Christmas is still going

Is it sad that I'm still not done making Xmas gifts? 2 more to go and I'm Done!!!

On an aside one more grad school app due January 6 and and interview on the 15th. Its gonna be another busy month!

Overly Crafty

Over the past 2 weeks I have finished a baby blanket, and adult blanket, 2 crochet hats and I'm in the middle of finishing 2 pairs of pjs (yup for myself!). I feel like I may be pushing my luck being this crafty in such a short period of time after my dry spell.


P.S. I got an interview with UCD's MBA program January 15th!!!!

Christmas Miracle

I thought I would give a little Christmas Miracle by actually posting today. I know long time no see right? I've been really busy with a lot going on. Home for thanksgiving for 5 days was fun until I got the sinus infection. Apply to more grad school programs (1 to go and I'm done!!!). And started training for a half marathon. I think I may have over committed myself? Other than that there was a miracle this week I got 3 projects done and hoping to get three more done by the end of the week. This year actually making people gifts got thrown out the window with all the grad school stuff. So here are the projects that are in the mail to my mother today for some of her friends.

Holiday

Veteran's day in the middle of the week. Usually I would say waste of a holiday not making it a 3 day weekend. But I slept in till 7 which is a miracle in itself! And I need to catch up on some long overdue time in front of the sewing machine. I have a baby theme going on right now with a friend who is pregnant a neighbor that is pregnant and a friend who orders baby stuff for all her pregnant friends. Maybe one day I can complete something for myself or one of those pesky 1/2 finished projects.

wow I actually did something???

Well its been a long month and little has been accomplished besides the following...

Back in the Saddle again...

Yes its over. The exam from hell. Now focusing on the applications and essays which are coming along slowly but surely. But for now their should be some craft postings coming soon. The holidays are coming quick and I think that me making things for everyone is NOT going to happen. I still have projects I'm working on from a year ago (blanket quilt pillows) I think I need to focus and get that stuff done. Hmmm maybe Santa will bring me a new sewing machine...one can only hope and pray I was a good girl this year.

Good ending to a very stressful day

Lets not talk about earlier today...Lets just focus on me being published in an E-Book!!!

Lets say this was the light at the end of my tunnel today!

Exam on Friday

My exam is on Friday...i might be back to my regular scheduled Blogging and Crafting by next week.

Miss you...

I miss my sewing machine...

I took a break for baking

Saturday night I think I went a little crazy. I baked not one not two but three items. Yeah I went crazy.

Here is a photo of the Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake with Orange Frosting..sory a little blurry...or maybe its the cake?

Grad School

Thought I would provide an update in the few minutes of down time on Grad School Progression. I've narrowed it down to 4 top schools with a few more still on the back burner. Right now I've been a writing fool about my goals. Funny how when your asked to write about them all this stuff comes out and you have to narrow it down to make it fit on one page. Its been very difficult to say the least (I think I'm on a path to take over the world). Other than that we have 3 new additions to the house. Fogel, Seth and Evan my 3 new neon tetra fish. BT purchased a 8 gallon fish tank as a house warming gift. Little did he know I'm obsessed with fish. I had a 15 gallon tank when I was younger that I bought with all of my savings. It was a ton of fun and I highly suggest it as a first pet. So right now were trying this out if it goes well I might get a bigger tank. Yup I'm obsessed! BT thinks im gonna open a store that has a crafting side and a fish side. Oh the other cool thing about fish is going to the fish store! Its so much fun and there are tons of colorful fun fish. The place we went yesterday even had a 3ft shark!

Okay enough blabbing back to writing...

Busy Busy

I've been so busy with applications and brainstorming the past few days (okay weeks) that I haven't even had time to drop you guys a line. Life is moving along very quickly right now I have MBA applications due soon and I feel so behind! It will all work out in the end right now I have 4 schools picked out plus a few back ups. Most schools have a minimum of 3 essays some even more. Navagating the applications is another big adventure and trying to find all my transcripts (somehow I ended up attending 4 colleges in my career and one was for just a single course). Needless to say my days are very long at work and continue into the night with research and studying and writing and filling out my Name Address and SSN at least 50 times by this point.

