Happy Thursday! Today I have another handmade gift to share, this time a sewing tool organizer!

This is the fifth tool organizer I've made with the #10 Caddy Pattern by Sew Can She. It's a fun project that comes together quickly, and is really handy. It gets it's shape from a #10 aluminum can, which is 7" tall and about 6" in diameter. They can sometimes be hard to find at regular grocery stores, you'll probably be more like to find them bigger grocery stores or warehouse chains like Costco.

See my other organizers made from this pattern: Halloween + Constellations organizers, Patchwork + Sheep organizers.


I made this particular organizer for my friend Jacey! She loves Leah Duncan's fabrics, so I started off by pulling this beautiful print of hers. The color is just so pretty, and I knew it would show off nicely along the top half of the organizer. From there I pulled matching blenders from my stash. Fabric collections top to bottom: Lore, Around the Block, Whisper Palette, Carkai.


Picking the fabrics and the cutting/interfacing definitely took longer than the actual construction. I've made enough of these now that they really come together quick! I think I put it together in an afternoon. I added a circle of felt to the inside to finish it off, with a little hot glue to keep it in place.


I love how the little animals in the main print peek out from the pockets, so cute! These little organizers hold a lot, and are really handy for keeping your tools within reach. Plus you can fit all kinds of things in the main center compartment.


I use mine most when I am traveling, when I bring my machine downstairs or on the back deck. Plus, they're really fun to make and don't take a lot of fabric!

Find the pattern here: #10 Caddy Pattern by Sew Can She.

Happy Sewing!

Flannel Whole Cloth Quilt

Happy Tuesday! I thought I would break up the handmade gift posts which one of my recent quilt finishes. So today I'm sharing my flannel whole cloth quilt!


This is one of the simplest, quickest quilts I've ever made, but from idea to finished quilt it took such a long time to execute. I bought 10 yards of flannel for this quilt back in 2011. I had just finished my flannel plus quilt. I fell in love with that quilt, and I still use it constantly. Flannel on both sides of a quilt is one of the coziest things, and I knew I wanted another one, so I stocked up on two prints from Anna Maria Horner's Folksy Flannels collection.


Fast forward seven years to this past Fall. I had the idea to turn those cuts into a whole cloth quilt from the beginning, but never had a huge need for it. We had been living in apartments that had heat included in our rent, which I took full advantage of! So having more than one flannel quilt wasn't super necessary. Now that we live in our own house, and an older home at that, let's just say it's a little colder inside during the winter! I quickly realized that we could use a few more cozy quilts.


So, one afternoon I took the time to figure out how big I could make the quilt with the two 5 yard cuts I had (67"x77"). I had already pre-washed the fabric years ago, so that was out of the way. I did decide to take the time to pattern match the seam on both the front and that back, and I'm so glad I did. It really was much easier and less time consuming than I originally expected it to be. I think that's honestly part of what made me put off this project. I took some guidance from Amanda Jean's post on the subject. Considering I haven't done much of this, I'm very pleased with my seams, they are nearly invisible now that the quilt has been quilted and washed! Win!


I love my Nani Iro brushed cotton Vast quilt that has wool batting, so I went with wool again for this quilt. It is like a fluffy, fuzzy, warm cloud! 100% happy with that choice. It makes me want to use more wool batting in the future. For the quilting, I sent it to Melissa of Sew Shabby Quilting. I went with the popcorn design, which I have had done before and love.


Since this quilt is super simple, I wanted to dress it up a little by curving the corners. I think it adds just enough interest. For the binding, I used a long stashed Free Spirit solid voile. The color is heather.


We've been using this quilt every day since I finished it! It's usually on our couch, and Michael and I fight over who gets it. There were times when I thought about destashing this flannel, feeling like I was never going to make things project. I'm so glad I held on to it, moved with it twice, and finally gave it a purpose in this quilt. I still love the prints, and I think they more than hold their own as a whole cloth quilt.

Happy Quilting!

Handmade Gifts: Sew Together Bags

Happy Wednesday! It's time to share all the gift sewing that I did last month. I didn't make tons of gifts this year, but I always like to make a few. Now that they've been gifted, I can share them with you here!

Today I'm sharing two Sew Together Bags that I made for Michael's parents. I originally intended to give these last Christmas, but packing up our apartment took over and then didn't get sewn up. I had cut everything out and interfaced all the pieces though, so it made them come together quick this year!

Sew Together Bag Pattern by Sew Demented


First up, a paper themed bag for Michael's Mom! She's a first grade teacher, so I knew I wanted to take inspiration from that for her bag. I've had this handwriting fabric stashed for years (I'm not sure who it was made by, it was thrifted.), and it seemed like the perfect focal fabric.


From there I pulled another paper-inspired fabric, this lined paper print from Jot (and Literary) by Heather Givans, for the side panels.


For the inside, I used this tiny vintage pin dot that has been in my stash for many years. It reminds me of the inside of a security envelope! This was really a stash dive project, because I used an old graph paper print for the pocket linings.


