Scraptastic tote

I have fallen in love with scrappy projects...not just because I think it is aesthetically pleasing but because I thinks its fun to sort through your scraps looking for just the right combination of fabrics.  I made this bag with the help of the scraptastic tote tutorial on www.dontcallmebetsy.com.  It is lined with fusible fleece which gives it structure and form.  Overall, I think it's a great tutorial. There are more scrappy projects on the way...

Pleated toddler skirt

I was looking through one of my sewing books, "one yard wonder", when this cute pleated skirt caught my eye.  I decided to add the ribbon to the waistband instead of just above the hem.  I also loved this fabric I found at Joann fabrics.  It is from the easy wash and care fabric line.  I prewashed the fabric before sewing and it was still as soft and colorful as when I bought it off the bolt!

Patchwork Kindle Case

The tutorial for this patchwork kindle case can be found at sometimescrafter.blogspot.com.  I loved the look of the patchwork and once again was able to use up some of my scraps.  This tutorial is very easy to follow...excellent instructions are given.  A great gift for anyone with a kindle or customize the size to fit a laptop, tablet, or other electronic device.

Coupon Clutch

I was searching for gifts to begin making for family members for Christmas when I discovered this tutorial for a cute scrappy coupon clutch.  The tutorial can be found at www.modabakeshop.com.  Their instructions call for a charm pack...I wanted to save money so I used up my scraps that I had in my scrap basket...this is why I always keep even the smallest piece of scrap fabric.

I also decided to make my own coupon dividers by using some of scrapbooking cardstock, rubber stamps, and contact paper.  I picked a colorful cardstock and customized the coupon tabs for my family member.  Laminating the cardstock with contact paper makes the cards sturdy and durable. 

Easily embellished dish towel

I wanted to spruce up some of my dish towels to coordinate them with my kitchen decor.  Simply cut a strip of fabric 1 inch wider than the width of your dish towel.  Iron all edges under a 1/2 of an inch, pin to your towel and sew.  Make a set of 3 or 4 and they would make a great gift.

Pencil Case

A simple but functional pencil case.  The tutorial can be found at www.skiptomylou.org.  I made this for my nephew for Christmas and filled it with a pencil sharpener and colored pencils to go along with a sketchbook.  Pick out a child's favorite character or a sophisticated fabric for a teenager...it's a great project for all ages.

Coffee cozy

I made quite a few of these coffee cozies for coffee lovers last Christmas.  These would also be great to wrap around a mug of hot chocolate or apple cider.  I came across this tutorial at www.sewingdork.blogspot.com  These are quick and easy gifts to make and stock up on.  I used a piece of white felt for the lining between the two pieces of fabric instead of towelling.  Both seem to work great.  Go get yourself a paper coffee sleeve and start crafting!

Felt food for play

I found a picture of this cute felt food on www.skiptomylou.org.  I changed the chip bag to a bag of cookies.  This is all quite fun and affordable to craft.  It's also fun to think of how you could create other food...like watermelon, lemons, or a donut.   The possibilities are endless and any child is sure to enjoy this gift.

Pleated Tote (Beach bag)

Another great website I stumbled upon one day is www.thimble.ca  I found this tutorial for a pleated tote or beach bag.  I decided to sew this for use as a diaper bag.  I wanted to have a diaper bag that would coordinate nicely with any outfit I wore to church.  My other diaper bag is plain black and great for during the week to wear with t-shirts and sneakers.  This tutorial was fairly easy to follow...and I am a novice to sewing.  There are great pictures and descriptions to help you along.  I'm thinking this would make a great gift for any mom or woman for that matter...who doesn't love to have a new purse!

 There are alot of optional elements you can add to the bag as well....such as a zippered interior pocket and a snap closure.

I decided to add a snap closure...otherwise the contents would be spilling out everywhere I'm sure.  I had never attempted adding a snap to any project but was surprised how easy it was.  I bought a kit from walmart that included fasteners and a tool (prym creative).  It was also very affordable at around 3 dollars for everything.

I also decided to add an interior pocket which was time consuming but well worth the effort.

 And for the lining, I decided to add a bright, bold fabric that maintained the same color scheme as the outer fabrics.  I wanted to have something bright and interesting to look at when I opened the bag.  I know anyone would love to have a bag this cute!

Mail organizer

I found this great tutorial on noodle-head.com.  My husband was looking for a solution to never-ending pile of mail on the dining room table.  I found this tutorial and decided to make this for him.  It is a great gift for any person in love with keeping things organized and tidy.  I hope you head over to noodle-head.com and get inspired to make this for a friend or family member.

I did not follow the tutorial exactly as stated, but it still adds a pop of color and style to the wall while being functional at the same time.  My husband started using it right away.