Friday, December 31, 2010

Waiting Forwardly: A Day to Anticipate

Waiting Forwardly: A Day to Anticipate
by Max Lucado

"Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to Israel's comforting and the Holy Spirit rested on him"
(Luke 2:25 TKB, emphasis mine).

Let's take a look at Simeon, the man who knew how to wait for the arrival of Christ. The way he waited for the first coming is a model for how we should wait for the Second Coming.
"The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen him—God's anointed King" (v. 26 TLB).
You've got to wonder what a message like that would do to a person. What does it do to you if you know you will someday see God? We know what it did to Simeon.
He was "constantly expecting the Messiah" (v. 25 TLB).
He was "living in expectation of the salvation of Israel" (v. 25 PHILLIPS).
He "watched and waited for the restoration of Israel" (v. 25 NEB).
Simeon is a man on tiptoe, wide-eyed and watching for the one who will come to save Israel. Studying each passing face. Staring into the eyes of strangers. He's looking for someone. He was waiting forwardly. Patiently vigilant. Calmly expectant. Eyes open. Arms extended. Searching the crowd for the right face, and hoping the face appears today.
Such was the lifestyle of Simeon, and such can be ours. Haven't we, like Simeon, been told of the coming Christ? Aren't we, like Simeon, heirs of a promise? Are we not prompted by the same Spirit? Are we not longing to see the same face?
First, we must wait. Paul says "we are hoping for something we do not have yet, and we are waiting for it patiently" (Rom. 8:25). Simeon is our model. He was not so consumed with the "not yet" that he ignored the "right now." Luke says Simeon was a "good man and godly" (2:25). Peter urges us to follow suit. Hope of the future is not a license for irresponsibility in the present. Let us wait forwardly, but let us wait.
But for most of us, waiting is not our problem. Or, maybe I should state, waiting is our problem. We are so good at waiting that we don't wait forwardly. We forget to look. We are so patient that we become complacent. We are too content. We seldom search the skies. We rarely run to the temple. We seldom, if ever, allow the Holy Spirit to interrupt our plans and lead us to worship so that we might see Jesus.

It is to those of us who are strong in waiting and weak in watching that our Lord was speaking when he said, "No one knows when that day or time will be, not the angels in heaven, not even the Son. Only the Father knows. . . . So always be ready, because you don't know the day your Lord will come. . . . The Son of Man will come at a time you don't expect him" (Matt. 24:36, 42, 44).
Simeon reminds us to "wait forwardly." Patiently vigilant. But not so patient that we lose our vigilance. Nor so vigilant that we lose our patience.
God Came Near Deluxe EditionIn the end, the prayer of Simeon was answered. "Simeon took the baby in his arms and thanked God; 'Now, Lord, you can let me, your servant, die in peace, as you said'" (Luke 2:28-29).
One look into the face of Jesus, and Simeon knew it was time to go home. And one look into the face of our Savior, and we will know the same.
From
When Christ Comes: The Beginning of the Very Best
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1999) Max Lucado

Prototype: notebook cover

Yet another prototype of the notebook cover. I'm trying various ways 'cos I'm still not happy with the result. This is quite ok for a minimalist kind of look. What do you think?

Do horizontal stripes make me look fat?

This is another take of the reversible tote you saw earlier. Can you tell what the differences are?
Three main ones
  • This has a rectangular base whereas the previous one has darts for a 3D effect.
  • Handles are across the front rather than side to side. You can see that there's a loop round the front. This loop is visible on the side for the previous. I only realised this when I took the previous one out for a test run and was playing with it while waiting for the bus that the handles can be attached differently. Maybe I'll make a third reversible tote to show you what I mean.
  • Strips are horizontal.
It's quite cute that this bag can stand on its own despite the fact that it's not interfaced. Two layers of oxford will achieve this. This is slightly thicker than normal quilting fabric but thinner than canvas. I like it that it's super smooth too.
Have a blessed day!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Mood swings



Want a bag that changes with your moods? Whether it's neutrals or it's bursting with colour, just flip it inside out for the look you want. Made from Korea-imported oxford material that's makes this tote sturdy enough that it can actually stand (well, if you arrange it in a certain way) and yet soft enough to be turned inside out easily. No pockets as yet since this is a prototype but I'm guessing zipped pockets or else a fishing line type of hook. We'll see.
Size of this is just right for stuff that you'd normally bring out for lunch or perhaps 4 paperbacks for a quick trip to the library?
DS and DD call this the plastic bag. What do you think?

