Now this was definitely worth the wait....

So I am FINALLY posting a new project. Since getting my sweet puppy, Harlee, I have loved making new things for her. It is like having another kiddos to create for. Here is the Dog Walking Coat......I LOVE THIS PROJECT!!!! I have made about 10 since making the first one, and I don't have a single complaint. Plus, Marlee looks pretty stylish wherever we go, and actually won't go outside when it is cold without a "jacket". My little diva dog!!! I lined mine with anti-pill fleece for extra warmth, and they are perfect. Plus, the pattern is easy to enlarge...just do exactly like the book tells you to get the measurements, and you will have the perfect coat for your perfect pet!!

SO sorry....

TO all my ADORED Followers,

I am SO sorry and shamed that I have neglected my blog for so long. I could lay out all the excuses but why waste more time. Let's just say that I am back, and have a TON of projects that I completed over the summer to share with you!!

Can't wait to get back into the swing of things!!

The Folklore Bag

I must say.....I LOVE THIS BAG!!! It was so easy and fun to make. It was the first time I had used a magnetic purse closure, and it was a snap!! Honestly, the biggest pain in the butt was ironing on all the interfacing. I used light weight fabric so I used heavy weight interfacing. This is a bag that I ABSOLUTELY will make again. The fact that it only uses one yard of fabric for a bag pattern makes it a HUGE plus for me. Not that I have a fabric shortage....probably like a lot of you.

Here is what you need for this little pretty.....

• Locate the pattern in the front of this amazing book
• 1 yard of home decor weight fabric
• 1 1/2 yards of medium weight fusible interfacing....heavy if you use quilt weight fabric
• 1 magnetic purse closure
• A copy of "One Yard Wonders...101 Sewing Projects" by Rebecca Yaker & Patricia Hoskins

Strapless Bandeau Shorty Jumper

This project was a tricky one. Though I like the end result, it took a TON of swearing to get me to that point. The directions weren't the easiest to follow, and I had to adjust the measurements on the length. I made the 5t. I also ended up putting elastic on the lower waist line so that it would make it "bubble" more. Plus that way, it could be worn with or without the belt. I also didn't use the d-ring version for the belt. I just made a simple tie out of coordinating fabric. I probably won't be making this one again any time soon. Though Taylor loves it, I am not the biggest fan.

Here is what you need for this project....

• Locate the pattern from the book
• 1 yard of fabric....it calls for different width for different sizes but I just used 44/45" and was fine for the bigger size
• 2 1" d-rings
• 1/2 yards of 1/4" elastic.....more if you plan to do the waist like I did.

Also, sorry this took me so long to post. It has been done for about 2 weeks. Every stinking time I go to do something on the computer, my internet has been down. Hopefully it will be better for the rest of the summer.

Child's Messenger Bag......one of my FAVORITES!!!

Not even joking....this is one of my favorite projects in the whole book!! I have even enlarged the pattern so I can make them adult sizes. I love them so much that I have been making them as gift bags for my daughters friends birthday gifts. This project is fun, easy, and the possibilities are endless. The only thing I don't do is the velcro. The bag stays closed fine without it, and I would rather do cute appliques on the front.

Here is what you need......

• 1 yard of fabric (the pattern calls for Home Decor weight but I just use interfacing on my cute quilting weight fabrics and it is PERFECT!!!)
• 2 pieces of velcro, each 1" in length

That is it!! It is seriously the easiest, cutest bag I have made, and believe me, I have made a lot.

Decisions, decisions.......

So I know I said in the beginning that I was going to go project by project, beginning to end. Well, kind of like the Julie & Julia idea, who would want beef 5 days in a row? With Summer right around the corner, there are so many projects that are totally "season appropriate" that are way off in the middle of the book. SO I made the executive decision to continue my way through the book, completing EVERY project, but now I am going to do them in the order I would want to make them. For example, I should be on the Cottage apron, BUT I REALLY want to make the Beach Time Towel Tote. I am also thinking that this will make my projects more consistent. I am hoping to do a few a week during Summer break. How AWESOME would that be? Plus that will give way for more giveaways, and more fun for all!!


If you have any comments or suggestions, please comment!! Who knows, I may just give something away to some lucky follower!! I have been feeling pretty generous lately!!


Thanks again for being my loyal followers.....I should be posting a project later today.

And the next winner is.....

bleuvanille!!! You are the lucky second chance winner of the adorable apron!! Just contact me at leighfassler@yahoo.com with your mailing information, and I will get it right out to you!!

Also, I know you have all heard it before BUT I really am going to try to get the next project posted soon. Life has been a little crazy around here with the end of the school year, boutiques, birthday parties, and not to mention just LIFE!! Again, don't give up on me!! This summer brings lots of sew days, with lots of amazing projects!!

