I'm here... and so is baby!!

It's been quite a while since my last blog entry. I swear I've been sewing even though there are no new post. A lot has happened since April... I've become a Mom to the most adorable little baby boy. He's a joy. I've finally found little time here and there to start sewing once again. The transition has been going really well and I love motherhood. :)

I'm going to be doing my very first craft show next weekend. I'm a little stressed to get things done, but extremely excited. I have also set up an Etsyaccount for the items I finish from time to time. I hope you will check in to see what's new. I will try to update this blog when I can with any new information on my handmade endeavors.

For now you can find my most recent creations here.

Wrist Clutches

I made these as gifts for the girls that put on my baby shower. It was the least I could do for all they've done for me. :)

I just made up the dimensions as I went. I used 9" zippers and added the hook/clasps for the first time. They were pretty easy and really fun to make. The interior fabrics match the handles.

Pink & Black Tote

This was a custom order for my friend, Nicole. This is probably one of the last orders I'll be taking for quite a while. I couldn't say no though! She was requesting a book tote as a gift for a friend. The bag is a really great size...wonderful for magazines, papers, books and a ton more. The exterior is black corduroy and I added these magenta accents throughout the bag. I really like the corners on the exterior. They are just a patterned cotton, but I did magenta corduory piping at the edges of the curves, which added a nice touch. I also made an exterior pocket with a curvy flap and snap button. Hope she likes it!

Diaper Bag

This was one of the most time consuming bags I've probably ever made. I shopped around for a long time hoping to find a good diaper bag for myself, but decided in the end that I probably should just make one. I found this great pattern from Amy Butler called the Weekender Bag. I made a few adjustments to the pattern by adding elastic to the side pockets, lengthening the handles, and adding elastic pockets and a smaller interior pocket at the top so I can stash all the baby's goodies in there. It matches the stroller rather well with the orange/brown combination. :) I'm pretty happy with the results...now if I could only keep it clean and new forever!

IIDA Fashion Show 2008

Even though I've been so busy sewing...it really hasn't been for my own personal projects. My company entered in the IIDA Couture Fashion Show and I've been so busy trying to get this outfit done with my team mates! The show was this past week and we had a lot of fun. Here are some pictures of our process and final design.











This was a tote I made for a fashion show we did through my firm. It's made with all Knoll Textile upholstery fabric and was such a pain to get through the machine, but it turned out rather well. We ended up giving it to the Knoll rep as a gift for sponsoring us with all her fabric for the show.

Retro Plush Car

Okay, so this was a complete shot in the dark. I thought I'd try my hand at some stuffed things. This is my first try at a stuffed car. I drew it out first and then made my cuts and just ran with it...adding windows, door handles, and even wheels! I really don't like hand-stitching, but I had to do that after I stuffed it to close it up and it actually was rather clean! I think it turned out pretty cute. Maybe I'll make different types of cars! I really loved the retro fabric. My favorite part are the wool felt wheels!

Diaper Holders

I've been searching for all sorts of useful baby things to make recently. I saw these while I was looking at baby items and people seem to really love how they keep diapers and wipe boxes together and organized in your diaper bag. I made my own pattern and gave it a try. The skeleton one was my first attempt and then I made seven more! They were actually really fun to make and went by rather quick.

Pillows for Luisa

Pillow for Jean

Zipper Pouch

Since moving I haven't had much time to sew! Theresa and I finally sat down for some good sewing time this past Friday. I finished a pillow and this little zipper pouch. It has a hidden pocket inside! :)

Amelia's Tote

I made this one a while back for a coworker's little one. Just kind of threw it together, but i really like the front pocket. Seems like she's been putting it to good use. Her Dad says, "The purse is Amelia’s ice skating bag. She uses it to keep her hat, mittens and stuff in for her ice skating lessons."

Is she not the cutest thing? Even her shirt says so...

Apron Night

A few friends and I decided to take an apron making class at Bernina Connection last Friday. It was so much fun and all the aprons turned out so cute!

Wool Felt Tote

Baby Alex!

