Summer Goals

I really love summer.  My husband is in education, so he gets a significant and well deserved break during the summer.  This means more family time and more time for me to get some extra special projects done.

In addition to some exciting travel and missions opportunities we have planned for the summer and some household projects I'll have more time for I have some arts and crafts goals, as well.

1. Homemade Christmas 

Continue with my Homemade Christmas plans to make more items to be given away at Christmastime.  I am working on making these items every month, so that I won't be overwhelmed with how many people are on my Christmas list come November.

2. Begin to Learn to Crochet

I don't expect masterpiece skill level by September, but I would like to get the ball rolling in that direction.  I have always wanted to learn to crochet, and I happen to have some really cute yarn waiting for me to bring it to life.  I have a curriculum style program I picked up at a homeschool conference that I will be using for this.  It's called "Sew Teach Me."

3. Make Some Maxi Skirts

I have a hefty supply of fabric that I have acquired over the last few years or more.  One thing I would love to make with it are some cute, trendy, and feminine maxi skirts.  I love a good long skirt, so I have been collecting ideas, tutorials, and technique tips to do this.

4. Paint Big Blank Canvas in Dining Room

I got a great deal on a huge canvas about a month ago, and I put it up on the wall where I want it in our dining room.  I have some ideas, but haven't taken the plunge yet on completing it.  I really want this to be a great piece that represents our family, so I look forward to this project!

5. Paint Party!

I have recently noticed that there are several ladies at my church who paint and are great artists!  I would love to organize a fun get-together for us to paint and inspire each other while being refreshed and encouraged.  Wouldn't that be so fun?

What are your summer arts and crafts goals?  Check out our boards on Pinterest for some great inspiration!

Homemade Christmas: Diapers and Wipes To Go Pouch

I have a bunch of fabric.  Most of it was given to me at some point over the years, and some of it I bought.  I love this idea because it is an easy way to use cute fabric for something that will be used well.

You know, if you are going to have to change a diaper at least you can have a cute little diapers and wipes pouch to brighten the moment.  Of course your little one can brighten it even more, so use changing time as an opportunity to smile and tickle and remind him of how much you love him...even if he is stinky sometimes. ;)

I made these to fit about 5 disposable diapers and flat wipes container or a couple of cloth diapers and wipes depending on what you use and what size they are.  The idea is that with this little pouch, you can go places without the big ole diaper bag sometimes.  Or if you need to go change a diaper, you can grab it out of the big ole diaper bag and just carry that to the bathroom.

So here is how I did it:

Measure your fabric to about 29 inches long and 8 inches wide.  I made this bigger than other pouches like this in order to accomodate those who use cloth diapers which take up more space.  Cut the fabric that will be the outside of the pouch and the fabric that will become the inside using these measurements.
 
Pin the edges together (right sides out, since I am serging them together) and get ready to surge one end (You can also put the right sides in, sew the seams, and turn it right side out if you don't have a serger).  Surge one end because this will be the top edge of the inside:

Pin edges together to get ready to serge the whole thing.  Serge around the edges starting at the bottom of one side, so you can continuously serge the whole piece, or do one side at a time:

Tie and trim the thread.  Then place button and sew it one making sure it is secure.

Sew string, trim, or whatever you have that will become the button fastener.

Sew the handle on.  I used some trim from curtains.  I had saved these knowing that one day they will be useful for something.  I have used them with several different projects actually.

And here are the finished products:

I have some ideas for embellishing these, too, but for now I have ten more Christmas gifts ready!

I'm going to make a bunch of these for family, friends, and moms I know.  There will also be some available at Golden Apples Designs.

Enjoy!