Two weddings and a clutch

I am in two weddings in May both of which I can't wait for. I've been looking for a clutch I could use for both weddings, but since one wedding has white accents and the other has ivory accents it narrowed the possibilities quite a bit. After much unsuccessful searching, I decided to pull out my new sewing machine and make one myself. This is my second project on a sewing machine and I'm really getting in to it.

Both fabrics for this piece were purchased at Britex in San Francisco. The exterior fabric is textured and is ivory with white accents The liner is silk and a print by a designer named Anna Sui

Pattern notes: This pattern w/ Uhandbags instructions was really simple. I used only one piece of fusable interfacing for this one b/c I wanted a floppier bag, and my pattern is altered a little b/c the frame I used isn't the same as the pattern. I used E6000 glue, and it was a scary mess.

More helpful handbag sewing tips and make your own purse here

Light Box

I made myself a light box in an attempt to improve my photos. These shots were taken while messing around with my camera settings and in the last remaining minutes of direct daylight in the house.

Learn how to light, and create your own light box here.

Bath Time

New Project! Herbal teas for the bath. I tried out a "relaxing" blend last night. These are prototypes. I want to see if I like the blends and improve my sewing skills, this is my first sewing project, before I try to pawn these off as gifts. I tried out a "relaxing" blend last night. It was successful, though the glass of wine probably helped... The chamomile in the blend was really fragrant, and the oats and salt made my skin soft.

Learn how to create your own Bath teas here.

Shower Invites

Invites for a friends bridal shower. The "theme"or look of the shower is Texas shabby chic. The wedding colors are pinks and green and the wedding is in a rose garden. So we added pink to our theme as well.

A lacey idea

This is a picture taken by a friend, Rebecca Schmidt, of waves rolling back on the shores of Jericoacoara. I think it would convert nicely into a fun free form lace pattern. I'll add it to my project list ;)

Socks rock!

This is my first pair of socks to knit. I finished them in January and I love them more than I thought it possible to love a pair of socks. I never had the need for socks and didn't understand the obsession with knitting them until I moved to a city that has a decent public transportation system, and weather that requires them.

Although there were a few bumps in the beginning of the project*, I really enjoyed this pattern overall. They fit so well I will probably knit another pair using it.

*A note about the pattern: there are some pretty significant changes which caught me off guard and caused some frogging. Check the pattern corrections online before you start.

Comfy Socks by:Ulli S. Shibuya

New business cards

We went to SXSW interactive this past weekend. It was a great time as always. I made some business cards with my Gocco to hand out while I was there.

Poster board

Made from an old poster frame, old moving boxes, spray mount, and fabric and ribbon scraps. The brown ribbon on the side is for things I don't want to poke a hole in. If I made another one of these I would use cork instead of the boxes. I think it would hold the pins better.

French Press Cozy

This is currently keeping my coffee very warm. I used buttons I had lying around to fasten it, but I would like to put some chunky dark wooden buttons on when I get around to it. I like the fact that the stripes are so close together in color. I think I will try that again somewhere else.

French Press Cozy by:Derek & Lauren