I hate to do this BUT......

if I don't hear from the giveaway winner that was announced last week by Wednesday, May 19th, I am going to pick a new winner. Keep your fingers crossed!!

Also, I am sorry I am past my post date for the next project. We had to do some rearranging at our house this last week, and I am just now recovering & able to find my sewing stuff. I am hoping to get it complete by this weekend. Thanks for understanding!!

And the winner is......

tlnorrod....well that's her user name. Whoever you are, please email me at leighfassler@yahoo.com with your mailing information, and I will get this little pretty in the mail a.s.a.p. Thanks again to all my loyal followers, and guess what???? Giveaways are so much fun that I am doing one on my next project which is planned to post on the blog on Saturday, May 15th!!

Project #14.....Kitschy Kitchen Apron

As promised here it is, and YES, it's a giveaway!! I will give all the details below after I get to what you really came here for. This apron has been one of my favs to make in this book. I actually made 8 of these for the boutiques I have been doing, and sold all but this one!! I changed a few things about this pattern. I didn't do the "funky, vintage, and/or coordinating buttons" to the sides where you attach the ties. I didn't think it was necessary since I felt they were purely for decoration. I also put pre-made bias tape around the apron instead of making hems. SO much easier, and made it much faster too. This pattern was super easy to follow, and gave really great instructions. I would TOTALLY make another one in the future....duh!!

Here is what you need.....

• One yard of fabric....any weight will do
• 2 funky, vintage, and/or coordinating buttons, any size (optional)
• A copy of "One Yard Wonders...101 Sewing Projects" by Rebecca Yaker & Patricia Hoskins

I know you are dying to find out how to win this little pretty....well, all you have to do is tell me who your favorite fabric designer is AND why. I will choose a winner by Wednesday, May 12th. Good luck to all my AMAZING and LOYAL followers!!

Project #13....Mini Ironing Board Cover

I know, I know....it has been way to long. Well, I am happy to inform you that I have a "boutique break" and should now be back on schedule. I am NOT scheduling more than one boutique per week from here on out. Way to crazy!! Any-hoo, how cute is this Mini Ironing Board Cover? I so love it. The only change I made was omitting making a casing for the cording to go through. Instead, I used FOE (fold over elastic). I think I am in love with this little find!! It made it so much easier, and actually makes a really nice fit. Dang it, I should have taken a picture of the back to show you how amazing this stuff is....note to self: when making changes to the projects, take a pic of what you changed. I know I could have just walked upstairs and taken another pic but honestly, I am pooped, and am really looking forward to bed time. Maybe I will add it later.

Here is what you need for this little pretty....

• One yard of fabric (any weight or width)
• 2 1/2 yaeds of cotton cording
• Wrapping paper, freezer paper, or paper bags, cut and taped together to measure 18"x36"
• A copy of "One Yard Wonders...101 Sewing Projects" by Rebecca Yaker & Patricia Hoskins

If you decide to give FOE a try, to be safe, have a yard and a half on hand, and stretch it to its limit when zig zag stitching it on.

Next project will be up on the blog by Saturday, May 8th, and it's a giveaway project!! I told you I would make it worth the wait!!

Project #12....Clothespin Apron

I so, so, so loved making this. I think it is the most adorable apron EVER!!! It was really easy to make...under an hour. I did I few things differently....first, I used a different fabric for the waist band and trim. I normally HATE making my own bias tape but since it was a total of 15 inches, I thought I could handle it. Also, when I sewed the pocket to the apron back, I did them right sides together so that when I flipped them out, it showed the vibrant pocket on top of the muted back. I am loving this technique. It just gives it a little more "style".

Here is what you need to complete this dalring little project......

• One yard of fabric...quilting weight
• The pattern located in the front of this amazing book
• A copy of "One Yard Wonders....101 Sewing Projects" by Rebecca Yaker & Patricia Haskins

As for my next project, you may need to give me a little extra time but I promise to make it worth your while. Not because it is hard but because I am doing 5 boutiques in the next 3 weeks, and am feeling just a tad bit overwhelmed. So, since I am asking you all to keep following me and please be patient, the next 2 projects after this one will BOTH be giveaways!! And I promise they both will be oh so worth the wait.

And the winner is......

......SARAH SEITZ!!!!! Congrats, Sarah!! Pleae email me at leighfassler@yahoo.com and give me your shipping information. I hope you LOVE your hanging laundry bag!! THANK YOU so much to all of you who participated in this giveaway!! There are many more to come!!

FINALLY....Project #11 is Complete!!

