What I've Been Up To

I am really falling behind on blogging again.  We have been spending so much time outside that I have have just been to beat to blog at night.  I have spent the last 24 hrs reorganizing the sewing/playroom.  I feel like this is a task I do way too often, however I am notorious for letting it get out of hand.  As soon as I am fully finished, I will post some pictures.  I have also finished my July Table Runner of the Month from Fat Quarter Shop, which I had blogged about here.  I finished the second side and it is now quilted and bound.  Overall I am happy with it, however it was very hard to quilt.  As you can see in these pics, the two sides are very different.

The instructions with the kit called for it to be quilted along the straight lines in the pic above, and to follow the lines of the triangles also.  Had I followed the other side (first pic) I would have ended up sewing over the blue triangle pieces which would have sewn them down.  I followed the directions, however I think it looks weird on the one side, here you can see

I also feel like it left too many unquilted (not really a word) areas. After flipping this over for way too many times on my dining room table, I have decided to leave it like this

After having a mental debate, which I won, I have decided for my other runners I am going to do each one separately and just back it with muslin.  This way, I can quilt each side the way I want AND I will have two quilts.  Not sure I will have enough for binding, however I can simply get a solid for one.  I love that while this runner is certainly not perfect, it came together so much easier than many others.  The main problem I still have is that no matter how slow and careful I am with sewing and ironing, my blocks are never the right size and very uneven.  Any tips for that would be so appreciated:)  

I plan on spending the rest of the weekend finishing cleaning and sewing so many unfinished projects!

Bag Winners

Thanks so much to those of you that left your input.  You cannot imagine how much you have all helped!  I will do an update on my final plans, as soon as I have them finalized.  I wanted to get on tonight to pick the winner, however I am exhausted from a long day outside doing...nothing!  Anyway, on to the winners:

Winner 1 is comment 5, Jeanne

Winner 2 is comment 11, Robyn 

If you could both email me at creationsforeleanor@gmail.com in the next 48 hrs, I will get your bag in the mail by Wednesday at the very latest.  Thanks again.

My First Giveaway

So I have been toying for some time with opening an Etsy shop.  I sew for a couple of friends on a regular basis and I figured I would give it a go for trying to make some money.  I am a big fan of sewing bags because they can so easily be personalized for different people and occasions.  I am starting with this basic design, however I know I want to make changes to it.  This is how the giveaway will work.  To enter, please leave me a comment about what you like in a tote bag.  Here are some of my thoughts: first, I am wondering if the bag needs to be any bigger.  The bag is 12" across, 9.25" deep and 13.75" tall.  Also, I feel that the bag needs to be lined and have some pockets inside.  Currently, the bag is not stiff, as you can see in the pictures where it is hanging (I stuffed it in the other pics to give the idea of the overall shape).  Should I make the bag stiffer so it holds its shape, or should I leave it loose so you can fill it for the beach or wherever you may use it.  When I decide on my final design, should I do the straps with a contrasting fabric or leave it the same? 

So, this is how the giveaway will work.  Please leave me a comment letting me know what YOU look for in a tote bag.  You can comment on some of my questions above, or leave any other tips you might have.  The contest will close next Saturday the 18th at 9PM EST.  Two winners will be chosen and I will be giving away the two bags pictured above.  My goal in this giveaway is to gain some insight before I come up with my final design and not to gain more followers.  However, if you know of others that may have beneficial tips for me I would love for you to share this giveaway with them!  Thanks in advance for all of your help!!