: : :Computer Bag: : :

My dad found this old computer bag, and gave it to me! My laptop is a 17" monster--thus it never fits in any normally sized backpacks or laptop bags. So. . . it fit in this bag, and that makes me happy!

However, the bag is rather boring looking. Therefore, I decided to embroider something on it. 

before

other side--before

my inspiration

unlimited thread!

drawing the elephant

beginning to stitch the elephant's outline

a little personalization inside the bag :)

all finished!

 

the front of the bag--the bee was my mom's idea :)

 

the back of the bag

And there you have it . . . now the exterior of my new laptop bag is snazzy...sorta.... :)

: : :Summer Top: : :

New Look 6808 . . . view B

Please excuse my bare feet! It's been so hot lately . . . ;)

 

enclosed invisible zipper

zipper meets hem

hem and invisible zipper

I've been wanting to make this pattern for so long! When I had enough fabric left over from my yellow dress, I decided that now was the time to try out this pattern! :) Unfortunately, I didn't have much fabric to work with, so I had to cut the the pattern out on the bias--which made me nervous. However, it doesn't seem to have affected the way the top fits.

I made a size 8, with no alterations . . . it is super easy to make, and has great instructions--it came together like a dream.

This top is comfortable and classy--I am happy with it, and am definitely going to make some of the other versions of this top.

: : :Cozy Winter Hat: : :

McCall's 6450 . . . view E

the inside

plaid version

reverse

This is the first hat pattern I've ever tried . . . hats always seem intimidating to me for some reason. However, this pattern is so much fun! I had such a lovely time making the brown one, that I had to make the plaid version, too! It took me about 4 hours for each hat--and I didn't encounter any problems with the construction of them. The instructions are great. Also, the pattern is great for using up old scraps from other projects. I didn't buy any fabric for either of these two hats! (yippeee!)

For the sizing, I just measured the crown of my head, and made the directed size. I believe it fits just fine. 

I didn't use fusible hair canvas for interfacing, either, as the pattern envelope suggests. I just used some medium weight fusible interfacing that I had lying around. The fashion fabric that I used is a semi-thick, woolly fabric--which probably helped to give the hat some body.

Also, I made the plaid version of this hat reversible. Instead of using lining fabric for the crown, I just went ahead and used my grey contrast fabric for the crown; and then attached the plaid flower. Surprisingly, the flowers are not uncomfortable when they are on the inside--I thought the button might dig into my head, but it does not. :)

Not only is this hat cute, but it's really warm, too. :) Great for cold winters. McCall's 6450 also includes a pattern for gloves, which I want to try now. It's hard to find affordable hats and gloves that are cute and classy--this pattern is an economical solution to that problem. :D