Here's baby Alex wearing his nifty bib. Thanks Gina for sending me his picture! He is adorable! AHH! :)

Baby Set

This handmade baby gift set includes a swaddle/cuddle blanket that is about 35"x35". One side is a vivid cotton patterned fabric and the other side is plush pink swirl minkee fabric. I love how the front and back compliment eachother. There are two burp cloths made of fluffy pink terry cloth and a stripe of the main fabric. I also made a diaper/wipes holder for easy transportation. One side will hold diapers, the other side will hold a plastic baby wipe case and the center can carry baby cream or anything else you need to store.


Pink Minkee Cuddle Blanket


Two Pink Terry Burp Cloths



Diaper Organizer


Velcro Closure


Interior

Striped Suede Pillow

This pillow was a birthday gift for a friend. The front is the back of brown corduroy with suede strips pieced on layered on top. The back is a patterned fabric. It measures approximately 15"x15".

Contemporary Pillows going to Aussie!

I received an order from Austrailia! :) A friend placed a custom order for four pillows to accent the two couches in his living room. I kept the fabrics neutral so he could still use them if he ever decides to replace his furnishings. The pillows are approximately 14" square and are patched with all types of fabrics from wool to suede and other fun patterns.


view of all four


front and back

Just for fun

There are so many people I know that are expecting that I decided to make a ton of bibs to have on hand as gifts. They are so fun to make and I love all the different color and pattern combinations!

Summer beach tote

I just finished this tote up last week for an old high school friend. She wanted a nice large tote to take with her to the beach this summer. The exterior is corduroy turned inside out with a huge pocket in front with a mini zipper pocket and cell/pen holder pocket as well. The back have 2 patch square pockets and the interior has even MORE pockets!

Nursing Cover

I've been seeing these "hooter hiders" online and thought I'd give one a try. I was pretty happy with the results. I made thinner straps than the ones I've seen on BeBe Au Lait and in place of the boning they have on the top, I used a plastic grid which worked just as well. I love the d-ring detail and I think the thinner sized straps look so cute. On the back side in the corner I used terry cloth.


The bib is suppose hang over your neck and cover you while you're nursing baby. The boning in the neckline holds fabric away so you can watch baby.


Close up of tie strap


D-ring detail


Terry cloth back with tag

Here they are!

More and more bibs!

Work in progress pictures are below...





I will post the results of them all as soon as I finish.

Eames pillow

This pillow is a housewarming gift for a friend. She just purchased a 1970's ranch style home so I thought this would compliment her funishings well.







The fabric is by Charles and Ray Eames and the pattern is Dot Pattern. I had small swatches and just patched them together.

Modern bibs

These are some modern patterned bibs for a modern baby girl. Another friend is expecting and her colors are a lot more modern than the past few baby gifts I've done, so they were so much fun to make! The fronts are wipeable with cotton patterned fabric behind it. The backs are cotton and one is white terry cloth.

Accent pillow for the bed

This is the first of two pillows I will be making like this. I got new bedding last weekend and as much as I love the comforter cover and accent colored sheet, I thought it needed a little bit of something else. I was so lucky to run across this fabric last Friday. It had all the colors that I wanted. I also found an accent fabric to go on the back. I added some embroidery to spruce up the fabric and I'm really happy with how it turned out.


embroidering the flowers


close up


front of pillow...it's about 14"x14".


back of pillow...i just overlapped the edges so i am able to wash the cover.

Baby Bibs

A co-worker and his wife are expecting a baby girl this coming week. I just got this done and now I can wrap it up and get it out to her just in time! I made my own pattern, althought that didn't take much effort. The bibs are approximately 9"x12". I rounded the corners, binded the edges with solid pink cotton fabric and added some snap closures. These were actually really fun to make. I had a little trouble with the binding, but that comes with rounded edges. The polka dotted and number ones have pink terry cloth on the opposite side. The one with pink flowers has a complimenting cotton fabric on the other side. All three bibs have a vinyl iron on cover on one side for easy wipe off. I may have to try using a more stretch fabric for the binding next time...hopefully that would solve my scrunched problem. I hope she likes them!


all three bibs with vinyl on the front side and binded with solid pink.


numbers on front, pink terry cloth on back


sweet polka dots on front, pink terry cloth on back


pink flowers on front, brown patterned fabric on back


back side with brown patterned fabric...one of my favorites.

