I have been a cleaning, organizing machine around here – so I don’t have too much craftiness to show. But would you like to see our completely cleaned out closets? How about the neat playroom where all the Christmas stuff now has a home?

I scheduled a Veterans truck pickup for last Friday to coax me into getting the rooms cleaned out and the donations ready to go. I guess it was a pretty good plan, as it, um, kinda worked! And the other half of my devious plan (mwah ha ha!) was to “pare down” the toys in the play room while both of the girls were at school. Can’t miss what you don’t even remember was there.

I also had to tackle Em’s room while she wasn’t here. That girl is a packrat in the worst way. Little scraps and pieces of everything and anything. But I am most satisfied that we are well on our way to purging and being organized. Somewhat. Well, for a few weeks at least.

Since it looks like we’ll be here for awhile, I told the girls that I would paint their rooms for them. The previous family really (REALLY) liked the color yellow. Both of the girls’ rooms and the playroom are all yellow. I like yellow just fine, but I think we are all ready for a little change and freshening up around here. So Emma thinks she wants a light-ish purple (of course) and Ad a light pink (big surprise there, too). That is on our agenda for the next few weeks, so actual crafting around here could potentially be a little light. And other than Jam and Jeff’s birthday, I don’t think we have any more until February. So we get a little breather there, too.

I do have two gifts to show that I made last week, though.

First up, I made a laptop sleeve (tutorial from Sew Mama Sew) for my Mom.

This was the same material as the lining from her bag that I gave her for Christmas. (Yeah, the one I forgot to photograph – that one.) I thought that if/when she travels and wants to take her laptop along she can slide it in the sleeve, and then into her bag.

I think it turned out ok – I really like the material. And as always there are things that I learned that I will incorporate if I make another one. That is one thing I love about sewing…you always learn a little something different with each project.

I also made a little clutch for my friend’s birthday. And also got the tutorial from Sew Mama Sew – I think their tutorials are great and their fabric…sigh. I just can’t *shop* there, I can’t control myself. Anyhow – great stuff over there and lots of free tutorials and such. Someone asked me a few weeks ago (I think it was Christina?) if I use a pattern for my bags, and I don’t anymore. The ones I did at Christmas for my sister and Mom where just sort of winging it and trying out a few different sizes. But I did notice that on SMS’s site they have a tutorial for a simple tote bag – I don’t think it has a lining, but it might be a great one to try if you are interested.

Anyhow, back to the clutch. I adapted this one a bit, too.

I just put a little wrist strap instead of a shoulder strap. I like this tutorial – it was my first time using the super stiff/strong interfacing and magnetic snaps – both are kinda fun. And I love that you can make the clutch with just two fat quarters of fabric.

I picked this fabric because my friend Kristen is a super modern and totally fashionable mom. Always pulled together. One of those moms who always looks good, and one we’d all love to hate, if we just didn’t love her so much. So this fabric was perfect for her. I had several problems with parts of this though, and I think I’d make it just a smidge bigger next time. But it is good for a phone, some cash and a lipstick. I’ll definitely be making some more of these.

Now, I’m going to peruse some paint chips with the girls. But I surely will need some fun distractions this afternoon (since I’ve been so good about cleaning and doing my chores) so show me some of your crafty goodies!