Project #4: iPad Case

After I made my new purse, I wanted a new case for my iPad as well. I followed this pattern for the slipcase, but I added about 4 inches to the length of the main body so that the top would fold over more.

I also doubled the width of the pocket and folded it over so that it was lined. Before I folded it in half and sewed it, however, I added a piece of velcro to the pocket so that the stitching would be hidden. I stitched the opposite side of the velcro to the exterior fabric before stitching it to the lining fabric.

Other than that, I followed the tutorial pretty much exactly.

I made it a little too wide, so the iPad shifts around a little in the case, but for a first attempt I think it came out pretty well :)

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Project #3: A New Purse!

So, almost a month ago now, I bought a new iPad. Unfortunately, the purse I had been using religiously for over a year is entirely too small for an iPad. So, there was only one thing for me to do :)

I purchased a limited edition kit from Charlie's Aunt. However, you can buy the pattern here and you can also buy some of the fabric at her site here.

All I needed to purchase was a yard of lining fabric and the interfacing. Here are the materials all laid out:

And then after I had cut out all of my pieces:

I didn't take too many pictures of the construction process. The pattern is exceptionally well diagrammed, so as long as you follow along well it is pretty simple to put together. The only adjustment I made was that I sewed the buttons to the flap before I stitched closed the side so that the stitching is hidden. Sewing buttons is still one of the things I'm messier at, so hiding my hand stitches is always preferred.

Here is the finished product, with plenty of room inside for my iPad. Also, you can see the coin purse I made before. It's been handy for keeping the purse organized.

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Project #2: iPhone Case

The same day I worked on Project #1, I also completed this iPhone case. I actually did all of my cutting for both projects at once, and then sewed them one after the other. This worked relatively well too, since the Key Purse was a bit more intricate to put together, this was a nice relaxing project to finish with.

I purchased the pattern from Heart of Mary's Etsy shop. The pattern has a lot of pictures to follow along with so I didn't take any of my own of the construction process.

Here is another view of the finished product, showing the front with the button closure:

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Project #1: Key Keeper Coin Purse

This weekend I started my quest to complete 27 crafty projects. I started with this Key Keeper Coin Purse. It's a small zippered case, large enough to fit your fist inside, so it's perfect for carrying little things, like keys and spare change.

The pattern for this case can be found in the book Amy Butler's Style Stitches: 12 Easy Ways to 26 Wonderful Bags. It is project 7 in the book, and the pattern for the main body and the lining is printed on some nice pattern paper in the pattern envelope included with the book. The directions are relatively simple, however there aren't any photos of the process and minimal diagrams, so I took a few pictures of the process as I put it together.

Here are the pieces all cut out:

And here are some photos of the pleating process ( Step 4 );

Eventually you will have both the interior and the exterior pleated and fabric bands added to the tops ( Steps 5-7 ):

Then a pocket will be added to one of the lining pieces ( Step 8 ):

Next the zipper is installed between the exterior fabric and the lining ( Step 9 ):

Finally the tab is attached and the sides of the purse sewn together ( Steps 10 - 12 ).

I pretty much followed the instructions exactly, except I added a D ring to the tab, since the D rings I had have to be sewn in rather than slipped on later.

I hope these images are helpful if anyone else tries to make this pattern :)

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27 Projects

Yesterday I realized I have a problem. I have so many ideas of things I want to sew and craft that I get option paralysis, so I have a closet full of fabric and yarn and barely anything to show for it.

However, I am very good at doing things if I have a clear, distinct goal for myself.

So, in honor of my 27th year, which will be starting after my birthday in a couple of months, I am going to do 27 crafting projects, mostly sewing but I may throw a little bit of knitting in there as well. Some will be gifts, some will be for me, but there will be 27 of them and I will have them finished by my 28th birthday.

Now, I'm not much of a photographer, but I will make an effort to record my progress as best as I can and share it here. Maybe in the process my photography skills will improve as well.

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