E is for Elephant - An Obsession with Grey!

It all started with Shark Week. We were all glued to the t.v., learning multitudinous random facts about the shark, when the obsession began. My obsession with the colour grey that is. It just shows you that I really can't stray too far from my desire to sew, because everything turns into a reason to acquire fabric, and some fixation on a particular colour. Even Shark Week. Suddenly everything grey seemed to belong in my sewing room. Grey fabric, grey trims, grey webbing for handles....the list goes on. So, I was beyond delighted when I was contacted to create a baby shower gift the would feature elephants. Not sharks, mind you, but elephants are grey too!!! Oh joyous day!!! It became" Elephant Week" in my sewing room as I gleefully set to work on the tote bag and other baby necessities, surrounding myself with all of my grey goodies. These items needed to be gender neutral so I chose yellow and turquoise as accent colours. I added in some trendy chevron and it all came together. 

Tote Bag Front

Tote Bag Back

For added whimsy and fun I added some polka dots to the back and used two different fabrics for the lining.

Colourful Lining

The elephant/grey party did not stop at the tote bag! I whipped up a soft bib and absorbent burp cloth too.

Last but not least, I made a super soft and snuggly blanket to tuck inside the tote bag. Small squares of chevron, minky, fleece, flannel and elephant fabric were all part of this quilt design, and I think the finished product is perfect for keeping baby cozy. 

I wrapped everything up, and couldn't resist adding an adorable "E is for Elephant" tag to top it all off. Thanks to Suzanne for her order, and I hope the new baby will enjoy all of the useful items.

Elephant Week was a huge success, and I must say that I am still feeling very positively about the fabulous colour grey! 

Wordless Wednesday

Polka Dots and Fashionable Foxes

School has started, I have witnessed a few pumpkins on my morning walks, and the leaves are beginning to turn. You know what that means - Christmas is not too far away!!! Now, before you panic, remember that those of us who create handmade items generally think of the holiday season long before most other people. That's because there is usually a big demand for product in a short time span. Things can be especially crazy when you create a personalized item. It takes time see a tote bag through to completion. There is the consultation with the purchaser, the decision about fabrics, the computer designing to be done, the cutting of fabric, and finally the actual embroidery and sewing. Being that my tote bags are handmade and personalized, I don't have an inventory at hand as each item is so unique. So, all this being said, if you are thinking of putting an initial tote or personalized item under your tree, now is a great time to let me know! You will also be able to say that you got a head start on your shopping list.

These two initial totes left my sewing studio last week, and they were the first Christmas orders this season. The lady who ordered them is planning to be very eco friendly and fill the bags up with clothing and other items for her granddaughters. I think that is such a great idea! Less wrapping paper is a goal of mind this year, so I might have a squeeze a few holiday bags of my own into the schedule.

Polka dots and bunch of fashionable foxes - what could be better? The reds, greys and yellows are such fun. I am now getting set to work on a few more bags with lots of turquoise and grey. Can't wait to get started!

How To Never Lose Your Keys Again

I seem to spend a lot of time in the car these days. I now understand all of those bumper stickers that declare the harried looking woman behind the wheel as being the owner of "Mom's Taxi". My daughters are not bussed to school, so that's at least two trips per day. Add in any after-school activities, grocery shopping, errands, appointments, and admittedly a few latte runs, and this taxi is in full swing! I'm pretty good about being organized with my belongings, but lately I find I throw my keys into the abyss I call a purse, and it takes a minor miracle for them to emerge in any timely fashion. Then, the other day, in the midst of a fit of frustration, I remembered those fantastic little straps with snaps that held the toys to the stroller when the twins were little. A light bulb went off, and I raced into my sewing room to put my plan into action. I was going to create a key chain/wristlet that could snap onto anything!!! It took several attempts, and we ended up having to order pizza because I lost track of time, however, I completed plenty of these very handy key rings. 

Now for a couple of action shots! Ready?

Ta -da! Genius, if I do say so myself! The grey polka dot was my prototype, and I have been carting it around for several weeks now. I am pleased to report that all my goals were met! The wristlet can snap onto a backpack, a purse, the handle of a dog leash, a stroller bar and so much more. I also find that it fits nicely over my wrist and is perfect for walking the dog. The loop also makes it easy to grab from inside a bag or purse. 

These were so much fun to make, and the end result is so useful and pretty. I made plenty for Christmas gifts, but I also made a few for my Etsy shop. These wristlet keychains are $12.00 plus shipping, and make a perfect holiday gift that everyone can use. Personally, I have become a bit addicted to making them and can't seem to stop - but we can't eat much more pizza over here, so I'd better get out of the sewing room for a bit! Well, let's not get carried away, right?  Truth is, I have actually been thinking about the kitchen, if not cooking in it. There might also have been a slight dish drying mat and dish cloth sewing binge that took place last week (which resulted in Chinese food for dinner - my family is very understanding of my sewing obsession). They are super cute, so colourful and bright! I will share some pics soon. Happy day, All!