So, It's Been Awhile: A Quick Update

 As the title says, it's been awhile since I've last posted. But in my last post (many years ago) I said I would pop up to give updates. So here I am with a long overdue visit. 

Some things I have been working on is a couple of stores on Zazzle, a fun little print on demand company. 

I created a new shop to go with my maze blog (Simply Mazes), so everyone can purchase cute tshirts and notebooks and such with my mazes on them.  This one is my favorite, a maze laptop case. 

Just for fun, I made a second zazzle shop called Sort Of Vintage with, as the name says vintage inspired designs. This is my favorite piece, the All You Need is T-shirt.

Something else I made is particularly awesome, a book. A long time ago, I posted this cute short "princess" story here.  It was fun to write and at the time I thought it would be fun to have it turned into a full book, someday. 

Well, it took over a decade, but I finally adapted and published it.  It's a Kindle ebook called To Be A Princess: A Story About Pretty Dresses and Being Yourself.  Plus, a paperback version will soon be available.

The ebook is currently priced at $2.99, but this weekend (June 16th -18th 2023) it will be free for a limited time. Grab it while you can.  Or hold out for the paperback, it will have a bonus.

In addition to all this creative stuff, I have picked up a few new hobbies.  

One I have been a little too into is houseplants. I currently have over 30 plants taking up almost all available space by my bedroom window. They are so pretty though, so it’s worth it.

I also have been trying to learn Japanese.  The keyword there is "trying", some people pick up new languages easily.  I am not one of them.

I have found two things that have made it easier to learn, the Duolingo app and sub-titled anime.  

I normally watch anime with the original Japanese language anyway just because I think it sounds better than most dubs, but I didn't realize how much vocabulary I picked doing this.

And Duolingo is such a fun app, and it covers so much.  And if I drift away from it for awhile and come back, it helps me review and catch up.

Well, that's enough for now.  I will post later with some craft projects.

Look forward to it.

Read More »

Saturday Shuffle Blog Hop #223

 

It’s Saturday!!  Time for another blog hop.

But first, a special announcement.

I’m sad to say that this will be the last Saturday Shuffle blog hop.  Some of you may have noticed my blogs have been really quiet lately except for the blog hop which I’ve kept going all these months because I wanted to so, so much.  But, I’ve realised there are many other things in my life right now that need to be higher priority and something had to give.

It’s been fun though for me, and I hope this blog hop has been as much fun for all of you too.  I also hope someday things will change in my life enough for me to come back to regular blogging and possibly start up this blog hop once again.

Anyway, since it is the last week, let’s make it the best one!

Here’s the deal:

• Keep all links family friendly.
• It helps to follow me or leave a nice happy comment, but only if you want.
• Link whatever you want and as much as you want.
• Older links are welcome, so are giveaways and blog hops, etc.
• Please grab my button and stick it somewhere, at the very least it will make it easier for you to come back. ---->
• My favorite links will be pinned to the Official Saturday Shuffle Pinterest Board.

pin board

I have set up a blog hop directory to showcase blog hops that I personally recommend.  Feel free to check them out.

Now get to it and have fun! :)

This link party is powered by Link Party Animal

Read More »

Cute and Simple Matching Laptop Case

This post may contain affiliate links, please check out my disclosures page for more info.  Thanks!

So a few months ago I bought a new much smaller laptop computer to use for blogging on the go.  It’s this one from Lenovo, my niece has the same one for school.

I just needed a cute case for it, and why buy one when I can sew my own?  This case is actually just a simple zippered pouch, the classic craft project.  Just a little larger and with a lining.

Since it can be tricky to make a pouch with a lining, I found this lined zipper pouch tutorial.  And if you need more help, I found a video tutorial for a lined zipper pouch too.

Anyway, I started by cutting four rectangles of fabric approximately 1.5 inches (about 4 cm.) larger than my computer.  I used fabric leftover from my new tote bag (see Cute Navy and Pink Pocket Tote Bag with Tutorial).

I cut two pieces of the cute pink flannel for the lining of the case and two pieces of navy blue for the outside.  I could have cut some batting for padding too if I wanted, but this was fine.

I also cut a smaller rectangle of the pink flannel for a cute outside pocket.

I hemmed the top and added some lace before pinning it to one of the outside pieces.

After sewing, the pocket is finished.

I then started adding the zipper.  Instead of just pinning along the top, I let the zipper go partially down the sides and around the top corners.  This will makes it easier to get my computer in and out.

I had to carefully curve the zipper at the corners.

After pining and sewing the zipper to both sides, this is what it looks like.

After sewing the outside and lining to the zipper, I added the lace along the edge.

You can see it is the same lace I used for my tote bag and my 2DS case (see First Aid Kit to Cute Nintendo 2DS Case).  Now all my bags match!

Anyway, then I just stitched around the sides…

…Turn everything right side out…

…And the case is ready for my computer.

Here’s the updated list:

• Costume
• Case
• Doll and Kitty
• Little Halloween
• 3 Skirts
• Accessories
• Socks
• Overalls
• Ornaments
• More Cases

Three down, seven more to go.  The next couple projects should be up soon, and there will be lace involved.  Look forward to it!

