Happy New Year!

Well another year has come and gone. This being the 30th. Did you do everything you wanted to this year? I most certainly didn't. But the good thing is Friday starts the beginning of a new year and all the possibilities.
Do you have your resolutions ready? Mine are simple.... loss weight, try to save a few bucks and be more open to people and things. I plan on trying to sew at least 15 minutes a day. Don't sound like much but you would be suprised just what can get accomplished in so little effort and time.
I also want to try to learn a new craft. Like I really need to spend more on craft supplies (which have almost taken up the entire house). I also am going to try to clean on the house 30 minutes or so a day. Even when the crafting bug has got me. Well anyhow, just wanted to wish everyone a Very Happy New Year! Be careful and be safe.
Huggles until next year...

Twilight Tote

Well I finally finished the Twilight Tote for my granddaughter. I bought a Twilight calendar and cut out the pictures. I then sandwiched them between heavy clear vinyl I bought at Walmart. Sewed them up like you would a juice pouch purse. I then added a large grommet to either side and threaded strapping into the grommets. I did made a big mistake, if you look at the side of the first picture you will see how the vinyl slid as I was sewing it together. If you have ever worked with vinyl you know how unforging it can be. Once sewn you can not pick the stitches out and resew them. and you have to use a vinyl foot or a walking foot to get the vinyl to slide through.
Edward is on one side, Bella is on the other. The sides have all the characters and the inside is Edward and Jacob.
Even with the mistakes I hope she likes it.
I did find several Twilight purses on the web but didn't want to pay their prices.
I am thinkiing of making a matching change purse to go with it... we'll see.

A Little Down

Woke up this morning to this outside my front door. Had my day all planned but sadly it's not happening. Although the roads appear to be fine my dear hubby is terrified of driving in the snow. My daughter is having a dessert swap party this evening, my car is broke down and I can not drive my hubby's truck so.... I am sitting here feeling a bit sorry for myself.

Although the snow is gorgeous, earlier it looked like a winter wonderland but we were not expecting quite so much of the stuff.

At least it's the weekend and there are not too many travellers.

I was hoping for a great weekend with my birthday tomorrow. Oh well.....

Happy Thanksgiving and Twilight

With all the hectic activities this week... I did want to get on here today and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I haven't done alot of crafting lately. Can't seem to get in the mood. I have so much crafting to do before Christmas but I don't want to do it. Have you had days, weeks or months like that?
I did go Christmas shopping today. Managed to get something or two for all the grandchildren, my daughter and my Mom and Dad.
I did buy everything for the Thanksgiving feast. Although I won't be cooking at home this year. Since my son is going to his in laws for Thanksgiving, doing some hunting too. We will be going to my daughters for Thanksgiving. Hopefully we will get a chance to go to Mom's too.
It's a shame to cook for days and days and eat it all in an hour or two. The cost is aweful too.
My daughter and I split the items for the meal so it didn't cost an arm and leg. But it is still too expensive.
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Did anyone get a chance to go see Twilight's New Moon this weekend?
My granddaughter is a huge fan (Twihards) is the new term I believe. One step higher than a twilighter. Anyways, all her friends had plans and she was so excited to see it. Her Mom didn't want to go.... So she called me and asked if I would like to see it with her. I jumped at the chance. Not because of the movie but getting to spend time with her. To be a part of her world even for a short time. Now understand my granddaughter and I are very close but to a 12 year old I at 50 am ancient.
Hot Topics called her name ... so we went to the mall before the movies. I did get a few hints as to Christmas presents.
Although I have not seen the first Twilight, I must say I did enjoy the movie.
The teens in the movie are a bit sadder than I like, brooding and deep but I can see why so many teen plus are drawn into the plot and characters. All in all a good time with her.

I purchased a Twilight calendar the other day and will be trying my hand at making her a Twilight purse. If I manage it I'll post the outcome.
Well untill next time....
Have a Happy Thanksgiving and try not to eat until you explode.

Christmas Tutu Dress

I found the cutest tutu dresses online. They were so expensive I decided to make one myself. I made this for my youngest granddaughter to wear for her birthday or for Christmas dinner with the family. We tried it on her.... it fit perfect and she looked sooooo cute.
The only problem is she refuses to wear it. She throws a fit every time we try to get her to wear it. Evidently she hates red. She loves the purple tutu I made her. Now I wish I had made it in purple. I had made a headband and a matching pair of wings too. You know anyone who would like to buy a tutu dress that fits a 2 to 3 year old with wings and a flowered headband for 30.00 plus shipping? If so... send me a comment and I'll get back to you.

