(As always, click for bigger pictures.)

I used a pattern from Hip Handbags and love the way it turned out. I’ll definitely be using the pattern over again, as both my mom and myself really liked the size and shape.

Only problem is that it’s more of a medium purse than a market tote.

I went ahead and put a regular double welt pocket in it anyway, using matching piping from the outside. The lining is the Sage Kleo from Alexander Henry’s Fashionista line that I am totally in love with.

I totally love the way it came out, but I realized I could really use one of those itty bitty mini irons. I just could not get the wrinkles out of the bottom corners. It got pretty mangled trying to sew the bottom on. Apparently my machine does not like tight corners when using buckram and heavy interfacing. Who knew?

I hope you enjoy Elizabeth. I’ll get it in the mail as soon as I have someone to watch the kids!

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On another note, here’s the ironing board cover I did recently. Cute, no?

I really need to work on taking pictures indoors. Summer sun is just too harsh to take stills outside.

Evar!

Isn’t he the cutest sewing buddy to have? He pre-chews everything for me. Yum!

"Phew!" with a dramatic swipe across his forehead.

I’ve actually been pretty busy of late. Remember those 17 loads of laundry stuffed on the couch that I mentioned? ALL folded, hung, sorted, organized and put away!! After 3 weeks it was hard to come up with excuses for why it was still there. But I’ve also completed 2 more aprons - one for Grandma Betty’s birthday, along with matching placemats and one for Nicky’s birthday. I finally got a new ironing board cover made. It’s super simple but took a day because of the nooblets… I mean the kidlets. (Does anyone remember Sixlets? Those were awesome!) I started a third apron for Ann today. Next up is my bag for the Market Tote Swap. I have the idea all worked out in my head, I just hope I can transfer it to reality easily.

So after all that’s done I’m going to start working on some smocking and shirring and posting items to my Etsy shop. I promise. No more swaps or birthdays and whatnot. I’ve found some gorgeous designer prints mixed in with the cheapy cottons at JoAnns and have totally scored bolts of them with 50% off coupons. I’m afraid to cut some of them up.

I’ve also been comtemplating getting a cottage license to sell the aprons that I’ve been making. The thing is it’s $100 for a year but I’m not sure if I could cover the cost with any profit I make, ya know? The license gives me the right to make and sell anything by Sew Liberated, formally Montessori by Hand, where as now I can only make and give such as all that I’ve made so far. It takes me about a week of fiddling to make an apron because of… interuptions. The hardest part is choosing the fabrics - I always worry that someone will get their apron and go "WTH was she thinking? This isn’t me at all!" I’m debating on just going it alone, or using someone else’s patterns. Any thoughts?

Here’s Grandma’s Apron. The reverse is a very pretty white Poppy print.

• Hippos! Yay! My Grandma sent me this adorable family of hippos as a Mother’s Day present. Aren’t they cute? Now I just need to find a home for the rest of my hippos.

• My ability to successfully complete a double welt pocket, as demonstrated here:

• I received my Spoonflower Beta invitation! I am so excited to try and get something of my own printed. I am thinking I’d like to do some logos and what not to stitch onto my completed projects. Heaven forbid someone come across one of my aprons when I’m dead and gone and not know who made it. That would be a shame. Plus, I’m really getting to the point where I’d like to start getting some stuff done for my Etsy shop. I really like to have things tagged and labeled. It seems to up the professionality, ya know?  My biggest concern with premaking things to put in a shop is what if it doesn’t sell and it just sits there? Especially if it’s girl clothes - I have no use for those unfortunately.
• I also got my Ravelry invite, but it’ll be awhile before I actually get anything going in there.
• I’m excited to get started on the Market Tote Swap. No last minutes for me this time. I’m getting it done and out of here. I need to make some stuff for myself for a change.
• I thought I had more than that but I guess not. I’ve got a big post in the works on sewing FAQS and another on ‘Pretty vs Functional’. Maybe you guys can weigh in with me and convince Matt that I need to have free decorating reign on the ENTIRE house.

Stay tuned my wonderful readers. Same blog time, Same blog channel.

I’ve been working on this blanket for awhile now and while I’m pleased at how it’s turning out I’m not pleased with the tension issues I’ve been having. I also hate to admit it but I found not one but TWO dropped stitches and they’re quite a few rounds back. I’m contemplating frogging the whole thing and starting over. I think I would probably cry while doing it, but I really need to reevaluate my gauge again.

I just hate to use a larger hook because that means larger holes in the throw right? I hate that - makes it too drafty. Actually I just looked back and it seems I may be using too big of a hook already?!

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In other sad news, it’s gonna cost us quite a mint to get the car repaired and the bank has decided not to help us with that as half of our income (mine) is gone. It looks like I’m gonna have to give up all the crafts and fancy recipes again for awhile. I just wish there was something I could do at home without becoming the EvilStressQueen of Harwell Street. I wish I was like Dooce and could get paid for each of the millions of readers I have. Haha. Nevermind, I think I have 3 but I love you all!