Yes I'm dreaming about applications...

New Room WIP

Well its a Work In Progress. Need some color on the walls but its getting there. Any advice or thoughts on what to do? The chair for the desk is getting recovered and repainted a different color (pink? yellow?).

Moved

I officially hate moving and I'm not doing it for at least 2 years! But I do have to say everything turned out GREAT! Sorry no pics i'll try to take some tonight of the new queen size bed which is so so so so comfy. The house is still a bit of a shambles with putting items away and hanging items on the walls but its getting there. The other nice thing was it only reached 106 on Saturday otherwise both Friday and Sunday were very cool (low 90's high 80's). For now this is a new chapter in my life and hopefully one that is more creative than ever.


Oh forgot to mention that there will be a lack of crafting over the next two months. I officially scheduled my GMAT exam for Grad School and My applications are due Nov through December! I guess I will be missing the Holiday rush this year.

Morning Giggle

Well I have another morning run story for you.

I was running this time around Sacramento State Univ at about 5:30 am which means it was very DARK. All of a sudden an fountain jumps out of no where. I attempt to leap up and over the lip so I wouldn't fall. My plan did not go so well. I caught the edge of the fountain with my shin and tripped into the middle of it. Thank GOD it was not full of water! Now I have a nice little bruise/bump on my shin but I made it to the end of my run without other incident.

Moving Day

Moving day is quickly approaching (2 days). I'm moving out of my first place since entering the work force. It has its positives and negatives.

Positives:
Bigger place
Roommate who crafts
Craft room (AKA Garage)
More Storage
Living room
Duplex
Rent went down!

Negatives:
Packing
Cleaning
Going up and down the Stairs all day to move out
Its supposed to be 100 degrees that day

I have to say the positives are a lot more exciting than the negatives. Well expect some photos and a story because I'm sure it will be an adventure!

Tuesday's

Please don't let Tuesday be like Monday...

When I learned quilting was not my thing

So for all of you quilters out there I don't know how you do it! I've been attempting to quilt along with Oh Fransson. It has been lets say nightmareish. Either I don't know how to measure Or I don't know how to sew. Either way I've kinda sorta put it to the side to give it a rest. Maybe I should pony up and take a quilters class. How I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to be good at quilting! I think I might just stick with pillows! One day I'm going to make myself a Top but until then ill stick with squares!

Crafting and Shopping Mom Style

This week has been fun. Its almost over and it feels like it just started! I've been in bed before 9pm every night (tonight I must blog) and passed out before my head hits the pillow. Waking up semi early for the gym. Wednesday my mom took me to a class that involved step arobics and weight lifting. I am not exactly the most coordinated person in the world so I was a little overwhelmed. The lady teaching the class had so much energy and was going so fast that at one point I gave up and did my own thing. Maybe conformity is not my thing.

Next was crafting. The good thing about crafting while at home is my mother does 1/2 of it for me. she has a little more ingenuity when it comes to crafting and Kids. I always told myself I wasn't going to craft for kids but its become so much fun. Kids love color and funky things adult well we are plane and like to fit in. So we have been in Headband Heaven the past few days whipping them up on the Bernina. I have also made some adult ones that are going to be good for fall/winter.

Lastly shopping. Now shopping with my mom is always an adventure because she find the Best and I mean THE BEST deals. T-shirts that were once $80 marked down to $15. Yup I've seen it in person and have been the recipient of many of these items of clothing. Yes, we shop at Bloomies, but I rarely buy things full price (jeans dont count they last forever so I will throw money down on those). So we headed out the Camarillo outlets. I spent way way way to much money but it was worth it got some stuff for fall and winter. Plus a dress for a winter wedding which will be used at a later time for other events (was $225 I snaged it for $77). They have some of the best outlets and some of the best brands! It was all worth it with no more clothes shopping in my near future. And Yes I passed up another LAMB Bag and a David Yurman necklace! UGH need to make more money quick!

