Lisa has been a very busy woman. Not only does she have a new book out, but she's got a new purse tutorial up as well.

Do you have Socks Appeal? Show stash books yours and you could win.

It may only be September, but when you think about it, the holiday's aren't really that far away. Prepare yourself for those big gatherings by making a few Casserole Carriers.

Win a copy of Craft Hope!

If you have young children then chances are you have 'tiny toys'. This little sack not only serves as a container for all those little pieces, but also opens up into a playmat as well.

Create you own fabric flower ring.

There's no tutorial for this adorable Monster Art Tote (I love how crayons make the teeth), but I think I could replicate it if I started at it long enough.

The idea of making your own bra can seem daunting, but this tutorial should take the fear out of giving it a try yourself. Just be prepared to cut up your favorite bra to do it.

Don't forget about entering Ottobre's Mildred Multi-Use Wrap prize draw and Pink Chalk's Fat Quarter Tuesday.

Joann's latest contest, Quilt Your Colors, give you the chance to win one of 10 prizes including $2,500 and a sewing machine.

Happy National Sewing Month to everyone! And what a better way to celebrate the month than by kicking it off with a Sew Along! Crack open your copy Amy Butler's Style Stitches and pick your project. I had hoped to put up a review of the book this morning, however, I have to admit I got distracted.... I've spent the last several nights reading The Hunger Games. I've finished it up so now I'll be able to spend my free time working on some other projects (that is until the second book arrives from Amazon).

In addition to whipping up a new bag, I'll also be working on some Halloween crafts. I'm back on the Craftster Swap Wagon and joined a new one - Halloween Swap 2010. Partners were just announced, so I'm starting my stalking and project planning this evening. Oh yes, and I promise a book review in the morning!

With some sewing deadlines behind me, it's time to think about doing some sewing just for me - alright, maybe just for the kids. Over the weekend, I purchased two (downloadable) sewing patterns. The first is The Scientific Seamstress' Bowling Shirt. I am envisioning doing this one up in solids and creating a cute, retro bowling team design for the back. The second pattern is a military style cap made from a bandana. I LOVE hats and while I'm not sure if I'm crazy for the overall design (I think the cap portion might be too high), I love the finished look in camouflage.... and Easton may even wear it.

Of course, tomorrow is September which means....... the start of Amy Butler's Style Stitches Sew Along! I'll be posting a full review of the book tomorrow and in the mean time, finishing up collecting the notions needed to make my bag (FYI for those of you needing interfacing, Joann's will be having theirs 50% off this weekend!).

It's probably because I've watched too many episodes of Project Runway over the past few years, but sometimes, in my head, I hear Michael Kors critiquing my garments - and it's never good news when he does. Recently he 'told' me a top looked like "something a pregnant hooker would wear" and last night, he 'said' that this project (the fabric on the left) looked like "it belonged under the big top". Thank goodness I'm not a contestant on PR, I think my fabric choices of late would get me the boot! Anybody else do this too, or have I been working too hard on deadlines that I've become delusional?

The latest issue of Ottobre Woman arrived in my mailbox yesterday and it is STELLAR! I am totally in love with the knit dress (anyone know where I might find a similar material?), wool coat, and the workout designs from this magazine. Now I'm very motivated to get my 'work' done so I can dig into some of these new fall patterns!

Also included in this issue is a wrap pattern - there are several different stylings for this design and I have to admit, I sort of like the two tone look the best. Have your own opinion on which one you'd wear? Then share it on the Ottobre blog and you could win a wrap and tunic made to your own measurements as well as for two viscose/wool wraps!

It's not too late to get your free Spoonflower swatch - this promotion runs until noon today.

Spice up your closet with some hanging little lavender sachets from the Sewing Republic!

Need more fabric? Pink Chalk fabric is having a giveaway every Tuesday.

School is back in session and if you little one is in need of a nap mat, this one from Prudent Baby is adorable!

I thought that this Monokini was so fabulous - she's even provided a tutorial for you to make your own.

Learn how to sew a 'fashion doll' (aka Barbie) dress.

If you're a fan of Brassy Apple then you'll love her latest giveaway - a DIY Shaggy Mosaic kit for girls.

After seeing this video for a cute 'little flat bear', I'm looking forward to checking out the author's new book, Make Your Own Toys.

Sewing a scarf couldn't be easier, just add some elastic thread for added punch!

This storage pouch may be designed for a top bunk bed, but I can see it working in so many different places!

Win a copy of Craft Hope.

If childrens wear intimidates you, this quick read may help give you a nudge to get started.

A new Sew Forth Now podcast is up.

You don't need to be a student to carry around this library tote, it's too cute not to show off.

It's hard to think about winter when it's still hot out, but these funky, felted hats are so cute - I can't wait for it to get cold.