I had totally meant to post this on Friday but have been having computer and camera issues. SO, HERE IT IS.....the Hanging Laundry bag!!!!! This was one easy project, and is so cute!! I used Moda's Odyssea fabric which is just ADORABLE!!! I am now a HUGE fan of plastic snaps, thanks to my friend, Jenn. They were so easy, and make for such a clean, finished look. There was nothing complicated about it....use a plate as a template for the middle hole and to round your corners, and pin everything before sewing so it matches up perfectly. So cute, easy and a fun way to get the laundry off the floor.

So here's what you need.....

• One yard of fabric....any weight works
• 2 packages of double fold bias tape
• 5 sets of snaps
• A copy of "One Yard Wonders...101 Sewing Projects" by Rebecca Yaker & Patricia Haskins

WOOHOO.....this is my first give-a-way!! All you need to do to be eligible is become a follower and leave a comment on why YOU should win this little goodie!! I will announce the winner when I post the next project!! Good Luck!!!

Drum roll please.........Project #10 is complete!!

I am so sorry this took me so long to complete! I have been trying to complete a few a week but this last week was CRAZY busy. So here it is, the 2-drawer Filing Cabinet Cover. It was again SUPER easy. I actually don't own a filing cabinet so I improvised to take pictures using my old microwave cart!! If you have a filing cabinet, you should definitely give this one a try. It is a DARLING way to hide an ugly old metal filing cabinet.

Here is what you need......

• 1 yard of home decor weight fabric (I used Joel Dewberry's Ginseng and I think it's lovely!)
• 3 packages of double fold bias tape....4 if you are going to use it along the back hem instead of a turned hem
• 6 1 1/2" buttons
• A copy of "One Yard Wonders...101 sewing Projects" by Rebecca Yager and Patricia Haskins

The next project is going to be a giveaway project!! It is an adorable hanging laundry bag!! Make sure to check back and leave comments! It is due on the blog by Friday, April 9th!!

My next project.....

So, my next project is the adorable Smocked Round Pillow. I know I set a much longer deadline for this one than I had in the past but I have started it I have come to realize that this project is going to take some time. I had to make a decision on what to do, so I decided to continue to work on the pillow while continuing through other projects in the book. I don't want to prolong it any longer than I have to but I also don't want to keep you all waiting for more. I PROMISE I will post the pillow as soon as it is finished so for now, I am on to the next project which is the 2 Drawer Filing Cabinet Cover. It will be up on the blog this week so don't give up on me, and keep checking back!!

Project #7....Ruffled Cafe Curtain

I swear my kids are making out pretty good with all these projects!! I ended up doing these adorable curtains for Taylor's room. They match her room exactly, and are oh so cute. She absolutely loves them. They were again, SUPER easy, and only took about an hour to make. Sorry the pictures aren't the best....I am so in love with natural light, and it is so hard to get that in a bedroom. Oh well....at least I finished them.

Here is what you need.....

• One yard total of fabric.....I used sheets since I knew they would match all the other stuff in her room perfectly
• A curtain rod to fit your window
• "One Yard Wonders....101Sewing Projects" by Rebecca Yaker & Patricia Haskins

Project #8 will be up on the blog by April 2nd......it's a tricky one!! I know this seems like a long time but I am participating in the Simple Treasures Boutique this week and have a ton of stuff to finish!! I PROMISE it will be worth the wait!!

A day late.....

Honestly, project #7 is done and has been for 2 days. It has just been crazy around here and I haven't been able to get pictures when there is good light. I PROMISE I will post it tomorrow. It is pretty dang cute....if I must say so myself!!

Project #6....Organized Bed Pocket

I have seen these so many time before and thought "I really need to figure out how to make those. They would be perfect for the kids." Can you imagine how excited I was when I saw these in my new favorite book? They were EXTREMELY easy....finished BOTH of them in under 2 hours!!! I made mine with 3 pockets instead of the 2 that was shown in the pattern. Just made more sense....we use them for the remote, books, and flashlight. I would HIGHLY recommend making these!!! Super cute, super easy, and super organized!!

Here's what you need......

• One yard of fabric


• 1 package of 1/2" double fold bias tape


• 1 rubebrized shelf liner


• "One yard wonders....101 sewing projects" by Rebecca Yaker & Patricia Haskins

Cole's with soccer stuff....of course!!

Taylor's in my favorite polka dots...love it!!!!

This pic shows how you use the rubberized shelf liner to keep it in place under the mattress.

The next project will be posted by Friday, March 19th!! Make sure to check back!!

Project #5......Mailbag Pocket Duo

So seriously....how adorable are these!! They were SO simple, and only took me about an hour to cut out and sew!! So worth a cute storage solution.....and it keeps all your mail or other junk off the counters and table. I am planning on using them in my sewing room to store stuff....I am so excited!!! Here is the only change I made....they said to use "ribbon to hang your mailbags from nails or pretty hooks on the wall". I stapled and glued 1.5" grosgrain ribbon to 13" dowels, threaded it through the loops, and waalaa!!