After diving back into free-motion quilting with my quilted tree skirt, I decided to do the same with the exterior panel. Doodle quilting felt extra appropriate on paper fabric! I love how the little red dot for the bindings really pulls it all together and gives it a special pop!

All the zippers are gray YKK from Zipit, my favorite source for zippers.


Up next, a bag for Michael's Dad. For this bag, I decided to go with a denim theme. I used a variety of chambray and denim fabrics, all by Robert Kaufman.


I have been collecting these fabrics for a few years, but haven't used up much of it. It was fun to cut into these fabrics, and they worked great for a bag!


It's hard to see in the photos, but the pocket linings and the bindings are a speckled chambray, with little pops of primary colors. It's subtle, but fun!

Zippers are YKK in slate gray and white from Zipit.


For the exterior panel on this bag, I decided not to quilt it. The denim I used was pretty thick on it's own, so I just reinforced it with fusible fleece and called it a day! It's still nice and soft, but a little more clean looking.


I've now made ten of these bags! Find the other ones I've made here:
Dreamin' Vintage Sew Together Bags
Nordika Sew Together Bag
Geometric Bliss Sew Together Bag
Carolyn Friedlander and Paris Map Sew Together Bags
Indigo and Black + White Sew Together Bags

You can find the pattern to make these bags here: Sew Together Bag Pattern by Sew Demented

Happy Sewing!

2019 Crafty Goals

Happy Monday! Today I'm back to share my crafty goals for 2019.

I tried to be more intentional about my goals this year. Oftentimes I make a bunch of project specific goals and then don't feel like working on those projects. So, this time around I'm giving myself a bit more wiggle room. Hopefully that will still keep me plenty motivated! I'm also adding a section for regular crafting goals this year.

More broadly speaking, I want to make things that make me happy. I love making things for our home, so there will be plenty of pillows being made this year for sure. Making practical things is so satisfying. Over the last few years, I've made an effort to sew with fabrics that I really love, and I want to continue to do that this year too.

Sewing & Quilting Goals for 2019

 - Use up more yardage than I bring in. I'll track my yardage each month to help me stay on target.

- Make sewing a daily habit, even if it's only for 15 minutes.

- Complete one small scrap project per month.

- Finish or destash four long-term WIPs.

- Make a quilt from my chambray stash.

- Sew four new garment or bag patterns, ideally one per quarter.

- Practice a new skill (like hand-quilting, applique, y-seams, curves)

Knitting Goals for 2019

- Use up more yardage than I bring in. I'll track my yardage each month to help me stay on target.

- Finish a shawl WIP (Briochealicious, Daybreak or Hitchhiker).

- Finish a pair of colorwork mittens.

- Knit or crochet a softie.

Crafting Goals for 2019
- Complete a vintage crewel embroidery.

- Weave a table runner.

- Make wooden ornaments with the Cricut.

- Create a stash of handmade greeting cards.

I am hopeful that it will be a year of renewed creativity for me, now that our big move is really behind us. It's amazing how long it really takes to settle in to new surroundings and routines. I'm certainly feeling more refreshed than I did at this time in 2018. I plan to continue my monthly report posts, to help keep myself accountable for my goals. I really enjoy looking back on them. See them all here. And see previous year's crafty goals here.

Happy Making!

2018 in Review

Happy Friday! It's time to say goodbye to 2018 with my annual yearly review. This is actually the ninth year in a row I've been posting these wrap-ups! See them all here. Without further ado:

In 2018, I finished...

5 throw quilts.


4 pillows, 4 pin banners, 4 heat packs, a chair slipcover and a set of coasters.


8 thread bins, a sewing tool organizer, a pincushion, a sewing machine cover, and a scissor cozy.


17 lined drawstring bags, 4 tote bags, 3 sew together bags, a quilted pouch, and a checkbook cover.


4 sweatshirts, a tank, and a pair of shorts for Michael.


2 mouse softies and 2 mouse sleeping bags.


3 stockings and 1 tree skirt.

2018 Fabric Stash:
Brought in: 102 yards
Sewed up/destashed: 183.75 yards
Net: -81.75 yards 

For info on how I track my yardage, see this post.

In 2018, I knit...

1 hat.

2018 Yarn Stash:
Brought in: 1046 yards
Knit up/destashed: 186 yards
Net: 860 yards

I released a new pattern this year, the Workshop Tote Pattern (more about it here).

I shared 11 free tutorials this year, find them all here:

DIY: Sewing Room Scrap Rug


Fenced In Throw Quilt Free Pattern (Photo by Holly DeGroot.)