There are 2 other people that are expecting soon that I will also be making bibs for so there will be more to come! I will post them as I finish.

Moving on to clothes...

...maybe just for now.

This is my first successful attempt at following an actual store bought pattern. It took me a couple tries because of size and material. I also had some trouble reading the pattern the first time around. I got the hang of it, though and I'm very pleased with the results. :o)

Red Striped Handbag

Okay so this may still need a few changes...it was more of a shot in the dark as far as the style and design goes. The underneath the ruffles on the front is an exterior pocket. The interior has two more pockets and there is also a clip hook closure. I like it for the most part, but I think maybe the handles need to be thicker... we'll see....

Quilted Zip Pouch

Okay, so I took a break from the quilt and had an urge to make some quilted things. Here are one of the pouches I made. I used the same fabric that I'm using for the quilt...just some scraps:







It's a little hard to see that all the different colored patterns are actually pieced together and quilted. Next time I'm going to have to use more bold colors so they don't all blend together so well...makes it look like it's all one patterned fabric. The zipper was kind of a pain, but I think I figured out a way to keep it from getting so crooked at the end. I'm pretty happy with it overall...

Throw Quilt in Progress

I'm just about done with my orders so now on to my projects... I'm working on this quilt that will end up being a present for my Mom's birthday. I really love the colors...it's sort of vintage but the patterns are still modern. As for the pattern of the quilt, I'm really just making it up as I go. I decided to do different thickness of bands and just piece them together in long strands...we'll see how it goes. Here are some progress pictures.







(Rosie, of course, had to be the center of attention...)

Retro Tote

Okay so it's much more than a punch of color...but it's so fun! This was a custom order that has been loooong over due. Her requests were for a book bag with plenty of pockets. The two matching exterior fabric patterns are retro barkcloth that I've had forever.... my faves. The exterior has pockets on either side that connect at the bottom. It's a nice place to hold notebooks or flatter supplies on the sides. The interior has three elastic pockets on one side and a few flat pockets and pen holders on the other. The overall tote (including the straps) is approximately 24"h x 17"l. The body of the bag itself is about 12"h x 17"l. The tote closes with a satin brown ribbon.


exterior front


stitching detail and ribbon closure


my signature at the bottom


interior with pockets on either side


side pocket and freehand-stitched heart

"Lucky Coin" Purse

I had a custom order for two purses a LONG while back..and I mean LONG. I was slacking so bad, but I finally sat down today and finished both her and her daughter's purses. This one was for her. She had requested black corduroy with sage green and a japanese theme. I found beautiful pink fabric that shimmers with cranes and flowers and used it for the interior. I added a pocket as well. For the exterior..I used ribbon and pearls to embellish the front and also added a scoop exterior pocket. I think it's just a great place for things you need on hand like your cell phone or chapstick. She had also asked for a lucky coin. I wasn't sure where I was going to find one, but i came across one eventually. Maybe that's why they are considered lucky? :o)

Day of the Dead Handbag

Here's another typical apron purse. This one's a tad bit different...the handles are shorter. I also made a felt flower pin that can be added to the purse or worn to embellish an outfit. :) Hope my swapee likes it!


exterior view


interior lining


flower pin

Sister and Tote.

Here she is sporting the new tote!!

Happy Birthday Sister!

My sister turned 21 today and this is what I sent her.


front


flipped up


back


side with leather strap


interior with pocket

I made a flip tote out of wool. It is perfect for the San Francisco fall/winter weather. I also added a leather strap. I love the colors. It was my first time using my free-motion foot on my machine so the quilting wasn't great, but I still liked how it turned out. I hope she gets some good use out of it. :o)

And again...

Another one...

These seem to be all the rage right now for those whom are ordering from me! They are so fun to make. This is for a recent order...not much to say about it so I'll let the pictures do the talking. :o)

Baby Girl's Crib

My coworker/friend (the one I made the pink pillow for) asked for help in constructing the crib bumpers for her crib and here is the result of 6 hours of work and ONE bumper. haha.

