All things cute and functional

A lot of effort really goes into everything I create. Many times, I see someone else's work and then I think about how I can improve and/or make changes so it will be more appropriate for my needs...for instance, the iPhone case in my previous post.

The sewing is actually the easiest part of the process. I start by drawing my idea, then redrawing...then redrawing...before I actually visualize how the thing could be sewn up. Sometimes I get lucky with the first try, sometimes not.

I went through this thinking process with my latest project. The idea was something I saw from here a while back. I created something similar but the way I constructed it is entirely different and I have added a couple of new features.

Close-up of drawstring closure

View of inside

Circle bottom

For one, I made the strap adjustable. Secondly, I added a drawstring with cord lock to keep the bottle from accidentally falling out. It's insulated as well (yey!) just like Pink Chalk Studio's. A first time for me to work with Insul-Brite.

This took only a short time to assemble (and in between steps, I was even watching the NBA Finals on tv!). As I had expected, the only tricky part was sewing up the circle bottom.

Isn't cute, functional stuff great? I am so pleased with this I could kiss it!

I am going on a trip with my family very soon and this water bottle carrier is definitely coming with me...

iPhone case version 3.0

Before I go into talking about the iPhone case, let me tell you first about how I got the iPhone.

Well, my husband brought it home one day recently as a surprise for me. No, he did not make an outright purchase (we certainly do not buy expensive stuff like this!), but the phone came with those "0 upfront, 24-month mobile phone plans". Why he made the seemingly impulsive decision to change my perfectly good old phone and switch to a different post-paid plan, he only knows. I wouldn't say the generous gesture came as a surprise...rather, it was a shock. Honestly, I hardly get any presents even when there is an occasion...

The iPhone, as cool as it is, is not really something I need. I am rarely on the phone, I am not a text messaging addict, I only listen to music while I'm ironing clothes, and I have internet access from a desktop computer that's on nearly all day. I don't want to sound unappreciative, but yeah, the iPhone seems too much of a luxury for me.

But I must say, it is one magnificent phone...I am lucky to be the owner of one...and my kids are having fun with it as well.

And so, such magnificence only deserves the coolest of carry cases.

iPhone case version 3.0

That is what my son calls my carry case. I've spent countless hours figuring out how I was going to go about sewing up one that will meet all my requirements. It needed to be padded to give the phone extra protection. It had to have a secure and big enough storage space for the headset and stylus. I should be able to easily access the headset jack. And I should be able to carry it around hands-free. Plus, it needs to be pretty!

Three tries later, this is what I ended up with. (I showed the first version on my previous post.)

Front view (button loop closure, swivel hook attachment, detachable neck strap)

Padded interior ensures a safe and perfect fit

Pleated back pocket

Velcro pocket closure

Phone accessories stored securely

Open top with headset plugged in

It was quite difficult to sew up considering the small size and the thickness, but the case does meet my criteria. I am really happy with it. What do you think?

UPDATE (6/6/09): PDF Sewing Instructions for this iPhone Carry Case now available in my Etsy shop!

In a sewing slump again

I admit it...I am in a sewing slump. I have tried many times during the past weeks to think of something to make but failed to get even a bit of inspiration. I know that if I force myself just for the sake of it, I would only end up with something I am not happy with.

Such was the case with this carry case for my new mobile phone. I needed one and there was a free pattern in the same magazine as the market bag pattern.





Looks like a pretty decent job, doesn't it? It actually is. A few issues, however.

First, I had problems sewing together the lining/flap/loop/case outside together along the top because of the small opening. It was difficult to maneuver. I did figure out much later (after I had finished everything) that there was an easier way.

The phone fits nice and snug. However, my kids commented that if I was in a hurry to answer a call, the button closure made it a bit hard to get the phone out quickly. Such a small inconvenience but true...

I found the back pocket too tight for its intended purpose. It doesn't provide much security for the headset and stylus either.

The lanyard was my own addition as I wanted have an option of hanging the case around my neck rather than hooking it to my jeans.

As soon as I get my inspiration back, my first project would be a much improved version of this one. Hope that would come soon...in the meantime, I might just spend my time enjoying this coolest phone ever!

I made myself cry again...

You probably are getting tired of reading about this over and over...you don't really have to read on if you don't feel like it...

Yesterday, I gathered some of my photos with and of my mom. I don't really have much with me as most of my childhood photos are somewhere hidden in my dad's home. But with what I had on hand, I made this short video in memory of my mom and the life she shared with me.

I cried again, as expected. Don't worry, it's a good cry.

Getting back to normal

At least this is as normal as it can get at the moment.

Francis is still limping but went back to school this week. His ultrasound revealed that he had a ruptured ligament in his right ankle, more serious than the simple sprain that we originally thought he had. He is now wearing an ankle strap for support and can't play any sports for the next 4-5 weeks. I know he is disappointed (though he doesn't really show it) since this is his first year playing basketball for a club. For the last three years, he and his brother have been playing footy. I thought the switch to basketball meant less chance of getting an injury...but obviously I was wrong....

