I can’t help myself sometimes. I just have to see how things go together.

I buy makeup when there’s some free swag in the deal, and one day I got samples in a little zipper case. I wanted to see how hard these are to make, so I ripped apart one and recreated it into this version. I have to say, though, it wasn’t all that easy working vinyl in this way. I used clear thread and tried to get the fabric to run smoothly under the foot on my sewing machine. It didn’t go all that well. This is my first and last make up bag in using this type of pattern. Regardless, I am happy with the result and carry my on-the-go makup in this bag instead of the one I got at the counter.

I was sitting shop for a friend the other day and had my Felt Kit with me (I take it everywhere like people carry around books to pass the time). Low on supplies~having only a felted wool sweater sleeve and white roving~I simply started working to see what would happen.

Now I am not one for overused icons, but there was something in me that said this dark, blank canvas~a little sleeve end sewn up to make a phone protector~was Paris at night. I thought, "Okay now, what is in Paris at night?" Well, the Eiffel Tower, of course. It’s lit up from tip to toe.

I needle felted this version of the so-famous-martians-know-what-it-is tower. Turns out the stab holes from the needle do a pretty good job of simulating the look of the lights. Finally, I embroidered "Bonsoir" ("Good evening") on the back. I intended to give it to a friend, but my phone is so comfortable in it, I may keep it for myself and make her another one.

I discovered the joy of sewing vinyl when I whipped out a few little bags to organize things in my purse. I have one for everything: receipts, gift cards, business cards, lip glosses. I even made one to hold little things I find while out and about.

How to make your own organizational pouch (“King Regent” pattern, shown above in upper right corner of pic):

1. Cut a rectangle of vinyl (5″x6″)
2. Choose  various colors of thread to embelish the outside, and sew lines or little pieces on
3. Fold three ways (along the 6 inch side) and pin down one of the folds (when you sew this will be the pouch part, the other part is the flap)
4. Sew up the sides to close in the pounch
5. For the flap edge, trim a curve and sew a decorative rim~or simply cut with pinking sheers
6. Sew a button on the pouch side, then dtermine where the hole should be on the flap
7. Cut a button hole with scissors or a blade
8. Repeat with all colors of vinyl and your purse will be cool and organized!

Until Tomorrow~Sarah

I got lucky last month when my mom gave me her like-new Viking 500, preferring her 30-year-old Viking 6000. I have never owned my own sewing machine, preferring to beg and borrow from friends. I could never justify spending the hundreds or thousands of dollars they cost to buy since I wasn’t sewing everyday. Well how about that: when there’s one in the house, I end up sewing every day!

I began sewing with a vengeance a week ago when I got my hands on several pieces of vinyl. The stuff cuts like butter (love butter) and since it doesn’t fray I can leave a raw edge. The possibilities of a raw edge are endless, and I started by punching three holes in the side pocket of this bag I whipped out in an afternoon.

The inside I lined with ironing board cloth (the silver stuff) which makes it look all the more urban. There’s a pocket on the back side, too.

I am sewing coin purses as well, trying to figure out the best way to put in the zipper. Mom told me I started the hard way with zippers by going small, but I love a challenge and I am here to tell you putting a four inch zipper into these little bags has me scratching my head sometimes. No one seems to notice, but for me they aren’t perfect just yet.

I started selling them at Made (a super cute bungalow-turned-shop in downtown Phoenix), as well as my other little creations. Cyndi and I will be running a set of workshops at Made this summer. As soon as I have our schedule and the projects I’ll post the info.

Charming embroidery for fun tote bag

The little bee in me buzzes around to different things: screen-printing, painting, writing, sewing, scrap-booking, drawing, etc. etc. You get the idea.

Well, Grandma got me on the embroidery kick and I decided to do it up a little differently. I screen-printed stems onto linen and then hand embroidered the petals and bugs. Now I couldn’t just leave it at that, so I zipped up this little number on the machine.

In this pic, it’s hanging pretty on my studio door—a 1964 Airstream travel trailer. It’s time to head out to Michael’s for more thread—I’ll pack up my new favorite bag with my wallet and a list of colors I need.