Creating with food

Someone recently sent me an email and got me thinking. People with too much creativity and too much time on their hands. I have done simple food arts like a cucumber shark, a palm tree made from a carrot and green pepper and of course tomato roses. But nothing prepares you for these creations. Who comes up with these? Of course one would have to have some type of sculpting abilities (which I don't) to master several of these. I think I'll stick to my sewing.

If you know of the person responsible for these creations please let me know so I can give them credit.

New Addition and Tutorial

We have a new addition to our family. My hubby got him for me as a present. Picture of him is after the tutorial. The cell phone is for size comparison.
He is a 10 week old weenie dog. My youngest granddaughter gave us his name. So meet "Puppy".
Not very imaginative but cute none the less.
He is so full of himself and loves cuddles and kisses.
So now comes the (Fun ? ) part. House breaking him and training him one a leash.
We went last night to buy a collar but didn't have any luck so I thought until I train him, I'll just make him one. This would never hold a grown dog but is ideal for a puppy.

How to make a collar for a new puppy:
First find a scrap of fabric you like. Measure around the puppy's neck and add 1 inch. My puppy's neck measures 7 inches, so I cut a strip 8" x 2 inches. I also cut some Ultra Firm interfacing the same length. Next step: fold the fabric around the interfacing equally.

Then you fold the whole length in half and pin in place to hold.

I then sewed a 2 inch strip and placed it with the edges inside the folded strip. This will form the loop to latch the leash on. Sew up the length of the folded strip keeping close to the edge.

I then remeasured it (I got it way too long). I added a small strip of velcro to one side and to the out side of the other side. I hope that makes sense.

And there you go.... a training collar for your littlest addition.
I'll post a picture as soon as I can to show you just how cute he is in his new collar.

Half way into October

I've been gone for a little over a month. I needed to get some things sorted out in my life. I know we all have times that seem almost overwhelming and that was my life for awhile. I have not done alot of crafting this past month. I've been looking alot just not doing.
I did the fall festival and it went really well. I sold almost all my tutus and all of the marshmallow guns. Plus I am still working on orders from the show. I was a little disappointed in not selling any of the bibs and bears or bonnets. But I guess people were just not in the market for these at this time. I had made plenty of aprons but so did alot of other booths. Last year not one booth had an apron to be found. There was plenty of primitive art but no one was buying them. I do think 65.00 for a small primitive doll is a little much. I know alot of work goes into them but in this economy people are not willing to spend like that. At least not in this area.
I've also taken some purse orders and welding cap orders. Finished 2 of the orders this week.
I've been wanting to find a new craft and will be posting when I find and finish one.

It's half way into October and so it's time to really start working on holiday crafts, decorations and Christmas gifts. One year I made all the kids stuffed dogs, one year I made everyone a quilt, one year I made everyone an embroidered scarf, last year it was everyone jewelry sets.
I can't figure out what I want to make this year but I know I need to figure it out in a hurry.
Until next time.... Take care and craft-craft-craft.

Let's have a Labor Day Party

Here it is the last day of August. Where did the summer go? One last time to have a party before we get back into the work and school routines. I was looking for some cute ideas to use as party favors and found these on Ebay. These would be easy to do... purchase a dozen or so of these plastic parfait tumblers and 2 or so dozen washcloths, some contrasting or matching ribbon and a few fake pieces of fruit. Although you could use Femo clay and make your own fruit. Twist the washcloths together. Wrap with the ribbon and place them into the tumblers. Add a plastic spoon or those twisty straws. You now have some adorable party favors for that end of summer Labor Day Party or Picnic. These would also be quite appropriate for birthday parties. Forgo the napkins and let them use these.
As I always say... you have to love the ingenuity of people. I have no imagination to come up with these ideas but I can usually figure out how they did it and make my own. Can you believe we only have less than 4 months until Christmas? That is amazing! I'm not sure exactly what I'll do for Christmas this year. Going to have to search the web for some frugal Christmas ideas. I heard that the U.S. is running out of sugar. Can't make holiday cookies and sweets without sugar. I'm going to have to stockpile sugar for the holidays I guess. It has already began to get more expensive.

Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

For those of you who like recipes I found a great one for PeanutButter Cookies
3 ingredients is all it takes.

1 cup of peanut butter (crunchy or smooth)
1 egg (beaten)
1 cup of sugar ( I prefer Dominos)

Mix the 3 ingredients together. Form dough into teaspoon size balls.
Place on a greased cookie sheet. Press down with a fork.
Bake about 10 minutes or so, until light or golden brown (your preference)
in 350* degree oven.
Allow to cool slightly then remove from sheet pan.

I know it sounds weird but it works and tastes great.

Got a Bee in My Bonnet

You could say I have a Bee in my bonnet cause I have been as busy as a bee making do-rags and bonnets this week. Just some more things for the craft shows coming up. I'm not sure about bonnets around the fall time of year but do-rags sell well here in West Virginia. I am the only one here that sells a larger size do-rag. Most of the do-rags you buy don't really fit a larger head or head with hair. My sister not too long ago asked me to make her several for someone she knows that has a ton of hair and the regular sizes just wouldn't fit him. So I drew up a larger one and they sell well. If you would like the pattern you can go to my tutorial site and download your own to make. It's over on the right side of screen here.

And just to let those of you who have been following this for awhile. My niece's baby shower was the other day. It was a lovely shower. My sister did all the decorations. Most from balloons. She did one of those balloon arches over the gift table. She also did a balloon topiary tree center piece for each table. That was really cool looking. She took a piece of 6" x 6" wood, drilled a small hole in the center then put a length of dowel rod in the center. She then attached balloons in several section along with ribbon and added a balloon animal that she did herself. I was really impressed with the balloon animals (Tigger, Pooh, weenie dogs, elephants and a few more). She got the directions for them on youtube.
It's amazing what one can find on youtube. Every time I look for an idea, I go there and find something worth the trip.

Too Much to do and so little time....

There is too much to do and so little time to get it done. If my day was only a few hours longer or I required a little less sleep.

I am almost ready for the fall show.

Here I have made a few little cold weather caps and matching booties.

The cap is so easy to make. Simply start with a double layer of fleece measuring 7 inches across and 11 high now round off the top of it to make a cap. Sew all along the sides leaving the bottom open. Turn right side out and fold up to form the brim. Tack in place... you're done!

Fleece is very stretchy so the tiny little cap will fit a newborn up to about a 1/2 year. Fleece comes in so many gorgeous patterns and colors it can become addicting.

Trying My Hand at a Diaper Car

I saw something like this similar online several weeks ago and was telling my Mom just how cute I thought it was. Mom needed a baby shower gift so asked me to make one for her to give. After studying the picture for a bit I came up with this little cutie. Actually it's not so little. It contains 56 diapers, 2 bottles, a pair of baby footies, 2 recieving blankets, a fleece blanket, a tub of wipes, a nipple and cap holder for the dishwasher and a bib I made.
It did take some time and a few trys but here it is. I also couldn't figure a way to keep the tires on without tying them on.
I don't know what possesses me at times. I always feel like I need to be creating something. Feeds a need I have wanting to be useful, I guess.

Starting to Sell

I took a tutu to work to show it off. And made 3 sales. WooHoo! So I decided to try selling them on Crobbies. That's www.crobbies .com. They are set up just like etsy and ebay. You post info and pictures of items you have made and try to sell them. Though unlike ebay you have to have made the item to sell on Crobbies. There are hundreds of tutus on ebay and several dozen on etsy. But I could find none on crobbies. Wish me luck in my newest endeavor. I 'll be back in a day or two with a new item I've made.

Tutu Cute

This is tutu cute. I finally got my youngest granddaughter over to the house and we had picture day. One is a picture of the tutu I showed here earlier and the other is a shorter tutu. I'm amazed when you put something as cute and girly as a tutu on even someone so young, their whole perspection changes. Fun and free. Flowing layers of soft tulle transforms a young girl into a princess or ballerina. She ran and played and had a wonderful time. I am so glad we did it. Although I have to admit, I wanted perfect pictures and she wasn't having any of it. I have made 7 of these so far. Some longer than others but the beauty is they will all fit a waist 18" to 26". I am working on the head pieces now. Flowers, ribbon and tulle to match each one. I must admit.... I'm addicted!

