Dr Seuss is in the Bag

I was in need of a quick project I could finish in a day.  It was one of those days that felt like I wasn't accomplishing anything and it was time to change that pattern.  So, I pulled out the last of the fabric from my Dr Seuss Quilt (still pinned and waiting for me to quilt it) and started cutting.  I figured out the largest squares I could cut for the maximum use of the fabric I had left over.  When I laid out the squares, I realized I had enough to make two smaller bags.  Now each child would have one to play with; perfect.

Each panel is a little different.  They all have the black with white spots alternating with different prints. I wish I had more red fabrics left, but no luck so I threw some blue in there instead.  I like the soft touch the blue offers.

Each bag is lined with white and red spot fabric.  This is what I used for the backing of the quilt. I decided to sew them together in a way that allowed the bag to be reversible.  Kind of a nice option in case the kids decide they don't want to carry matching bags, right?

I really enjoyed this quick project.  It was fun to figure out what I wanted them to look like and how to measure things out, etc. I wish I could have figured out how to sew the lining inside and then flip it so it was hidden.  Next time. I definitely will try this again, in different sizes, so I'll have the opportunity to try again. This has given me lots of ideas and motivation for the other scraps I have from various quilts over the years.  I am ready to get back to work.

I am linking up with Finish Friday over at Crazy Mom Quilts.  Looking forward to a great, and very busy weekend! Yeah! Enjoy, and thanks so much for stopping by.

Pattern Paper as fun as Fabric

I love pattern paper! It reminds me a lot of fabric and quilting.  Thinking of all the different combinations and designs you can create.  Awe-some! Just like with fabric, the choices can be overwhelming and it can be hard to narrow it down.  Also like with quilting, I really don't like having scraps left over. I am not so good at using scraps and I end up with a big box of paper pieces that I can't throw away, but I find difficult to use again.
I needed to make some thank you cards for my son to send to people for his birthday presents.  I wanted something masculine, quick and easy, and still has the look of homemade. I was searching through my paper collection and found these beauties.

I decided to make this pattern...

And quickly realized this was going to land me with a bunch of scraps that would be difficult to use.  So, I decided to switch the green and the pattern to balance it out...

But then I realized I was still going to have scraps, only it would now be a mix of colors of scraps.  So, I took what I had (instead of cutting anymore paper) and came up with this...

I am super happy with all of them.  I love using up all the paper, and when I was finished I only had a small (but still easily usable) piece of the pattern paper.  Just the way I like it. Now it's his turn to fill them in and we can send them off.

Stamp Set:  'Thank You' from Close to my Heart
Ink: 'Bashful Blue' from Stampin' Up

Crazy for Sweet Treats

For my son's birthday party I wanted to make cupcakes.  From scratch. I have tried this before, but they never seem to come out as soft and moist as the box mix.  I think the recipe I tried this time did a pretty good job, but it's something I am still working on.
One of the recipes I tried, but wasn't so pleased with, was a recipe that incorporated banana's into it.  I'm thinking, healthy boost in my chocolaty treat? Sounds like a good deal!

Well, they look good, and they tasted pretty good, but the texture wasn't right.  Too much like a breakfast muffin instead of a cupcake treat.  That's okay, the kids and I were able to destroy the evidence, and maybe I can find a way to turn this recipe into a yummy, and slightly healthy, breakfast treat.

I don't think I'd hear any complaining from the kids if I experimented with that. :)