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Monday, November 26, 2018

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.

Cute and Simple Laptop Case

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.

Cut the fabric about 1 1/2 - 2 inches around the laptop.  Need two pieces for the outside and two for the lining.  Cut pieces for padding too if desired.

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.

Cut a piece of cute fabric for an outside pocket.

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

Add lace to the pocket before sewing it to the case.

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

The pocket sewn on to one of the case pieces.

After sewing, the pocket is finished.

Pinning the zipper to one side before sewing.  The zipper goes around the left and right corners.

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.

Close up of the pinned on zipper at one of the corners.  It curves slightly.

I had to carefully curve the zipper at the corners.

After sewing the zipper on both sides.  Also with the lining sewn to the zipper on the under side.

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

Pin lace on the case before sewing the sides.

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

Pinning lace to the case along the zipper.

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!

The sides of the case with lining are sewn.  Ready to turn right side out.

Anyway, then I just stitched around the sides…

Cute and Simple Laptop case 013 (640x480)

…Turn everything right side out…

The finished laptop case with laptop peeking from inside. It's a Lenovo.

…And the case is ready for my computer.


Here’s the updated list:

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


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Wednesday, October 31, 2018

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.

Four little dolls dress up for Halloween in homemade costumes complete with cute pumpkin buckets.

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. 

Doll halloween costumes 02 (465x640)

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.

Doll halloween costumes 03 (640x592)

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.

Doll halloween costumes 04 (640x527)

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

Doll halloween costumes 05 (476x640)

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.

Doll halloween costumes 06 (342x640)

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

Doll halloween costumes 08 (483x640)

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

Doll halloween costumes 07 (640x383)

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

Doll halloween costumes 09 (640x620)

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

Doll halloween costumes 010 (579x640)

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

Doll halloween costumes 011 (468x640)

…And now it’s a fairy costume.

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

Doll halloween costumes 013 (640x612)

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.

Doll halloween costumes 014 (491x640)

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:

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Sunday, October 28, 2018

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. 

From Plain to Pretty Lace Fantasy Costume Dress

A Halloween costume.

Before it's a relatively simple pink skater style dress made for a Halloween costume 2 years ago.

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.

Using the dress, cut a 2 tank top shaped pieces from the lace to make a bodice.

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.

A circle of lace fabric cut in half makes two ruffles for flutter sleeves.

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

After sewing the shoulders of the bodice, sew the hemmed flutter sleeves on.

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

Cut the lace fabric for a half circle skirt, here's a tutorial for that. Time for some math.

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.

The sides of the bodice are sewn, the bodice has been cut down the center to open up as with the skirt, and the skirt is sewn to the bodice.  Plus, the lace over dress is layered over the old pink dress.

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.

The lace over layer is hand sewn to the dress along the front and neckline.  It can easily been removed if neccessary for next year.

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.

The pretty new costume dress complete with a couple of accessories.  A flower head band made previously and a pair of lace finger less gloves.

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.

Close up of the flower head band made of faux pink and white flowers and pink ribbon.

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.

One of the lace finger less gloves worn.  It just a tube of fabric, hemmed on the ends and fitted to a human arm.

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 of the lace finger less gloves worn.  It just a tube of fabric, hemmed on the ends and fitted to a human arm.

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!

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Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Up to Forty Five, Plus Christmas

Craft Project List #45Just 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!

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Sunday, September 30, 2018

Quick and Easy Dollar Store Tea Set Makeover

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

Finally, the last project on my list.  A pretty tea set.

Quick and Easy Dollar Store Tea Set Makeover

I wanted another cute little porcelain tea set for my dolls and stuff.  You used to be able to find them at most dollar stores.  Sadly that’s not the case anymore. 

So, I did the next best thing.

A pink and yellow plastic toy tea set bought from Dollar Tree, a dollar store chain.

I got a plastic set instead (see the doll blog for their reaction).  You can find this tea set at Dollar Tree as well as most dollar stores.

It’s the right size and is sort of cute, but the colors are kind of tacky.  The easiest way to fix the color issue was to paint it.

So let’s paint some plastic!

Getting ready to paint the tea set using acrylic paints, glossy Mod Podge, cheap brushes, a paper plate and one other tool.

I gathered up some supplies I had on hand and got to work.  I used acrylic paints, paint brushes, a paper plate for the paint, and glossy Mod Podge

The Mod Podge protects the work and makes the pieces shiny and pretty.

