DIY ~ laptop sleeve

Last week I've made myself a new laptop sleeve! I've had this idea for a long time, cause the old one was actually not more than a T-shirt I cut and sewn to size. It was already shredded at the corners..

Awhile ago my mom got her hands on some interior fabric samples from a store. She said the best ones were already gone, but there are still some little jewels in there ^_^
So I've got a whole bag of samples. The nice part is, you have the same patterns in the same dimensions, but in different colors. It's a fun way to mix and match!
I've also made a little purse to hold my passport, phone and other stuff. It was perfect for my holiday in Spain! This is slightly more difficult project so that will be up after this. I'm also planning om making a shoulder/tote bag. So keep tuned for that as well ;)

In this tutorial I will show you how to make this laptop sleeve! Including measurement instructions so you can make your own custom pattern :)

My Projects ~ dark blue jacket with a touch of gold

I think I came up with the idea of making my own jacket/blazer about 3-4 years ago. Together with my mom I've searched fabric markets high and low to find that one perfect fabric for my creation. In a magazine I had already found the pattern I was going to use. After I found the fabrics I got to work. I altered the pattern so it would have long sleeves, pockets and it would fit my figure better. I was going ok with this project, but then I got busy or I got stuck.
So for the last 3-4 years I have worked on this jacket. I would work on it for maybe 3 days and then I put it away. Because the fabric gave awful blue stains, because the shoulders would look chunky, because I didn't understand what the magazine was trying to tell me, because I didn't have any room in my tiny blue apartment..
But last semester in March, I finally finished it! ^_^

Fortunately I still love the fabric even though it's quite a bit out there. Also, I found the most amazing buttons ever! At first I had silver buttons, but I think the gold adds just that little more 'oomph' to it. (I'm going through a gold-accessorize period right now)
I have sewn some bags and clothing before, but I was still quite amazed I achieved this, if I may say so about myself. It was a fun journey and I've learned so many new techniques ^_^ not sure if I'm gonna do it again soon though.. I'll tell you in about 4 years about that ;)

It's almost weekend!
Xx
Anne Lien

Gift DIY ~ wrapping paper (kraft paper look-a-like)

Here's another gift inspired DIY. This time it's a gift wrapping idea.
I really like how this kraft paper looks, but I didn't have any.. and it was already in the evening so I couldn't buy some. For some reason I always come up with an idea when it's getting dark, not a good thing when you're trying to make clear photos. Luckily I had my boyfriends camera now instead of my old iPhone ;)
So, I've used up a few rolls of wrapping paper recently and I kept the cardboard rolls that were inside.These have the same look and feel as the kraft paper. It's only a bit sturdier. But it does the job! I wouldn't try to wrap anything but box-shaped items though.