Doctor Who Messenger Bag and Accessories!

In case you guys don't know, Doctor Who is my favorite TV show. And I'm currently involved with a Doctor Who Swap on Craftster and I've been spending a good part of the last two weeks making things for my partner. I have four things completed and a 5th in process, so I've really been in a Doctor Who crafty mood. I can't finish the last item until it stops snowing (partner, if you're reading this, here's a hint: spray paint!).I had some left over fabric and decided to make something for myself! I really, really needed a bag for one day and weekend trips to hold my books, art profolio, pencil case, camera, etc. So this was born!

A Doctor Who Messenger Bag and Accessories!

With all the items, the outer layer is made of duck cloth, the lining and most of the binding were made from a white sheet, and in between both was a tapestry kind of fabric to make it stronger. I stenciled the pictures on and hand painted them with fabric paint.

The Bag

This is the first messenger bag I've made. I didn't have a pattern for the size I wanted, so I made my own pattern for it. It measures 12x16 because I needed it big enough to carry my 11x17 art profolio. My kitty was insisting that he be in the picture.

Apology!

I just realized that a few people commented on some of my posts and I never responded. I want to apologize. I was never notified that comments were posted and just saw them today! Hopefully I fixed this problem! If you have a question or need something, please leave a comment and I promise to check more diligently! 

Easy way to save an old, stretched out cardigan.

I have this cardigan I bought from Old Navy about 7 years ago and I love it. The color, the fit, the quality, everything about it. But like all clothing, time, and perhaps wearing it a little too often, has taken it's toll. It stretched and you can see in the picture that along the buttons, it's sagging something horrible. I haven't been able to wear it for a while because it makes my whole outfit look... shabby... but I haven't had the heart to throw it away either.

So I thought, why not reconstruct it? I was a bit afraid to because I've never reconstructed sweaters before, but I couldn't wear it anyway, so why not?

I'm very pleased with the outcome. I cut away the button and buttonholes, following along the edge, around the neck and down the other side. Then I used single fold bias tape, folded it over to encase the edging and then sewed it into place (I didn't have any double fold bias tape that matched in color, or else I would have used that). I decided to have only one button for a closure, because I usually wear this with dresses and don't button it all the way down. I sewed the button in place then on the other side, applied a loop made of soutache instead of messing with buttonholes. If I decide to add the rest of the buttons, it'll be a breeze. And while I was at it, I decided to take up the sleeves a little because I like sleeves that stop at the elbow. It was a very simple reconstruct, but it made a huge difference! Now I need a place to wear it. :)

It's 2:25am and I'm awake.

You know you're a Doctor Who fan when: I'm watching Star Trek Voyager and they're trying to explain why they picked up a distress call they sent before they sent it and I thought "it's more like a big ball of wibbly-wobbly... timey-wimey... stuff."

Christmas, Presents and the New Year

What a holiday!

I know, I know, it's been a while since I posted, but between making Christmas and spending some well needed quality time with the hubby (who had almost two weeks off!) it's been a little hectic. Hence, there will probably be a lot in this post!

Gee, where to start?

Typically, the holidays aren't the greatest for me. Holidays are cursed in my family. I won't bore you with all the details, but I will tell you that even with the difficulties, Christmas was always the best. My grandmother always made it special. We always had a very decorated tree, Bing Crosby crooning, and wonderful homemade desserts. I think she embodied the idea of Christmas. She always loved to give presents to people, even to those who should have gotten a lump of coal.

But then two years ago on December 29th, she passed away. It was hard enough since this wonderful woman raised me and was in every way but biological my mother, but did it really have to happen right after Christmas, her favorite time of the year? Maybe for her it was the best thing, to be surrounded by the people who loved her at her favorite time of the year, but for me it was cruel. The joy of the season has this dark cloud over it.

But this year it was different.

For Christmas Eve, presents I made, and Doctor Who crafts I'll be making, click the link!