Sewing for Self!

So, yesterday I found myself with a Friday with nothing on the to-do list. Boys in school, just me and Haze chillin' at the house. 

And as enticing as, "laying around on my keister and doing nothing all day" sounds, it's always a bit of a let down and I usually get a headache and the guilt. So I wanted to do something, but nothing too productive. 

And it occurred to me...as unlikely as this sounds... I kinda need a purse. Despite the fact that I have tens of them, none of them is just right. So I cracked open the big book of purses, Style Stiches by Amy Butler and went to work with a yummy chevron that's been itching for a purpose. 

And viola:

I am super excited. 

This is the most structured bag I have ever made. It might be kinda nice to depart from the boho hobo look for a bit. 

Love!

It's got two dividing pockets inside (one zippered) making five separate compartments. I even had the forethought to add to pockets on the side for my celly and keys. I love pocketry!

Now, I'm off to transfer purses! Don't you love doing that when you have a new bag? I do! But I made it wait so I could blog about it first. You're welcome! :)

Peek of the Week - March 25, 2001

It's Friday! I feel like peekin'!


Our new Friday feature - the Peek of the Week - is all about you. I want to hear (and share with my readers) what wowed you this week. It could be a cool finished project, a work in progress, a personal accomplishment, a cute kid moment, or something that surprised you.

If we could peek into your week - what would you want to show us?

Gotta think about it? Ok. I'll start.
This week's peek is kind of a milestone.

Today...this very day...is the one year anniversary of my etsy shop and this humble blog which began with a charming little post about springy crafts. Now how 'bout that?

I had no real goals or expectations for the whole endeavor. That being said, these two projects have seriously exceeded my expectations. I made friends, learned new things, got to follow my passions and made a little money at it. Expectations surpassed.

So, to celebrate, I made myself a present. Remember that little thing Mama needs?

Mama got it:I finished my Amy Butler bag made from fabulous finds from Fabric Bliss (the new shop that carries amazing fabrics and Happily Home Sewn goodies, in case you forgot).
I customized it for all the things that live in my purses. Phone and sunglasses pockets on either side, and inside pockets for wallet, diapers, wipes, keys, and dedicated no-spill spaces for three, yes three, sippy cups. Just thinking ahead.

As an aside, the patterns in this book are arranged easiest to hardest and this is the first one. Considering that and how long it took me to complete, I may not be that good a seamstress. True confessions.
Mama loves.

And for a bonus peek into my peek - I took these shots on Thursday - the day I keep two extra kiddos - and I have pregnant face, so I had to splice together a couple of photos to get one where all parts of me looked human and awake. Secret's out.

Ok...now you! What's your Peek of the Week?

Here's how it works:
1. Each Friday I'll post my peek of the week, and give you space to link us up to yours.
2. Blog about your Peek of the Week - whatever it is. Whatever happened that made you proud, laugh, smile, inspired, excited, or just plain happy - now that's worth sharing.
3. Include a link to this blog or put the Peek of the Week button (on the sidebar) in your post.
4. Link your blog post using the InLinkz button below.
5. Visit some of the other linked posts to see what folks are glowing about this week.
Leave them some comment love and expect some to be coming your way.

If you don't get a chance to get here on Friday, feel free to link your post up later.
The InLinkz button will be active for 5 days.

Mama Needs a New Pair of Shoes...

Screw that. Mama needs the new Amy Butler purse pattern book and some fabulous new fabrics.

And, while we're at it, Mama needs that purse on the cover, made out of those fabulous new fabrics. Amos and I have been frequenting a new hot spot. Every day this week in fact. Much much more on this later, but for now suffice it to say that, that this place has all of the above things that Mama needs, 'cept shoes but I think it's only a matter of time.

Yum yumma yum.

I'm super excited. Where oh where to begin?!
Well I think I'll just begin at the beginning. I'ma start with this little peach - okay, big peach. It's the first pattern in the book. I have visited my local copyplex (library) and shrunken it to 80%, since I don't think I'll be needing to carry all three of my children in it.

Can't wait to show you my finished product! I smell a Peek of the Week!

Happy New Year Elvis Purse Giveaway!

Elvis is looking for a new home...on the shoulder of one of my lovely readers! I love this bag and all the fun fabrics I used to make it. Elvis is featured on one side with funky owls on the pockets.