The interior of the bumper is soft cream minky fabric. The exterior is the pink/brown scroll design that you see. We made piping around the edge of the pillow bumper out of a striped pink and white fabric that is also on the dust ruffle of the crib. The bottom of the pillow has snaps so that the cover is removable and washable without putting the entire pillow in the washing machine.

Baby Girl- Pillow for Mom

This is a pillow I made recently for a friend/coworker who's expecting a little girl very soon. She's in the process of sewing all the pieces for the crib and decorating the baby's room so I made the patchy pillow to adorn her rocking chair.

The colors she chose for the baby's room are quite pale so it was really difficult to find the right pink hue. Luckily we have wonderful quilt shops in Arizona so I searched everywhere before I could find these pale latte and pink colors. I didn't follow a pattern so it is really random. The pillow is about 15" square. I love the texture of the fabric on the back with the little pom-poms!

Stripey Diaper Bag

This is a gift for a friend who is expecting a baby in a couple months. She left the sex of the baby as a surprise so the colors are somewhat unisex. The exterior is a multi-colored and striped upholstery fabric with corduroy for the flap. There are two corduroy elastic pockets on either side of the exterior for bottles. I added a few buttons and a blue ribbon for interest and an exterior zipper pocket for little things. The interior is lined with a bright orange print and beige elastic pockets. I've added a hook strap for her keys so they will be easy to find. The size of the bag is approximately 20"w x 13"h (26"h with strap included) and about 5"d. Her baby shower is tomorrow so i hope she likes it!


Exterior


Close up of side pocket and buttons


Interior with elastic band pockets and hook strap for her keys


Exterior top view

Pillow for my bear

Quilted Flip Tote - SOLD

I'm just on a brown fabric frenzy suddenly. This one is a little bit different I suppose. It wasn't an order for anyone in particular, so I just went a little wacky with this one to test it out. Of course it is up for grabs if anyone is interested. The flip tote lays flat, but the top folds over envelope-style when carried. I also added a dainty lime green lace tie at the end. It's really comfortable to carry- on your shoulder or across your chest. It also has a nice drape to it because of the soft exterior fabric.

Flip Tote - $45

Exterior (flipped closed)


Exterior (laying flat)


Interior with pocket


Close-up detail of stitching

The exterior is this quilted brown fabric...I can't put a finger on what type of fabric it really is but it's really soft...almost sweater material. It is quilted with concentric circles and I quilted it even further with some random pink stitching and pink remanants of shredded fabric. The interior is a vintage sheet I found a while back....very 70's. I added an interior pocket for smaller things because you would probably lose them since this tote is so deep. It measures approximately 12"W x 21"L flat (12"W x 13"L flipped closed).

Please email me at tina.nealis@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing. Thanks!

Lovely Ribbon & Lace - SOLD

This purse is a second order for one of my friends. She initially ordered the pink bow tie purse, but she wanted something that would match her daily wardrobe as well. I whipped this one up and had a lot of fun practicing with one of my new feet that I purchased recently for my Bernina! I used it by signing my name inside the bag and I also "quilted" the front lace on the left side with random squiggles. I can't wait to use it on future projects!!


Exterior view


Close-up of ribbon and lace detail


Interior view with pocket for goodies


my tag


Interior fabric

Travel Bag - SOLD

This travel bag was made for my friend Joey. He ordered it sooooo long ago and I've finally finished not one, but TWO. It took me long enough...I'm such a slacker. Anyway, i sat down and finally got it done. I made two variations of it because I wasn't sure what one would end up better. The first one is a cylinder duffle bag shape, it has straps on either end. The second bag has an exterior pocket with fabric that looks like knit...goes along with the interior. It also has small tabs on either end for easy handling. The exterior on both is brown corduroy and the interior is cotton print with a sock monkey pattern on orange. Both bags are approximately 12"L x 6"W.

FIRST TRAVEL BAG

Exterior view


Zipper


Interior view

SECOND TRAVEL BAG

Exterior view


Back view with my "tag"


Zipper


Interior view

Enlarged images

I know that the pictures are somewhat small and it's hard to see the details. Just roll over the image and you can enlarge it in a new window by simply clicking on it! Just FYI. Thanks.

