Staying Organized In The Car

This is a post for me... with three kids I am constantly running here, there and everywhere. I have to admit... it takes a toll on the car. It seems like they are always leaving things behind when we get out of the car and things get left at home that should have been in the car to start with.

After searching for car organizers, I found some pretty cool ideas. Whether you have children or not, I think these would be a "must have" for going on a long trip.

This first one is from The May Fly.     Love it!!

This next one is awesome, I LOVE how it has a strap in the back to hook to a seatbelt so it doesn't slide off the seat. You can get the pattern from http://craftapple.wordpress.com/2008/07/01/the-car-organizer-pattern/

This one is a hanging trash bag. In my opinion, it's waaayy too pretty to put trash in. I found it at http://finnyknits.blogspot.com/2008/06/it-lives-outside-my-brain-now.html

How about something to keep the glove box organized. We all have to keep those important papers in there... let's make it pretty with this free pattern from http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Sewing/Projects/Accessories/CS0074+Glove+Box+Organizer.htm

Last and certainly NOT LEAST I found this car caddy sewing kit. How awesome would this be for a long trip in the car?! Isn't it clever?? I found it at... http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2009/04/tool-time-tuesday_14.html

I hope you found something inspiring here to help get your car more organized.
Happy Organizing!
Deena Davis
http://www.byyourhands.blogspot.com/

Blog Party Sunday --- Handmade Party

 It's blog party time.   It's your chance to show off what you are making for yourself,  for gifts, or to sell.   We want to see it all.


The rules are simple:

1. Follow our blog

2. Handmade items only.

3. You may list up to 3 items.

4. Family friendly items only.

The success of this link party depends on the participants so spread the word to your friends, visit the shops, post about it on your blog, in a forum or on your favorite social networking site, grab the button and put it on your blog or website.

Just click on the Add Your Link button at the end of this post and add your items.

And if you would like to add a link to the party you can grab this button below.

<a href="http://www.byyourhands.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i782.photobucket.com/albums/yy110/ByYourHands/blogparty.jpg" /></a>

Today's Featured Shop --- Dee Duncan Folkart

Deena and I both noticed the outstanding patterns designed by Dee Duncan and I wanted to share her unique 1776 pattern designs with you today.   

Civil War Soldier

Americana Colonial Drum

 Soldier's Journal

Civil War Mail Bag

All of Dee's patterns can be found on Patternmart or her website,  Ginger and Co.

Be sure and check out all Dee's patterns.
Thanks for visiting today.
Bette

Handmade Spotlight - The Grass Is Always Greener...

The grass is always greener...

  Curated By: ewenmeprintab...

ArtFire.com

Vintage Fashion

Tuesday Tutorial - Shortening Jeans to Make Capri Length Pants

I've had this pair of jeans in my closet for about 2 years now. They fit, but I don't like the way the legs are cut. They're not tapered or flared they are just straight leg jeans, but the legs are wide.

Today, while rummaging through the closet, I decided I needed a new pair of denim capris. My other two pairs are looking worn. Then I ran across my wide legged jeans and the light bulb came on... LET'S TURN THESE INTO CAPRIS!

This is how I did it...

Step 1.
Comparing the new pants with an older pair I had, I decided I wanted a 3 inch cuff. The cuff will be doubled, so I made a mark on the new pants little over 6 inches below where I wanted the actual length to be.

Step 2.
Carefully cut off the extra amount of pant leg from the new pants - just one leg for now. Take the bottom  part of the you cut off and lay it on top of the other leg matching the seams and hem and use as a cutting guide for the second leg. Carefully cut. Both legs should now be cut off and be the same length.

Step 3.
With your sewing machine do a zig-zag stitch as close to the edge that you trimmed off as possible. My jeans have a little stretch to them, so I used the stretch stitch setting on my sewing machine. Don't worry if it's a little uneven... no one will see.

Step 4.

Fold the bottom edge of the pants up 3 inches and press. Make a nice crisp edge by pressing firmly with a hot iron, being careful not to scorch.

Step 5:

Fold up another 3 inches and press again making a nice crisp crease.

Step 6:

Carefully bar tack the top of the cuff at the side seams on each side of the leg. I used a zig-zag stitch.

That's it... all done. One less pair of jeans laying in the closet... one NEW pair of capris to wear this summer!

Thanks for joining us today!

Deena Davis

www.byyourhands.blogspot.com