We are moving again. Yes Again. I've lost count of which # this will be in 3 years of marriage. I'll be back once the dust settles in a couple weeks or so. Maybe someday my blogging will become more regular. Maybe not! :) In the meantime, feel free to visit my Pinterest.
Hope you're having a fun summer full of Popsicles, sidewalk chalk, and bubbles!
~Lynette~
Friday, July 22, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Wish List Wednesday: Free Printables
Hi there friends! Lately, I have been loving the many subway art printables available lately. So many of them are free, it's awesome. I also have a tutorial in the works to teach you how to make your own! Here's a couple of my favorite, that I would love to see in my home sometime soon.
This Summer Printable is available at Wonderful Joy Ahead. I love how it captures the true spirit of summer.
I think the craft themed printable from Not Just a Housewife would look fabulous in my craft room. She made it in a few different color combinations too! (not pictured because of terms of use, but go check it out---it's adorable!)
Have a wonderful day!
~Lynette~
p.s. What have you found this week that's on your wishlist? Please share with me in the comments!
'This Summer Printable is available at Wonderful Joy Ahead. I love how it captures the true spirit of summer.
Have a wonderful day!
~Lynette~
p.s. What have you found this week that's on your wishlist? Please share with me in the comments!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Tutorial Tuesday: How to Make a Reversible Bag
Whew! This tutorial has been in the works forever! A reader contacted me in May requesting a tutorial, and I am just now getting it posted. Problem is, that while I was happy to make the bag, for my own use I needed a bigger one! In the process of enlarging the pattern, I came upon some snags. So I’ll share both the small and large pattern pieces, with instructions for both. So you get a little 2 in 1. I hope it’s worth the wait!
**UPDATE: The Pattern is ready, just leave your email in a comment (or make sure your email is attached to your profile) and I will send it to you ASAP so you can get started!**
*I am still getting the pattern pieces ready, and hope they will be done by Friday. So gather your supplies, and I will hustle to get the patterns done! I will let you know. I am not sure how to upload a pattern in blogger, so just comment with your email and I will get it to you once it’s available*
This bag is perfect for an everyday purse. The smaller version was wonderful to keep my wallet, phone, keys, a notebook, and small book in when needed. The larger version is more roomy to keep my favorite water bottle in, bills, and other necessities that I’ve grown accustomed to by using larger purses. The bag can be made to be reversible, which is very handy! You can customize this bag anyway you’d like. If you prefer zipper pockets, they are easy to add in. If you want a pen organizer, go for it!
Want to make your own? Let’s do it!
For the Small Version You’ll Need:
(approximate yardage-it also depends on how many pockets you add)
1/2 to 1 yard of outer fabric
1/2 to 1 yard of liner fabric
Small Pattern (Leave me a Comment and I’ll email you the pattern)
For the Large Version You’ll Need:
(approximate yardage-it also depends on how many pockets you add)
1 1/4 yards of outer fabric
1 1/4 yards of liner fabric
Large Pattern (Leave a Comment and I’ll email the pattern to you)
Fusible Interfacing (I can’t tell you exactly how much because I figured this part out as I went and pieced it after the bag was assembled!) ;)
For BOTH Versions You’ll need:
Matching Thread
Sewing Machine/Supplies
Zippers tutorial for zipper pocket here by jcarolinecreative start at step #12 (if desired)
Magnetic Snap tutorial here by Craft Apple (if desired)
Adjustable Strap Hardware tutorial here by You SEW Girl! (if desired)
Velcro or buttons for closures on pockets (yes…if desired!)
*Note: I’m not picky with seam allowances, so I will not specify what I usedbecause I can’t remember. When I make bags, I’ve found it doesn’t matter as much as it does when I’m constructing a piece of clothing.
Well that was a complicated list. I promise it’s not that hard!
Pin the pattern to your outer fabric. Cut out, leaving a small amount of fabric for seam allowance. Cut out 2 outer fabric pieces, 2 liner fabric pieces, and for those of you making the larger bag, 2 interfacing pieces. If you want to be more accurate, you can cut against the pattern and the bag will end up a tad smaller-but I promise it will still be big enough.