Oh did I also mention it hasn't gotten above 80 down here?!?!?! Its going to be miserable returning to the 100 degree heat up in SACTO.

Headboard

Well I was at the antique market yesterday and pick up this table cloth that I'm hoping can be hung on the wall as a headboard for the bed ($10). I'm torn though. I think my room is starting to look a little country. Not that its a bad thing I was going for a little more eclectic. My last room was VERY french country and I'm trying my hardest to stay away from that. Well I guess you will all let me know once its completely put together. Here are some photos of the table cloth:

Adventures on Craigslist

So I recently posted an item on craigslist.org my old twin bed frame. Its from Ikea so its nothing major but the adventure I had trying to sell it is probably worth a posting. First off what is up with flaky people and people not being on time. I have a life people (okay Boy Toy has a life since he set up all the sales) and I have things to do. I posted the item and had a couple no shows and the two that did show up and purchase (one only wanted the matress the other only wanted the frame I am still left with the box spring) didnt have it together and were late by about an hour or more and one forgot money. I hate to be picky but when I buy items off Craigslist I show up when I'm supposed to with the right amount of money. UGH

The only thing that made this worth it was the fact I didn't have to dump it or try to take it some where.

On a side note if you every need a giggle check out the free items! Its hillarious what people put up there!

Vacation

As of 11am tomorrow I am officially on vacation! Okay well I do have to take my lap top with me in case an emergency pop's up at work (likely hood 100%). Im off to So Cal to visit the family and be spoiled beyond my wildest dreams! Shopping, sleeping by the pool, gym action, crafting, and cooking, eating my favorite foods, OH MY! Yup I cant wait just a full day of work today (extremely not normal I'm usually off by 12 but a few emergency project items flew on my desk while at payroll training) and a catering event tonight and im off!!! So if you dont hear from me in the next week dont worry I'm still alive and I should have stories and crafting to share with you!

Have a good week without me I'm sure you will survive!

Crop Dusted at 6am

So I went running this morning and while on my cool down a 60+ year old man ran by me and crop dusted me. If you don't know what crop dusting is your gonna learn. Crop Dusting is when someone farts while going past you. Yes a 60+ year old man did the unthinkable and just kept running no excuse me nothing. Oh well life goes on...

Pillow's Pillow's Everywhere!

2 more pillows Big and Ruffly! 3 down 3 to go...

Pillow

Here is the first pillow (of many) for my new bed. This pillow gives a HUGE hint to the color scheme of the room. It also reminds me of something you get at anthropology! Super easy to make as well. Envelope pillow with ribbon (which is attached only in the side seams). Maybe a tutorial after the big move?

Comforter Bag

I thought it was time for another tutorial. This one is quick and dirty (okay not dirty but its quick). Some of us live in area's where there is a need for winter bedding. I am in one of those area's. Yes I know what your saying "but you live in California", yes this is true but this is northern California. In the winter it rains and is COLD!!!! So I have a comforter for the winter which is very bulky to keep me and my toes nice and toasty. Well the plastic bag it came in has decided its had enough and ripped and is not exactly doing its job of keeping the dust off.

I was left to come up with a solution so 1 1/4 yard of fabric, Velcro, and a sewing machine later. I had this...


A nifty bag for my comforter (Twin Size) that subsequently is a great decorative pillow item for BT's bed.

So here is a quick tutorial to make a bag for those winter comforters or whatever else you want to pack away.

Supplies

1. 1 1/4 yard fabric (i used decorator fabric because its heavier but and old sheet would do or just plain quilters fabric.)If you are doing this for a comforter larger than a Twin you will want to add more yardage.
2. 1 1/4 yard of Velcro any width I used left overs (you need the two pieces of Velcro that make it "stick" together rough and soft pieces)
3. Thread
4. Sewing Machine.
5. Pinking Shears

The steps
Iron the fabric to get out folds

Remove all but 1/4 of the selvage. This is considered the long side of the fabric.

