Applique Snap Tabs

I shared this fun fabric earlier in the week. Those round motifs begged to be put onto a snap tab. I sat down with my embroidery software and got to work. I already had the round snap tab design from my previous project with the D20 so I all I had to do was sort out the applique portion of the design. 

First I measured the outline of the motif and tried to add the applique portion. It turned out too small so I tried a couple more times. 

I did manage to get it to this point, which is pretty good. 

Here is the progression of the project. Machine embroidery isn't something that magically works the right time the first time. I wish it did but like so many other crafts it is something that takes practice to learn and get good at.

I picked the best of the bunch and finished them as snap tabs. I'm sure I'll use this design again with other fabrics. If you are interested in something like this please contact me through my Etsy shop and I'll set up a listing for you.

The snaps I purchased from Amazon: Kam Snaps Starter Kit (affiliate link)
The swivel trigger snap hooks (affiliate link) were also purchased on Amazon

I bought both the vinyl and the fabric at a big box fabric store.

Dragon Chow Dice Bags

I've shared my use of the Dragon Chow dice bag pattern a time or two. I'll say it again, it's a great, free pattern! With even a little bit of sewing experience you should be able to make one.

I picked up this fun fabric at the big box fabric store. It was too fun to pass up. I wasn't entirely sure what I was going to do with it when I bought it.

I also bought a yard of coordinating Kona cotton solid for the lining. Overall, this was a very satisfying project. These little bags make up quickly.

If you are interest in buying one directly from me, please contact me through my Etsy shop and I'll set up a listing for you. You can even build your custom bag with the colors and prints that suit your taste. This is not an invitation for anyone to contact me about mass production or consignment. I will not answer your messages. I don't have the time to make huge quantities of anything. 

Check out the free Dragon Chow dice bag pattern in pdf format. 

Amazon sells cord locks (affiliate link) similar to the ones I use. I buy mine directly form Strapworks.com. 

You can find paracord at most craft stores in shorter lengths (about 10 yards). Amazon also sells paracord in a rainbow of colors (affiliate link) and in a multitude of length options. Each bag uses about 24" of cord. 

Bravo Zulu, Coast Guard!

I've been continuing to work through the tutorials for my embroidery design software. It's slow going and I'm sure I'm only using part of what the software is capable of. I am learning, though.

I've had this design on my mind for a while now. If you aren't a sailor, or you don't know one, this might not make any sense. The two flags are Bravo and Zulu.

Bravo Zulu indicates a job well done. I wanted to tell a fellow sailor I thought they had done a good job on a recent project and this was my way of saying 'well done!' The final design isn't perfect, but it says what it needs to say and put a smile on at least one sailor's face, which was good enough for me.

For those of you that might not know, tomorrow the U.S. Coast Guard will celebrate its 228th birthday. Don't forget to wish a Coast Guardsman a happy birthday and give them a hearty Bravo Zulu!

Shopping Totes

On a rainy afternoon I dropped by Spring Water Designs to share my Get It Done UFO Challenge Quilt and to do a little shopping. I do try not to buy a bunch of fabric throughout the year because I really do have enough fabric. But... I've been wanting to try out one of the Dream Big panels by Hoffman Fabric. So I picked on out. Then, of course I needed some backing fabric.

And, this fun cat print on black was back with the sale fabrics so I had to buy the almost 2 yards they had left. I will admit, if I really like the fabric, and the bolt is low, I'm very tempted to buy the whole thing. This time I lucked out that it wasn't even two yards.

Then I had to figure out what to do with it. The free tote pattern from the Green Bag Lady seemed a great choice. I love this pattern for using up fabric that I couldn't resist or that I ended up with after a visit from Aunt Betty. I made three totes and had to add the little bit left over to my collection. Maybe I should avoid the fabric store.

Have you been lured in by a fabric you had to have even though you didn't know what you were going to make?