Paper Piecing

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It all started with this little block.


I hadn't anticipated the corners being chopped off as I was piecing it together. I ended up making a quick zippy out of it but was still unsatisfied with the result. I posted the picture on Instagram in search of some advice and was pointed towards paper piecing. Deep down, I knew this was the solution but was hoping there was another way. I have been terrified of trying paper piecing! The more I thought about it though, the more I realized how silly I was being. I started sewing as a way to challenge myself but somewhere along the way, I stopped doing just that. I stopped teaching myself new things and stuck to playing it safe. So I looked up a few YouTube videos and this foundation paper pattern by Patchwork Notes and I practiced until I got it right!




After awhile, it wasn't so scary anymore! In fact, it was quite addicting. I went over and bought the Sew Ichigo "Latte To Go" pattern and sewed it right up!






Could this pattern be any more perfect for a mug rug?? I didn't think so. I hope you've been inspired to face your sewing fears and challenge yourself to try new things! Have a fabulous weekend!

A New Fall Bag

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I'm taking a break from all the Halloween posts to show you my new fall bag. I had been hoarding this gorgeous Anna Maria Horner print for something special and decided it was time to cut into it.


I couldn't be more pleased with the results. I paired it with a new print from her Field Study collection. I love how easy it is to mix and match all of the AMH lines.


I got the pattern from this book. It's called the Floral Bag and it's really easy. I think I like it because it's very similar to my Hellen Bag. This is the "small version" and it's quite big so I can't even imagine how huge the "large version" is.


I also finished my fall quilt top this week! Wooo! It took me a few months to finish the blocks but since I didn't get to go to Sewing Summit, I decided I might as well be productive and get them done!


I sewed up a quick patchwork backing yesterday so it's all ready to be basted and quilted. The pattern is called Skipping Squares by Cluck Cluck Sew. I'm so excited to pull it out of the dryer and snuggle up with it! Hope you're having a great Sunday!

Halloween Goodies

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I've been working on some fun goodies for the Halloween Swap. I really enjoyed making the jack-o-lantern boxy pouch awhile back and I wanted to see how it would look in a patchwork version. I love them both! I also made another crocheted flower trivet in Halloween colors. So fun! Have you started any Halloween or Fall projects?

Anyone up for a Halloween giveaway? What would you like to win??

Star Pincushion

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My dear friend, Amy has the cutest tutorial for a star pincushionon her blog. I've been wanting to try it since she first posted it so I made one a couple of weeks ago to send to a friend. I had so much fun digging through all my teeny tiny scraps to make the mini star block. I'm glad it's going to a good home (along with a lobster Bella Pouch)!

Around Here Lately

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Life has been hectic lately with the upcoming Disney trip. I had originally planned on making a Studio Cherie duffel bag to take as a carry on (I even bought the pattern) but that didn't end up happening. I did make a few more Smash Book Fanny Packs for the shop though!



My sweet hubby got me the new Nikon CoolPix S9300 and it is amazing! I didn't want to haul around my enormous DSLR while walking around Disney World so I really had my heart set on this smaller model. Even though I couldn't get it in pink, I thought it'd be a great opportunity to have my husband actually pick up the camera and take a picture of ME for once. Always behind the lens... never in the pictures! As I predicted, he feels more comfortable with this one. I made a camera wristlet using an old Keyka Lou pattern and some Sleeping Beauty fabric by Heather Ross. I also made a matching Jane Market Tote for souvenirs.



I made a new iPad sleeve with one of my favorite Echino prints, using Amber's awesome tutorial.

And I was also dying to use these brass zippers that I got a couple of weeks ago from Zip It on Etsy. I made this quick padded zippy using another Heather Ross print to carry my camera accessories.




I read EIGHT books within the month of August, which explains my lack of presence in Blog Land, including The Darkest Powers series (great reads!!), The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (sooo good!) and the two Divergent books that are out. If you haven't read these books, I definitely recommend them if you're into dystopic literature like The Hunger Games and Unwind. They are amazing books!

I'll be back very soon with a blog facelift (yay!!) and a Halloween Swap Sign Up before I leave to Florida! Have a great long weekend and Happy Labor Day!

