[ market day ]

OVER THE past few years, we've become accustomed to using reusable bags for grocery shopping. It started in Ireland where they were charging the equivalent of about 50 cents per plastic bag ~ we quickly started bringing our own!

Even though we've gathered a few of the cheap cloth ones they sell at the grocery stores, I've been meaning to make a couple of my own ~ something a little cuter to make the chore of grocery shopping a bit more fun. I finally got around to sewing up 2 new ones...

I dug through my fabric stash for something heavy enough so I wouldn't have to add a lining and found this black leaf-print IKEA fabric and had just enough to make 2 bags. I didn't use a pattern ~ I just winged it. I added a dotted pocket on the outside, perfect for a phone, wallet or coupons and used black ultra-suede along the bottom. I figured that black will hide dirt and remain nice looking for longer, but they're washable anyway so no worries. 

Sorry, no DIY on this one, but if you're looking to whip up a similar one for yourself, I did come across this cutie...

and you can purchase the pattern for it here.  Happy sewing!

lisa

[ amy butler gumdrop ]

AFTER finally fixing up my sofa cushions, I was left with 2 huge bags of the old stuffing. Not wanting to simply waste it and toss it out, it occurred to me that I had purchased a pattern for Amy Butler's gumdrop pouf a couple of years ago but had never gotten around to making one.

I dug through my fabric stash and found some of her fabric that I was originally going to use for a tunic top ~ {oh well... never got around to that project either!} I decided it would be a fun fabric to use for a beachy pouf...

It's an easy pattern to sew ~ the hardest part was getting all the stuffing in so that it's firm enough to sit on or rest your feet. It took almost the 2 big bags because I really crammed it in there but I love how it turned out...

I came across some other cute examples ~ there are so many variations and I love how you can totally customize it to your decor/taste...

There are 2 different sizes included in the pattern ~ I made the large size which makes a good-sized ottoman that you can actually use for extra seating. I love the fresh pop of colour and pattern it adds to the room...

If you want to give it a try, you can find the pattern at numerous Etsy shops as I did. Happy sewing!

lisa

[example poufs: via littlewillow.com; onceuponatime; betsymakingpretty; lady-blog.net; ajoyfulsoulfabrics; pinterest; cabbage corner; blog.fabric.com]

[ another tova ]

WELL, I'm pretty smitten with this Wiksten Tova pattern and I just whipped up another...

This one is a lightweight black cotton with little fuzzy circles...

After wearing my blue one the first time, I immediately knew that sewing only one wouldn't be enough {read about my first Tova top here}. 

It just seems to be that easy to wear, go-to top in my closet. And the possibilities are endless! Hmm... I wonder what colour I should make next?

lisa

[ a tova for all seasons ]

THE TOVA by Wiksten has taken blogland by storm and I can see why ~ a comfy top, dress or tunic that's easy to wear and universally flattering ~ and with no fussy zippers or buttons, it's easy to make. I decided to jump on board and I just finished mine. I think it's perfect with a pair of jeans...

I used a very light cotton sheeting fabric which was very easy to sew. I went through my fabric stash and decided to add a coordinating tiny floral fabric for the inside of the collar, especially since the collar sits open and is very visible. I'm really glad I did ~ I think it adds a special little detail...

The pattern is available from Wiksten as a pdf download which is super convenient. The instructions are thorough and easy to follow ~ just download, print, tape together and cut out ...

I made a couple of changes to my pattern:

1} I made the collar 1/2" narrower and rounded the top corner

2} I chopped off 2.5" off the length to make it more like a shirt than a tunic

3} I sewed the placket closed about 1.5" from the bottom so that I don't need to wear a tank underneath all the time

It seems that everyone who has made this top has made multiples and I'm already thinking about my next one. Here are some pretty examples from blogland done as various tops and dresses...

Aren't they great? I think my next one will be a solid or tiny print ~ maybe a grey. Wouldn't a soft flannel be so cozy for fall?