While you still have a long strip of fabric available, go ahead and cut out what you want to use for your strap. I think I ended up cutting a 2 inch strip along the width of the material. I will not be showing details on the strap in this tutorial because it was a disaster this time around. I usually use this method as described on the instructions for the Simple Six-Pocket Bag by Better Home and Gardens. You can make your strap any width you want, and still follow the directions linked above.
If you want to make inside zipper pockets, cut these pockets out. I cut mine 10 in. X 12 in. I cut two so the bag would truly be reversible.
Cut out the cute pockets. I did not enlarge the ‘cute pocket,’ pattern for the larger size. I just eyeballed it, and added on extra fabric as shown above. Do this as well if you make the larger bag. I promise it’s not as hard as you think it is!
I cut two panels for each pocket. So if you want two pockets, cut out four pieces. This will allow us to have lined pockets.
So now you should have two outer pieces, two liner pieces, pocket pieces (rounded and zipper depending on your choices) and material for your strap. If you are making the large bag, you should also have two interfacing pieces. You should apply your interfacing now if you are going to. I ended up piecing it on after I had assembled everything and realized I needed it, and it was a mess! So just do it now, and be happy you don’t have to do what I did!
Now would be a great time to also assemble your strap! If I leave it until the end, I find it’s hard to get it done. If it’s ready when the bag is done, then I can just put it on quickly. I made mine adjustable this time. Here’s a great tutorial I used from You SEW Girl! I made my strap about 45-50 inches long, and it worked great. I had to piece some material to make it work, but it just added visual appeal to the bag!
Now we’ll get out pockets ready so we can assemble the bag! Take 2 rounded pocket pieces and place them right sides together. Sew around the edges, leaving a small section for turning. I like to leave the straight edges unsewn for turning so they can come together easier after turning. do this for both rounded pockets.
Iron the unsewn part down inside the pocket, so it looks like it’s sewn shut. Then use a straight stitch across the top of the pocket to close it. I did a decorative stitch across the top below the straight stitch which you can see in the next picture. This is optional.
Now we’ll sew the pockets onto the bag panels. I did one on the outer fabric, and one of the liner fabric as shown above. I just eyeballed where to put it, but you can measure and center it if you’d like! I stitched two lines to make it look a little more finished.
2 bag panels ready, 2 more to go!
If you want to insert zippered pockets, go for it! I am not going to attempt to explain this, but I will say that it is super easy. I always follow this tutorial at J Caroline Creative starting with step 12 (as it’s a whole bag tutorial). Just go down until your zipper pockets are installed nicely.
Now we’re going to assemble the bag! Lay your outer pieces right side together. I folded one panel over so you could see what I was doing, but it should look like this…
Do the same thing with your liner pieces (pictured below)
Now, take the pile of the liner panels and place them directly on top of the outer panels. Pin.
Sew around the bag, leaving the top unsewn, and about an inch at the top of each side for turning and topstitching the bag.
Now turn the bag so the outer panels are on the outside. I didn’t take pictures of this, and I don’t know how I would have, but I probably should have! What you’ll do, is you’ll grab one of the outer panels, and the three remaining panels, and turn it. Then it will be the way you want. I hope this makes sense! If not, just try something until you have it the right way!
Then pin the liner and outer fabrics together, folding them down so the bag looks finished, as shown above and closer up below.
Then sew those folded edges down, and you’re almost done! I always miss a piece while I’m doing this step, so I always go around twice. It looked nicer this way as well.
(A close up of the double lines on the top of the bag.)
Now all you need to do is sew your strap on, and you’re set. Some people like to sew it one when top stitching the bag, but I don’t because I’ve been taught to sew it on after to keep the straps on better. I just stuck the straps inside the bag about an inch and sewed back and forth a few times.
And now you’ve got a brand new purse, just the way you’ve always dreamed of!
Please let me know in the comments if you have questions! This is probably the most intense tutorial I’ve written so far, so let me know. If you make one, I would love to see it! My email is attached to my profile, so you can find it easily.
Happy Sewing!
~Lynette~
P.S. What is your favorite must have on a bag? The adjustable strap, the inside zipper pockets, a key hook?