The men don't get it

Well, not really.
While most of the stuff I've made goes to females (youngest is 16mth old... well, until I make the cot bedsheet) a minority goes to the men as well. DS also requests for some items from me from time to time like pencil cases. I almost made his Macbook sleeve yesterday from his current favourite of fighter jet fabric. I'll show you when it's done :-)

not available
Exterior is Airport fabric from the Possibilities range for Avlyn Inc. Interior is super combed cotton. A big pocket on the side vs a divider for a change for the earpiece. I've yet to test if this fits the iphone. Anyone wanna lend me one to try? *grin*
Have a blessed day!

Hand vs Machine

I used to hand-quilt the Keiko Goke fabric but I thought I'd machine-quilt for a change. Which do you prefer?
RESERVED
Keiko Goke exterior with Lecien basics interior. I like the bright cheery colours of Lecien basic. Fully interfaced and lined. Secured with lockable zip.
As for me, I don't have a preference. Sometimes I prefer to hand-quilt, sometimes machine. Guess it depends on mood and requested method for any order. At lease this is easy to machine quilt 'cos it's criss-cross lines. See the other Keiko Goke below that I tried to machine-quilt. Had to start and stop and knot and start and stop and knot. Well, you get the picture :-)

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

What is a pouch?

The Free Dictionary had this definition for 'pouch'
  1. A small bag often closing with a drawstring and used especially for carrying loose items in one's pocket.
  2. A bag or sack used to carry mail or diplomatic dispatches.
  3. A leather bag or case for carrying powder or small-arms ammunition.
  4. A sealed plastic or foil container used in packaging frozen or dehydrated food.
  5. Something resembling a bag in shape: one's pouches under one's eyes.
  6. Zoology A saclike structure, such as the cheek pockets of the gopher or the external abdominal pocket in which marsupials carry their young.
  7. Anatomy A pocketlike space in the body: the pharyngeal pouch.
  8. Scots A pocket.
  9. Archaic A purse for small coins.
RESERVED
What do you use a pouch for?
  • DS puts his handphone
  • DS also uses one as his pencil case. He prefers the flat zippered type with zip on the side. He has also requested for another using a fighter jet fabric. I'll put this up when it's ready.
  • DD puts her DS along with the earpieces but she's been asking me to make another one which has a separate compartment to put the earpieces
  • DD has a round one for her shuffle with the earpiece coming out from a small slot just where the zip ends. This is one of the few that I sew totally by hand.
  • I put my keys in one that's shaped like a quadrant. It has a key ring attached to a short internal strap that lets me swing the keys out when I need to use them or back in and zipped up when I don't. It also has a D-ring and strap so it's easy to carry when we go out for a bit. I prefer keys to be enclosed so that it doesn't snag on stuff in my bag.
  • I'm currently using a Noah Ark's wristlet with a centre divider that has 3 pockets for cards. Some of the stuff I put inside are: pen, stirrer (DS gave me), about 20 cards, cash, coins, receipts, vouchers etc. I can pack lots inside one wristlet :-)
  • I also use a strap as a keychain.
What do you use it for?

Monday, December 27, 2010

Don't buy bags or purses from you, can?

Received an SMS from a friend that went something like, don't buy bags or purses from you, can? Make bedsheet/pillow for babycot instead?
It's been a long while since I made a fitted bedsheet cover... I'm thinking, about 15 years? But since P requested, it should be ok. So she went shopping and bought these 2 flannels.
Watch this space to see what it'll become. Hmmm, I wonder if I can persuade her to take a pic when the sheet's actually in the cot. LOL.
Have a blessed day!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas!

Part of the Lego Advent collection that we received as a lucky draw prize during the Space Race. Aren't the pieces just cute? Can you see Frosty the snowman at the back or Santa's sleigh in front?
Have a blessed Christmas!

Like a good bargain?

I wasn't sewing as much the past few days 'cos I went shopping and look what I found! Got these at a bargain and would like to share with you. It's a PWP (purchase with purchase) deal where you get to buy 1 item below for 1 item that you buy from me (past orders included). Please hurry though 'cos I have limited quantities. First come, first served!
Notepad (S$1.50) - dimensions are 11cm x 7.5cm. There is a bible verse at the bottom of each page and each verse is repeated only once.
Keychain (S$5) - this is only the front view. Back view can be seen from the giveaway post.