It's Marzipan, Baby

Some one sent me an email recently of pictures of things made from marzipan. This is by far the most detailed and adorable thing I have ever seen. The lady (whom ever she may be) formed this precious little baby from just a wad of sugar, shortening and water. Hand painted it with maybe food color or acrylics, I'm not really sure.
I have in the past seen fruits and flowers made from marzipan. They decorate the tops of candies and cakes around the holidays. And yes it is very edible but come on... who could even think of eating this little treasure. It belongs under glass to just adore.
If you are interested in learning marzipan simple do a quick (LOL) search in your web browser.
Type in the words how to make marzipan. You will be shocked at what is available.

Tutu Much

If you have been reading my blog, you know that I am trying to get ready for a craftshow. I am doing lots of baby and children items for this one. I have been searching the internet for easy cute ideas and came across a no-sew tutu tutorial. This is my first attempt. Lilac tulle intermixed with white tulle. I purchased 4 rolls of white tulle at the Dollar Tree and 2 rolls of lilac tulle JoAnn Fabrics for 2.50 each. I like the rolls of tulle. They come in 6 inch rolls and have about 25 yards of tulle.
I simply cut lengths of 24 inches. Butterfly wrapped each piece around the length of elastic. I used 1 roll of lilac and 1 1/2 rolls of white. The white tulle rolls from Dollar Tree only had 8 yards each. I already had the 1/2 inch elastic and a roll of sheer 1/4 inch ribbon but if you had to buy the ribbon it would cost about .50 cents.
I guess it cost me about $5.00 to make the tutu adding the cost of everything I had and bought. You can get a good tutorial with pictures at GirlyThingBows.com
Cute, cute, cute! I then did a flower headband. A crocheted headband in purple with a bit of tulle glued to it and a pretty purple flower (with the stem removed) glued to that.
Simple and adorable!
There are people who are making a decent living making tuts and headwear. Just look on ebay and etsy and several groups that have forums for people who make these.
So after I got this done I went to Wal-mart and bought several yards of tulle by the yard. I cut the tulle up into strips and began making another one. I did find out that I should have bought at least another 2 yards but I pick it up later next week.
This particular tutu will fit a child age 4 - 6 years. I think I will charge about $20.00 for the set.
Thats alot cheaper than ebay, etsy or the other websites I have been looking at.

Maybe for a bridal shower?

Ok, I was fooling around and made a washcloth Sundae and a washcloth LogRoll. These would be really cute at a bridal shower. Easy peasy to do. Go to the Dollar Tree and pick up a couple packages of the champagne glasses (6 for 1.00) and a couple packages of washcloths.
To make the sundae... make a ball from the washcloth and stuff it inside the glass, add a plastic spoon and a little red pompom. Done! The LogRoll is a brown and a white washcloth rolled up to make a cloth logroll (you know like the chocolate cake rolls in the store). Tie a pretty ribbon around it and there you go. Although I did add a green pompom simply because I like the things.
I am working on washcloth parfaits and washcloth pie slices. I am also trying my hand at diaper cupcakes in a 6 pack package. I'll post them if I get them done to my satisfaction.

Baby Booties Galore

I have gone Bootie Crazy. These things are addicting. I don't even have a baby to give these to. But I'll just save them until I need them for a baby shower or two. With just a bit of felt and some hand stitching you can create an adorable fashion accessory for the little one in your life. I have had an awful last couple of weeks. With a funeral, a reunion, work and dealing with every day pressures, I'm surprised I have gotten any sewing done. OldSchoolAcres.com has tons of patterns for baby shoes so if you want a pair go check this site out. Of course there are tons of patterns out there if you google them up.
The pair of ballet shoes with matching headband (below) is my own adapted from several patterns I found online. I made them with a animal print cotton, added ribbons for tying. The headband is several layers of ribbon attached to a inexpensive headband I bought at Family Dollar 6 for 3.00. There are several really good sites to teach one how to make a bow or two. Theribbonretreat.com is one of my favorite sites for this.
This little pair of felt booties I embroidered using my regular machine.

This little pair of ballet booties I hand embroidered and used those inexpensive snaps that can be bought on cardboard sheets for under 2.00

This little pair of booties I did the same as the others only this time I sewed a cute little plastic butterfly to each strap.

Dealing with a crisis

Sorry, I haven't been here for awhile.
We (hubby and family) have been dealing with my father in law's death.
I'll get back to it real soon. I promise. Until then..... be kind to your family and friends. Never go to bed without saying I love you. And remember to give other family members a call to to check in with them.
The finally happens in a blink of the eye.
As we have learned this week losing Ed McManhn, Farrah Fawcet and Micheal Jackson and loved ones.