My DIY Thread Storage Shelf


DIY Enamel Pin Banners: New Sizes Added


Handmade Christmas Stocking Template Download


8 Tips for Precise Piecing


How to Add An Interior Slip Pocket to Any Tote Bag


Simple Steps to Great Looking Gussets


Dyeing Webbing for Custom Bag Handles


8 Top Stitching Tips + Tricks


Using Tucks to Add Structure to Your Bag
And now, a look back at my 2018 crafty goals to see how I did:

- Sew/knit with more yardage than I buy.
I'm going to give myself an A- for this goal! I wasn't quite as prolific this year, but I still ended up using more fabric than I brought in. And I brought in a whopping 70.5 yards of fabric LESS than last year, which is great too! I wasn't in the negative for yarn, but I feel okay about it. I didn't feel super inspired the knit last year, but that itch is back!

- Reduce my works in progress (WIPs), and end the year with fewer than I started with. I currently have 33 sewing & quilting WIPs.
To be honest, I did not continue to keep track of my WIPs by number, but I did make an effort to work on older projects. I finished my oldest WIP, my Wonderland Log Cabin Quilt, as well as my next oldest quilt in progress. This is a continuing effort for sure!

- Finish or destash remaining quilt tops/blocks from my book.
I made progress on this goal, but didn't complete it. I finished one quilt top from the book, and got another top basted. Getting closer!

- Make another quilt from non-quilting cotton fabric. (chambray, lawn, etc)
I made a lawn quilt and a flannel quilt this year!

- Make a quilt from my vintage sheet stash.
The first quilt I finished this year was a vintage sheet quilt! My vintage sheet four-patch quilt.

- Start a hand-work project. (EPP, applique, or hand quilt something)
I started hand quilting a double gauze Arithmetic quilt!

- Finish my Dreamin' Vintage double wedding ring quilt. This is the year!
I made zero progress on this, unfortunately.

- Finish my Fantastic Quilt Voyage. 
Another one that didn't get touched this year!

- Sew a Kelly Anorak Jacket.
I have all the fabric and hardware, but did not start it. 

- Finish a shawl WIP (Briochealicious, Daybreak, Sundial or Hitchhiker).
No such luck here either, didn't finish any shawls.

- Start knitting another pair of colorwork mittens.
I started a pair of mittens in December!

- Knit a softie or ornament(s)
Hopefully next year!


Considering how much time I spent working on our house this year, inside and outside, I feel really good about what I was able to accomplish. I would not describe 2018 as a smooth year for us, and it took a lot of emotional and physical energy to get through the year. I am hopeful that in 2019 I spend more time on creative pursuits! I'll be back next week to share my goals for this year.

 Goodbye 2018, Hello 2019!

December Monthly Report

Happy January! It's time for December's monthly report. See past reports here.

Figured it was about time to photograph my vintage pyrex display. Now there is just one more shelf to photograph!


I finished quite a few projects this month, most of which were gifts. I'll be sharing those soon! The day before we left to travel for the holidays, I squeezed in one last quilt finish. A alternative option for the Vast quilt from my book. It was really satisfying to get this one done!


I seem to forget how many drawstring bags I end up making before the holidays. I made quite a few gift bags this year, but also cut into this bunny fabric for a new knitting bag. It's from Noel by Cotton & Steel. I think it goes pretty well with my snowflake fabric from Curiosities.

Lined Drawstring Bag Tutorial + Lined Drawstring Bag Pattern


I treated myself to a Disney Tsum Tsum mini plush advent calendar this year. I opened each day's plush on Instagram stories, which are all highlighted in my profile (@jenib320) if you're interested. It was SO fun. I decided to make a small tree shelf to display them in, and despite it's imperfections, it worked out perfectly! I used this tutorial, but only made the top three levels and used boards that were a little narrower.


My one and only knitting finish for 2018 came in right under the wire, I finished it yesterday! This is the Swift pattern by Shannon Cook. I made one years ago (see it here), and it's my most worn hat. I think my tension has loosened over time though, because this one turned out too big. Still wearable though! See on Ravelry.


To keep myself accountable for my stash goals, I track my yardage for fabric and yarn each month. Read more about how I track here. Here is how I did in December:

December Fabric
Used up: 23 yards
Brought in: 8 yards
Net: -15 yards
Year to date: -44.5 yards

December Yarn
Used up: 186 yards
Brought in: 828 yards
Net: 642 yards
Year to date: +860 yards

Fabric wise I did okay this month. Most of the yardage I brought in was a 6 yard backing cut. It was a favorite Erin McMorris print from Noe, so I don't feel too bad about it. I finished a bunch, so that helped balance it out! Had some yarn activity this month. I finished my Swift hat, but I also stashed some yarn. It was with a gift certificate, so that shouldn't really count, right? :)


Had some good luck thrifting this month! Found a really cool huge glass bottle, some Christmas ornaments, and this adorable vintage sewing machine. It still has the price tag on it, it was originally purchased at FAO Schwarz for $12.99. So fun!


Really found some vintage sheet gems this month too. These were all found back in Cleveland while we were home over the holidays. I've had the purple one before, but I sold almost all of it in my sheet shop, so I was really glad to find another!


My sweet puffy George bunny. He is happy to be back home after traveling, he was a real trooper in the car. He's being constantly spoiled, as usual!

Have a Great Month!