Pink Bow Tie Bag - SOLD

Here's one I finished today for an old high school friend that put in an order. She really liked the cupcake purse and wanted something similar so this is what I made. The exterior is the dark blue corduroy with tiny pink polka-dots. The interior is lingerie themed fabric. I hope she likes it!


Front view


Detail of the little bow tie


Back view


Interior with my tag

Brown & Blue - SOLD

I've always liked the combination of a chocolate brown and a robin's egg blue. It's such a nice contrast of natural colors. I made this one yesterday for a friend. She wanted to make sure it was simple enough that she could wear it with plenty of things in her wardrobe. Just a little splash of blue added some flair to it.







The exterior is brown corduroy (my favorite!) with some bright blue silk and elastic ribbon, smaller corduroy strips, and a couple white buttons. The interior is lined with a japanese patterned cotton print and I also added a pocket for her smaller belongings.

Baby quilt - SOLD

Remember this post from a while back? Well, my Mom and I finally sat down and finished this on the fourth of July weekend. The Mom-To-Be received it today and really loved it. It makes all that hard work well worth it.





The top of the quilt is made of 100% cotton print, the batting is Warm & Natural 100% cotton batting, and the back is soft yellow minky. The entire blanket was machine quilted and then we binded the edges with a light pink to add a little girlie-ness to it.

From the archives - all SOLD

I was just looking at some old pictures stored on my other laptop and found a couple projects back in the day. Not THAT long ago, but definitely worth posting.

The first one was just a little pencil (feminine product, makeup, doodad..whatever) pouch. I made it for Gina. She's special because I say so. The fabric is %100 cottom print. The exterior is a comic print and the interior is just white with red polka dots. You will come to realize most of my projects will include dots somewhere..





This second one was a little gift to my sister... kind of a scrappy pillow of sorts. It's just a log cabin quilted pattern with a picture of the two of us at Knott's Berry Farm in the center. Excuse the bowl haircuts, please.

Baby Diaper Bag - SOLD

My first attempt at a diaper bag, and it turned out pretty well. This was for a friend of a friend. She's expecting but is leaving the sex of the baby a surprise for the end so we chose some "neutral" colors. She wanted it to be very natural...almost beachy looking. There are side pockets on the exterior for bottles and other knick-knacks. The interior has a pocket up high for Mom's keys and things and the bottom of the bag has 6 elastic pockets total for diapers, a changing pad, bottles, and other things that I have no clue about. :o) The handles were purchased and added on....I'm not THAT talented. heh.

Cupcakes...yum! - SOLD

Here's a cupcake purse I made not too long ago for a crafty swap. The exterior is dark blue corduroy with little pink polka dots. The applique of the cupcake is just felt that I stitched on with my machine. The interior is flannel patterned with ice cream cones.







Yummy yum yum!

Out with the old - SOLD

I made an olive leather wallet a couple years back for Jason but it was getting old. He was in desperate need of a new one. The old one held up quite well as you can see in the pictures (top wallet). There were no rips or frays...just normal wear and some fading. It was time for a new one so I made a new brown leather wallet for him while he was in town with Debbie. He was able to basically choose the fabric combo himself... here are the results:







I made a few adjustments on to the new one by adding snap closures instead of velcro and made the pockets for his cards a little bit smaller so that they weren't sliding out. I also reversed the leather so the "wrong" side was facing outwards.

Paypal update

I've decided it's a lot easier for people to contact me via email if they are interested in purchasing anything from my site. The transactions will still be through Paypal, but the buttons used for the site haven't been the most convenient. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at: tina.nealis@gmail.com

Thanks!

Ribbon Scarf - $50

This ribbon scarf is made up of silk ribbon, chenille strands and other really beautiful fibers. I've created it by sewing a grid of thread over the vertical running ribbon. Doesn't keep you very warm but it spruces up a black t-shirt or top quite nicely.

Ribbon Scarf - $50




Please contact me via email if you are interested in purchasing.
Thanks.