Bibs and Bears

You got to love bibs and bears. Bibs that look cute and also protect those so expensive baby clothes. Bibs can be really cheap and so it doesn't matter if you have to throw them away after several or several hundred uses. On the other hand they can cost a small fortune, depending on the name brand or the store where purchased. You can get bibs just about in any store that has a baby section. But I decided to make them for all the baby showers I get invites for.
Okay, I wanted something else to go with the little bib so I drew out this little 6 inch bear. Used matching fabric and embroidered a little face on the bear. Yes, I know the thing is not perfect but did you know that the Amish create a flaw in everything them create. It is their way of remembering that no one is perfect except the Lord.
Well anyways I think it's an adorable set for gift giving.
I've made at least a half dozen of them so far. All in different fabric to match the bib of the moment. I actually have 3 showers coming up really fast. Of course I will be giving other items too. But some of the things I've made have actually been passed down from friends and family children to their children.

Baby Talk

I've been busy this week getting some things done for the fall craft show. Several pair of felt booties. These are called Chinese Slippers. I hand embroidered around the top and straps with a purple embroidery thread and added velcro for closing. I designed the little bonnet from pictures and it was really easy after I got the correct measuremnets. The baby socks are a bit tricky to hold as you're sewing and I got the ruffle too long but I can fix that. I think the pdf file came from The Ribbon Retreat but I will have too double check it.

I got some instructions for the boutique style bow from Girly-Things and then did my own design. The little slippers came from doing a google for baby booties and then I altered the pattern a bit.

Lost in Cyberspace

I've been lost in cyberspace for days now. I went to one site to look for a particular pattern and started clicking on the links that were there and have been so caught up in all the blogs and the talent available. It is truely amazing what is out there for all the crafters and non crafters. If you need a purse pattern, something for a baby shower, a wedding gift, birthday gift. Just need something to do. Do you need to know how to fix something, make something. Need a good recipe? Just do a search and you will find hundreds if not thousands of links. If you have been searching for certain craft instructions, you begin to recognize certain sites and peoples regularly.
I have been on here all morning checking out http://blog.craftzine.com
Hundreds of things to look at with alot of directions.
You may have noticed I have added a link section on the right hand side of my blog.
I thought it might be useful to you as well as me.
I have also went to several sites that are in a different language. I have just found out that if you get the url then go to google translate and put that url in, it will translate it into your language. Now that is an awesome tool.
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I am suppose to be sewing today. I have been making lots of baby things for the fall festivals. I have gotta to be quite fast at making baby bibs with matching toys. Burp cloths and baby booties. My next project will be hair bows. But I need to go to Walmart and JoAnn's to get some supplies. I'll be posting pictures of some of my things early next week.

Fire Roasted Corn Soup

Did I ever tell you I have won awards for my cooking. At the regatta each year here we have a cooking contest. All the local restaurants pick some of their best items and show them off at the civic center. People come from all over the country for our regatta so Thousands of people show up for the "Taste of Charleston".
For the last couple of years my hospital cafe has entered the contest. Since I'm the cafe cook and caterer, it is my food. Anyway I thought you might like the recipe for my soup that won in 2007.

Fire Roasted Corn Soup:
2 cups of fresh or frozen corn
1 cup each of diced celery,onions,carrots
1 can of diced pimentos
1/2 cup of diced red peppers
4 oz. solid pack chicken base (boullion)
1 TBSP. cumin
1 tsp. garlic
1 tsp. cajun seasoning
1/4 tsp. cayenne
salt and pepper to taste
*note: go light on the salt since boullion is salty anyway.

Place all ingredients in large stock pot cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and simmer for 2 hours.
If you have a cream soup base add this to soup using a whisk and following container directions and simmer for 15 more minutes.
If you donot have cream soup base (starter) you can make your own
1 cup milk and 1 cup of flour whisk together and then whisk this into 1/2 cup melted margarine or butter.
Then whisk this roo" into the soup same as if you were adding the cream soup base.

Make a salad and serve with mexican or regular corn bread.
Yummy!!!!

A Good Place To Rest.

My hubby and I went visiting recently. We went to our son's camp up in Clay,West Virginia.