**UPDATE: The Pattern is ready, just leave your email in a comment (or make sure your email is attached to your profile) and I will send it to you ASAP so you can get started!**
*I am still getting the pattern pieces ready, and hope they will be done by Friday. So gather your supplies, and I will hustle to get the patterns done! I will let you know. I am not sure how to upload a pattern in blogger, so just comment with your email and I will get it to you once it’s available*
This bag is perfect for an everyday purse. The smaller version was wonderful to keep my wallet, phone, keys, a notebook, and small book in when needed. The larger version is more roomy to keep my favorite water bottle in, bills, and other necessities that I’ve grown accustomed to by using larger purses. The bag can be made to be reversible, which is very handy! You can customize this bag anyway you’d like. If you prefer zipper pockets, they are easy to add in. If you want a pen organizer, go for it!
Want to make your own? Let’s do it!
For the Small Version You’ll Need:
(approximate yardage-it also depends on how many pockets you add)
1/2 to 1 yard of outer fabric
1/2 to 1 yard of liner fabric
Small Pattern (Leave me a Comment and I’ll email you the pattern)
For the Large Version You’ll Need:
(approximate yardage-it also depends on how many pockets you add)
1 1/4 yards of outer fabric
1 1/4 yards of liner fabric
Large Pattern (Leave a Comment and I’ll email the pattern to you)
Fusible Interfacing (I can’t tell you exactly how much because I figured this part out as I went and pieced it after the bag was assembled!) ;)
For BOTH Versions You’ll need:
Matching Thread
Sewing Machine/Supplies
Zippers tutorial for zipper pocket here by jcarolinecreative start at step #12 (if desired)
Magnetic Snap tutorial here by Craft Apple (if desired)
Adjustable Strap Hardware tutorial here by You SEW Girl! (if desired)
Velcro or buttons for closures on pockets (yes…if desired!)
*Note: I’m not picky with seam allowances, so I will not specify what I used
Well that was a complicated list. I promise it’s not that hard!
Pin the pattern to your outer fabric. Cut out, leaving a small amount of fabric for seam allowance. Cut out 2 outer fabric pieces, 2 liner fabric pieces, and for those of you making the larger bag, 2 interfacing pieces. If you want to be more accurate, you can cut against the pattern and the bag will end up a tad smaller-but I promise it will still be big enough.
While you still have a long strip of fabric available, go ahead and cut out what you want to use for your strap. I think I ended up cutting a 2 inch strip along the width of the material. I will not be showing details on the strap in this tutorial because it was a disaster this time around. I usually use this method as described on the instructions for the Simple Six-Pocket Bag by Better Home and Gardens. You can make your strap any width you want, and still follow the directions linked above.
If you want to make inside zipper pockets, cut these pockets out. I cut mine 10 in. X 12 in. I cut two so the bag would truly be reversible.
Cut out the cute pockets. I did not enlarge the ‘cute pocket,’ pattern for the larger size. I just eyeballed it, and added on extra fabric as shown above. Do this as well if you make the larger bag. I promise it’s not as hard as you think it is!
I cut two panels for each pocket. So if you want two pockets, cut out four pieces. This will allow us to have lined pockets.
So now you should have two outer pieces, two liner pieces, pocket pieces (rounded and zipper depending on your choices) and material for your strap. If you are making the large bag, you should also have two interfacing pieces. You should apply your interfacing now if you are going to. I ended up piecing it on after I had assembled everything and realized I needed it, and it was a mess! So just do it now, and be happy you don’t have to do what I did!
Now would be a great time to also assemble your strap! If I leave it until the end, I find it’s hard to get it done. If it’s ready when the bag is done, then I can just put it on quickly. I made mine adjustable this time. Here’s a great tutorial I used from You SEW Girl! I made my strap about 45-50 inches long, and it worked great. I had to piece some material to make it work, but it just added visual appeal to the bag!
Now we’ll get out pockets ready so we can assemble the bag! Take 2 rounded pocket pieces and place them right sides together. Sew around the edges, leaving a small section for turning. I like to leave the straight edges unsewn for turning so they can come together easier after turning. do this for both rounded pockets.
Iron the unsewn part down inside the pocket, so it looks like it’s sewn shut. Then use a straight stitch across the top of the pocket to close it. I did a decorative stitch across the top below the straight stitch which you can see in the next picture. This is optional.
Now we’ll sew the pockets onto the bag panels. I did one on the outer fabric, and one of the liner fabric as shown above. I just eyeballed where to put it, but you can measure and center it if you’d like! I stitched two lines to make it look a little more finished.