The strangest tool needed, emory boards for nails.  Can also use fine sandpaper.  Just lightly sand the surface of the plastic pieces before painting them.

I also used these, nail emery boards.  You could also use fine sand paper, but I used these because it’s what I had around.

So first, I lightly sanded the surface of all my pieces.  This helps the paint stick on better, or so I’ve been told.

Paint the pieces with 1-2 coats of white paint as a base.  Let dry  between coats.

Then I applied 2 coats of white paint to all the pieces, allowing them to dry between coats.  I painted one side of each piece at a time.

I was going to paint the pieces a different color after the white paint dried, but I decided they looked pretty that way and went with it.

Adding pink paint to bring out the details in the cute dishes and cups.  There are little hearts and flowers!

I then added some pale pink paint to bring out some of the details.

Finish with one 1-2 coats of glossy Mod Podge to protect and make it shine.

And finally, I applied two coats of the glossy Mod Podge (allowing to dry between coats) to seal and finish them.

The tea set looks so much nicer now.  The gloss makes the pieces look very porcelain-like, but since they are plastic I don’t have to worry about dropping them.

A close up of one of the tea cups, looks a little like porcelain now with the gloss.

I could have painted little designs on the cups like flowers and such if I wanted to, but maybe I will save that for another set.

A close up of the tea pot, it looks great too.

I really like how cute the tea pot came out.  There were little roses around the heart that I didn’t even notice until I started painting it.

A close up of one of the dishes, you can really see the cute heart pattern.

The plates look really pretty too, the hearts are so sweet.

A close up of one of the spoons.  It is painted white with pink on the inside.

I added a touch of pink to the spoons to tie them into the set, also because painting them white made them look too much like “disposable” plastic spoons.  Maybe next time I’ll try using a silver or gold paint.

The finished teaset in all its glory.

Over all, I think the tea set looks great and it would be fun to paint more of them in the future.

Here’s the updated list:

Six down and out.


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Thursday, September 20, 2018

Sewing for Dolls: Pink Sweater Set with Navy Skirt

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


After way, way too much time away, I finely have gotten around to posting my next project.  More doll clothes!

A cute doll outfit.  A pink sleeve less top with matching sweater, a navy blue skirt and a detachable bow pin.

One of my ball jointed dolls has been long overdue for a new outfit.  I had visions of pink and navy blue in my head, so I made this cute and classic set.  There’s a pink “sweater set”, a navy blue half circle skirt, and a tiny bow pin.  I wanted to add a cute beret, but my fabric choices weren’t cutting it.

The cute doll outfit worn by a ball jointed doll.

Here’s the new doll outfit worn by it’s cute owner.  (By the way, the headband she is wearing is made from this tutorial.)

Close up of the pink sock sweater.

The sweater set was made from a pair of pink knee socks (like these).  I just made another sock sweater and whipped up a knit top to go underneath.

The doll with the sweater removed to show off the sleeveless knit top.

The top is sleeveless because this is Arizona and Summer temperatures last into “Fall”. :(

The small ribbon bow.

The easiest piece to make was the bow pin.  Just make a tiny bow with ribbon (here’s a video for it), then flip it over…

The back of the ribbon bow showing off a tiny gold safety pin sewn on.

…And sew on a tiny gold safety pin.  Easy doll sized pin done!

Showing off the navy blue skirt worn by the doll.  You can see her cute shoes too.

The skirt is another doll sized half circle skirt, just made smaller for this 1/6 scale doll instead.  I used more of the poplin fabric leftover from other projects (a dress, a costume, a bag, and still counting).

If you’re interested in making this outfit for your own yosd sized ball jointed dolls or similar sized dolls, I whipped up a tutorial for the whole outfit with patterns for the skirt and top, instructions and other links.  You can find it here on my doll blog.

Here’s the updated list:

Five down, just one more to go.  So close!


Give it a try:

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Sunday, August 19, 2018

Cute Navy and Pink Pocket Tote Bag with Tutorial

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

The next project on my craft list is a practical one, but still cute and with a tutorial too!

Cute Navy and Pink Pocket Totebag with Tutorial

I needed a new tote bag to lug around my stuff on weekends.  One that was sturdy, wouldn’t stain easily, and of course would look cute. 

So, I picked out two different fabrics and came up with this blue and pink bag.  It’s trimmed with lace and has a cute printed pocket on the outside and one on the inside as well.