He own's a bit of land with a very small cabin on it. Such a beautiful, quiet place to visit when things get a bit too stressful. This picture was taken from a small deck over looking the Elk River.

The over hanging trees lent an aura of seclusion. We watched a few fish swim past as well as a snake slithering through the water. We saw deer tracks along the river bank. By the time we left I felt at peace. Boy we're gonna have to do that again real soon. Hubby wants to go fishing there soon. Fine with me. Although I do fish some. I'll take a book and maybe some type of small craft to do and he can fish all day.

New Mother's Day Purse

Got up this morning and made this small purse. Along with the change purse and travel tissue cover. It took me an hour to draft the pattern and another 2 to make it.
It was fairly easy to make. Cut 2 panels of fabric 11 x 9 for the outer purse and 2 of the interfacing (rounding off the bottom corners). Cut 1 strip 4" by 25" for the gusset and 1 for the interfacing. Cut 1 strip 3" x 24" for the handle and 1 for the interfacing.
This will construct the outer purse. For the lining I cut 2 lining pieces 11 x 9 , 1 strip 4" x 25". And put them together like I did the outer pieces. I did add a pocket inside and a magnetic snap for closure. The tissue pack cover I found at about.com and the change purse is just two squares of fabric with a zippered opening.
I finished it and sat down. Dumped all my things out of my old purse and began filling my new one up. But even after down sizing the new summery purse was still too small for all my things. Such a shame! I guess, I'll be making a larger purse for my self after all. My little Mother's Day purse will be going into my craftshoww bin for this coming September Fall Festival.

Bitty Baby Shoes

I made another pair of baby shoes. I like making them and think they are really cute but I need to figure out a way to make a lining for the inside. I don't like the way the seams show inside. But they sure are cheap to make. I bought a 9x11 sheet of felt at Walmart for about .39 and made the little flowers from a bit of yarn I had laying around. If you would like to make a pair or two. Simply google your browser "How to make baby shoes", you will get dozens of instructions free.
I believe these were called Chinese Slippers. Although I didn't add the straps to the top.

The Color Of Ribbons

I was browsing the net today and came across this interesting tidbit.
I had no idea that every color of ribbon meant something.
So for those who didn't know either. Here ya go. Although if you look at the yellow...
I thought it meant something else. And Red means Heart Health.
Also add Red,White and Blue is U.S.A.

Another Outfit

Made another outfit for the youngest grandbaby. I used the same pattern as the previous picture of outfit. Just changed it up abit. She is growing so fast. My daughter can hardly keep her in clothes. So I went to Walmart and bought several yards of cotton fabric for $2.44 each. So the outfit cost me 2.44 plus tax. Not bad and it took me about 3 hours to make it. I wish I had more time in my day. Like everyone else I guess. I am also trying to work on some craft show items. Every year the fall craft shows sneak up on me so I'm up to midnight crafting for about 2 weeks before. Well, I decided that was not going to happen this year. But you can bet that.... I will be up to midnight every night for about 2 weeks before the shows any way. No matter how much I get done, it would be enough or I'll think it's not.

Making Gifts

I love making gifts for people. Here is a gift pack I made for a friend. She is all about animal prints. This tote has a hot pink lining with 6 pockets inside and 2 outside. I find it funny how people like different things. Some people would not carry this tote bag if their life depended on it. While others would find this the perfect tote. Fun and wild!
This tote is rather easy. Simply measure 5 inches by 12 inches cut 2 for the top. 6 inches x 12" for the bottom (you then cut out 2 inch squares from either corner on the bottom). The black strips between the zebra print are 1 1/2" x 6" cut 4 of these. The zebra print measures 4" x 6" cut out six of these. Next you would follow the placement of all by looking at my picture.
The lining is made by laying the tote panel down on the lining fabric and using it as a pattern cut out the lining. Add interfacing if you like to make it a bit stiffer. Handles get sandwiched between the outer tote and the lining. This is the accessories I made to go with the tote. A checkbook cover, a large change purse and a travel tissue pack cover. The inside of all also has the hot pink lining. The pattern for the change pursre and the checkbook cover are my own. How hard is it to measure a checkbook cover and copy the dimensions. The change purse was basically measure your zipper and add length to the bottom. The tissue pack cover came from doing a google search. There are tons of free directions for all 3 items on line. Google and search. It sometimes takes a bit to look through a lot of sites but it is always worth the effort.