2 bag panels ready, 2 more to go!
If you want to insert zippered pockets, go for it! I am not going to attempt to explain this, but I will say that it is super easy. I always follow this tutorial at J Caroline Creative starting with step 12 (as it’s a whole bag tutorial). Just go down until your zipper pockets are installed nicely.
Now we’re going to assemble the bag! Lay your outer pieces right side together. I folded one panel over so you could see what I was doing, but it should look like this…
Do the same thing with your liner pieces (pictured below)
Now, take the pile of the liner panels and place them directly on top of the outer panels. Pin.
Sew around the bag, leaving the top unsewn, and about an inch at the top of each side for turning and topstitching the bag.
Now turn the bag so the outer panels are on the outside. I didn’t take pictures of this, and I don’t know how I would have, but I probably should have! What you’ll do, is you’ll grab one of the outer panels, and the three remaining panels, and turn it. Then it will be the way you want. I hope this makes sense! If not, just try something until you have it the right way!
Then pin the liner and outer fabrics together, folding them down so the bag looks finished, as shown above and closer up below.
Then sew those folded edges down, and you’re almost done! I always miss a piece while I’m doing this step, so I always go around twice. It looked nicer this way as well.
(A close up of the double lines on the top of the bag.)
Now all you need to do is sew your strap on, and you’re set. Some people like to sew it one when top stitching the bag, but I don’t because I’ve been taught to sew it on after to keep the straps on better. I just stuck the straps inside the bag about an inch and sewed back and forth a few times.
And now you’ve got a brand new purse, just the way you’ve always dreamed of!
Please let me know in the comments if you have questions! This is probably the most intense tutorial I’ve written so far, so let me know. If you make one, I would love to see it! My email is attached to my profile, so you can find it easily.
Happy Sewing!
~Lynette~
P.S. What is your favorite must have on a bag? The adjustable strap, the inside zipper pockets, a key hook?
Monday, July 11, 2011
No-Sew Monday: How I Mop the Easy Way
Hi there friends! Mondays are usually my “get the house looking the way it should” days. I recently learned a new way to mop from my sister-in-law who is from Brazil. They do a lot of things the easy way down there, and this is such a cinch I just had to share it with you!
You’ll need two things to build your mop.
1. A hand towel. (You can also cut a bath towel in half…that would probably work better unless you can find a BIG hand towel.)
2. A long foamy squeegee and a handle
Not sure what I’m talking about? Neither do I! Here’s a link for a better picture, and about what I bought at Lowe’s. I got a nice middle length one.
About the handle: I got a super cheap mop from the dollar store and had my husband chop it off and install it on the squeegee, but it’s not heavy enough. It has too much bounce, so keep your eye out for a cheap solid handle!
Now you’re ready to build your mop! Here we go!
Wet and apply your preferred mopping solution to the rag. I use dish soap because that’s what I have. Set the hand towel down on the ground, and diagonally lay the squeegee (foam side down) on top of the towel like so.
Then fold one of the edges of the towel over the squeegee like this.
Flip the other side of the towel like so, and you’re set! Scrub in places that are really gummy, and swipe that mop all around your floors and you’ll be done in no time! Just a warning, if you use a small rag like I do, the rag will slip and slide off the mop, but it’s easy to put back on. I’m wondering if using a larger rag will help with this. When you’re done mopping, throw that rag into the wash and you’ll have your mop handy for next time you spill peach juice all over the floor while loading the dishwasher need it. :)
Advantages to this kind of mop:
- Easy to get out if you spill while cooking.
- The floors dry SUPER quick when using this kind of mop
- You have a towel handy while mopping if you need to wipe a baseboard or a spot on the wall you don’t normally see.
I’d love to hear if you try this. It’s pretty inexpensive, and super handy!
~Lynette~
p.s. What are your favorite types of mops?
Friday, July 8, 2011
Favorite Things Friday: Studio 5 Videos
Hi there everybody! Whew! What a busy week. We're already to Friday, which means it's time for me to share another batch of my favorite things. At my house, I don't get TV. Because we're renting, we're not allowed to put an antenna up on our roof, and we're too cheap to pay for cable. Enter Netflix and finding stuff to watch on the Internet. Keeps me plenty entertained.
