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new bags :: a little sewing challenge/ game





This post is all about crating/sewing the quick, easy, artistic, inexpensive, and fun way! This weekend I was looking for a fun hand project that could be done on the couch with the kids around me, and I also needed a baby shower gift for Sunday, so this is what I came up with. I had these two inexpensive canvas tote bags (you know the ones that come in a 3- pack at Walmart or Joann's) that were from an abandoned  project a few months back. The bags already had the bird ironed on but nothing else so I thought a scrap project would be nice.

This is how the first one turned out! I loved it! I loved it so much that I decided to put in a lining with pockets so that I could use it as a purse. The whole thing came together quickly while the kids and I watched a movie. Perfect. I just used scraps and I worked long hand stitches with embroidery thread. I didn't do any measuring or anything like that I just built this little scene as I went, it was so much fun! (The bird and leaves are free downloads in the shop if you would like to give this a try.)

This is my camera pocket and cell phone pocket.

The second one was a lot of fun too. I basically did the same thing except this time I decided to challenge myself and make this one different than the first...you know the same feel but a different scene. I'm telling ya, this freestyle stuff where you don't plan ahead of time what you will do but just make it up as you go, is awesome! It makes the project so interesting and challenging.

Since this bag was going to be a baby gift I put two large pockets inside for diapers and wipes and then a cell pocket on the other side. I just love that lining fabric, click on the picture and you can see that it's little clogs! The sweet mama who received the bag really liked it too which makes it even more fun for me!

So here they are two very fun, easy, inexpensive projects that look different but have the same style. I finally used the abandoned bags, found a way to use up my favorite fabric scraps, and got a purse and a baby gift out of it, not to mention the fun I had making them! You know, this could be done on just about anything laying around the house....a shirt with a stain, an old pair of jeans, an old purse, a pillow or blanket, a dress, an apron.... Now I challenge you to get out of your box and try to make something beautiful with things you already have. Make it up as you go and see what comes of it! Lets make it a "use your scraps" game! If you want to play along let me know and when you are done send in a picture of your project and tell me a little about what you did, then in a week or so I will post the pictures here with a link to your blog (if you have one). Won't that be fun?! I will see if I can find someone to judge and whoever wins will get a $25 gift certificate to my shop for patterns or fabric! I am so excited! I love when things like this pop into my head while I'm posting! I guess we will need a few rules too. OK here they are...

Rules:
1. You must use things that you already have.
2. Of course most of the embellishments must be made using scraps.
3. You must enter here in the comment's section.
4. And you must send in your picture, description, and blog link (you don't have to have a blog) by Friday November the sixth to mamacaffee@hotmail.com.

(If you think of anymore rules that should be in place let me know)

Let the games begin! I'll be back soon with the story of how Molly ended up with a live lizard attached to her nose. And yes, I have pictures so don't you worry!

NOTE: I just moved the date back to the 6th because Jean fussed at me (not really, but she did call me out ;) for starting a challenge right before Halloween. I forget about Halloween because we don't ever do anything for Halloween, so sorry. Now that will give you 6 days after to work on this, so sign up!

Comments

Meghan said…
Very cute! I love it!
Jean said…
Those are totally cute and I can't wait to see the pictures with the lizard--

--but did you seriously just issue a challenge right before Halloween?? I have to hem a Hogwarts' robe and sew half a pioneer dress! I don't even know what I'm doing! :D

We got a little lizard last week. The girls set up a lovely box for him, and named him Hermes, and an hour later he was gone.
Samantha Caffee said…
***********************

O.K. Jean. Are you happy? LOL! Now you have to sign up because I changed the whole thing just for you!

xoxo,
Sam

*************************
Question:

Does it have to be embellelished that is already made? Or can we create something totally from scraps and enter that? I'm in the middle of a project made from scraps right now that I would love to enter. It's not embellished at all, but is made completely from scraps. They're not even MY scraps to start with; my Mother-in-law gave them to me!
Goosegirl said…
Ok. I will see what I can come up with. The bags are super cute!
Rose and Ivy said…
Ok-- I'm in too! Sounds like so much fun.

