Pleated Clutches

Lately I have been using my sewing machine A LOT. So much that it is kind of driving my fiance crazy-- his office space is about 7 feet away from my loud vintage 1960's sewing machine. Unfortunately for him, the noise is not going to go away because I have a new found obsession.

For the past couple of days I have been working on creating my own pattern for a wristlet. I love having a small pouchy bag to grab-and-go with just my phone, keys, and cards. All of my previous attempts were a little bit too small -- a tight fit for my phone with no room for lip gloss. Then, I decided to use a 7 inch zipper I had lying around from a previous to make a longer version of my clutch and BINGO something adorable was born!

I had this little red tree print (I think leftover from a fat quarter) and decided to pleat the front and make a strap with the leftover fabric. This is the one I have been carrying.

 Well, after making one for myself I was totally hooked! I went fabric shopping yesterday with my mother-in-law-to-be and while we were looking for decor fabric to cover some chairs in her house (going to be super cute, btw) I picked up several awesome patterns in the fat quarter and remnants sections! I picked some coordinating zippers and started sewing as soon as I got home.

Of course my new clutches all have pleats because I'm totally hooked on putting pleats into prints at the moment. This morning I finished the fourth one and got them all photographed and listed in my etsy shop.

Check out the finished products:

I love this color combo! Bikes with plaid-- so cute!

It's hard to tell because of the print but this blue floral is pleated too.

I can imagine making a million different things out of this orange sherbet anchor print. Love it!

This one is the jumbo version. The only aqua zipper I could find to go with this fabric was a 10 inch, so I made a bigger clutch.

I'm really happy with how these came out. If they're successful they will be my first machine sewn item to sell in the shop. Staying inside and sewing is one way to get through this heatwave. It's 102 here in Indy right now, yikes!

I heart repurposing!

I just finished making this shaggy pillow for my mom. It's made out of shirts I had to wear as part of my uniform for a sales job I had my Senior year of college.

It was super easy and quick to make.  I found the tutorial on craftgawker a couple of weeks ago -- here is a link to the tutorial below. You don't have to use old t-shirts to make it but it's much cheaper and more green that way :) I even stuffed the left over snippings from the shirts inside my pillow along with polyfil I had lying around.

**Check out the Pillow Tutorial from V and Co

The repurposing project that I am most excited about is my teacup planter idea! I picked up some teacups (and one gravy boat) at my local thrift and repotted some houseplants into them. I thought it would add a cheery bit of color and fun to my classroom's windowsill.

Here is a pic of me and Lars (my wiener dog) hanging out on the patio after repotting. (BTW, this patio furniture is repurposed too-- it used to be a dingy white abomination in my mom's back yard until I spruced it up with some spray paint and took it home with me).

Here are some close up shots in my classroom

 I found a great tutorial for labels for my planters-- these sweet spoon plant makers. I ordered some metal stamps and I should get around to these next week.

From Shrimp Salad Circus

I'm loving my teacups--  and what will I use to water them with? A teapot of course (also from the thrift)

The total cost of this project has been about $12 including the plants. Lots of plants will be on sale this time of year due to the lateness in the season but despite that these house plants can thrive year round with proper sunlight and water.

What are you doing to save money and resources these days? Share your projects :)