Explorer Vest and Another Art Smock

The pattern is the Explorer Vest from Liesl  of Oliver & S in the book "Little Things to Sew."  I made it as a birthday present for a friend in S's playgroup.  The plaid is DS Quilts from JoAnn's.  I chose to place it on the pocket bellows and the flaps.  The main fabric is a dreamy Lisette chambray also bought at JoAnn's.

Here's the back view.  Easy peasy project, and even with the bellows and the lining, it took me less than 3 hours to sew.

Here's my goofy girl modeling yet another birthday present for a friend, this time it's the Art Smock also from "Little Things to Sew."  Can you tell I love that book?  Not sure what the fabrics are, but they all came from my stash, which I am trying very hard to shrink a bit. 

Christmas is fast approaching.  I have a few things I'm thinking about making.  Ah, so much to do and so little time.  If only I didn't have to sleep....

I Heart Heather Ross

I started this bag a couple of weeks ago and just finished it last night.  The pattern is the messenger bag from LIttle Things to Sew.  It's really not my style to let something remain unfinished for so long.  Once I start on something, I tend to obsess about it until it's done.  Not so with this bag.  This was a leisurely sew, an hour or two here and there.  I had time for other things, like going to bed early and hanging out with the husband in front of the TV.

I used the same fabric combination as the bear carrier, Heather Ross Far Far Away 2.  The bias trim, lining, and straps were made from Liz Scott Sugar Pop.  It's a cute little bag, with an empasis on little.  But it fits S perfectly.  She can probably pack her extra clothes for preschool and a couple of smallish books in there.

So after finishing this bag last night at around 11pm, I saw that I still had quite a bit of bias tape left over.  Of course bias tape should never be wasted.  And so I has to make this:

With a real waist band and button closure.  Almost like a grown up skirt.  It was 1:30 am when my head finally hit the pillow.  So much for leisurely sewing.