Retro Fruit Tote - SOLD

This was finished a while back. The exterior is textured barkcloth with a retro pattern of leaves, apples, and pears. It is lined with magenta fleece and the interior includes a pocket for your cell phone and a zipper pocket for larger items. The closure is a orange ribbon that loops over a bright orange button.
It measures at approximately 13"w x 8"h x 4"d. (measurement w/o handles)

Retro Fruit Tote - has a home!

It's a Girl! - SOLD

This is just the beginning of a baby quilt I am making for my Mom's friend. She's expecting a baby girl some time this August. I've finished piecing the front and I'm in the process of pinning and quilting the entire blanket.





I will add more pictures once I'm finished, but thought I'd show the front for now. The backing will be a light yellow minky fabric...very soft!!

Paypal has been added

I have finally been able to add Paypal buttons to the site. The links to the buttons are displayed next to the pictures of the items for sale. Hopefully this will help out with all the transactions and emails. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Thanks for your patience!

Golden Granny Bag - SOLD

Here's my latest.

Golden Granny Bag






This purse is made of vintage upholstery fabric and is embellished with vintage gold buttons, rick rack, and ribbon. The interior is lined with an old fashioned looking cotton quilt fabric and is also interfaced with quilt batting for extra support. The handles are brown corduroy with a faint pink that shows through the ribbing. The two front buttons and a ribbon loop create a nice closure for the purse.
The size is about 13"w x 8"h (18"h with handles).

MINIs Galore - all SOLD

I've got quite a few MINI purses left over from AMVIV, so they will now be available online. They will be $40 each with shipping and handling included (within the United States).
I will post pictures of the purses I have remaining as soon as I get the chance.

Pink Polka Dot MINI Purse - SOLD


The interior of the polka-dot purse is lined with super soft magenta fleece.

AMVIV purses - all SOLD

....and they keep coming.

Brown Corduroy & Red MINI Purse - SOLD




Brown Corduroy & Yellow MINI Purse - SOLD




Blue Striped MINI purse - SOLD




These will be going for $40 each at the MiNi Vacation in Vegas event over this weekend. Thanks to Emis and Tuls for taking them up there for me!! :o)

Presenting the MINI purse - $25

So I've moved on from pouches to purses. I'm much more comfortable making these so they are going to A MiNi Vacation in Vegas next weekend with a friend. I hope they do well. I love the shape of them, so compact and easy to carry! The lining on this specific one was very "Vegas" appropriate...don't you think?

Black & Red Trim MINI Purse - $25






The exterior of this one is black chenille-like fabric with a cotton print interior lining. The handles and MINI patches are made of an extra soft suede fabric. The size of this one is approximately 13"w x 8"h (16"h if you count the handles).

New Batch of MINIs - all SOLD

Here are a few new ones I made this past weekend. These were all custom orders. Thanks to those who ordered one!

Panda Tote - SOLD

This one was made for a teacher friend. She had requested a tote big enough to carry her books and papers for class.







The exterior is a black chenille-type upholstery fabric and the interior includes a variety of cotton prints. The panda face was hand-drawn and stencilled onto an ultra suede fabric.

Past work - all SOLD

I've done this sewing thing for a little while now, I just never really archived any of it in a journal so theses are a few things I've made in the past. I may add more, although the further I go back the more amateur my work seems to look. Anyway, here they are from oldest to most recent...

Corduroy Lace Clutch


Leather Wallet




Hot Pink Corduroy Slouchy


Aqua Vinyl Slouchy


Camouflage Slouchy


Satin RingBearer Pillow


Brown Corduroy Ribbon Clutch


Black & Striped Corduroy Purse


Brown Corduroy Tote


Olive Leather Clutch








Tan Leather Clutch




Alkaline Trio Purse




Baby Quilt




Please keep in mind that these were all custom orders and already have loving homes.

MINI Zipper Pouches - all SOLD

At the moment there are three available. More colors will be added to the line and I will post them as they are made. I will also take custom orders for designs or colors you may have in mind.

MINI Zipper Pouches - $15
handmade zipper pouch
featuring stenciled illustration
vinyl exterior, cotton print interior, zipper closure
approx. 4" x 5"

Black MINI on Red - SOLD




Gold MINI on Black - SOLD




Silver MINI on Black - SOLD

Welcome!

This is where you will find all of my creations.