Wednesday on the Worktable: Quilted Tissue Pillows

I mentioned on Monday that half the cut fabric on my table was for a new design that I would show you today: Quilted Tissue Pillows! Oh boy, do I love these! About half of my creations come from personal necessity (while the other half come from requests from friends and customers) and these are something I've always needed to have on hand. As an allergy sufferer, there are never enough tissues around when I'm out and about. Having a cute little Quilted Tissue Pillow in my tote bag will be so handy! I hope you think so, too! When they are stuffed with a pocket pack of tissues they look like little pillows (or burritos, but Quilted Tissue Burritos doesn't sound quite as cute!)

Wednesday on the Worktable: More Custom Bags - So Fun!

This week my worktable is taken up with more custom bag creations. Most of the bags I make are custom orders from friends of ladies for whom I've made bags in the past - the very best kinds of referrals! This one is one of my favorites. This woman wanted a very funky black and white paisley exterior and I paired it with a fun bright purple interior for a little surprise every time she opens it! One of my new quilted flower pins is just the funky finishing touch that was needed!

Wednesday on the Worktable: qPouch - Kindle, Nook, and iPad Style

The worktable has been covered with creations in preparation for two shows in April:

• Library Services Craft Show, April 29th at the Rochester Holiday Inn Airport 8 - 5
• MayDay Art + Crafts, April 30th at the Main Street Armory 10 - 4

I plan to introduce three or four new designs at MayDay - likely with a preview at the Library show. I've been working sewing up the first this week: qPouch - Kindle, Nook, and iPad style! Take a look and tell me what you think!

A nicely padded space to keep devices safe!

External pockets on the front and back

Says it all!

Double batting in the body and pockets = quadruple padding for your device

And pretty fabric combinations make the whole design perfect!

Wednesday on the Worktable: Karen's Under-the-Sea Satchel

My friend Karen, of Duncan Creative, asked me to make her a new satchel. She fell in love with Michael Miller's Sea Beauties fabric, but wanted that for the interior to avoid having the bag look like a diaper bag. I decided to create the bag in dark brown to 1. match the hair of a couple of the mermaids and 2. hide dirt!

I had a ball creating this custom satchel. I love the mermaid-covered fabric Karen chose. I decided to compliment it with variegated sea blue thread for the quilting. I love how it pops off the dark brown. The addition of the patch I showed you on Monday gives her a little preview of the interior and then when she opens the bag she gets a nice under-the-sea surprise!

And don't think this bag is just a pretty face. With five pockets on the inside, a large pocket on the bag, and an attached key fob, this little beauty is a workhorse too! I have a good feeling that it's just what Karen is looking for!

Wednesday on the Worktable: Armband-Style iPod Pouches

On my worktable this week is an armband-style iPod Touch Pouch - a special request. I've made several of these over the past few months, but always as custom orders. I'm not sure if I'll have them listed in the shop as a regular item, though I think they're pretty cool. I actually need to make one for myself. They're great to use when you're working out, but I do that at home and just blast the stereo. I want one for when I'm outside gardening. I ALWAYS wear pants or shorts that have no pockets and am at a loss for where to put my iPod! You'd think I would have made myself one of these already, right!?!

Armband attaches to the pouch with a button.

Simply unattach the armband to use the pouch, well, as a pouch!

Don't forget to enter Monday's giveaway to win your choice of Gettin' Down to Business Card Wallets!