More sewing today...

I had a precious pocket of time while the boys were away for a few hours today, so I got out my sewing supplies and this is what I have to show for my sewing frenzy for the day!  I am still using fabric from my stash of fabric. My goal is use what I have on hand and then treat myself to a nice folding sewing table I found on line.  The blue and white fabric are the same fabrics I used in some other market bags recently. I had sewed the fabric into stripes a number of months ago (probably more like a year ago) and I did not know exactly what I was going to do with it. Today I cut it into market bags and both bags are lined with the white fabric.  I like that I am learning a little something new with each project I try.  This time, I used the same pattern (a plastic market bag from the store), but I followed different assembly and sewing directions. The link is HERE.  In this version, the instructions were more simple and more straight forward but this method did result in some bulkier seams.  But after all, they are market bags... to bring home groceries... so it works.

In case you can't make out the words... it says...
 "Princess of Quite a Lot"

Next was a coffee cup cosy.  Pretty clever, huh?  I wish I could take credit for the idea.  I had never seen a fabric coffee cup cozy until the other day.  My neighbor, Elva, had made one of these for her granddaughter, Amy.  Amy had to show it to me and I knew I had to make some.  It's a great use for scraps of yarn. I found directions on line.  Again, I am using Mary Engelbreit fabric.  I love this stuff.  The pattern instructions can be found at this LINK. 

Just like the market bag project, I used a coffee sleeve from a coffe shop for the pattern.  How clever folks are!  I learned that you really have to pay attention to which side is up.

 I had the first one right but the second cup cozy...whoops, it's upside down. Darn it!

Whoops.  I guess Miss Smarty is not so Smart afterall... this one is upside down.  The box is also not centered.  This one was pieced together with three different fabrics... with cherry fabric on the backside.

 This one sits a bit crooked since its' upside down but I think it still works.  Live and learn...

For the elastic ties, I used some of those covered elastic bands (the kind I use for a ponytail in my hair).  Bands wrap around the button which are stitched on at the end. 

I sure am enjoying whipping up these quick, fun, and useful projects...