Just a quick post to share my lastest project... another dogwood branch applique tote bag. This time I've used gorgeous fabrics designed by Patricia Bravo of Art Gallery Fabrics along with linen and a pretty pink and green dogwood print put out by FreeSpirit. 
Enjoy the long weekend, everyone!
I was able to get my hanging baskets planted this week, so I thought I would share a gardening How-To. I love the naturalized look of moss lined flower baskets. They are so much prettier than a plastic pot and surprisingly easy to do.
Step 3 - Fill with potting soil and press in up the sides. I use a soil with a slow release fertilizer.
Step 4 - Now start putting in your plants. I start with my larger anchor plants. This year I used Chartreuse sweet potato vine and a pink and green coleus. 
Step 5 - Fill in with smaller plants and flowers. My baskets are in filtered sun all day, so I chose bright multi-colored impatiens. 
Step 6 - Hang your basket, water, and enjoy!
Inspired by our Dogwood tree that finally bloomed (after having planted it 8 years ago) , I whipped up a new bag. I really like it, so this one is all mine. LOL
One side is a combination of two beautiful fabrics from Anna Maria Horner and on the other I've done a "rough" applique of a dogwood branch.
I'm also trying out my little rivot thingies. I've used them more as a decoration on this bag, but it will still give me an idea of how they'll hold up under daily use.
Have a great weekend, everyone! And Happy sewing!
I have been sewing some cute appliques on burp cloths. Yes, I know. This baby gift theme is going on a little longer than I intended. This will be it for a while, I promise. LOL
D is for Dove. (ok, yes, it should be Bird, but B was already taken)
I can't post about the fun of machine applique without thanking Katherine of Sew Me Something Good. She has written an excellent and easy to follow tutorial. There is a link to it on the side bar of her blog. Thanks again, Katherine! :)
I've been wanting to make myself a couple of fabric storage boxes for a while now. While looking around for a pattern or tutorial that suited my needs, I found this one that I really liked by Pink Penguin. I loved the shape and easy construction of the main sections. But, as many of you know, I don't quilt yet and too many small pieces still make me nervous. LOL I also needed something a little larger. So, I altered the size and construction slightly, and I think it turned out just fine. :)
The finished size is about 13"L x 8"D x 10"H. A medium weight interfacing was used on both the exterior and lining fabrics. Then fleece was sewn to the exterior fabrics following the lines of the vines on the fabrics.+of+Picture+5458.jpg)
I made a removable rigid foam core insert to support the bottom. And a matching linen tag holder.
Now, since my friends have all become unwitting guinea pigs for my sewing projects, this storage basket went to someone with three children. That's why the tag has "TOYS" on it. When I make my own, it will likely be used for magazines, the many unfinished sewing projects, or ribbons and trim. 
I haven't been able to do much more than cough and sleep this past week. :(
I love this barkcloth and have been dying to use it in a project. Its a midcentury modern print entitled "Dancing Leaves" and has been attributed to the surrealist artist Salvador Dali.
For this tote, I've paired it with a green linen that is a shade somewhere between olive and chartreuse. A geometric black and white fabric was used for the other side as well as the interior pocket.
Black piping was used to help the two fabrics stand out against the green linen.
Since this is an open tote, I think I'll make a matching zippered pouch for it. I haven't decided yet if this is for me, or to sell. If I succumb to the pressure to make some money, it will be on the website, here. :)