You want to make a finished edge. turn fabric over so the wrong side of the fabric is facing you. Now fold down the 1/4 inch of selvage you left on the edge and iron flat.


Now fold under again (aprox 1/5-4 inch) so that the raw edge is encased and iron flat you can also pin down if you like.



Now you need to sew down the finished edge. I make my stitch go down the center of the finished seam.


Velcro Strips are next. You want to attach then to the wrong side of the fabric on top of the finished edge you just created. Sew down on both edges of the Velcro so it wont pull off over time.



Now fold the fabric in half so the right sides are together and the Velcro should be at the opposite side of the fold at the top. (in photo Velcro is at top and the fold edge is at the bottom)

Sew down the side edges with a 1/4 or 1/2 inch seam. Use Pinking Shears or a Serger to finish off seams. Turn right side out and your done!

Put comforter in the bag and now you have something to store or show off! Great project for a kids room , a basement or even your bed

Update...on BGB (big girl bed)

Here is a little update on the big girl bed. I'm working on pillows lots and lots of pillows. Apparently im a pillow whore! But other than that its finding items for the room. I bought a lovely Chair today at Bargain Barn for $5 yes $5 bucks this means in total for a desk and chair I've spent a grand total of $20 bucks! All that's left to do with them is to get crafty and recover the chair and decide if I'm going to paint the desk. Decisions decisions. I know no pictures yet, BT has my camera cord tonight ill try to upload at least the pictures of one of the pillows.

Pictures?

Has anyone else noticed the lack of photos on my blog? Ugh I'm disgusted with myself! I like color not this plan old white with black type! Dont worry im working on getting some photos up of the pillows im making and hopefully some tutorials as well.

Oh add another $110 to the list of spending on the list for big girl bed this all went to more pillows (yes im a pillow snob) and fabric.

big girl bed

Its official I'm graduating to a big girl bed in a few weeks! That's a queen size bed if you didn't know I've been living 25 years now in a twin. It's cause for celebration and CRAFTING. I'm more excited now than ever designing my first grown up bedroom. No Ikea furniture in this pad! I have made a few purchases thus far and here is to the total bill for now

1. Grey Desk Metal Steel Case $15 at Bargain Barn (UCD)
2. Dresser $60 Craigslist (to be painted Yellow by yours truely)
3. Quilt top white $165 Restoration Hardware Outlet (Im all for quality)
4. Two complete sets of Queen sheets and pillow cases $130 Ralph Lauren Outlet
5. Pillow Forms Euro $23 Home Goods Store
6. Pillow Forms Standard $23

Total $416
This doesn't include the bed (yet to be purchased) and a few other pillows and crafting overall I think im doing pretty well??

So I'm thinking this might be my first documentary in designing a room. I will tell you now that I probably could have saved on the bedding but that is the one thing in life I would pay full price for the quality! Ive had the same twin size sheets from Ralph for about 6 years now and they work perfect no holes feel amazing and are GREAT! So wish me luck im off to fabric shop for the pillows. I will let you know how its going and put up some tutorials for pillows and other fun stuff.

Yup its Monday

It's Monday which means the weekend flew by! BT and I were busy moving stuff out of my apt to the storage unit (not that I have a new place to live yet). Along with finishing up multiple projects including birthday gifts and headbands. My life has been consumed by headbands lately and I don't even have them up on ETSY yet! I feel like I should hold off on posting them as the economy isnt helping me much.

Ice cream on saturday as usual and BT and I went out on a genuine DATE! I know its been months and im lazy and cheap! We went to see the movie The Ugly Truth which takes place in SAC. It was okay didnt see too much of sacramento and the apartment she lives in can NOT be in sacramento. And if it was I would be begging to live there! We then went to Sweet Water which is slowly becoming a favorite place to eat and drink. Were still testing the waters out when it comes to eating out.

