;O)

I love the creations that other seamstress come up with. I am always in awe at the completed projects. Some of them I say to my self... Self that is quite Interesting, Love it or No that's not for me.

Nadine at Apron Valley Road Blog Spot...is my sweet friend, and such a great lady.
 She is always coming up with great ideas!!

Can she sew .. HECK yes she can. I just had to share the latest project she made with you.

 I am blown away by it... It is Over the Top 

FANTASTIC!!! 

After you see the photo and run over to her blog you will agree.... 

Now this is something that as an adult I would love!!! 

LOL could you make one for the Pitty??? 

Using her Photos .. Please???

Why do I want one?????

Because it makes me SMILE!!!

Abby's Color Book... made with love!

Don't Give Up on Me!!

Hello Sweet Blogging Friends, :O)

I am so sorry I have been away so very long... I have been having some problems with my past auto accident since Christmas. I have not been posting a whole lot during that time. 

I went yesterday and received the first of three injections in my cervical. The doctors are hoping this will take the swelling down in my neck and stop the shooting pains that are running down my arms and out my fingers. It feels sort of like lightning strikes to me... Can't hold on to stuff and for sure can't use a pair of scissors. 

Although I have pushed myself to get some of my started items done and also complete my Spring Mug Rug swap. I hope after the second injection that I am able to sew comfortably again... I sure miss my sewing machine. I love to create :O) Until then ladies know that I am here and I miss all of you and your wonderful notes and comments.. 

Until I see you again here is a very fun Tutorial for a Zakka Lunch Bag from EverKelly.

I wish.....

It's been a bad week for me this week as far as my pain level. I was in bed early most of the week and a couple of days in bed all day.  I'm so happy I get to go to the Dr on Wed and get my pressure point injections... How could anyone be happy getting 6 plus shots in their back and neck....Believe it or not.. I'm Excited!!! Those shots should help me get through most of the winter months along with my pain meds and my TENS unit. I will have to go back in Feb when the pain starts getting to great again. I don't know if you know anything about those shots but they help ease some of the muscle pain, which is an A plus for me in the winter months.
I should feel like a new woman or close too after I go on Wed.. Yeah... because I want to do some more power sewing before Christmas! Your saying to yourself what is power sewing... Well that is where you have this huge list of things in your head that you want to make for everyone in your family.. It's like you will sew ever spare minute and then eek out just a few more if necessary the night before Christmas to get it all done. I have some very fun Ideas in my head that I want to complete.. One thing I really want to do is work on a Christmas Quilt.. I don't know if that will happen before Christmas.. if not right after the New Year. I have received some very wonderful fun blocks over the last few years and I want to put them in to Quilts. Right now they are in a drawer all laid out nice and neat... just waiting on me to do something with them....
I did make myself go Christmas Shopping yesterday for a few hours.. but it was very few then it was back home and lay around!! Yeah for NetFlix ;) It's a MUST I have to feel better this month. The month is caulked full of helping others and doing nice things for family and friends.... Wish me luck on getting everything done that is ole brain has planned in her head ;)