Happy Halloween 2012

Remembering 

Wishing you a
Happy Halloween 2012
 From the tortoise...
 And the hare.






Quilt 74

Quilt 74-Twin Size

Play Mail Shoulder Bag (DIY Tutorial)

It's not everyday you take a nap and wake up to find a mama made surprise.  Remember the play mail I made him ages ago?  The ones that were part upcycled feed bags and part upcycled tee shirts?  Well, they've cycled back around again and are a rediscovered hit.  Every mail carrier needs a mail bag, don't you think?
I had an idea in mind and whipped up my own design, made it and took pictures to make you a tutorial in less than 2 hours of broken attention.  Broken attention, as it's a rare luxury that two kids are sleeping simultaneously in this house. I must say, my helpers are grand.

However, it's not the most ideal project to work on when there's a gassy baby who wants to keep moving.  But pacing can get a bit mundane.  Might as well have my hands busy.  I digress.

 Back to the bag.  Point is, it's a quick back to whip up.  Below is the dimensions and tutorial for you to make one too.
This is what he came downstairs to. The pile of mama made mail was left there by him.  I just added the bag.

He played briefly, but then said he was hungry.  Priorities.  I don't blame the kid.

I'm sure it will be a hit in the future.  Want to make your own?  You can even put someone's name on the bag instead of mail.  I know you want to give it a try.

DIY TUTORIAL
*seams are 1/4 inch.

1) Out of a thicker fabric (I used courdory), cut the following:

Two 9in x 12 1/2in rectangles
Two 12 1/2 in x 12 1/2 in squares
One strip 3 in x 30 1/2
One strip 44 in x 6 in

 Out of fleece, cut the letters from this template.

2) Pin the 3x 30 1/2 in strip to one of the rectangles, right sides together. You'll start at the top left side, pin the bottom and pin the remaining side.  The top will not be stitched.  You will have to ease around corners.  Stitch with a 1/4 inch seam and finish seam.  Repeat with the other rectangle, pinning and stitching it to the other edge of the strip. Turn right side out. Press seams flat.
 3) Place two large rectangles right sides together.  Fold in half.  Place a bowl in upper corner (any size will do).  Trace curve and cut.  Open.




 

 4) Stitch right sides together both sides and curved edge.  Leave bottom open. Finish seam. Turn right side out, press and top stitch edges.
 5) Pin top flap to base along one of the rectangles edges. Right sides together. Stitch in place.  Finish remaining edges of opening.


 6) Press all finished edges of opening down, top stitching in place.
 7) Fold 6in strip in half the long way, right sides together.  Stitch the long edge.  Turn inside out and press.  Top stitch each edge.
 8) Turn bag inside out. Pin a strap to each side.  Stitch a long rectangle to hold the straps in place (This is where you can decide where to place the straps to be the right length for your little postal worker).

 9) Adhere the letters to the front of the bag with either fuisable interfacing or pins.  Stitch in place with a straight stitch if it's a non fraying fabric like fleece.  If it's something else, zig zag stitch will applique in place nicely.
 10) Photograph your finished project (preferable with your miniature mail delivery friend) and share your creation with me! I'm also happy to hear any feedback on what worked and what was confusing.










Thrifted.


A train shirt for you know who.
A 24 piece Bob the Builder Puzzle and a 4 piece puzzle book.
A handmade infant winter hat.
Wooden magentic dress up
Jammies.

$5.75

Stuck home.

We found ourselves "stuck" at home again this week.  Both cars are taking turns giving us trouble.  That's what we get for having older cars. But hey, at least they're paid for..that's what we always say.

Anyway, being without a car means we've had to be home.  I never mind having to be stuck at home.  I could be home for a week and still find plenty to keep me busy. Projects, housework, baking, cooking, gardening, reading, playing, photo shoots, out and about with the stroller and the list goes on.
 But, there's an added bonus I've discovered that I never really thought of before.  Being home means I'm with my kids and just my kids all day long.  I'm more in sync with them. I know what he wants or needs before he says anything. I can read her cues and signs before she even fusses. I know more of what he knows, what he doesn't know and what he wants to learn.  I know what she's interested in, what's overwhelming for her and when she want mama close.  As a bonus...he's had better behavior and has been remarkable cooperative and helpful.  She has been even more easygoing than her usual easy going self, she's been communicating her potty needs so clearly and has hardly needed diapers the last couple of days.
In this busy paced world, we don't do this enough.  Staying home is good.  Connecting with our kids is good.  Saying "no" in favor of unscheduled family time is good.  They're only little once.  There's no time like the present to soak it all in.

Happiness is....

A beautiful October day at the beach that is now absent from a mob of tourists.
A sweet baby girl in mama's pouch, just a jabbering away.

A little boy who has lots of ideas.

And a daddy who is willing to keep up with said ideas.

Feeling a warm little noggin on my chest from someone who decided a snooze was in order.
Family time, just the four of us and the beautiful beaches of our town.
Lots to be thankful for.

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