Stylish Market Tote

I've surprised myself by completing two sewing projects this week.

             The market tote idea came from the same book I used for the mouse pin cushion.

You probably have several tote bags for the market. But, what I like about this tote are the wide long straps that can go over your shoulder. I've made the bottom and the lining from a sturdy woven fabric. The top part can reflect your style or purpose for the bag. Because the straps are part of the tote, there is no chance for a strap to pull loose when carrying your items.

You could just as easily make it out of a vinyl table cloth  (thrifted) and use it as a beach bag or a rainy-day bag.

On my next tote to sew, I have changed out the print to be on the bottom half. If you decide to give this project a try, this is the link with complete instructions.

Let your imagination free and make one in your very own style....

Meggie Mac

Hickory Dickory Dock

The mouse ran up the clock.....

The adorable mouse pin cushion is shown in this book. If you decide to make the little fella, I do have some suggestions.

I thought he would be easy because there were only 2 pattern pieces. After struggling with the small pieces and completing the project, I thought of some ways to make it easier for me. On the first go round, don't cut the fabric close to the pattern. Pin the pieces to the fabric, then draw around each piece. Cut the fabric larger than the actual pattern. It will be easier to feed in your sewing machine and make the circle for the ears.

Because the embroidery work for the face is only 1 inch from the point of the triangle pattern, it won't be such a struggle to hold it while working on the face. After the face is finished, cut out the triangle for the body.

The body of the mouse is very similar to constructing origami. If you choose not to purchase the book,  here is the blog  page that gives more instructions.

Also, for the next one, I thought I might try tiny beads for the mouse eyes. By changing the ears, the animal could be what ever your imagination wanted. You could also fill it with catnip and make a new toy for your favorite cat.

And the best part......this is another way to use your scrap fabric!

Meggie Mac

No Sew Afghan

Fleece no sew projects are fun and stress releasing. From start to finish, this 48" x 63" afghan took me about 3 1/2 hours to complete. It is a surprise gift for someone at work. Yellow is her favorite color.

If you are interested in making one, go to this page and check out the more detailed instructions.

I wanted the afghan to be large enough to snuggle under while watching TV or reading a book. I purchased 1 3/4 yds each of a print and a coordinating solid color. If you are making it for a small child, adjust the size to fit.

I laid my pieces of fabric on the bed and pinned the 2 together. Then I trimmed away the fabric finished edges making both pieces of fabric the same size.

Just follow the photos....

At all 4 corners, cut out a 4" square of fabric if making a 4" fringe.

I start by tying several strips on each corner to hold everything in place. Make the double knots secure, but not tight.

I also kept my ruler close by to occasionally check the 4" length of the strips I was cutting. Remember it doesn't need to be exact.

I got so excited about the success of this project that I made one for my daughter.

Maybe I need to make myself one too!
Meggie Mac

Mug Rug for Santa

Am I the last craft person on earth to learn about Mug Rugs? I was flipping through my latest crafting magazine when I saw a project on them.  What a clever idea and the perfect gift to make for my family as a Christmas gift.

Check out my page, Crafts and More. I have posted my first craft/sewing project, showing my idea of a mug rug.

I guess you could call the mug rug a "hybrid"... a cross between a place mat and a coaster.

Meggie Mac