Tag Archives: ideas

new sizes!

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Over the past few days, I’ve had several requests for bags to fit quart size jars.  I updated the Jars to Go Single pattern yesterday, adding a quart size.  Lots of people like to bring salad in a wide-mouth quart jar, so there you go!

But I kept on thinking… why stop there?  Wouldn’t a regular-mouth half pint be adorable?  It’s not overwhelmingly useful for bringing lunch, but:

  • Cute doesn’t need a reason.
  • Would be great for those jars of jelly or jam that I KNOW you’re giving as a Christmas gift to the postal carrier, or the neighbor, or the teacher.
  • You could bring a snack?  Yogurt?  Trail mix?
  • Baby food?  Especially if you make your own.
  • Or a little one who wants a jar bag “just like mommy’s” or “just like daddy’s”?
So now we have these bags in three sizes!  Enjoy!  You could make bags for the Three Bears or something, right?  😉

Just a note:  These photos show my prototype quart and half pint bags.  You might notice that the half pint seems a little “tight”.  I added a little height to the finished pattern, after making this one.  So, no worries – bags made by the current pattern should be just right.

Knitting on the road

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I’ve been sewing so much lately, I’ve been going into knitting withdrawals. So I’ve been looking forward to our Thanksgiving trip for a little knitting project! I chose the Zombie Killer Slouch by Luciana Young, and Lion Brand Tweed Stripes in Caribbean for the yarn. I’m pleased, and looking forward to seeing it all done!

I wanted to share a little trick for knitting away from home. When I print the pattern, I read over it and scan not only for tools I need to bring, but also for measurements I will need. If the measurements are smaller than my paper, I draw them in the margins. See the 10″ mark on the right margin of my paper, there? I’m supposed to knit that far before beginning decreases, and now I don’t even have to dig out my tape measure. I don’t claim to be the first to think of this, but there you go.

I hope everyone had a happy and peaceful holiday, and find yourself inspired to get on to the busy days ahead!

And don’t forget, 10% off patterns, Black Friday through Cyber Monday!

New patterns!

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Have you ever had an idea that had to wait… and wait… and wait?  And it feels like it’s gonna burn a hole in your head and your heart until you get it out?  This is one of those.

Even though the “jars” patterns and bags and the embroidered pendants came first, this is the idea that really started the new Etsy shop.  This little bag.  I originally designed it to hold the 7yo’s Leapster Explorer, with all its games and accessories.  (It’s curved at the top to accommodate headphones, and padded to help keep electronics safe.)  But then, I thought, with just the change of a pocket, it could hold the 15yo’s DSi… or a box of crayons… or my sock yarn… or an apple…  it was just such a perfect little size for so many things!  This little bag needed to be a pattern.

And then, I thought, it needs hair and eyes to go with its zipper “mouth”!  Cleaning up is fun when a monster eats your stuff, right?  😉

And now, here it is, out of my head and into the real world!  Finally!  And just in time for your Christmas gift sewing!

There’s also a pattern for the 4-jar Jars to Go bag – I can just see this one used for picnics, or potlucks, or just breakfast and lunch for a long day at work.

And there’s the Jars to Go Single.  Very useful to carry just one jar for a quick lunch.  It would also make a nice gift wrap for your canned goods, I think?

So, three new patterns for your sewing pleasure!  And of course, there’s bundles at a bit of a discount, if you need more than one.  Enjoy!

Just a note about the headphones:  Before I get any concerned comments, these headphones are specifically designed for children.  They do not get loud enough to damage sensitive little ears.  If you choose to allow your child (or yourself) to use earphones or ear buds, please use caution!  Loud music may seem cool, but hearing loss is not!!

DIY cupcake picks

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I run a 100% natural kitchen. I also find myself making a lot of cakes and cupcakes for events. So I’m always on the lookout for decorating ideas that do not use artificial colors and flavors.

Today I’m decorating about 80 cupcakes for a class promotion reception. I was asked a couple of days ago, so I’m scrambling a bit. I decided to try foam stickers to make cupcake picks, and I rather like how they’re turning out. You can use stickers in any shape that’s symmetrical. Peel off the back, stick on a toothpick, and stick the back on again, but flipped over so the slick side is on the outside. They seem to not stick well if you don’t flip it over- that’s why it has to be symmetrical.

Hope that helps someone in a predicament similar to the one I’m in today! 😉

Missed getting a photo of the whole lot; but here’s a photo “in action” on the 7yo’s plate.

modifications

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Know where I get some of my best ideas?  From my customers!  Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been asked to make slight modifications to the basic Jars to Go Bag, all of them great and I’m glad I have a plan for the next time it comes up.  But this one?  This one’s going to become a staple in the shop, because I LOVE it.

I was asked to make a Jars to Go bag to hold 4 pint jars instead of 2.  I love the combination of fabrics more and more as I work with them – Amy Butler’s Pressed Flowers and Pat Bravo’s Oval Elements from Hawthorne Threads.  As with any pattern, there’s a little figuring out as I go along – for example, I added another layer to the handles for strength (four jars are pretty heavy!)  But I just adore how it turned out.  I can see this as a picnic basket, or to take to a potluck.  It seems there’s room in the top for some small plates or bowls.  And of course, it needed extra matching napkins!

Enjoy!