Fun Fabric for Girls or Boys

I just love this adorable, colorful polka dot fabric with cherries, cupcakes and apples on it. It could be used for a girl or a boy. 

I made a bib and burp cloth set for Kristy's baby #2, as I anxiously awaited to find out if it was a boy or a girl - it's a boy!

I also used this same fabric to made a fun tote bag for Jennalyn's 3rd birthday. I put a coloring book with stickers inside. 

I can imagine her toting a doll and a few books to her grandparent's house.


This fabric was at Joanne Fabrics and it was on clearance, so I scooped up the last couple yards. I'm sure I'll find more fun projects to use it for.

Tote Bag Giveaway Winner!

Drum roll please...

The winner of one handmade Sohl Design Tote Bag is...VIKKI! 

Congratulations Vikki! I'll be sending this lovely bag your way very soon. Hope you enjoy it! (Imagine confetti and balloons falling from the ceiling right now)

A big thank you to all you wonderful people who entered the giveaway, and for your kind comments! It really is exciting to receive positive feedback and know that in some small way I'm able to connect with you via blog land. And that people are actually interested in what I have to share. So, thank you very much! 

xoxo 

Tote Bag Giveaway!

***This giveaway is now closed***

It's time for a giveaway my beloved readers!

One handmade Sohl Design Tote Bag is up for grabs. Measuring 11 inches wide by 14 inches tall, with 9 inch handles, in a lilac bohemian pattern and a turquoise lining. Perfect for a trip to the library, coffee shop, flea market or use it as a purse!  

TO ENTER: Comment on this post with the word "TOTE" and your email address so I can contact you if you're the winner. If you prefer not to have your email published, you can send me an email with your comment.  

ADDITIONAL ENTRY: Become a follower of Sohl Design if you aren't one already and be sure to send me an email letting me know. 

GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Sunday, June 25th at 9:00PM EST

NUMBER OF WINNERS: One 

SHIPS: United States and Canada
(I sincerely apologize to my international readers)

The winner will be announced next week.
Good luck! And tell your friends!

Showing Some Football Love

Although I am not a football fan (by far), the people I love are. To show how much I care about them and their love for their teams, I headed to the NFL fabric section. For my husband, I sewed a pillow for him to rest on while he watches his beloved Eagles (when they actually broadcast a game in Rochester on a non-ESPN channel). For my dear friend Jamie, who is the second most loyal female Steelers fan (her Mom is the #1 fan), I sewed a tote bag with matching zipper pouch in TWO different Steelers fabrics. Fancy, huh? Yes, technically the zipper pouch fabric is upside down, but I assure you, the interior lining is right side up (something I realized AFTER it was too late to fix. Next time.) If a girl who doesn't watch football, that was raised a Bills fan [you may insert Bills joke here], sewing Eagles AND Steelers memorabilia doesn't equal love and true friendship, then I don't know what does! :-)

The Tote Bag

I am so appreciative of blogger's who provide excellent tutorials, especially the ones with easy to follow photos! When I saw this step-by-step guide on how to make a simple reversible tote bag, I couldn't wait to try it. I'm almost afraid to share my secret, because once people see how possible it is to make a beautiful tote bag, they won't be as impressed with my sewing skills. But, I gotta give credit where credit is due, so thank you Skip to My Lou! To make the bag, you need 4 pieces of fabric that are 13 inches wide by 14 inches tall, and 2 strips of fabric that are between 4-6 inches wide and 22 inches long. I like my straps to be a little wider, so I cut them each 6 inches wide. The bags are reversible, so you can either use a coordinating fabric for the inside or a completely different fabric (The straps are not reversible, I had to be mindful of that). I used a lightweight denim fabric on some interiors to give it a little more weight. I like to use heavier cotton fabrics so they aren't too floppy. Here are some of the fun bags I've been making. My 7 month kitty, Chancho (Named after one of the orphan boys in Nacho Libre) likes to observe the bag making process. An added fabric flower and button give it the finishing touch.This one is my personal favorite, and I use it almost every day.
I made this one for my cousin's 2nd birthday.
This java themed bag was specially made for my coffee-loving sister's birthday.
This "Something blue" wedding dress pattern made a perfect addition to a bridal shower gift. I have always had a love for purses. I guess you can officially call me the "Bag Lady" now.