Give it a try:

• Coats & Clark Polyester All Purpose Zipper 22 in
• Coats & Clark Dual Polyester Thread
• Singer Sewing Kit Beginner's

Read More »

Sewing for Dolls: Some Last Minute Halloween Costumes

This post contains affiliate links, please check out my disclosures page for more info.  Thanks!

I cut it really close for this next craft project, but at least they are finished.  Just in time for Halloween.

Doll sized Halloween costumes.

I got my 1/6 scale ball jointed dolls all ready for Halloween.  Or should I say they got themselves ready?  Check out the doll blog to see, also to learn how to make some of these costumes for your own dolls at home. 

For this one (Yuna), it’s a super easy ghost costume.  Just need to cut some sheer gauzy fabric and slip it on.

My sister thought I should do it like on the Charlie Brown Halloween special, maybe next year.

This little boy is just wearing the cat eared headband I made previously.  Check out my doll headband video tutorial to make one, it works for dolls of all sizes.

For the next costume, you can see here how the doll (Sakura) “made it herself”.

It started as a simple robe, that could work for a wizard.  Don’t forget to check out my doll blog to see how to make it.

But, flip it around and throw on a hat, and it’s a classic witch costume.

The next costume (for Momoko) started as a doll swimsuit with a tutu, instant ballerina.

The tutu is made from a long piece of tulle folded in half with some elastic. 

But, take one of these butterflies from Dollartree and glue on a clip…

…Then clip it on my doll’s clothes for wings…

…And now it’s a fairy costume.

All the dolls dressed and ready for trick or treating, but one more thing.

These little buckets.  I was lucky enough to find them at Goodwill, but they actually sell them at Party City.

You can find the pumpkin buckets here and the Cauldrons here.

They are just the right size for my dolls, and add just the right touch to my doll sized Halloween.

Here’s the updated list:

• Costume
• Case
• Doll and Kitty
• Little Halloween
• 3 Skirts
• Accessories
• Socks
• Overalls
• Ornaments
• More Cases

Two down, eight more to go.  Happy Halloween everybody.

Give it a try:

• Singer Sewing Kit Beginner's
• 9" x 12" Basic Felt by Creatology
• ArtMinds® Fashion Mini Glue Gun
• Floral Garden Sheer Butterflies and Flowers
• Pumpkin Trick or Treat Candy Pails 12ct
• Black Candy Cauldrons 12ct

Read More »

Halloween Crafts: From Plain to Pretty Lace Fantasy Costume Dress

It took way too long, but I finally finished the first project on my craft list. 

A Halloween costume.

Does anyone remember this dress?  I made it two years ago around Halloween along with a couple of other accessories.  The accessories turned it into a cute fairy costume.

Sometimes great costumes can come from simple things, and I will show you how again with this dress.

I had this pink lace fabric leftover from an Easter dress (see Pink Lace for Easter).  Using the pink dress as a guide, I cut two tank top shapes out for a lacy bodice.

Then I stitched along the shoulders and “hemmed” arm area.  I just folded down the edge and zig-zag stitched it down.

I cut two half circles from the lace for cute flutter sleeves.

Just hem them and sew on along the arm area to finish.

The skirt on the pink dress is a circle skirt, but for the lace I made a half circle instead.  Here’s a great tutorial for half circle skirts.

I decided to cut the lace bodice down the center to open it up before sewing on the skirt.

Then I hemmed all the raw edges and layered the lace “overdress” over the pink dress.  Looks pretty now.

I then grabbed a needle and thread and to attach the lace to the pink dress along the front and neckline.  Just enough to keep things in place.

I wanted the stitches to be easy to remove in case I want to wear these pieces separately in the future.

Just throw on a few accessories, and my costume dress is done.  I still haven’t really decided what to call it.  This dress could work for so many pretty outfits.  From princess or fairy to anime style magical girl.  It all works.

Anyway, in addition to the left lace fabric I’m reusing the flower headband I also wore for Easter.  The color matches this dress perfectly.  Check out my flower headband tutorial to make your own.

Using more of the stretchy lace fabric, I whipping up some finger-less gloves that are easier than they look.  They are basically just tubes of fabric, hemmed and adjusted to fit my arms.

One end was pinned and stitch to go around my thumb.  An easier method it to cut the legs off a pair of lace tights and  cut off the toes for your fingers, but I didn’t have any.

So, now we have a pretty costume dress with matching accessories, and just in time for Halloween.  Yay!

Here’s the updated list:

• Costume
• Case
• Doll and Kitty
• Little Halloween
• 3 Skirts
• Accessories
• Socks
• Overalls
• Ornaments
• More Cases

One down, nine more to go.  The next one should be up soon.  Look forward to it!

Read More »

Up to Forty Five, Plus Christmas

Just finished my last craft project list a few days ago, so time for the next one. 

This one is special for two reasons.  First, it’s much longer than my last few lists.  Almost twice a long.

And second, it includes more than one holiday.  I have combined this project list with my Christmas craft list for this year.  It seemed best because I don’t have much to make this year for the holidays, plus it’s been taking me a while to complete any crafts lately.  Might as well shove them all together and give myself more time to complete them all.

Anyway, here’s my list.

Craft Project List #45:

• Costume
• Case
• Doll and Kitty
• Little Halloween
• 3 Skirts
• Accessories
• Socks
• Overalls
• Ornaments
• More Cases

And I planned to have it all done by the end of the year.  Better get to it!

Read More »