It was a tiring and stressful couple of weeks so I am just thankful that's over. The situation here did affect my desire to craft so I haven't really been sewing for a while. Well, actually, the last time I think was only a week ago...but that seems really long for me. Even my daughter noticed and asked me last night why I haven't been sewing.

This is the other market bag I made ages (actually, a week) ago...

(using 'Fig & Plum' from Moda, front and back views)

I have some new ideas in mind but can't quite get them together just yet. Been really uninspired. Later today, though, my sister in law and I are making a trip to the fabric shop! Hopefully, I will come home with some fresh fabric to bring my creativity back and get my ideas moving!

Before I end, though I know this is so late, let me just greet all my reader moms a belated 'Happy Mother's Day!'. Personally, it was more of a day to remember my own mom, rather than expecting my family to do something special for me. I bought some nice flowers early in the morning and placed them in a vase next to her framed photo in our living room. This is my first year without mom so it was kind of hard.

As for me, mother's day is just a day like any other day. All I can say is that having my kids make me so very blessed...every single day. Here are the loves of my life...in their newest school photos!

(Clockwise from top left: Francis, 15; Joseph, 13; Matthew, 7; Missy, 11)

(I realized I haven't uploaded a single photo of myself here yet. Hmmm...maybe one day soon...)

Series of Unfortunate Events...

Or should I say, trips to the doctor....who likes going to the doctor anyway? Unfortunate for me, in the past two weeks, I believe I've seen the doctor more times than in the past 5 years.

It all started two Sundays ago when my eldest son, Francis, twisted his right ankle while playing basketball with his dad. His ankle became badly swollen almost immediately and my husband, feeling all guilty about it, had a doctor come to the house to have a look. As expected, my son had to go for an x-ray the following morning. Then came the next visit to another doctor to show the prints. The injury, thankfully, turned out, to be a sprain and not a fractured bone. Francis was advised to stay home for the next three days to rest. He went back to school that Thursday and seemed well on his way to complete recovery.

Friday evening, I started having palpitations. As I would normally do, I paid no attention to it. The palpitations got worst through the weekend...my heart rate went past a hundred beats a minute and I was short of breath. In the meantime, Francis complained on Sunday of more pain in his ankle. The swelling returned and his ankle became bruised all over. He couldn't walk again.

Monday morning, we were back at the doctor's...Francis and I were both having a checkup.

For an unknown reason, my son apparently re-injured himself. The doctor was really concerned about the bruising and had him scheduled for an ultrasound. And he had to stay home and recuperate for the rest of the week. As for me, my heart rate was still high as, so off I went to have a blood test and a chest x-ray.

Wednesday, I was back with the doctor again to see my test results. Both x-ray and blood test turned out ok but since I wasn't getting much better, I had to undergo an ECG! That, too, turned out normal. The only conclusion the doctor could give me, for lack of any other conclusion, was that my heart was acting weird because of a virus. You see, I also have a cold...

Thursday...the scheduled ultrasound. That was in the afternoon. Before lunchtime, my other son's school rang to say that Joseph was in sick bay and had to be picked up early. He had a bad headache and was complaining of pain in his ear.

Finally, today is Friday. I'm making that trip to the doctor again, bringing my two boys along. I have to show the ultrasound prints and then have Joseph's ear checked out.

Me? I am better but not 100%. But just like all other moms, I try and ignore the sick feeling. There's simply no time for it. Amidst the palpitations I was having, I still had to do the usual stuff - take my two other kids to school, do the laundry, clean up the house, go to the supermarket, cook, and so on and so forth.

It's just what mothers do...look after everyone else. I am truly at peace with that. However, in times like these, I just wish my own mom was here to look after me...

Well, anyway, I still managed to squeeze in a bit of sewing in between all those trips to the doctor. I finished this bag, the pattern of which came from this magazine.



The market bag is the one pictured on the cover. Here is the front and back views of my version...




It's a huge bag that would fit a whole lot of stuff. I don't think I'll be using this to the market though. Too pretty. (I used the "Celebrate Spring" charm pack by Moda.)

Hope you all have a sickness-free weekend ahead!

Saying thanks...

Before anything else,  let me just thank all those who left messages on my previous post. Seriously, I did not expect anyone to comment, more so, offer words of comfort and encouragement.  

I believe that people who take time to comment like that show that they are genuinely interested, not only in what I do but in who I am.  Again, thank you.  I came to realize that although we come from different places and races, we do share the same human experiences after all.  And that makes us no different from one another.

I, of course, have not forgotten that we have been brought together, first and foremost,  by our same love for sewing and crafting in general, and so...

Here it is, the final version of my small wallet (after making 6 variations!).

This wallet has several differences from the very first version.  The main fabric is lined with fusible fleece instead of stiff interfacing, making the wallet quite thick but soft.  It has 6 card slots rather than 3.  Also, the zippered compartment on the outside is a little larger.  There is no keyring attachment on this but putting one would always be an option.

I worked double time for the past two days on making the instructions.  The eBook is now listed on my shop.  As always, I promise you clear, straightforward directions and loads of accompanying photos.

Hope I am successfully keeping you gals interested enough to come back here.  Have fun!