Keep summer alive - make some of these strawberry pillows to put in your sunroom.

What started off looking like food poisoning (no eggs or Walmart sandwiches were involved), has turned into looking more like a flu bug. Consequently, Linky Thursday will be postponed until tomorrow. Now the question is - where's my Lysol?

Following on the coat tails of yesterday's post is another peek at an upcoming project for the Sewing Republic! While this project was one of the first ideas I had in my head, surprisingly, it was one of the last tutorials I wrote up - I had so many different 'directions' I could have gone with it that I had a difficult time nailing down exactly what I wanted to do. However, once I saw the fabric, I knew immediately! Anyone want to take a stab at who the designer is?

I've been very busy putting the finishing touches on tutorials and sewing up 'samples' for some upcoming projects at The Sewing Republic. The photo on the right is one that I completed over the weekend. I love this one because I have a 'thing' for grommets and this particular project has plenty of hardware!

Speaking of hardware, has anyone checked out the latest issue of Sew Stylish? Not only did I think that it was a great issue, but they had a FANTASTIC leather bag (pattern included, however you have to use a copier to blow up the pieces) with side grommets. I also liked the creative use of buttons as purse feet.

I'm calling the past two days my 'Amy Butler weekend'. Not only did the Sandlewood Jacket (and I just noticed it's reversible - two jackets in one!) and Honey Bun Poufs arrive in the mail, but the postman finally delivered Amy Butler's Style Stitches (I'll do a full review later this week)! Since it was the weekend, I had plenty of time to check everything out... now it's time to narrow down some fabric choices for the Style Stitches Sew Along!

Speaking of fabric, I won a Wee Woodland fat quarter bundle thanks to Pat Sloan and Pink Chalk Studio! I'll have to browse around some patterns\books and see how I can put these cuties to good use.

With that said, it's time to get busy and set to work on finishing up a few tutorials. I now have all the materials I need to sew 'the finished product' and the drafts are just needing to be cleaned up. Stay tuned for 'sneak peeks'!

I had great intentions on this weekend being productive. However, I 'slept in' this morning and it threw my plans completely off! Consequently, I scrapped the sewing and took the kids to Hobby Lobby (where they got foam swords), a walk around a local landmark (until it got too hot), and topped it off with a trip two fabric stores. I wandered around our new quilt shop and popped in next door to Sew Much. While I was there I managed to pick up several yards of a wonderful, drapey, shiny pewter, knit - I have no idea what I want to do with it, but I've had my eye on it for awhile and Taylor thought it was awesome too. Taylor also requested a pattern - Vanilla House Designs' Cups and Needles. I know that there are lots of free designs out there for similar pincushions, but I'm sure that these have clear instructions that Taylor can follow - plus she said she'd be making me one for my birthday. Now how can I pass that up?

Happy Friday! I'm thrilled that I survived the first week of school and have (almost) made it to the weekend. To celebrate, I added to pre-orders to my Amazon shopping cart last night: U-Handbag's first publication, The Bag Making Bible: The Complete Guide to Sewing and Customizing Your Own Unique Bags and Little Green Dresses: 50 Original Patterns for Repurposed Dresses, Tops, Skirts, and More. Both of these books come out in September, but I'm hoping that Amazon get's them in early.

I'm also taking in\window shopping some fabric shopping this weekend. We have a new quilt shop that has opened up and I can't wait to see what fabrics that they have - not to mention some faux leather that the shop next door is carrying (yes, that's right TWO fabric stores right next door to each other!).

With that said, I had better move some items off my 'to do list'. I am DETERMINED to put a cork into several deadlines that I have - that way I can get to all those 'other' projects I want to work on. Cross your fingers for a long (Easton) nap - it's something that has been missing from my week.

Learn how to make a heart cutout on your next little girl's dress.

Always wanted to join a quilt-a-long, but never had the supplies? Here's your chance to win (almost) everything you need and join in on A Few Scraps fun.

Create a canvas wall hanging - you can read!

The shift dress featured on Sew Stylish is so adorable, I'm thinking about putting it on my must sew list. You can download the pattern and instructions to make your own, here.

Create your own adorable sock monkey with this free download from Operation Sock Monkey.

Since it's time for back to school, our days of Sailing on the Lake are over, but it's never too late to create the look! Learn how to create this pretty little top at Sewing Princess.

I've read a lot of 'making your own sandals\shoes' articles in the past few years, but these are the cutest I've seen! No wonder I had seen a lot of hub-bub on the internet about them!

I have no idea what I would do with them, but I need some of these knitted ice cream cones!

ilovetocreate.com is having daily giveaways. Today's? Iron-on appliques from Tulip.

A sneak peek at Ottobre Woman's upcoming issue. I LOVE that pea coat!

