My Longest Year

all set

Birthday flags and linens are finished:

 

 

Party dress is embroidered:

Shoes are made (yes, I made these, using this awesome tutorial and pattern enlarged to 110%):
 

Hostess gift is sewn (Gameday Apron for my UT Tennessee friend - stitched in an hour):

I can name five things from my To Craft list for this trip that just didn't get made but one can only do so much, right?

I plan to blog while in Nashville, but if I don't get a connection, I'll see you on the other side of Thanksgiving!

Best,
Crystal

By Request

From time to time I get requests for custom gifts from readers and friends. I take such requests because I really enjoy making things for people.  So far, none of my sewing projects are from patterns and everything is entirely custom and unique.  So, like most crafters, I work best with very loose parameters.  The result is more inspired. 

This package was custom-made for a reader who needed a gift for a baby (boy) shower.  I dug into my stash and pulled out a pair of thrifted J Crew corduroys, some gingham, and this kiddie print.  The tote is made from a pant leg and pocket I reclaimed from the seat, and I used a stencil I found on Martha's site for the applique.  The travel changing pad is appliqued to match. 

While sewing, I happened to notice this abandoned project - a crochet beanie I had finished but wasn't exactly awed by.  That's when I realized the green wool felt I had just purchased on a whim would complement it nicely.  A couple of stitches later, it was a (very) bonus gift!

FeedSack Purse

Reversible FeedSack Purse made for Mom to the same friend who asked for the camo booty bag.  She loves to quilt using vintage feedsacks, and picked these two from her collection.  Pretty soon this entire family will be sporting bags I've made!  They're a neat family...

Camo Booty Bag

A friend paid me to make this bag for her niece, who had admired Auntie's booty bag.  Her niece had outgrown these Gap pants (camo is everywhere this season!);  I paired them with a pretty pale dotted purple fabric. 

Charm is in the details: I used d-rings and added a contrasting fabric tag behind them, and I included a matching gift card. 

And, finally, a couple obligatory pics of E., who loves to carry bags when given a chance.  She had fun posing for pics; I think she fancies herself a budding model (I promise I didn't tell her how to stand - she'd never listen anyway).