Congratulations!

Ivy, please email me your shipping adress at bunnybag@ymail.com
Rachel, please email me your shipping address and your keychain preference at bunnybag@ymail.com

Have a blessed Christmas!

A Love That Never Fails

The reason for this season is Jesus, whose love for us never fails (1 Cor 13:8) for He is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). Who gives me hope (Psalm 31:24) and that I may have faith (Romans 15:13) to believe (Matthew 19:26) and to rejoice (Philippians 4:4)!
Remember the giveaway in the earlier post? The second person on the list will get his or her choice of one of these along with free local shipping.
ps: Draw's at noon!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Paying it forward

Does this fabric seem familiar? It's part of the collection I received yesterday. It has a little crinkle to it that adds to its charm. 2 pockets inside for EZlink card and others.

Free giveaway
Dimensions - 18cm x 11cm
In the spirit of paying it forward, this is a free giveaway. All you have to do, is to 'like' my facebook page by either clicking on the 'like' button on the right sidebar of this page or going here in facebook. I'll use random.org on Christmas eve to generate the list of names and the person whose name is first will receive this along with free local shipping.
Have a blessed day!

Thank you

SOLD

SOLD
These are the last Christmas 2010 orders. Thank you so much for your support.
Have a blessed Christmas, always :-)

The highest form of flattery

A friend requested that I make a pencil case like what she had. She showed me the pencil case and I took some measurements. One thing I told her immediately was that I'd yet to master piping and she chose to forego that. So, this is the end result. Hope you like it!
SOLD
Bunny's Day out exterior and super combed cotton interior. Secured by heart zip. Fully lined and interfaced.

Look at what I received!

Received these 2 collections over 2 days.... thank you E and S! These are all new and were passed to me so I can upcycle them. I already have some ideas for some of the fabrics but I really need to finish the Christmas orders before starting on them. Which one do you like best?
Have a blessed day!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Matchy matchy

Had a request for a tote and wristlet set. Which do you prefer? Pink or blue?

SOLD

SOLD
Both totes have had the handles reinforced. Normally I secure the handles with 4 passes but these have 6 passes. Meant for carrying assessment books which can be so heavy sometimes, along with a water bottle. Internal pockets along one side to carry 2 pens, cards, pack of tissue etc.
Wristlet has 2 internal pockets for EZlink cards.
All are fully interfaced and lined.
Have a blessed day!

Friday, December 17, 2010

Jigsaw puzzle

This is the remnant of Thomas fabric and I need to make a backpack out of this. Any suggestions how to maximise / optimise?
There's only 1 'whole' Thomas left so any further Thomas orders will have to use the text portions. Or check out the Stitch fabric just in!

What are you counting down to?

Are you looking forward to Christmas? New Year? Birthday? Chinese New Year? While these are major days, I'm happy and thankful with each day and any day. Is that too simple a thought? Look what I'm thankful for, that I managed to make these yesterday. I prefer to take a leisurely pace since this is a hobby but with Christmas coming up I thought I'd better step it up, ya? :-)
SOLD
If you don't see your order here, please be patient. Thank you also for letting me prioritise Christmas orders first and attend to post-Christmas orders... well, post Christmas :-)

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Is there someone you need to serve today?

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms ~ 1 Peter 4:9-11

There is a Kingdom principle I find few really understand. The principle is this: When you focus on serving others, your need is often met through God's supernatural law of serving.
I've seen this happen so many times. The law of sowing and reaping comes into play in this Kingdom principle. "Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love." (Hos 10:12). "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (2 Cor 9:6-9)
Whenever God calls me to serve another person with my time and resources, I notice how God measures resources back to me from unrelated sources. Sometimes it comes through an unexpected donation to our ministry or a speaking engagement or a new opportunity. It is uncanny how this happens consistently when I serve others. We are never to view people or organizations as competition. The Bible says that God has already assigned our portion. We need not have to manipulate outcomes.
"LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance" (Ps 16:5-6).
We don't serve others to get. However, when you do serve others, there is a Kingdom principle that works on your behalf as fruit of your service. Is there someone you need to serve today?

Sugar high

Some fabrics are so sweet that they make you go ooohhh. This is one of those that did it for me. So sweet that I'm getting a sugar high from making this. Do you like it too?
SOLD
Sling bag with adjustable strap. 2 internal pockets and 2 pen slips with a magnet closure. Added a D-ring by the side to hang any dangling stuff that little girls collect. Made from Korean imported fabric with calico interior. Fully lined and interfaced.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Desires, what desires?