In other news I have a new project in mind with a tutorial. Im going to go check out fabric today and yes it has to do with storage and moving!

One reason to love UCLA Football

I finally have a reason to like UCLA and UCLA football none the less. As you all know I'm not the sports type and I have a true distaste for UCLA (come on I graduated from UCDavis we don't care about sports!). But one boy has truly become my college sport hero for the time being. Ricky Marvray a wide receiver who went to centennial HS in Corona who's hobbies include playing video games and knows how to SEW and CROCHET. All I can hope for is a blog where he shows off his tallents! Yes he will probably be made fun of but hell he has one more tallent than most of the boys on the team who cant sew a button on!

On an aside this by no means that I will be watching football games for him unless he sews and crochets on the sidelines!

Back from the wilderness

Well we made it back alive and in one piece. Camping was a lot of fun. And the Sleeping Sac's I made worked like a charm! While the others struggled the morning of clean up all I did was stuff and there was room to spare. I do have to say camping was more enjoyable than I remember. We literally sat around camp all day eating food and going off on little adventures to the beach. One of the really enjoyable thing was the weather. Here in Sac we have been experiencing 90-100+ degree's of heat a day. Too hot if you ask me but we headed down south to lovely 60-70's. It was glorious until we had to head back. All in all I think BT and I are ready for our next adventure in camping. Once I have a few minutes at home I'll post some pictures.

As for Crafting news im finishing up some skirts (yup I've moved on to clothing), doing some embroidery with the machine for my mom, and making headbands from some family friends. Yup I'm busy as usual ill try to share some pictures later this week!

Diet Soda

When did a diet soda become my desert at lunch? What happened to cookies?

Relax

Its official I'm done done done with Fiscal Close!!! No more running around getting my ledgers to look pretty and clean. It's over no more Debby downer Noelle. But I'm guessing you would want to know more about my weekend?

Saturday was farmers market and then BBQ with the Canadians. We went to a place in Woodland called Ludy's its some of the best BBQ around and has some awesome decor. Pigs and cows on the ceiling the the Sistine Chapel and cowboy furniture. After dinner we went to Bernardo's in Davis where the boys proceeded to have Wiki's while K and I walked around town and then looked at office furniture. I'm trying to replace my desk that I bought at Ikea 3 to 4 years ago its time to upgrade and get better quality. Im looking for a corner unit which are so hard to find especially the size I would want. It's going to take a while so for now its just the thrill of the hunt. After the boys got good and sloshed we all went our seperate ways.

Sunday was just as busy with a trip to costco to get ready for camping. Ah camping one of those things my parents refused to do. I am hoping we have fun and enjoy it as its the cheapest form of vacation I can find right now. We also went to Ikea to look around. Now dont get me wrong Ikea is cool and fun but I can never get out of there in an hour. Its visual overload there and I want to make my house look as cool as they make there little rooms look. But then I remeber I dont want to have Ikea furniture as the basis of my home decor. It used to be such better quality then something happened (consumerism?) and it just havent been the same. The rest of Sunday was spent on the couch with me passed out while BT watched Harry Potter (I think were going to see it tonight and no I haven't read the books I'm taking one for the team). Other than that not much crafting I did start two more skirts which I should really attempt to get done before we go camping. UGH not enough time in the day!

Lemon Basil Ice cream

Who would have thought that Lemon Basil Ice Cream would be amazing?? It is one of the Farmers Market flavors I sell for the Davis Creamery on Saturdays and its to DIE for!!! Chop up some basil juice from some lime make a vanilla base and tada you have bliss in a bowl. Next up I think were gonna try mojito ice cream.

Summer What Summer?

