Guitar Bags (AKA The Coolest Things I've Ever Made)

(After my kids, of course.)

I've seen this idea around Pinterest a bit - a purse shaped like a guitar. It's been a long-term goal for me, and I finally made one - or rather, two! These were gifts for two of my best friends, and while I forgot to get a picture with the straps on, you can at least see the completed bags.

I actually traced my electric guitar (Fender Squier - yes, that is how it is spelled) to get the shape, but it was far too big to make a practical purse, so I scaled it down a bit. 

I cut two pieces of each scratch-plate fabric, sewed them right-sides together (leaving a gap), then turned them right-side-out, pressed, and sewed them onto the body piece (doubled as top-stitching).

I used a similar process for the bridge and the output jack. I wanted to use a silvery metallic fabric for these, but couldn't find any remnants (and didn't really want to buy a whole 1/4 yard for the 6 square inches I used), so I used pale blue cotton scraps, which I think looks just fine. 

I also used my axe as a reference for the positioning of the screws, pick-ups, and the pick-up selector switch, all of which I hand-embroidered with silver floss. I stitched on buttons for the volume and tone knobs.

Each bag is also lined, has a small pocket, and has a magnetic snap closure.

I added a long, adjustable black strap to each.

I now have a long-term goal to make one for myself out of faux leather, because how awesome would that be?!

Love and Dreams,

Leah Joy

A Baby Bear Hat

I found this adorable pattern for a baby bear hat on (where else) Pinterest.

I went ahead and made the hat according to the directions, but I didn't like that the back of the hat had a seam all the way down. For an older kid, or a baby not in a car seat, it would be no big deal. However, for a sensitive little newborn head, I wanted to eliminate the back seam as much as possible. So, I actually reworked the pattern. This was my third attempt, and I think it's adorable!

It's a little small on Micah here, but he was 6 months old when I did this, and it was for a newborn, so I think the size is just about perfect.

In order to eliminate the back seam, I had to add side seams. I don't think they detract too much from the cuteness, though! Plus, I was also able to eliminate some of the seam in the front.

Another project I've been working on lately are these embroidered felt heart magnets.

It's a fun little project that I can work on anytime and set down whenever I need to, so perfect for a mom with two kiddos.

And they make great gifts!

Love and Thread,

Leah Joy

Wall Art

These were gifts for friends.

To make this one, I painted the canvas in all sorts of crazy colors and patterns. After that dried completely, I applied letter stickers and spray painted the whole thing white. After that dried, I removed the stickers and touched up the text with some colored Sharpies. I added the attribution in gold Sharpie paint pen, and sprayed the whole thing with clear coat.

To make this one, I painted half the canvas gold. After that dried, I applied letter stickers and painted the whole canvas lavender. After that dried, I added brush strokes in various colors. And after that dried, I removed the stickers and touched up the letters with a gold paint pen. Then a clear coat to seal.

And on a lighter note:

Love and Paint,

Leah Joy

Chevron Baby Quilt (#2)

You may remember the other chevron quilt I made here (I originally thought it was herringbone, but I have been corrected).

When I made that quilt, I took lots of notes about the process, in the hopes that I could make it again, but with different fabric.

Well, it worked! I hope to be sharing that pattern as a tutorial eventually (you know, in like 4 years).

The color scheme was chosen by the mother, but I chose all the fabrics.

It's so cheerful and sunshiny!

I actually used a different color top thread/bobbin thread in the quilting process because I really wanted the top to be done in yellow, but the back to match the backing fabric.

And my corners are improving! Two perfect, one acceptable, and only one a complete mess.

Love and HSTs,

Leah Joy