Here is a list of what you need....it's just a list of supplies

• One yard of fabric....any weight or width
• "One yard wonders.....101 Sewing Projects" by RebeccaYaker & Patricia Hoskins
  

Just a quick shout out.....

While patiently waiting for my next project to be posted, check out my sewing blog to see what is available to purchase and other fun, fun, fun stuff!! It is http://littleinspirations-leigh.blogspot.com

Project #4......Dresser Organizer & Charging Station

So admittedly, this project was not one of my favorites. Though it was really easy, even with having to machine quilt the interior, it just wasn't functional for me. I omitted the cut out for the cords to come through if you were going to use it as a charging station...that just made no sense for me. I decided to make it to hold all of Taylor's hair ribbons instead. The instructions were easy to follow and accurate. Though it is cute, and serves a purpose, I probably won't be making another one of these. Good old baskets from the store are a much cheaper, and less time consuming option.

I am not going to give it all away but here is what you need to complete this project.....

• One yard of fabric....duh
• 1/2 yard of lightweight fusible interfacing
• 1/2 yard of fusible fleece
• 1/4 yard of heavyweight interfacing
• A good ruler
• Patience to REALLY read though the directions
• "One yard wonders....101 sewing projects" by Rebecca Yaker & Patricia Hoskins

Project #5 will be up on March 11th!

Project #3.....Folding Chair Pinafore Slipcover

Honestly, I wasn't entirely looking forward to this project...mostly because I thought it was going to be a lot of work. Now that I have finished it, I LOVED it! It was SO easy. The hardest part was attaching the skirt to the front of the seat....it is one whole piece that attaches to the seat from one side, around the front, to the other side. The pleats along the top are really easy too. The way they are explained make total sense and I will totally use that as a guide in future projects. I am totally making these as a set so that my ugly black card table chairs can be cute and fun for parties!!

Check back on Monday, March 8th for Project #4. That is unless Adam gets to come home this weekend, and then there may be a few day delay. I am sure all who know our situation will totally understand!!

Project #2....Lined Bookcase

Woohoo...finished with project #2. Seriously, this one was super easy. I did the soccer theme because the only bookshelf I had that was that size was in Cole's room, and lets face it, the kid LOVES soccer. His whole room is filled with RSL memorabilia so this was the perfect project for his room. It took all of 30 minutes with the hardest part being fitting the fabric lined poster board back into the bookcase. My only suggestion would be to cut your poster board about 1/8" smaller than your bookcase for a better fit. I had to really mess with mine and I cut it to the exact measurement of my bookcase. This is a super easy, super fun way to take a boring bookcase, and make it fit into any room perfectly!!

Project #3 will be posted by March 4th.....it is a little more complicated than the first 2!!

Project #1.....Framed Tack Board

This by far way the easiest project I have ever done, and I totally love the finished product!! I let Taylor pick the fabric, so we went with the Michael Miller Lolli Dot. Oh how I love Michael Miller!! By far one of my favs!! So I drag the kids with me to the D.I. to find an old frame and some cork board. It was by far the cheapest way to do it....I paid $3.00 for the frame which was the ugliest gold color before I spray painted it white, and $4.00 for a 36x36 cork board. The project actually only used half a yard of fabric for me. Honestly the hardest part is stapling the fabric while keeping it tight enough to lay totally flat. That was probably due to the oval shape of my frame. As for the overall project.....I give it 5 out of 5 stars!! Totally worth the whole hour I spent on it including my shopping.

PROJECT #2 WILL BE POSTED BY FEBRUARY 27th!!

Why oh why??

While at a friends house the other day, showing off my new book "One Yard Wonders" and RAVING about how I love almost EVERY project in there, a HUGE light bulb exploded above my head!! Why not pull a "Julie & Julia", make all the projects in the book in EXACT order, and blog my likes, dislikes, loves, and any changes I found to be helpful along the way for all my wonderful sewing friends....so exactly, why not? I am SO very excited about doing this "little" project. I have given myself ONE YEAR to complete EVERY project in the book, and have even put a deadline on each one.....first one, the Framed Tack Board, being complete and up on the blog by February 24th!! I am even planning on including fun and interesting places I found the "materials" needed to complete projects without breaking the bank. I have begun to acquire quite a load of fabrics over the last couple of months, and have been saying that I needed something to keep me motivated, and make me use the stuff I am buying...well, this is the perfect solution. Also, I am planning on doing GIVEAWAYS of the projects that I make to lucky followers that comment on my posts!! Now doesn't that make it even more worth following? So tell your friends, and keep checking back for fun project updates!! See you on February 24th for the big FIRST PROJECT REVEAL!!!