Pretty Floral Purse

This weekend we celebrated my mother-in-law's birthday. We had a nice dinner at our house...and I baked a homemade lemon cake (which turned out so fabulous - I wish I would have taken a photo). I also made her a quilted purse, which I filled with several other gifts. This purse is an adaptation of "Bow Tucks Tote" (ps008) by Quilts Illustrated...I have made several of these and decided to try one with a bit of a different shape (more of a purse than a tote) and an additional pocket on the back side - I finally feel comfortable enough with my sewing skills to make changes and try new things. I love the adjustable ties on either side...and the inside is filled with pockets. My version has a pocket on the front and one on the back...and it has very sturdy handles. I used a vintage floral button I found at a local shop for the closure, which I thought matched the fabric perfectly. The original designs is 13" x 11" x 5", where mine measures approximately 14 1/2" L x 7" H x 4" D. I was quite pleased with how this bag turned out! After completing the purse, I wrapped several smaller presents to place inside...including a matching tissue holder (this was made using the Thimbleberries pattern "Quilter's Carry-All & Accessories"). My mother-in-law seemed to really like her new purse and definitely appreciated the time and work that I spent creating it...

Holiday Giveaway - Trio Of Gifts

I promised yesterday I would be back with a post...to share my group gift...and to have another holiday giveaway, so here I am!

We all know I love to play with my sewing machine, so yesterday as my gift to each stitcher in our little group, I brought a basket full of zippered pocket tissue cases...all made from holiday fabric. I had so much fun spending some time at my sewing machine and making all of these...but even more fun giving them away! I featured these fun little pocket tissue cases in my homemade holiday gift ideas (number four), so if you would like to read more about them see my post from November 21st.


Now on to my final giveaway for the year...and I think it is a pretty good one! If you have been reading my blog and following my gift ideas, then you will recognize each of these items. One lucky recipient will win: a pocket tissue case (with tissues), a holiday pincushion, and a humbug bag (the three pieces shown in the photo)! ...and yes, I made all three of the pieces with my own two hands. Here is what you need to do to be eligible for this prize:

Simply leave a comment to this post (you must leave a comment, email entries will not be accepted) telling me your favorite Christmas carol or holiday song...or favorite Christmas story or TV special...and you will be in a random drawing to win the final giveaway of the year. I will post the winner Sunday, December 20th; I will use the random generator to choose one lucky recipient from all the entries. PLEASE leave your email address or make sure it is in your profile - entries without a valid email address will not be eligible. Check back on Sunday to see if you are the lucky winner - I will be contacting the winner by email - if I have your information in time, your prize will go out in Priority Mail on Monday - in time to receive it before Christmas (an overseas winner may have to be a little more patient with the post)!

Good luck to all...and thank you for reading/following!

Homemade Holiday Gift Ideas ~ Number Four

Today's holiday gift idea makes a great stocking stuffer...a tissue holder. These holders are made for pocket packs of tissues and there are a lot of different sewing patterns...along with a number of ways to "spruce" them up. I am going to give you some of my favorites!

For simple sewing, I have two favorite patterns. The Teacher's Pet has an inexpensive and unique pattern called "Tissue Totes"...this pattern is for adorable two fabric tissues holders with or without a hang tab (bottom right in the photo). Another favorite is from Thimbleberries and is from a fabulous pattern called "Quilter's Carry-All & Accessories" - this quilt pattern also includes a tote bag, planner cover, and eyeglass case!

For quilting in a machine embroidery hoop - The Purple Hat has a great digitized quilted tissue holder done completely in the hoop and is part of the Purse Essentials Set (which also includes an eyeglass case and zippered cosmetic bag). I love this design, as it has a zipper for closure, perfect for throwing in your tote or purse.

If you want to machine embroider a design on an in-the-hoop tissue case, visit Embroidery Library and check out the "In-The-Hoop Tissue Holders Design Pack". There are a variety of embroideries for these fun little tissue cases (bottom left in the photo)...

And finally, for those wanting a FREE tutorial or pattern to try, here are a couple of places online where you can print out instructions...

• Craft and Fabric Links - "Pocket Tissue Cover"
  
• Sewing at About.com - Envelope Style Travel Tissue Cover and Slit Style Travel Tissue Cover
  

As you can see, these little tissue holders are easy to make and offer lots of options. For a special treat - put a package of Swankie Hankies or decorative tissues inside!