This week, I've been checking out one of my favorite shows, Studio 5 (run by KSL). Here's a couple of this week's favorites. (And by the way, I just figured out how to embed a video. Hooray!)
This one shows us how to get a fabulous pedicure using everything you have at home...AND it shows you how to prevent polish getting all over your toes...PAM sprayed on a cotton swab, and wiped around the nails. Genius.
This video shows some fun braids that you can wear for fun summer hair. It shows the waterfall braid that's the rage now, and it makes it a tad easier for those of us (me) who are beginners at the braiding thing.
Hope you are having a great day! It's the weekend...already. Enjoy!
~Lynette~
This week, I've been checking out one of my favorite shows, Studio 5 (run by KSL). Here's a couple of this week's favorites. (And by the way, I just figured out how to embed a video. Hooray!)
This one shows us how to get a fabulous pedicure using everything you have at home...AND it shows you how to prevent polish getting all over your toes...PAM sprayed on a cotton swab, and wiped around the nails. Genius.
This video shows some fun braids that you can wear for fun summer hair. It shows the waterfall braid that's the rage now, and it makes it a tad easier for those of us (me) who are beginners at the braiding thing.
Hope you are having a great day! It's the weekend...already. Enjoy!
~Lynette~
Monday, July 4, 2011
Why I Love Living In America
Happy 4th of July Everybody!
The past few days, I have taken some time to think about why I love living in this wonderful country, and how grateful I am for the people who worked hard to create this country, for the people who work hard to keep this country as it is, and for the God who made it all possible for me to be free.
I Love Living in America Because…
My husband could choose a career he loves
I can talk about what I want to to who I want to
Because I can choose to support my husband by staying home and taking care of our home
I can store extra food for my family when we need it
I can choose where I want to live
I can have as many children as I want
I can go to the church I choose
I got to choose the college I attended
I get to to make choices.
Happy 4th of July!
~Lynette~
P.S. Why do you love living in your country?
Friday, July 1, 2011
Favorite Things Friday: Camelbak Better Bottle
I have to apologize about not posting yesterday! I was running from 6am to about 8:30pm yesterday, and hadn't had a chance to get a post up. I was taking care of lots of family business.
My goal is to post every weekday for a year. We'll see if I can do it, knowing well that a day here and there will be missed because of life. This week I have been running and running and not stopping. I have loved having water with me all the time. So, this week I love my water bottle!
Let me tell you the story about me and water bottles. When I was recently out of high school, I needed a cup to drink out of that was spill proof for work. I found a sippy cup with a straw and lid (with monkeys or something on it), much like this one, and bought it. I took it to work, and dealt with comments and teasing. I loved being able to "sip" it out of the cup. I grew up a bit, got married, and got rid of the sippies.
I tried normal water bottles, but I can't drink in a moving car whilemy husband is swerving trying to make me spill or while walking if it's just an open mouth. So, I found this bottle. And love it. It's a bit pricey for a silly water bottle, but it's worth it. The Easter Bunny brought it to me. Seriously. This week, I have loved having my water bottle with me. This one is the .5L or 16oz. I've been eying a stainless insulated version of this one, but I love this one. I just keep a pitcher of water in the fridge and I always have cold water available to me. The wide mouth is large enough to put ice in the bottle to keep it extra cool when needed. Enough said.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend and 4th of July!
~Lynette~
P.S. What has been your favorite thing this week? Do you take a water bottle with you everywhere? If so, what is your favorite?
My goal is to post every weekday for a year. We'll see if I can do it, knowing well that a day here and there will be missed because of life. This week I have been running and running and not stopping. I have loved having water with me all the time. So, this week I love my water bottle!
Let me tell you the story about me and water bottles. When I was recently out of high school, I needed a cup to drink out of that was spill proof for work. I found a sippy cup with a straw and lid (with monkeys or something on it), much like this one, and bought it. I took it to work, and dealt with comments and teasing. I loved being able to "sip" it out of the cup. I grew up a bit, got married, and got rid of the sippies.
I tried normal water bottles, but I can't drink in a moving car while
Hope you have a wonderful weekend and 4th of July!
~Lynette~
P.S. What has been your favorite thing this week? Do you take a water bottle with you everywhere? If so, what is your favorite?
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