Well the "lazy" days of summer are passing by like a freight train! Work has been well consuming lately so today I'm catching up on the blog. I got a nifty new Serger this past weekend and I got it on Craigslist. I have to say I was skeptical at first but the machine ran like a charm and was only $150 bucks. Ive got it working really well and to be honest best purchase of the year so far (besides the frustration of trying to thread the damn thing).


With this machine as new inspiration I was able to get started on a project and finish it in one yes one night! I present to you a B-day gift for my Mother who doesn't read my blog. Blasphemy I know. Heck even BT's mom reads my blog and complains when I don't post enough (thanks!).


Its a skirt with some embroidery on it to give it a little something extra. I hope she likes it but its not the only thing she is getting. I'll have to take some pictures with it on. BT wants me to make one for myself now.

Mondays

I've got a case of the Monday's. Fiscal close is close to over but its still lingering. Oooh i forgot the big news that doesn't make this such a Debby downer moment. I bought a Serger! Yup its gonna be an adventure with pictures of course.

National Hotdog and Hamburger day!

Happy 4th of JULY!!!!

Its officially hot dog and hamburger day. I am taking full advantage BT is preparing Shannon and I are eating! Yup its gonna be GREAT!

Have fun out there and be safe I don't want to find out any of you are missing appendages.

Movies

Well this weekend passed by (and half the week) in a flash. Its been very busy around here with my mom visiting and fiscal close happening at work. I've finally reached the point where I can see straight! With that I've also caught up on my movie watching. My mom and I went to see the Proposal with Ryan Reynolds, Sandra Bullock, and Betty White who stole the show!!! It was SOOOOO funny and Ryan Reynolds is HOT. Even good for the guys! Next was Disney's UP it was also very good and fun. Both my mom and I walked out commenting on how the old man looks and acts kinda like my grandpa (stubborn). Lastly there was Transformers. It was also good but too long. I also felt like I was on visual overload with all the explosions. I'm officially caught up on movies for now, unless it reaches 112degrees again then we will be back at the movie theater. Okay back to my regular schedule work GMAT (yup I'm back on the studying trails) gym and some crafting.

Sleep Over Sac Photos

If anyone would like to send me photos of there Sleep Over Sac I would LOVE IT! I will post them on my blog for everyone else to see as well!!!

Happy Weekend its 8:30 and about 80 outside its gonna be a hot one!

Sleep Over Sac

BT and I are in the process of gathering up camping supplies, in particular sleeping bags. So I searched and then one day on Woot they had a deal 2 summer sleeping bags for $20 bucks! This was right up my alley because I’m not going to camp in the winter (no way no how!) and were not exactly the hiking sleeping on the floor type. So I snagged them! They arrive yesterday and were in these perfectly little bags or sac’s.

Well I couldn’t wait to see the sleeping bag so I took it out and inspected. Then it cam back to stuffing them into the tiny little sacs, I officially failed! BT took a shot at it and failed as well (plus the bags aren’t made all that well).

We arrived at the conclusion there was no way we could get them back in and that it was a perfect opportunity for me to be crafty. So here I present the Sleep Over Sac. Big enough for the sleeping bag, PJ’s, Tooth Brush, and some other essentials. I would have loved to have this as a kid perfect for the My Little Pony Sleeping bag I had as a kid. The other advantage of this is that kids can actually get the sleeping bag in the bag cause its oversized!

The directions are pretty simple I finished 2 in about and hour. I’ve made the directions so you can measure your own sleeping bags and make the bag. One thing you may want to be familiar with if you don’t have a Serger is French Seams. If not no worries I will walk you through it!

Supplies

Fabric (this will depend on the size of your sleeping bags ours were pretty small so half to three quarts of a yard were used.

String/Ribbon and Clip (I reused the string and the clip from the bags we originally got)

Thread

Sewing Machine

Scissors, Pinking Shears, and Rotary cutter if you have one

Ruler

Iron and Ironing Board (this is a MUST!!!)