To make one for yourself you will need:

  • 2 contrasting fabrics, about 1 yard of each.
  • Matching thread
  • Basic sewing supplies
  • Basic sewing knowledge
  • (Optional) Interfacing, see below.
  • (Optional) Sewing machine, hand sewing is possible.
  • Lace or other trim, about 2 yards.
  • (Optional) DVDs, Netflix, etc. because movies and sewing projects go well together.

Cut two squares of fabric for the inner and outer side of the bag.  Mine are navy blue and a pink print with cute bunnies.

These are the fabrics I used.  One is some navy blue poly poplin I had leftover from a dress and a costume, this is for the outside of the back.  It’s a nice color that won’t show dirt easily.

For the inside (or lining) of the bag I used more of the that cute pink flannel I used for my 2DS Case.  Told you it would pop up again.

I didn’t bother with interfacing because both of my fabrics are pretty thick, but I recommend it for thinner or easily wrinkled material.  You will want to use it on the pockets, straps, and the outer fabric.

Anyway, cut 2 squares of fabric about 20 x 20 in. (51 x 51 cm.) from each of your fabrics.  This makes a bag that’s large enough to carry my laptop, you may wish to make yours a little smaller.

Cut two rectangles for pockets from the cute inner fabric.

Next, cut two rectangles 9 x 15 in. (23 x 38 cm.) from your inner fabric.  These will be pockets, one for the inside and one on the outside.

Hem the top edge of the pockets.

Proceed to hem the top edge of each pocket.  If you are going to add lace to the pocket, this is the time to do it.

Pinning and sewing on the pockets.

Fold back the other edges of the pocket and pin to one of the squares of inner fabric before sewing down the pocket.  Repeat with the outer fabric.

The pink pocket sewn onto the navy blue fabric.

After sewing on the pocket, you can sew a line down the center to divide it into two pockets.  This is purely optional, but fun.

Pin the sew around the bag.

Now it’s time to start assembling the bag.  Pin the two squares together with right sides facing, then sew the sides and bottom.  Repeat for the inner fabric as well.

Sewing the corners to form a flat bottom bag.

Here I have my “lining” with the bottom corner turned and pinned flat.  I just sew along the pins, repeat on the other corner and…

The bottom is now flat!

…boom!   Flat bottomed bag!

Just need to repeat for the outer fabric part.  Of course, this is optional, but it’s a nice little detail.  If you need more help, here’s a great video tutorial for doing this.

Sewing the lining into the bag.

Almost done now.  Stick your lining into the outer part with rights sides together and pin them along the top edge.  Sew around the top, but leave a hand size bit open.

The tote bag is almost done!

When you finish sewing, turn it all “right side” out,  then carefully tuck your inner part into your brand new bag!

Topstitching the top of the bag.

Well, it’s almost a bag.  Pin along the top edge again and top stitch to close the unsewn part and to make the bag neat. 

And now the body of the bag is complete.  Let’s get those straps done.

Cut long strips for the straps.

Cut two long rectangles 3 x 26 in. (7.5 x 66 cm.) for each strap.  I chose to use pink on one side and blue on the other of each strap, but do what you like.

Pin and sew the straps.

With right sides together, pin and sew along the long side of each strap, leave the ends open. Then carefully turn them right sides out.  This might take sometime, but that’s why we watch movies while sewing.

Sewing around the straps.

After turning, tuck the ends in and pin along all around the straps before sewing along the edges.

Attach the straps to the bag.

Pin the straps on the bag where you want them.  Try the bag on before sewing the straps in place.

Add some lace to complete the cute tote bag.

Now you can add some lace or trim along the top edge of the bag.

Confession: I added the lace too soon and it got in my way.  I also forgot to add the pocket lace before sewing the pocket on the bag, so I had to do it by hand afterwards.  :(

The finished navy blue bag with cute pink pockets, lining, and lace trim.

Anyway, now the bag is done and ready to haul all your junk, but in a cute way!

Here’s the updated list:

Four down, just two more to go.  The next one will be up fairly soon, try to guess what it will be.


Give it a try:

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Sunday, August 5, 2018

First Aid Kit to Cute Nintendo 2DS Case

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

As promised yesterday, here’s the next project on my craft list.  But first, let me share something new and wonderful.

The New Nintento 2DS XL still in the box.

My Nintendo 2DS XL.