Marlya xx
Jean said…
Hahaha! OK, I will see what I can do! I can't believe you changed it. Sorry, I forgot about the many folks who don't do Halloween--I love making costumes!
Anonymous said…
how adorable! And oh my! I can't wait to hear the lizzard story!
tara said…
Great bags. How do you sew inside the bag with it already sewn up? I made a scarf a few days ago inspired by another blog. I blogged about it on my blog.
tara said…
OOps. I forgot the link.
http://tinyglutton.blogspot.com/2009/10/scarf-for-me.html
The Cains said…
Too fun! I LOVE a challenge so count me in!
Debbie said…
I love the bags and I'm in. Can we make more than one thing??? He he.
Anonymous said…
Those are adorable!
Bethany said…
Those bags are too cute!!!

God Bless!
Bethany
Leah said…
Thank you for the pattern Samantha, that was so nice of you to send it to me again! xx
Jody said…
This sounds like a great plan. I'll see what I can come up with.
Renata said…
These bags are great! You are so gifted! I'll see if I have anything around, but can't guarantee (although it would be great motivation to actually do something crafty!
Unknown said…
I totally love the bags. You are so creative. I am convalescing so i think I will take the challenge.

God bless, Es
Anonymous said…
I just seen your post on sewing mamas and have 2 bags of scraps. So, happy to see this but, urge wish I seen it sooner.
Kelli said…
Sounds fun! I'm going to try to get something together!
Just Me said…
I love this idea. We are in the middle of moving and I filled three moving boxes just with scraps. It would be nice to put a dent in that! So I am definitely in if I can set up my sewing area in time!
I'm working on mine, wow a professional to judge sheesh now I'm a little nervous!
Mama Lusco said…
Just starting my little project. Your bags are adorable!
Eleece said…
I'm always inspired by your creativity! I've been wanting to do something like this for a while; now I have the motivation!
it's all so wonderful!!!!
Here
is my entry, rest easy and hug your kiddos!
Kelli said…
I blogged about my entry here :)

http://myittybittyquilts.blogspot.com/2009/10/scrappy-candy-canes.html
Anonymous said…
I forgot to ask what size counts as scraps? A piece for my project calls for a 9x14 piece?
Marika said…
Hi!
I like the game now I prepared it from residual clay bag .
Today was ready i hope so I do not fall behind .I would like to gain a substance very very much I like your beautiful fabrics .
Embrace Marika
Dawn said…
Hi Sam...hope it not too late to join in on all the fun!
Elizabeth T. said…
I'm in! Thanks so much for the motivation. I'll post my finished product later.
Samantha Caffee said…
****************************
Anonymous,

Sorry to take so long getting back to you....It doesn't matter what size the scraps are! Just join in hun!

xoxo,
Samantha
****************************
Anonymous said…
My web cam is horrible but, here's mine. http://www.flickr.com/photos/crankystitches/4080543060/

It's a scrap bag and weighted pin cushion. I haven't finished the matching pattern folder cover & notion holders yet.

umma
Elizabeth T. said…
No Blog here - but some pictures of my Color Book, made for my daughter.

SCRAP PILE:
http://s672.photobucket.com/albums/vv89/eftragesser/?action=view&current=DSCN3350.jpg

COMPLETE PAGES:
http://s672.photobucket.com/albums/vv89/eftragesser/?action=view&current=DSCN3355.jpg

COVER/BOOK:
http://s672.photobucket.com/albums/vv89/eftragesser/?action=view&current=DSCN3356.jpg
Mama Lusco said…
I finished a little project after your challenge. Blogged about it today!
Unknown said…
No Blog
I just bought these big vintage buttons to cover last week from a SM. It was fun to go through my scrap bag and remember the things I have made this past year. I chose some scraps based on the patterns that would fit across the button, added some rick rack and then glued on a bead or two from my scrap bead jar.

Thanks for the challenge...It was really fun...these will make great gifts.

More pics at
http://s297.photobucket.com/albums/mm201/jamesther/Scrap%20Game/
I have photos up here

http://theprudenthomemaker.com/ScriptureBag.aspx


for the scripture bag that I made. A tutorial should be up by tomorrow. It is made of 3 small scrap pieces of tapestry that my Mother-in-law gave me. The tassel is from some curtains that were given to me from another woman (I cut the curtains into a dress for my daughter).

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