Sewing for me

Since I've started my etsy store most of my sewing has been for items to list and I haven't gotten to sew much for myself! Well, I decided to take some time and just make a few things for me!

I love looking at pictures of other people's projects on flickr and kept seeing beautiful bags made from noodlehead's 241 tote! You can find the pattern here. I've bought so many purse patterns, I didn't know if I wanted to buy another but was convinced by so many of these pretty bags! It's also a bit bigger than most of the bags I've made in the past. I used some floral Moda and paired it with some green leaf, brown and pink polka dot and some plain brown fabric I had in my stash. Yea for stash busting projects!! Just an excuse to buy more to replace it!!

The pattern is really awesome, with plenty of pictures and well written directions on how to do each step. There are instructions for 2 different totes, one have the zipper pockets and one with the side pockets. I like having lots of pockets, so I added both! I didn't have 2 of the same zipper in my stash, so I mixed it up and used different colors!

There is also an inside slip pocket and a magnetic snap closure!

I made the strap adjustable, the pattern doesn't call for this.

The side pockets are great for cell phones and keys!

For this project I actually used the interfacing called for, Pellon SF 101. Why didn't I do this before?! It was a little more than I normally spend on interfacing, but so worth it! I might invest in a bolt with a coupon or sale at Jo-Ann!

I also finished a dress for myself to wear on Sunday out to brunch with my family! I love this gray and white polka dot, it's by Riley Blake. I used Simplicity 2209, a Lisette pattern. This is the second dress I've made from this pattern and I realize it's not really my favorite. It is a cute dress and, with some minor adjustments, fits nicely and is pretty fast and easy. 

It has some interesting dart details in the front. I have to shorten the bodice, so the detail probably gets a bit distorted.

I put in a lapped zipper because I didn't want to go to the store to get an invisible one! It is ok and was fairly simple, I used this tutorial. It could be a little tidier, but it works and you can't tell when I'm wearing it.

See the zipper in there?! I get my zippers from zipit on etsy! She has an awesome selection and is super friendly and ships so fast! Love it!

Stay tuned for a picture of me actually wearing it!

I'm excited to share more sewing projects with you!!