Baby toiletry bag

One of my close friends is having a baby boy!  Going with the baby bath theme for her gift I sewed some accessories to go with the baby bathtub.  This travel toiletry bag is made of oilcloth on the inside for easy cleanup and home decor fabric on the outside for durability.  The tutorial can be found at littlebeanworkshop.blogspot.com.  I also made a set of burpcloths, washcloths, and a hooded baby towel in matching colors.  All wrapped up in the tub, they are perfect for baby bath time!

Pleated tote

The tutorial for this pleated tote can be found at www.artsycraftybabe.typepad.com.  She offers two free purse/tote patterns on her site.  I made this tote for my sister-in-law because what girl doesn't need another cute tote bag.  I added a key fob (can't make a tote without this now!) and an interior pocket.  It is the perfect size for everyday use.  I used a duck cloth type material so the tote was sturdy without any interfacing.  Paired with a matching wallet this would make a perfect gift for any occasion.   

Diaper bag accessories

I whipped up a few accessories to go along with the diaper bag I made.  I like having a name/address tag for my diaper bag and found this great tutorial at susiesgarden.blogspot.com.  It is a tutorial for a luggage tag but works great for this purpose as well.  She provides the pattern and a printout of the label for you to write your name/address on.  It was simple and quick to make.  I used home decor fabric and heavy interfacing to make it durable and sturdy.  The other accessory that I have been wanting to make since I found the tutorial months ago is this diaper pouch.  The tutorial can be found at noodle-head.com.  Both great accessories to compliment any diaper bag.

Diaper to all-purpose messenger bag

I created this messenger bag with the intent of using it as a diaper bag now and an all purpose bag later after the kiddos are all grown up.  I almost feel guilty keeping this bag for myself...almost.  I am always disappointed at the selection of diaper bags appropriate for baby boys and more disappointed at the price of the few that are actually cute.  So after months of looking and no cute diaper bag to carry I decided to sew one for myself.  I used the tote bag tutorial at kerrimade.blogspot.com to make the bottom portion of the bag.  Then I simply added some metal rings and a long strap to create the messenger style bag.  I also decided to add a key fob and custom cell phone pocket to the interior...hopefully no more digging at the bottom of the bag searching for these items.  And the two outside pockets worked beautifully for carrying baby bottles and should work in the future for water bottles.  I hope you're inspired to make your own one-of-a-kind diaper to all-purpose bag for yourself or a friend.

Buttercup bag

This bag was made from a free pattern available at www.madebyrae.blogspot.com.  It is secured with a magnetic snap and has one interior pocket.  The finished purse is a bit small but still great for a quick trip out.  I loved this pattern for the simple fact that I could make an entire purse using fabric from my scrap bucket.  You don't have to have alot of fabric on hand to whip up this cute little purse.

Hanging BBQ hand towel

A simple hanging hand towel for clean-ups while using the BBQ.  It is secured with a piece of velcro and a loop of heavyweight fabric.  I find it difficult to think of sewn gifts that are appropriate for men, but a set of these would be great for any man who likes to BBQ.

Character tote and accessories

My friend recently visited and picked out this fabric for me to make a tote bag for her sister.  I made a tote with a divided, quilted pocket on the front as well as an interior pocket.  I had quite a bit of material left over and wanted to make some accessories to go with the bag.  I always make a matching tissue cozy and then I came across a wallet tutorial at darnkat.wordpress.com  The tutorial at this site is very easy to follow and makes a very functional and durable wallet for everyday use.  I decided to add an elastic and button for the closure instead of a snap but either will work.  The wallet has plenty of credit card slots and two dollar bill sections.  This is by far the best wallet tutorial I have stumbled upon yet and I will be making some more for sure! 

Garden apron

At blueprintcrafts.com you can find the tutorial for this garden apron.  I made use of some home decor weight scrap fabric I had to craft this outdoor accessory.  The apron has three pockets for stowing seed packets, gloves or gardening tools.  There is also a fabric hook to hold a garden rake or shears.  Lastly, a plastic swivel hook handy to hook your keys on while working in the garden.  A cute ensemble for any gardening enthusiast.

Post office bag

If you visit elsiemarley.com be sure to try this easy tutorial.  I used a home decor weight fabric and medium weight interfacing to craft this handy little tote.  I liked the instructions she gave on how to create some heavy duty handles that should stand the test of time.  The handles and bottom of the bag are reinforced by sewing co eccentric rectangles.  I think this is a great post office tote or could be very functional for carrying firewood or vegetables from the garden. 

Not ugly car trash bags

Using instructions from a book called One yard wonders, I created these two not ugly car trash bags as they're called.  I altered the finished product slightly for cost effectiveness.  The original instructions call for a parachute buckle to be used around the straps.  At around $4 a buckle I decided to substitute Velcro instead.  After finding the home decor fabric on sale at hobby lobby the flowery bag cost a total of $3 to create.  I wasn't as lucky with the other, but since I wanted it to appear more masculine I didn't have as many fabric options.  The striped one still only rang in at $5.  And I'll share a secret with anyone wanting to make these...if you cut the fabric carefully each bag really only takes 1/2 yard of fabric with a bit to spare!