Playing blog catch up

The past two weeks have just flown by, and there have been some extra things going on in my life that have kept me away from the computer (grandmother getting cancer treatments, mother is in town unexpectedly, son is starting preschool, hubby's crabby, etc). So now I get to play catch up.

I finished off sewing the five cat mats I agreed to make for a local cat rescue/sanctuary. They were easy to do, and for a good cause, but the fuzzy fabric sure did make a mess of my machine innards. I meant to take photos before they were delivered, but I was in a rush and forgot.

I started and finished a little toddler art smock (free pattern from Don't Look Now) for the daughter of one of my playgroup mommy friends. The original pattern calls for cute applique designs on the front, but my friend and her daughter are going to attempt that together as a craft project, so I left them off for now. Otherwise, this is a quick and simple project, and I'll be making one to protect my son from his home and preschool art endeavours.


The last thing I've been working on is a cute little toddler backpack -- again, for a playgroup mommy friend. Although the pack turned out so well that I will definitely be making one for my little big guy. The pattern is from made by Rae, and was a lot simpler than I thought it would be, although the fabric my friend chose had to be strengthened with fusible web and another backing fabric to get the pack to hold it's form. This was also my first time using piping, unless you count a rather poorly made cushion I stitched together about six years ago! I have a piping foot now, and that made sewing this bag much easier, especially in areas where I was sewing through up to nine layers (due to the fused fabrics). I heart presser feet! Anyway, here are the pix:

Front view...all stuffed out with bags

Adjustable straps & quilted bottom

Dino head zipper pull. You know I had to do it (=

In other news, I made my first Etsy sale! So excited, and hope to add more items to my store. I LOVE Christmas, so will definitely be putting up some Christmas and gifty-type items.

I'm not sure what's next for me. I'm still (slowly) losing weight, so I'm not bothering to make any garments for myself. I still owe my step mom a blouse, but I don't really feel like doing that right now.