Elephant Library Bag

I know, I know that title isn't exactly inspired but I'm not feeling very creative at the moment so it'll have to do.  Sorry!  I do, though, think that it is high time I blogged about this little library bag - which I finished over a month ago for my friend's then-nearly 1 year old darling daughter.


I modeled the size and shape after this library bag so it just consists of a simple tote construction with a pocket on the front.


As you can see, I chose very girly-girl fabrics and then couldn't resist adding a little elephant applique to jazz things up.  I'm definitely in an elephant loving phase at the moment.


That's it basically.  It was gifted along with some fun little board books, but I can totally see it being used to carry around all sorts of precious goodies, as Miss N's imagination grows.  I hope she likes it!

E.

Linking up to Sew Cute Tuesday over at Blossom Heart Quilts.
 

Yes, this was also a finish from my Making Christmas list. To see the final breakdown, click here.

Big Hearted Girl

When I first saw these Awesomeville panels by the uber talented cat & vee I absolutely fell head-over-heels in love with the Big Hearted Girl.  I mean, how could I not?!  When I mentioned to Cat, one of the creators, that I'd definitely be buying her if my bubba turned out to be a girl... she then informed me that they also stocked larger 18" panels for cushion covers.  Well then... SOLD!

When she arrived I may have let out a little squeal - I loved her even more.  She's absolutely gorgeous!  I was desperate to make her into a cushion right then and there but couldn't decide exactly what to do.

In the end, I stayed with simple - to allow her to shine all on her own.  All I added was some cute blue pom pom trim - an idea I stole from Cat herself!

Ahh... swoon!

I am so loving the pom pom trim too!  It was a first for me (but not the last!) so I followed this tutorial for help.  Admittedly it was a bit fiddly and a few pom poms might have not quite made it through unscathed - but it is totally do-able and worth it.  Just remember that slow and steady wins the race.  ;)

For the back I stuck with my usual zip method, and a few bright red prints that I had on hand.

Unfortunately I only had a 16" insert spare - so I'll have to buy a bigger one when I'm next at the shops.  I do so like a plump cushion.

And, because I know you're dying to see, here she is hanging out with the Cutie Scootie Patootie and Haphazard Chevron cushions.

I am loving how they look together!

Now, before I run, I must, must, must direct your attention to Kristy's post here.  She is today's Hostess with the Mostest for the Cushion for Christmas Blog Hop - and is also showcasing some gorgeous panels from cat&vee.  AND... wait for it... she may also have a little cat&vee giveaway in the works.  ;)

For more information on cat&vee check out their etsy shop, website and/or follow them both on IG - hellofromcat (Catherine) and hellofromvee (Vanita).  You won't be sorry!  I should also point out that this post has not been a paid endorsement - I am just a huge fan.  I'll definitely be shopping with them again!

E.

Linking up to Sew Cute Tuesday over at Blossom Heart Quilts.

I'll also be linking up to the party for the Cushion for Christmas Blog Hop (on now!) at Ms Midge when it opens on Saturday 14th December.  Before then, be sure to check out all the fabulous ideas being showcased by some wonderful bloggers - and get working on your own cushions for Christmas!  :)

It's a...

Yes, I've done it again.  I had the best of intentions to link up a project to last month's Le Challenge but, alas, I just didn't get it finished in time.   Typical!  But, seeing as I've had this project in my head ever since I first heard the theme of STRIPES I figure I'll still credit the amazing Lucy and Nat with the inspiration. :)

So, where exactly did I take my stripey-ness?  Well... I went straight (pardon the pun) to the drool-worthy Haphazard Chevron Pillow, from Quilting Happiness by Diane Gilleland and Christina Lane.

I am seriously considering picking up a copy of this book (the reviews are awesome!) but, lucky for me, I didn't have to wait to do this project as it is kindly being offered for free right here.  Thank you CrafterNews!

Regular readers will know that I'm keen to make a few cushions/pillows for bub's room and I thought this would definitely fit the bill.  Problem is - what colour scheme to use???  Pink or blue???  Well, truth be told, we actually now know...

Yep, it's a GIRL!!!

So, I went with  dark and light pink solids with a touch of white for some added punch (thanks Kristy for that oh-so-perfect suggestion).

The pattern was super easy to follow and I even managed to slightly adjust it so that my finished cushion came out at 14", rather than 12".

For the quilting (which isn't part of the pattern but I couldn't resist) I again used the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and give a new-to-me style a shot.  In this case it was concentric circles, as per this tutorial.

Ok, so she's not perfect but I'm happy enough.  Embrace the wonk, I say.  The hardest parts were the smaller centre circles but they aren't totally impossible.  I can definitely see myself giving this style another go at some point in the future.  I do quite like the effect and would love to see it off-centre as well.

The back is just my usual style zip enclosure, using some of the leftover pinks from the top.  It really is nothing special (ok, I forgot to get a pic and it's dark now) - just imagine light pink on top and dark pink on the bottom, with a lovely label slapped on there somewhere.  ;)

Obviously, the binding is just the dark pink.  I must say, I do like binding on cushions.  It really finished them off.

And, just for one more little picture, here she is chilling out with her partner in crime, the Cutie Scootie Patootie cushion.

What a pair!  ;)

So, there is my stripe-inspired project for last month's Le Challenge.  Pop over here to see where others went.  There are some great ideas!  Also, this month's theme (and the last for the year) has now been announced - PRECIOUS - so I must, must, must try a little harder to get something done on time.  A few ideas are already brewing.  What about you?  Planning to play along?


E.

Linking up to Sew Cute Tuesday, over at Blossom Heart Quilts.