There's lots of ways to win a fat quarter bundle of Pure Joy - read here to learn how. Although if that fabric isn't your style, you can always try for a FQ bundle of Country Lane, here.

Indietutes Elvis\Blue Hawaii dress has got to be my favorite girls summer frock this year! Learn how to make your own Solar Dress here.

This year for school, Taylor has a very LARGE (required) binder that she has to carry around for her classes. Maybe I can jazz it up with this cute little binder pouch?

Aww, this is so adorable (I love how they kept the buttons) - turning a Hawaiian shirt into a toddler skirt.

If it wasn't enough that Hot Patterns released two new patterns last week (love those relaxed tees), they also have two new patterns up at Fabric.com today as well! I am anxious to try out their cosmetic bag pattern - it's a cute variation on the ones that I've previously made.... maybe they'll be just different enough I can make a new round for Christmas gift giving? If I can convince Easton to nap this afternoon, I may give this one a whirl today.... or I may just break down and nap - this back to school schedule is kicking my rear! When's the first vacation day?

Are you tired of looking at aprons yet? I hope not because here's one more for the mix! I've had this idea in my head for awhile and am happy to see it appear in real life - I call it, The Little Black Dress Apron (now you can be perfectly dressed for any occasion). The styling is very similar to the Wonder Woman apron and features a sheer overlay skirt, long ribbon ties so the bow can be worn in the front, and sequin trim around the neckline. I have enough material to make this one again.... I'm just preparing you.

What is everyone else working on?

I know it sounds cliche, but "it seems like only yesterday" that I was talking about Taylor starting summer break. Today, it's officially over. Here is Taylor sporting her 'back to school' look for the 8th grade - which started this morning. I'm sad to see it end, but am looking forward to some structure in our routine once again!

With fall here (only the time frame, not the temperatures!), I've been thinking ahead to fall designs and was definitely inspired by the latest Burda.... not by the seeing patterns so much as I was by this gorgeous scarf! It's been several years since I've done any knitting and I'm not sure that this is something I can successfully do, but I am absolutely in LOVE with it. Anyone want to give me knitting lessons?

Anyone care for a sew along? Amy Butler's Style Stitches: 12 Easy Ways to 26 Wonderful Bags is released in almost two weeks (however, Amazon has them in stock already) and I'm thinking it might make the perfect fall sew-along! I'm thinking we shoot for a September 6th start date and work until the end of the month - that should give everyone time to get their books, supplies, and start to work on their favorite design. So, what do you say?

Towel wraps. Not only are they an easy way to get 'dressed' after a shower, but they're a great way to get that 'spa' feel at home when getting ready for date nights - not to mention a perfect gift for the college freshman living the dorm life! New up at The Sewing Republic is a tutorial for The Shower Wrap - it's easy to sew, one size fits all, and is absolutely adorable.

If you've been thinking about getting the Wee Wonderful's book, but wanted to try a project before buying, then here's your chance - Mermaiden Free Pattern.

I love custom key fobs. Here's a quick tutorial on how to make your own. While you're there, be sure to check out the latest CraftSanity podcast.

Win a copy of The Embroidery Companion.

Download a free quilt pattern and enter to win the fabric that was used to make the display quilt! Hurry, this one ends tonight!

For many of us summer break may be over, but there's still time to sew up a pretty summer shirred dress. Learn how to do this technique here.

Even though the name, Spiderweb Potholders, conjures up images of Halloween. These pretty little hotpads look nothing like the holiday - learn how to make theme here.

This has to be the cutest coupon organizer that I've ever seen.

If you're getting ready to send your kids back to school, here's a list of 20 great projects to make to get you started on the new year.

C&T Publishing is giving away a HUGE Summer Quilt Show package including books, videos, and fat quarters.

It's way too hot here (another 105 degree day) to think about wearing a fleece scarf, but I realize, eventually, that things will cool down an this Serpent Scarf (with pocket) will be a fun way to warm up (and hide your keys).

Start your little girl back to school in style with the Leisurely Dress.

Add a bit of flair to your garment by adding Chevron Pockets to you clothes.

Knowing what my day would be like today (in a word, busy!), I was very motivated to get into the sewing room yesterday and test my second apron design. This particular apron is a bib-style with a single tie that comes up through a casing under the arms and over the neck. It's finished off with a bit of piping and a pretty little flounce. I need to go back to the drawing board on the facing that creates the casing because I was a bit off on the length of this one. Somehow, designing facing for items trips me up - I'm always so close to perfect, but there's always something that is just a bit off.

Now I have one more 'look' to test out. While the overall pattern design is similar to the Wonder Woman apron, I have a different style in mind that I'd like to try. I've been thinking about this one for awhile so I'm anxious to see how it turns out.