Sometimes I get carried away and do not realise till I finish sewing that there are some stuff that are really unaceptable. Minor ones I'll redo but the thing is, I should look into prevention and check everything before I even start. Great advice but not always heeded. Maybe after this lesson :-)
So, the verse is actually....
4 Take delight in the LORD,
   and he will give you the desires of your heart.

~ Psalm 37:4 (NIV)

Prototype: notebook cover

What do you think?

ps: forgot to iron it again, sorry!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Here kitty, kitty, kitty.....

SOLD
Kitty Chronicle exterior with pink dots on ribena background for interior. Fully lined with 2 pockets for your cards. Secured with heart zip.

God is great!

Look what just came in the mail! I've been waiting for these for soooooo long. I tried printing this locally but didn't get good results or couldn't fulfil the minimum order for quality print. So when I was almost out of options, I came across this fabric printing site that had free international shipping, just for that day!
This is a sneak of what came.
These are what were printed (all in NKJV):
  • Psalm 91:1-2
  • Romans 8:28
  • Psalm 37:3
  • Matthew 7:7
  • Philippians 4:4
  • 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
  • Psalm 119:34
  • Jeremiah 29:11
  • Michah 7:7
  • Jeremiah 33:3
  • Psalm 37:4

Wristlet Spree

Look what the straps are attached to now? Yup, still missing a few pouches so watch this space...
SOLD
All fully lined with 2 pockets for your cards (EZlink, credit/debit, discount) secured by the heart zip. Can you spot which is fabric is by Yuwa and Lecien?

In a strappy kind of mood

Monday, December 13, 2010

Sneak preview - straps

Leftmost and Rightmost - SOLD
Middle one - available
Went fabric shopping on Saturday and look what I found - Lecien dots. I can't decide if I prefer Lecien or Yuwa (that's the fabric in the middle), or plain 1mm dots (that's Korean imported fabric). I choose fabric if the print catches my eye but sometimes I buy simply 'cos the fabric feels so soothing to touch. But I digress.
These are 3 straps meant for wristlets. I decided to make the straps first before the zipper pouch for a change. Which do you prefer?
Have a blessed evening!

Did you know...that butterflies taste with their feet?

Their taste sensors are located in the feet, and by standing on their food, they can taste it!
Dimensions: 21cm x 4cm x 25cm - SOLD
Pair of butterfly slingbags for 2 girls. Oxford exterior interfaced with batting for a sturdier body and flap with calico interior. 4 pockets and 2 pen slips inside with a magnet to keep stuff in. Adjustable strap so you can carry it still even when you grow taller. Which colour do you prefer?

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Friend for life

When DD and I were selling flags for SPCA yesterday, I noticed that they printed "Friends For Life" on the tin. This led me to think about a friend for life that I have, who happens to be the reason for this season.

May you be blessed by this song: I am a friend of God

May you also be blessed by his friendship today!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

In the middle of the night

Do you like Billy Joel's River of Dreams?
I just recalled that I made this and didn't post. So I'm posting this now. Sweet dreams!
Dimensions: 22cm (L) x 4cm (W) x 27cm (H) - S$12
Super combed cotton exterior with calico interior. 3 fully-lined pockets and 2 pen slips across one side of the interior.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

I wonder

Sometimes I sew with a template, sometimes with some kind of measurement. Many times I just wing it, especially for prototypes. However, sometimes I do get requirements for specific measurements and while I try hard to meet these, it's, well, not so accurate. So, I wonder.... if this will fit :-)
Dimensions: 19.5cm x 10cm - SOLD

Update: this was intended for a specifc plastic box and thank God, it was a snug fit and I do not have to redo.

Thank you

There were times when I got orders wrong or mixed up or had to take it over and over again but there wasn't once when I had an unhappy customer who would reject what I had made. Thank you so much and God bless you!
Wristlet: 20cm x 11cm - not for sale
Zippered pouch - SOLD
Can you tell the difference between the 2? One's a wristlet and the other's a vanilla zippered pouch with a name label. Timeless Treasures exterior and super combed interior from the Wrap it up! range.

How many is enough?

