Some completed projects

So I'm taking a mini break in blog posting today to update you guys on some completed projects.  I didn't want to post the pictures since they were gifts, but my friends and I celebrated a little early last weekend and opened up the gifts already.  Here's a final look at 2 of the projects.

DIY Scrabble Pillow Cases

For the Scrabble pillow cases I used my own template and fabric marker.  I love the clean look the fabric marker provides for the cases, but unfortunately it uses a lot of ink to fill in the letters.  I'm going to have to use felt lettering for any other pillows I make.  It might take longer, but it's not worth buying a pack of fabric markers just so I can use all of the black.  I'm going to go back to Hobby Lobby or JoAnn's to look for a thick black marker sold individually which might work better for me.

If you would like your own set of Scrabble Pillow cases but don't have the time to make them, I have them for sale in my Etsy shop.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/119560993/scrabble-pillow-case-16-x-16-set-of-4

or individual cases here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/119560783/scrabble-pillow-case-16-x-16

DIY Off the Shoulder T-shirt

Here's the final design of the Off the shoulder t-shirt.  I designed and hand drew the minnie myself (inspired by Vintage Minnie) using the fabric markers I had purchased for the Scrabble pillow cases.  Isn't it cute?!

DIY Scrabble Pillow Case

Pillow will spell out "HOME"

Original Pin: http://pinterest.com/pin/231724343298484042/

Pin Rating: 5

Level of difficulty: Medium (basic sewing experience required)

Duration: 1 hr for pillow case + 15 minutes for lettering (For initial pillow case)

It seems as if all of my friends are either looking to buy a new home or have just received the keys to their new place.  Hats off to them!  This gives me plenty of opportunities to make them gifts for their new home.  I have a few friends who love Scrabble so when I saw this pin I knew I had to make it for their new homes.  I was a little worried at first since I never really worked with a zipper before when sewing, but when I found out this pillow case didn't need a zipper I was excited to get started right away.  Also, this pin is a little different since it's really pinned "For the Home" instead of DIY but I always have a DIY mentality so that's how I approached this pin.  (Also, I apologize since photos were taken with my phone since I didn't have the camera handy.)

If you don't feel like trying to make this yourself, I plan to put this up for sale at my Etsy shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplyPinspirational) after I complete the current set I am working on.  So please do keep an eye out for the pillow cases.

UPDATE:  Pillow cases are finally listed on my Etsy shop.  You can purchase a set of 4 here.  https://www.etsy.com/listing/119560993/scrabble-pillow-case-16-x-16-set-of-4

• 16x16 pillow (Purchased from Hobby Lobby.  Other sizes also available but this process is for a 16x16)
• Fabric - I purchsed Calico 100% cotton, color: Kona.  I found out that the fabric is 38 inches long which is perfect to cut up 1 pillow case.  
• You need 1 18x18 square and 1 square with at least 18 x 20 (added 2 inches for sewing room and additional 2 to fold the flaps in for cleaner backing) square which will become your pillow back
• When you purchase the fabric keep in mind how many pillows you are making
• For this case I found this rule to be a good rule of thumb: 2 pillows = at least 36in (1 yard) 
• Sewing items (pins/needles, scissors, measuring tape)
• Fabric chalk pencil - something that you can mark for measurements with and will wash off
• Fabric marker - to color in the lettering and it won't wash off
• Optional - small blade/knife & paper binding clips