Snap It Up basket

This is an experiment. I recently noticed that Blogger has made some changes that enable me to do more editing of my blog posts from my iPad. Then I tried to see if I could upload photos directly from my iPad, and it worked. So next is to see if I can write a whole post from the iPad. I already know I can’t do it the same way I do from my PC, so this is a brief post just to see what works (and doesn’t). Wish me luck!

Back in March after the initial covid scare and lockdowns began, I felt the need for a quick, fun little project to focus on, just to take my mind away from it all for a while. (Anybody relate to that?) I had the perfect pattern that I’d downloaded some time ago but hadn’t tried yet, and it was just what I needed. It’s a free pattern that is accessible by joining the MOMENTS by Liz Facebook group. Liz writes some great patterns. This one is called the Snap It Up Basket, and you can see why here:

It has a snap in each corner. When it isn’t snapped up, it folds flat like this:

Pretty cool, huh? So it doesn’t take much room for storage when it’s not in use. Liz also was generous in making files available in her group for various sizes of the basket. Mine is the largest size. Here are some fluffy pics for size reference:

The baskets could be used for any number of things. I hope to make more of the sizes someday, because they’re so easy and fun to make. I might even see if Miss Courtney wants to make some.

If you’ve been following my blog for a loooong time, you may recognize that outer fabric as one of Jess’s early canvas designs. The inner fabric is a cotton that I’ve had in my stash for 30 years or so - ha! Yep, it’s a good stash-buster project, too. I love sewing little things that come together quickly and use up small fabric pieces. The snaps are KAMsnaps, but any kind can be used, and if you don’t have snaps, you could use velcro or even just stitch the corners closed (which would mean you couldn’t flatten it, of course).

Well, folks... I think I’ve managed to write a successful blog post entirely from the iPad. We’ll know for sure once I hit the Publish button. (Let me know if you see any problems with it.) Maybe this will even get me writing posts more often? We’ll see... but as I always say, don’t hold your breath. 😉

Demi wallet

Surprise! I'm back already... the second post in only three days! I know... shocking, isn't it? The reason is that I've completed another pattern test, and the pattern was released yesterday, so I want you to be able to take advantage of the 20% discount price if you should 'need' it! All the other patterns and beautiful things in the shop are discounted, too, so now's the time buy and save! The discount is only good through this weekend.

The pattern is the newest by Linds Handmade Designs, the Demi wallet, and it can be purchased here. I love this little wallet, and here is my version.

It has everything I need in a wallet - card slots, two optional clear vinyl ID windows, a full-size slip pocket for cash, and .....

..... a zippered coin pocket.

It's small, as you can see by my fingers holding it. It measures 5" wide by 4" tall. It closes with a magnetic snap (which I used) or a twist lock. KAMsnaps work great, too.

The print fabric is a piece I received from one of Jess's friends who is from Japan. I was waiting for just the right project to make from it, and this turned out to be perfect. It's so pretty, and has a nice texture to it, which you can see if you look closely.

There wasn't quite enough to do the entire exterior (the piece was 10" square), so I improvised by doing the contrasting flap. There are so many possible fabric combinations you can do in this wallet, so it makes a great scrap buster.

I always enjoy sewing Linds's patterns. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and she uses actual photos rather than diagrams, which I appreciate. She also makes very helpful videos for her patterns, and they can be seen in her Facebook group and now on YouTube, too! She also sews many things herself that she sells in her Etsy shop - check them out here. They're gorgeous, and many of them are leather!

Just as a sideline, I sometimes have a hard time getting good photos of the things I sew, especially when the day is cloudy and dark. That happened to be the case with this wallet, so I had my photo tent out and was trying different things with that. I turned my back for a couple seconds, and when I turned back, this is what I saw. I guess she thinks it's just her size.