The reverse side has those funky owls and a great geometric apple/people repetitive pattern. What fun!

for one chance to win the Elvis Reversible Purse:

• post a comment below and tell me how you rang in the new year and/or any resolutions you made.
  

for additional chances to win:

• link to this giveaway from your blog (tell me you’ve done so in a comment below)
• link to this giveaway from your facebook page (tell me you've done so in a comment below)
  
• subscribe to my blog via rss or email (tell me you’ve done so in a comment below)
• like Happily Home Sewn on facebook (by clicking this link (I think) or searching for Happily Home Sewn on facebook).
• follow my blog on google friend connect, which is located on the sidebar

I usually choose winners on Monday, but today is Monday, and who wants to wait a whole week? Not me. So comments will be closed and a winner will be chosen Thursday morning (1/6/11, 8:00 a.m. ish). Good luck!

Buried

I've been heartily engrossed in preparing for the first of two holiday sales I'm doing this month. It's tomorrow at Dizzle's preschool. If you're in town and you're not a crazy stalker, and want to know when and where, leave me a comment and I'll get you the deets.

It's funny thinking back on when I did lots of shows and sales - big time ones. This one is small potatoes, but it hasn't even happened yet and I'm pretty pooped. I can't believe I used to prepare and show up at shows with tub upon tub of pottery. How exhausting! I carried my whole inventory tonight by myself in one tub. What a nice change of pace.

Here are a few new goodies I whipped up for the sale. See something you need? Just leave me a comment. They're not up on etsy yet. I have an etsy shop remodel planned for December, so it's been a little neglected lately.











Fun Fun Fun.

To the Victors....

...go the spoils.
After much discussion of their options, both the winners of the Name that Owl Giveaway independently chose owl satchels as their prize. Excellent choice!

I found a fun new pattern from the current stitch magazine and gave it a go. I knew I wanted to add an owl applique to fit with the owl theme, and the pattern called for a heavier upholstery fabric. As I pondered I looked to my left at the table skirt my sewing table was wearing. In true Sister Maria style, I ripped that sucker right off and made two totes out of it.

It was perfect. It was hefty and the repetitive circle/heart designs morphed into owls before my very eyes. How could I not repurpose it?

So Jenean who so brilliantly suggested Bobbin's perfectly fitting name, and Carlo, who the universe deemed the random winner, these babies are coming your way! Enjoy!

Swirly Orange Goodness

I just finished my trio of purses. I tend to make things in threes. Interesting. Or is it?





So, one went to the loveliest friend and neighbor, Katie who moved yesterday (sniff.). I'm keeping one (yay)! And someone's got dibsies on the last one. But, if they decide to go with another design, I'll put this one in the etsy shop and let you guys know, in case this little sweetie is calling your name. It sure was calling mine.

Assembly Line Giveaway!

Is it hot in here or is it just that I'm running a one man sweat shop?

That's not a complaint. Honestly, I'm on a bit of a production high at the moment.

If you don't already have one - you should stop whatever you're doing and go out right now and find a hobby that makes you say to yourself (and anyone within earshot), "I'm sorry but I am awesome."

It think I've said that a couple of times today. And I gotta admit...it feels pretty good.

Everyone should have such a hobby.


I started the day with all these bits on my sewing table.
Oooo the potential!
With a new pattern in hand (the Market Bags pattern from Portabellopixie) I set to work.
First up...the linings. Check!
All in a row...
Viola! I am in love with this fabric (Wonderland by Momo for Moda Fabrics). Every time I look at it a new critter appears.

On a side note - should I feel a little less awesome since that pile beside the finished purses is six fabric pieces that never got used? Curious. So...I'm pretty sure the one with the green handles has my name on it. But - if you love this print and this bag as much as I do - enter to win it!!!

Here's how to enter:

for one chance to win:

• post a comment below - tell me what hobby/job/activity makes you say, "Man, I'm awesome."
  

for additional chances to win:

• link to this giveaway from your blog (tell me you’ve done so in a comment below)
• post this giveaway on your facebook wall (tell me you've done so in a comment below)
  
• subscribe to my blog via rss or email (tell me you’ve done so in a comment below)
• follow my blog on google friend connect, which is located on the sidebar (tell me you’ve done so in a comment below)

A winner will be chosen and announced on Mother's Day morning! It will be very scientific - probably picked by a two year old.

Shameless self promotion and free stuff? That sounds like a win win to me!

If you're not the winner, don't dismay, I'll have this baby in my etsy shop first thing in the morning!