Safety pin (a small one)

(You could also plan to add ribbon or ric-rac in the process as well. Another option would be to do some hand/Machine embroidery on the bag especially if you have kids)

Measuring

First things first get out that Ruler and the sleeping bag you plan to make a new bag for. Roll up the sleeping bag as best as you can so you can get the measurements of the cylinder shape.

Here are the measurements you will need

1. Height + Radius of top of bag (Remember radius is ½ the diameter see geometry does come back to haunt you!)
2. Diameter of the bottom
3. Width of the Ribbon/String you will be using (if string just follow my directions)

My Measurements were as follows:

Height + Radius = 13+3 = 16inches Diameter of bottom = 6inches

From this we create the new measurements now this is where you have to get a little inventive on your own:

First increase the Diameter of the bottom by at least 1.5 inches (I increased by 3.5 and found a 9.5 round plate) . Use this to make the circular pattern piece for the bottom (I traced the plate on the fabric I had)

Second you have to calculate the Circumference of the circle which is Pi*Diameter or 3.14*Diameter = 3.14*9.5 = 30 inches (aprox) and then add a seam allowance of half an inch so 30.5inches

Third Add at least 4 inches to the height 13 + 4 = 17inches (you can add more to the height if you want the bag to be deeper to fit more items.

With the Second and Third measurements you will cut one large rectangle measuring 30.5x17 inches (or whatever the measurements you came up with)

Fourth if you are using string or cording that is pretty thin you need to cut a strip of fabric that is 1.5inches x 30 inches. If you are using ribbon take the width and multiply by 2 and add 1 inch (if you have ribbon that is half an inch wide then your strip should be 2 inches wide)

Here is it mapped out on fabric:

Now for the Easy part assembly.

First if you want to add embroidery or some ric-rac this is the time to do it! I would add it only to the large rectangle and the circle

Take the small rectangle and fold the short edges over so they are ½ an inch, iron flat, and sew down.

Next fold the long edge over in ½ and iron flat.

Take the large square and on the long edge fold over ¼ inch and iron.

Pin the raw edge of the small rectangle under the flap on the large rectangle. Make sure you center it (there should be some of the large rectangle on either side)

Sew the flap down. There really is no seam allowance here just try to make it in the middle of the flap. This makes a casing for the cord/ribbon.

From here you are going to enclose the raw edge of the flap on the large rectangle. This is going to sound difficult but its really easy. Iron the casing so its going up.

Next Flip over the fabric so you are looking at the right side of all the fabrics and iron the seam you just made up over the raw edge. This will enclose the raw edge of the flap.

You can either pin this down or hold it down as you sew. When you sew it down you want to sew close to the first seam you made (you can do it on top of the first seam if you like. This will completely enclose all the raw edges on the top of the bag.

(Image 2562, 2564)

Now for the French Seams

Fold your bag in half so the short edges meet up with the wrong sides of the fabric together. Sew a quarter inch seam on the edge of the fabric (you will be sewing on the right side of the fabric). Next take pinking shears to the seam you just made cutting it down a bit. Turn fabric so the wrong side of the fabric is on the outside and the right sides of the fabric are together. Iron the seam and sew down with a quarter inch seam. Turn so the right side is out and notice the seam is enclosed. Easy Peasy right? Well if not take a look at these tutorials: Here and Here

Now you’re ready to attach the circle to the bottom. Turn the tube you just made so the wrong side of the fabric is on the outside. Pin the circle to the edges of the bottom of the tube (where the raw edge is). Use lots and lots of pins!!! It should look like this

(You may need to make some adjustments to the tube if its too big. I just add a new seam that make the tube smaller at the bottom and then angle off to the old seam)

Next sew the circle to the tube using a 3/8 seam. Add a zig zag stitch to finish the edge and using pinking shears to finish edges as well.

You’re almost there now take the safety pin and ribbon and thread through the casing you made add your clip or tie a bow and you’re done.

This project can be modified to make a dirty clothes bag, gift bags, makeup bags, ect the options are limitless!