Dimensions: 26cm x 4cm x 23cm - SOLD
I've another request for the Bunny Bag; this is the 3rd one I've made. All different, of course. This one has a magnet closure (requested) and no cotton side tab. 2 pockets inside will hold a slim phone and packet of tissue. This is the first time I noticed that there is a frog. Can you find the tortoise and mouse?
Have a blessed day!

Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah's Ark...

Lifted this from here.
One: Don't miss the boat.
Two: Remember that we are all in the same boat.
Three: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
Four: Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
Five: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
Six: Build your future on high ground.
Seven: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
Eight: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
Nine: When you're stressed, float a while.
Ten: Remember, ! the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
Eleven: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting. .

Dimensions: 21cm x 12.5cm - SOLD
 Yuwa Live Life Collection exterior and interior. Fully interfaced and lined with 3 pockets on central divider.

Enter the Fascinating World of Gingerbread Man this holiday!

Have you been to Sentosa yet this holiday? We tried the Segway last week with discounted vouchers from takemeto and the dragon trail on the Luge, also using discounted vouchers from bigdeal.
Dimensions: 16cm x 10cm - SOLD
This is a smaller version of the customized wristlets I've made thus far. Gingerbread outside with super combed interior. 2 pockets for EZlink cards and the like. I used the last heart zipper for this.

Songs I like to sew to

The Del-Vikings - Come Go With Me
The Marvelettes - Please Mr. Postman
The Wonders - That Thing You Do
Bobby Vee - Take Good Care Of My Baby
Cher - The Shoop Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)
Paul And Paula - Hey Paula
The Jarmels - A Little Bit of Soap
Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs - Stay
Little Peggy March - I will follow him
Come Softly To Me-The Fleetwoods
Lesley Gore - It's My Party
Ben E. King - Stand by me
The Chiffons - He's So Fine
The Chiffons - One Fine Day
Franki Valli and The Four Season - Big Girls Don't Cry
The Supremes - Baby Love
The Beach Boys - Kokomo
The Beach Boys - I Get Around
Everly Brothers - All I have to do is dream
The Diamonds - Little Darlin' (1957 and more recently)
The Chordettes - Lollipop

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

All these blessings will come on you

Read Deut 28 (click here for NIV) for the blessings that will come on you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God. May you be blessed today!
Dimensions: 21cm x 14cm - SOLD
Yet another zippered pouch using the red Blessings fabric and super combed cotton interior. This comes with 2 zips with lovely hearts for the main compartment and the side pocket. Main compartment has 3 pockets - small, medium and large. Medium fits standard EZlink cards.

All I Want for Christmas is You (Mariah Carey's hit)

I sewed this wristlet while listening to this song, it's (the song) is so cheery and I especially like the bells. Listen to it here on youtube. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Dimensions : 20cm x 12cm - SOLD
First request for pockets in the wristlet for cards. Using the ever-popular red Blessings fabric exterior with super combed cotton interior. Interfaced and fully lined with no exposed seams.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Are you a dog or cat person?

A pet is for life, whether a dog, cat or hamster.
This season, support SPCA by buying their cards or calendars. Click here to see what's in store, starting from only S$5.00 (and shipping starting from a low S$3.00).
Else, buy one of these Kitty Chronicle (from Timeless Treasures) pouches below for S$5.00 with all proceeds going to SPCA. [Sorry, red pouch with black pawprints is not for sale].
Kitty Chronicle pouches: 13cm x 9cm - S$5 each
Red with black pawprints - not for sale
ps: if you prefer your pouch with another zip colour, I'd be happy to sew one just for you. Same price with proceeds to SPCA.

Have a blessed Christmas!

BTW, it's SPCA's flag day this Saturday. You could support this event either by buying or selling flags. DS will be in a church camp so it'll be DD and I selling flags along Orchard Road. See you then!

POLL: What would you like me to make for you?

SOLD
I had a quick check this morning, of the number of customized orders received thus far (thank you, everyone!) and found that the most popular item was requested 37% of the time. I didn't bother to see what was the most requested fabric but the Blessings range and gingerbread seemed more popular though the green sheep was the first to be all sewed up.
So I give you the current top favourite : Pyramid pencil case

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Coffee or Tea?

Are you a tea or coffee person? I like neither unless it's Chinese tea or fruit teas. I like coffee ice-cream though. Which do you prefer below - the lighter or the darker version? Corduroy exterior with super combed interior.

Coffee (dark brown): 13cm (L) x 9cm (W) - SOLD
Tea (light brown): 13cm (L) x 9cm (W) - SOLD

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