The Compulsive Quilter

Today has been a super productive day. That's what happens when my children actually take a nap. Which is why it's hard for me to give up that naptime. One day son though I am going to have to bite the bullet and let naptime go or my children will stay up until midnight every night.

I did manage to get these 2 bags finished, clean the kitchen, and put a load of laundry in the washer. That load hasn't quite made it to the dryer yet. As a matter of fact I think it has been washed twice now. I did also throw all of the toys back into the playroom only to discover that it is past time for a steam clean...uggg.
All and all though a good day.

Since today is Father's Day, the kids and I greeted my husband with sappy cards and coordinating shirt and tie sets.( I mean what else to you give a Dad on Father's Day.) I would like to wish all the other Dads and Grandads out there a big Happy Father's Day...keep up the good work!

Finally! I got some work done. I finally finished this bag and I should have 2 more done by tonight. I also did a little self-portraiture to promote my stuff... I really need to get to the gym.
Anyway, you can find the new bag in store!

It has been a long time since I've updated this blog, but I'm back now and all is right with the world. I made it back from vacation alive and still married and now I am finally back in the swing of things.
So, a while ago a friend of mine who owns a gift shop asked me to turn a few placemats into purses whenever I got the chance. Now that I have finally got around to doing it I thought it would make a great quick project for anyone. This is a very sturdy bag and would be the perfect gift.

Here's what you will need:
1 quilted place mat
1 matching napkin or 20" square of coordinating fabric
Heavyweight fusible interfacing such as CraftFuse

First fuse the interfacing to the back of the napkin. From that napkin cut 2 - 3" strips of fabric and 1 - 6 x 12 rectangle.

Next, make a pocket. Fold the short sides of the rectangle right sides together and sew 1/4" seam all the way around leaving an opening for turning. Clip the corners and turn. Topstitch the opening closed. Center the pocket on one side of the placemat and topstitch in place.

Then, make the handles. Fold the strips in half lengthwise. Sew closed leaving an opening in the middle for turning. Clip the corners and turn using a knitting needle or something similar. Press handles to flatten everything out and then topstitch all the way around to close the opening and add stability.

Next, pin handles to each short end of the placemat making sure that they are centered and even with the opposite side. For me it was about 2 1/2" in from each side. Then sew a box stitch to attach handles to the bag.

After that, fold the placemat in half so that the right sides are together and the handles meet up. Sew sides together with a 1/4" seam.

Complete bag by boxing the corners. Sew about 1 1/2" inches in for the corners. Turn right side out and enjoy!!!

Just a little FYI, I've got a giveaway going on at my other blog, Eatin on the Cheap. The prize is this cookbook that you see here! So, please stop by and enter to win!

I'm not sure how I stumbled upon such a wonderful man to marry. Even though he has a hard time taking out the trash and I have a hard time cleaning the kitchen, we have a beautiful relationship that can get us through every temper tantrum and poopy diaper that life throws our way. He even wrote me a public love letter after 5 years of marriage. {sigh}

So this weekend is it! My very first craft show , the Hatch Market, and I think it's going to be a great one. I've temporarily closed the Etsy shop, I've tagged and packed all of the cute purses, bags, quilts, pillows, and more that I have been slaving away on for months, and I've got a fantastic booth setup all planned out. My friend Jessica of Butterbean Babies and I will be sharing a booth together. Booth 19. That's us. Front and center when you walk in.
The Show will be going on May 9th and 10th, Saturday and Sunday, at 232 South 10th Street in Griffin, GA. There's is going to be live music, food, demonstrations and lots of funky cool crafts. You can visit their website for all of the juicy details. The first 250 people will get a swag bag full of great items and discounts. So come early and shop late!!! See you there!