I got it (on sale!) about two months ago, and it’s been entertaining (and distracting) me ever since.

The back side of the Nintendo 2 DS XL box.

I originally was looking at the cheaper Nintendo 2DS bundles, but I went with this one because the screen was larger and it’s able to play more games.  You can compare all the features on this site.

Anyway, I thought that my nice new handheld gaming console could use a nice case to carry it along with all the games and accessories I find myself lugging around.

A red first aid kit case from CVS, the drug store.

Enter the first aid kit case, we sell it at work (I work in a CVS drug store). 

There was a deal where if you bought three first aid items you would get a coupon for a free case.  Long story short, I now have five free cases.  Got to find a use for them all somehow.

The inside of the the first aid kit case, there are several built in pockets and a zippered one.

It has plenty of built in pockets and a zippered one too.  Perfect for storing plenty of things, besides Band-Aids.

The first aid kit case is great for the storing the nintendo ds, but it could be cuter.

The downside is it isn’t that cute looking.  The CVS logo screams medical supplies.

First Aid Kit to Nintendo 2DS Case.

It’s time to fix that, let’s take this plain looking case and make it super cute!

Cut two pieces of cute fabric large enough to cover the sides of the case, with a little extra on the sides to fold in the raw fabric edge.

First, I cut two pieces of fabric large enough to cover the sides of the case, plus a little extra to finish the raw edges.  I found it easier to cut some paper to the size I wanted first, and then use that as a “pattern”.

Close up of the cute fabric, it's a pink flannel with kawaii bunnies all over.

This is the fabric I used, it’s a super cute pink flannel print I found at SAS.  I bought several yards of it, so you will be seeing more projects with it.

Cut the corners of the fabric before folding back the raw edges and pinning them down.

I cut the corners of the fabric before folding and pinning back the edges.  This takes care of those raw edges.

Add pretty lace along the edges of the fabric if you want.

Then I added lace along the edges.

Pin the fabric to the sides of the case, then carefully sew along the edges, by hand or machine.  It's easier by hand though.

With the fabric all prepped and ready, I pinned it to the sides of the case and carefully sewed it on with a zig-zag stitch.

I used a zig-zag stitch because I knew the stitches would show on the inside, and thought the zig-zags would look cuter.

Finish with a cute bow.

Add a bow on the front, and the outside of the case is done.

Now for the inside I wanted a little more pocket space, surprisingly.

To make an extra pouch pocket, cut fabric the same width as the other pieces and three times as long.  Hem or finish the raws edges.

I cut another piece of fabric the same width as the other ones, but three times the length.  I then finished the raw edges by folding them once and zig-zaging around.

I did it that way instead of a regular hem to reduce the bulk, flannel is quite thick.

Fold the fabric at the bottom and sew on the sides to form a pocket with the rest of the fabric being the flap.

Then fold the bottom third up, sew the sides and bottom to create an instant pocket….

Sew on some Velcro to close the flap, but oops!  Should have done that before sewing down the pocket.

…Only to realize afterward that I should have sewn on the Velcro before sewing the pocket.  It would have been so much easier.  Lesson learned.

sew a line of stitching or two to divide the pocket to organize supplies.

Then I stitched a line down the pocket to make two smaller ones for organizing my junk.  The one is for extra styluses, and the other is for screen wipes and other stuff.

Sew the pouch into the case along the bottom edge.

I attached it to the bottom of the case.  It kind of reminds me of a binder pencil case now.

Now the ds case is finished and ready to fill with gaming stuff.

And with that the case is finished and ready to fill.

The filled nintendo ds case filled on one side with charging cables and such.

Here I have my chargers and power bank neatly secured in their pockets.

The nintendo ds case filled on the other side with games, plus the 2 ds xl peeking out of it's pocket.

And here, I have my 2DS XL in it’s new pocket along with my game cards in their zippered pocket.

A bunch of Nintendo DS and 3DS game carts stored in tiny ziplock bags, they are actually pill pouches.

Speaking of games, here’s how I store them to keep them free of dust and scratches.  They are kept in what appears to be tiny zip lock baggies when not in use.

A medicine pouch bought from a drug store.  They are perfect for storing ds games to keep them dust free and safe.

These are actually tiny medicine bags I also bought at work.  You can find them at most drug stores.  They are also handy for storing tiny craft supplies, like beads.

Here’s the updated list:

Three down, three more to go.


Give it a try:

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