Smash Book Fanny Pack

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I'm sure the whole world has heard of Smash Books by now, right? I used to scrapbook all the time before I dove into sewing. I don't have as much time (or rather, MAKE as much time) for it now as I used to, so Smashbooking is the perfect solution for me.

A couple of days ago, I got a request for a custom order "fanny pack" for Smash Books. The customer sent me a sketch of what she wanted and I thought it was a fabulous idea. This is what I came up with.



I think it's the perfect accesory for a Smashbook lover. It's a great size for taking pens, markers, washi tape, and photos with you wherever you go to work on your books.



She ended up choosing the green one, but the blue one is still available in my Etsy Shop if anyone is interested. I'll probably be adding more when I return from my Disney trip. I'm hoping to make a purple one with these adorable spiders before then though!

Speaking of my Disney trip, I'll probably be a little MIA for the next couple of weeks in preparation for that and also while I'm away. But I'll be posting regularly on Instagram (@greenletterday) and on Facebook so you can find me there! Have a great weekend!

Nursery Versery

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I am in love with this new line by Heather Ross. It is the softest linen blend I've ever gotten my hands on. I couldn't resist cutting into the little mice right away. I made a drawstring bag from Jeni's pattern (my favorite ever!).

I paired it with a yellow print from Denyse Schmidt's new line, Chicopee. The strings are Sketch in Lipstick. Soo bright and pretty. I love these three prints together, they make me smile.

I also made this boxy pouch out of the pink spiders. They were begging to be used! This pouch is huge and perfect for my knitting projects.



I bought some of my favorite prints from miss matatabi on etsy. She has the full collection available. I'm so going back to buy the little mice in green before they're all sold out!

Wide Open Zipper Pouches

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We're going to DisneyWorld!! That's right, the trip is booked and all plans are set. We will be going at the beginning of September and with that being said, all I've been thinking about is travel handmade! On the top of my list were these set of three wide open zipper pouches.

I used Anna's tutorial and it is fantastic. The design really makes the most of your pouch and it is so easy to find what you're looking for inside. The medium sized pouch is perfect for cosmetics. You can fit full sized shampoo/conditioner (with room to spare) in the large size. And I think the small size would be great for hair accessories and jewelry.





I've also added a couple more Bella Pouches to the shop. I think they are perfect for taking to amusement parks so you won't have to haul around your large handbag. Don't you think?

I've got a lot more great stuff to show you this week. I've been a busy bee! Until then, have a great week!

Tote & Book Swap Sent: Pt. 2

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My second partner Holly received her goodies a couple of days ago so now I can share more pictures from the Tote & Book Swap. After looking through Holly's Pinterest boards, I knew I wanted to use quilt blocks like I did with Tara's tote. With this tote, I started off with these colorful blocks using HSTs in contrasting dark and light fabrics to create a diamond shape.



Then I added 3 inches of Essex linen in Natural to the bottom to make it into more of a rectangular shape. The tote is huge and durable, perfect for family trips to the library. The book I sent is a timeless classic, Pride & Prejudice. It's one of my favorite books! I am totally in love with Mr. Darcy.



I also sent her some other goodies like washi tape, a stamp/ink pad, and a really cute notebook. I've already received Holly's package and I'll be sharing what I received from her and from Tara very soon! You can follow along on Instagram (@greenletterday) to see more daily photos. Have a great week!

Easy Lazy Bag

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It has been so long since I have made a handbag. I've made several totes this year, but there's no greater satisfaction for me than completing a really cute handbag. The pattern for this bag came from the book Bags: The Modern Classics by Sue Kim.


I've been crushing really hard this summer on color combos like hot pink/orange and hot pink/yellow. I bought the yellow pearl bracelets specifically for this bag and the hot pink jewels (both fabrics by Lizzy House) contrasted beautifully against it. My favorite part of this bag are the bow handles. They add a lot of girliness to it.




The pattern for this bag is actually pretty plain. I was drawn to the simplicity and slouchiness of it but I thought it needed a little something extra. I pulled out this Candy Shop fabric by Michael Miller and made some adorable blocks to use as pockets. I love the kids enjoying their sweets in these vintage-inspired prints. The blocks were perfect.






I'm so happy with my new bag! Now I'm anxiously awaiting my totes from my Tote & Book swap partners. I can't wait to add some new handmade goodness to my collection! Have a great Saturday!