Nautical Pouch

I have been wanting to make this pouch for over a week.  It just never seemed to be the right time.  I cut all the pieces last night and sewed it today.  I used this tutorial from craftster.  I love this pattern.  It goes together so nicely.  I do tweak it slightly.  The funny thing about this bag is that it started with the small anchor tag.  I ordered some of them in my last online order from Simple Sewing.  After they arrived, I was stumped as to what to do with them.  Then, after one of my sewing classes, I was perusing the fabric shelves and spotted the outer fabric.  The lining fabric was found last week.  I think it worked really well, and I know just who to give it to.

Dolphin Softie

I whipped up this softie for one of the pre-k birthdays.  She was soooo excited!  I made a baby one for her sister, but didn't get to snap a picture of it before she took it home.

Catch-All Tutorial

I promised to make a tutorial for the catch-all bag I made last week.  Here it is.  I love these bags.  You can use them for almost anything.  This tutorial is a bit more complex than my previous ones.  Please let me know if you have any questions, or if something is unclear.  Enjoy!

Pattern
Directions

Sewing Class Complete!

Yesterday I finished my third and final course through Simple Sewing.  At the end of the class I got my certificate of completion.  Here is a photo of me with my WONDERFUL sewing teacher!

It's My Birthday!

Today we celebrated my birthday at school.  I have a few photos from the day to share.

 My card from Gerald.  He knew I was making him a turtle.  See how he is telling me to take my time.  I think I may have to have this framed and hang it in my sewing room.  His mom told me that he had to use the word "excellent" because "good"  was a "tired word".  I tell them that in class.  I'm glad he's listening.  LOL.

 Notice the two needles on each side of me.  Apparently I was dropping them.  LOL.

 Here is a gift from some sisters that I teach/taught.  One is in first grade now and the other I taught 2 years ago and is in my sewing club.  They both worked on this punch quilt for me.  Such a wonderful keepsake!

 Some beautiful flowers from another student.

Children's Day Softies

On Monday I made the mistake of asking the kids what they wanted for Children's Day.  I suggested a nice pencil case or drawstring bag.  That was no good for them!  They started shouting out animals.  Not dog or cat, oh, no... they wanted an eagle, a turtle, a squirrel, alligator, rabbit, and a hammerhead shark.  The thing you've got to know about me is that my students have me wrapped around their little fingers.  If they want a hammerhead shark, I'll just have to figure out a way to make one!  Here they are:

 Most people thought the eagle looked like a penguin :( 

I think it looks like an eagle!

 

In the morning one of my favorite little girls came into my room while I was closing up the softies.  She thought it was a raw deal that she didn't get one.  I asked her what she'd like and she told me a "sea tar" (starfish) that was fuzzy on one side and rainbow on the other.  So, I told her I would make one over the weekend.  She spent the entire day talking about it.  Then, right after school she was in my room to check on my progress.  She REALLY didn't want to wait for her "sea tar" until Monday.  So, I whipped one up for her while she was at her after school activity.  Here are the pics:

New and Improved Pencil Case

I whipped up this little pencil case today for one of the second graders for her birthday.  I added some tabs on the side to make it easier to open and close.