Barbie Tote

It has been a while in between projects, but the other night Tori and I decided to make something for her friend Hannah who was turning 5 this week.

We had got her a doll for her birthday and Tori wanted a bag for the doll. So having previously lusted over the Nicole Mallalieu Craft Tote in Homespun 13.06, I decided to take a look at the project and adjust it so that it would fit a few dolls with pockets for clothes.

Nicole's instructions, as usual, were wonderful. Lots of detailed and tips and hints on how to do things better. But I did have my challenges, having a seriously fractured foot in a support "boot", and having to use my left leg to operate the sewing machine. Tori picked out the fabric for a bit of stash busting on the front. I sewed together a length of patching and then cut out the shapes for the zipped panel.

 

I only had black zips on hand, but I think that it makes it easier for a kid to see ... I didn't add in rings on the lid of the box, just a big handle that can go over someone's arm.

  

As you can see, Belle fits beautifully inside the "Barbie Coffin" (as a friend coined it on Facebook) and the pockets around the outside can be used for clothes.

My next task is to make one for Tori for her Barbies. I will probably put in the lid pocket that Nicole includes in her tutorial  in clear PVC for shoes and tiaras (as you do).

You can get a hold of the pattern by purchasing it through Zinio for $3.50 electronically and the pattern pieces can be downloaded here. I love the physical magazines, but I just done't have room for them. Electronic ones are good to bookmark and print off the pages that you want to work with for the projects you are doing.

How do you get your craft magazines? Physically from a newsagent, subscription or do you use Zinio as well?

Have you made a 16 patch quilt?

I was excited to notice this post this morning, someone has actually taken one of my tutorials and made something! What a warm fuzzy feeling to start my day with! Of course I have FaveQuilts to thank for posting it onto their site and for sending it out in their newsletter.

Posted by Karen of Hazel Dell Quilts, isn't this 16 patch gorgeous! I love the lavender sashing and the colour combination that she has chosen.  Can't wait to see how she binds it and what fabric she uses.

Picture of Karen's Quilt

Have you made a 16 Patch Quilt using my tutorial? I'd love to see the pictures and I would love to have some feedback!

Hoping you are having a crafty day!

Margaret

Are craft retreats the new black?

What I would give for a weekend away, and the prospect of enjoying that weekend with girlfriends and sewing machines makes me giddy (plus a little Colin Firth). There hasn't been a lot going on in terms of crafty stuff at my place. I did do a spot of crochet last night while watching "The Sound of Music" with my daughter, but I yearn for the opportunity to make myself some clothes or finish at least one of the quilts that I am making for my kids. To totally immerse myself in the crafty zone.

Oh to leave the sewing machine set up! via

 

Curlypops blogged about a new craft retreat at Woodend, and I hope that I get a chance soon to enjoy this lovely venue because Cam has also posted pictures of what it looks like (which makes me want to book a weekend NOW!). They have an open day this weekend so that people can go up an check out the venue.

Head on over to "The Retreat Woodend" homepage to see what it is all about and blog about it to be in the running for a free weekend.

Tomorrow heralds the start of Term 3 for me which means back to teaching and back to Uni (part time). The school break didn't give me half a chance of achieving my crafty equilibrium. Still fighting to find a crafty balance in my life, I guess I will just have to take some hand stitching or crochet to work during the lunch breaks.