This past Saturday afforded me some time to do a little bit of sewing. I stayed in my jammies and sewed until after lunch time! It was wonderful. John and I were talking the other day about this need to create and how it really does recharge me to work on something creative when I've had a long week. (our first week of school went great but it was a change to our summer routine) Some people need to shop or exercise or eat ....I like to do all of those, but I need to create. So that's what I did this weekend. I finished the little toiletry bags that I had cut out a while ago. They are from the book Sew Pretty Homestyle. 
On my first pouch, I did something wacky with the lining and the zipper, but I picked it out and fixed it. The part where I messed up had no illustration and that's just where I needed some help! Oh well, nothing another cup of coffee and some concentrating couldn't solve. 
They turned out surprisingly well. My mom really liked them too....(I've tucked that in the back of my brain for future surprise ideas) The brown one was already snatched by Maggie and I've kept the one with the orange lining...it goes great with my yellow purse. Mckenzie has requested one in pink. (no surprise there!) After I finished those I wanted to try the perfect box pouch. I saw it first on Betz's blog. I love the shape of it and you can get the pattern free from Indie House...she has a great tutorial that walks you through constructing it...step by step. These were way easier than the other bags...and the construction of them makes them simple to enlarge if you wanted to try a bigger version. 
This size is pretty small, but they are great for make-up or sewing stuff or even a fashionable first aid kit. I'm thinking that they'll make great teacher (or mom) gifts with a gift card tucked inside. 
So, I recharged my battery with all that sewing. Having some time to create helps me in so many ways....it really does make me a better mom and wife. What do you do to recharge yourself when you've had a long week?
22 comments:
Your bags are fantastic! I just bookmarked the pattern because I really want one as well!! Beautiful creating.
I LOVE the bags! especially the perfect box pouch!! that fabric!! would it be a perfect travel bag for a ball of cotton yarn and a favorite dishcloth pattern?
I recharge by cleaning, organizing, and creating. not sure in that order...but those things relax and recharge me.
Marvelous! I love all of the fabric you picked out. I'm going to have to check out your links.
I agree with your statement about recharging with creating. I feel the same way. When I feel a bit bored I daydream about creating something with fabric, wool, food ect. Works like a charm every time.
These bags look great! I have a small bag fetish ... I'm going to have to try out that perfect box pouch to add something new to my collection!
The recharging is good. I love the little box pouch. I can see some in various sizes (they could be nesting inside one another) for stocking stuffers.
the verification word is "dexas". My sentence for it is: "I will get back to painting the dexas soon as I deal with choosing the new kitchen floor."
Great bags! Love the box puch, I will definitely be making some of these!!! I do agree that sewing is a great way to unwind and destress. Tip: If you eat chocolate while sewing thats even better! :)
I recharge by creating too. ; ) The nice thing is that that there are SO many ways to create stuff. I also recharge by playing music.
I love both styles of little bags that you made! I'm thinking maybe I "need" to squeeze in some time to make some to stylishly pack my makeup in when we go to AZ this December. I might also try to make some for my sister-in-law whose name I drew for Christmas gifts. She'd like pink too. ; )
love the box bags...recharge by creating, read, outdoors, exercising...depends on the day.
Those box bags are great--I can never get them to line up at the zipper when I make that shape so I'll have to check out the tutorial you linked to!
I love the fabric in those - especially the red floral. Thanks for teh link - I need to go check it out.
Wow those bags are great and I really like the red/black fabric and the look of those smaller bags.
Yes, creating helps to center me as well as reading my past issues of Keepers at Home.
I get recharged when I finish a project.
Jammies and sewing...perfect combo, Lisa! :o) These are GORGEOUS pouches/bags you've made. The fabrics are delicious...such lovely patterns and colors. Thank you for the great links too. I just love Sew Pretty Home Style--pretty source for inspiration and ideas. Happy crafting...and Happy Weekend ahead to you all ((HUGS))
All of your bags are so good! isn't it the best when your kiddos covet what you make? thanks for the link to the box ones - i'm not brave enough to try the curved zipper! i'm looking forward to a morning in my jammies too - maybe once school begins. Creating definitely makes me a better mom and wife - I love listening to my kids tell me about the game they created or about the book they are reading while I sit quietly and knit (hence no lace or cables here). I'm also recharged when we pull out the pencils and draw together - it's important for the kiddos (and husband) to see us making, playing and creating. great post Lisa!
The little bags turned out very well. I'm rather scared of attempting a zipper...
Thanks for your sweet comments. Love that newer header.
Lisa, how pretty your bags are. Love the fabric in the last bag. Have a wonderfully creative weekend.
Hey I had some magazines I wanted to give to you before I leave. Are you going to CBS this year? My mom can bring it in to you. Just freecycle what you don't want. I have given my mother the task of finishing the princess costume since I am now leaving in 4 days and don't have time to get it done, sigh. But, I am grateful I had a job until last Friday. Let's try to get together when I get back, okay?
Good for you! Recharging through creating is a wonderful thing, isn't it?
Perfect for teacher gifts. Thanks for the idea!
Hi, just dropped by from the UK and love your site. So many fresh ideas that can be used to make for gifts. I like to have a stock of gifts. I have been busy making 'Sock Monkey's. Will make a note and drop by again. Thanks for sharing.
I love these!!! They are great.
I love those days when you can have some time to create and enjoy. I did some of that this weekend. I was able to get a few things accomplished for an upcoming craft show.
Ruth
I love little bags! Well, bags of all sizes really... I'm usually carrying far too many and my husband has been known to refer to me as 'the baglady'...
Love those bags! Thanks for the tutorial link too. I agreethat they'd be great for teachers!
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