Ric Rac Teeny teapot

This gorgeous little Ric Rac Teeny Teapot pattern came in the February Sew Box Subscription box and I absolutely loved putting it together. I think it needs to be renamed teeny, tiny, minuscule teapot though as it is small! 

I hope to use a thicker felt on my next version but this gorgeous wool felt from Bumble Bee Designs was just lovely.  The teapot uses such a small amount so it is worth spending a little extra for the lovely wool felt. 

Looking at my photo here, I really need to practice my french knots but I just loved playing an adding the little flowers all around with my hand embroidery. 

Miss 6 has requested on for herself so I better whip up another. Actually I may just do a couple at the same time as I think they would make awesome pin cushion presents for the various sewist swaps I join. 

What do you think? Want to join me for a tea party?

Sew Delicious Quilt Block Boot Camp - I'm joining in.

My bloggie bestie, Ros aka Sew Delicious has started a Quilt Block Boot Camp. I'm not a quilter. Yes I'll give it a go but I wanted to improve my accuracy - in cutting, sewing and construction. If I only have to do one little block a week, I can easily fit in the time to do that, right?

Ros started a Facebook group and each week announces the new block to try. Now I don't intend to create 52 cushions this year but that is what happened to the first two. 

Week one was this gorgeous Raspberry Kiss Quilt Block by Wooden Spoon Quilts. I played around a lot with different fabrics for this one. Really tested what would work together. This block is only little (4 1/2" square) so small prints work best. 

This one was donated to my son's third grade teacher as the two cushions she has in the reading corner are woeful. They might end up with a few more in the next few months. 

Week two was the Simple Heart Block by Cluck Cluck Sew. I actually cut them a little smaller than the tutorial (there is another table on her blog). I originally planned to do another 9 block cushion so cut a few more rainbow colours but as you can see, I'm clearly not spatially aware and didn't consider the end size!!

I loved how this one came together and it went along as a gift for a 6 year old little girl on the weekend. She loves it which is great. Was certainly a risk giving this instead of a toy!

Pop on over to Sew Delicious and join in the fun - if you want to expand your quilty skills.

Lil Pip Sew Box Purse - with embroidery thread detail

I feel like this doesn't really warrant an entire post but in my desire to have different options for a whole week, I'm just going with it. 

This is the straight line version of the medium clutch I designed. I do personally prefer the wider bottom but this one is growing on me. 

For this one I decided to use embroidery thread to sew the frame on. I did a straight stitch and just went up and down so not the back stitch I recommended in the tutorial. I figured with the extra strength of the strands that is would hold well. It is also a little less messy on the inside if that bothers you. 

So that concludes my week of inspiration. Which one is your favourite? Don't forget to share on social media (I love Instagram!) using the hashtag #lilpipsewboxpurse 

I've had a few people ask to buy the pattern. I'm working on it and hope to have it ready soon. Thank you for your support!

Lil Pip Sew Box Purse - how to make a glasses case

Is a glasses case dorky? Is it very granny to make one with a metal frame clasp? Do I even care or do I love the fabrics my 8yo boy selected for me!! ("You love purple mummy").

To make this one I used the square bottom pattern. I extended the bottom by 3 inches (I just placed my glasses on top and eyeballed it). I then extended the side line from top to bottom. Just make sure you don't change the shape a the top so it still fits the frame (basically from the curve point at the top, draw an angle line to the bottom). 

I also used the fusible webbing on the outer but possibly should for the lining too. Just for extra padding. I'll be careful about where I use this and not just throw it in my handbag. 

You could also put quilting lines on this too which would be quite cool. 

What do you think? Will you make a glass case for yourself? Can we make them cool again? Together. Please lol

Don't forget to share on social media (I love Instagram!) using the hashtag #lilpipsewboxpurse and check back tomorrow for my last variation to try.

Lil Pip Sew Box Purse - glam version with beading

I really wanted to make a glam version clutch. Something I could take to go out with my girlfriends. Something I know they will say - "Love your bag, where did you get it?". To which I can respond - I made it!! Yay!

This one was slightly more challenging and one you should approach carefully. 

Follow the instructions for the clutch already provided. I layered the lace over the outer fabric, sandwiching between the two pieces, pinned like crazy and sewed it together. I probably should have basted it together. 

This black lace was used on a bridesmaid dress my sister once wore. It must have cost a bit as my mum saved and gave me all the scraps of the lace and the silk. I love how the blue pops out underneath. 

Really expensive black lace and then a Spotlight quilted cotton on the reverse!

To sew the beads, simply follow the normal back stitch method and thread a bead or crystal in each stitch. This would have looked awesome with blue beads but I used what I had on hand. And therefore the reason they don't quite go all the way around. Oh well, I still love it!

What do you think? Will you make a little glam, evening clutch for yourself? I'm sure this wouldn't look out of place when I do the school run right?

Don't forget to share on social media (I love Instagram!) using the hashtag #lilpipsewboxpurse and check back throughout the week for other examples.

Lil Pip Sew Box Purse - with quilt as you go

I've been wanting to do this style of purse or quilt ever since I saw it on Pinterest a long, long time ago. I have to admit that I really struggle with the free style that this kind of work requires. I like structure. Order. Follow a set pattern. Nope with this you just wing it. 

It is a great way to use up your favourite scraps and suits small fabric designs (of which I don't have many!). 

What do you think? Is this a style you would like to try? I have to admit, I'm kinda thrilled with the end results. 

Don't forget to share on social media (I love Instagram!) using the hashtag #lilpipsewboxpurse and check back throughout the week for other examples.

Lil Pip Sew Box Purse - with hand stitching

If you are a new visitor to my blog, you may not know that I have a bit of a thing for owls. I think foxes and flamingos are the new 'thing' but I'll stick to my love of owls. 

This coin purse is an example of the other option in the pdf pattern I provided to the Sew Box Subscribers - with a square bottom instead of rounded. I honestly am not sure which I prefer as I love them both. 

This is a self drafted little hand embroidery. Nothing too hard as I like the simplicity of back stitch. A couple of french knots for the eyes and ok a little chain stitch on the branches but you could just do back stitch here too.

I love the purple reverse and the bright green lining peeking out!

Will you give hand stitching a go? Strawberries? Animals? What would you try?

Don't forget to share on social media (I love Instagram!) using the hashtag #lilpipsewboxpurse and check back throughout the week for other examples.