If you want to give it a try, pick up the pattern here and read through the sew along over at verykerryberry for some great tips.

lisa

[ distractions ]

OK, I know I should be busy whipping our place into shape, but I'm distracted today by an email I received from Colette Patterns...

the launch of their new Hawthorn dress pattern! A lovely shirtdress pattern with a pretty, feminine neckline and swingy skirt ~ a shape truly flattering for everyone. It comes in a sleeveless version perfect for summer, a 3/4 sleeve version that can work all year round, and a cute blouse pattern...

I love shirt dresses but sometimes find them to be a bit boxy. This might actually be the perfect dress pattern! 

So, although I've got more than enough to keep me busy right now, I couldn't help but stop everything and order this pattern {and it's 15% off until June 21}. If you want to make one yourself, buy it here {available as a mailed printed pattern or downloadable pdf}. I'm looking forward to shopping for fabric when we get to Canada next month!

What's been distracting you lately?

lisa

[ oldies but goodies ]

I'VE GOT a thing for vintage, particularly linens, quilts and handcrafts...

What is it about these beautiful pieces that just gets my heart going? Maybe it's the love that went into every one ~ knowing that someone spent hours making it just right. I think I'm having a bit of thrifting/flea market withdrawal. Are you as smitten with these vintage beauties as I am?

lisa

[via oliveanddollie.com; via juliapeters; via clotheslineandsunshine; 

 via sarahopp; via umla.tumblr.com; 

via shoptwine.com; via etsy; via jodicocanour; 

via littlevintage.fr; via fleaingfrance.com]

[ from curtain panel to...? ]

OK, I've kept you in suspense long enough. I know you're dying to know what I did with that curtain panel.

Well, I think most of you know that I'm a huge fan of a pretty tunic top. Looks great with white jeans or linen pants in the summer or skinny jeans in the winter. So much cuter and prettier than a t-shirt. I really can't get enough of them.

And so, here it is!

Isn't it cute? I love the casual peasant style of it and it's so comfy...

I wanted to add some beads to the velvet ribbon drawstring just for detail but I didn't have any on hand. Instead, I sewed a button on the front and back of each end and I think it does the trick!

This is the pattern I used for it...

It's a downloadable pdf pattern purchased from Sew Mama Sew. The great thing is you just print out the pages you need for your size, which style of sleeve you want {straight or bell}, tape them together and you're off and running! 

There are cutting lines for various lengths so you can make it as a shirt, tunic or dress. The best part is that it's a very easy pattern - no fussy fitting of sleeves or complicated facings ~ just the way I like it! And when I discovered that a single curtain panel or twin size sheet has just the right amount of fabric, that was even better {saved me a trip to the fabric store}. I love to repurpose things and this worked perfectly. {tip: use a very thin cotton}

So what do you think? A good use of a curtain panel?

lisa

linking to Shabby Creek Cottage Transformation Thursday

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday

Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style

Somewhat Simple

[ weekending ]

SO WITH my guy back in Canada for a week, I'm having a quiet, relaxing weekend just puttering around.

Yesterday after walking to the Marina Mall, I decided to take a load off and enjoy a ride back on the water bus...

for only 2 dirhams {about 50 cents}, I saved myself a 25 minute walk and enjoyed a 5 minute boat ride from the mall right back to my apartment...

mr. bus driver...

it's fun to see the buildings from the water...

and I'm home...

My guy is enjoying some of the things that we always miss being away from Canada and like the brat that he is, had to email me a pic of his lunch yesterday {one of my favourite things}...

What was I having? Well, I decided to whip up my perfect pasta salad and threw some tuna in it. My guy hates tuna so I had it exactly the way I like it {I'll post the recipe this week}...

I also did a bit of sewing which I haven't done in a while. You'll never guess what I transformed this into...

You'll have to stayed tuned for the reveal {I know, I'm such a tease!}

So, what's your weekend been like?

lisa