Jilly's giveaway times 2

Surf on over and visit Jilly,
She is hosting a giveaway for 2 sets of a bakers dozen fat quarters. 

Jilly's blog is called Jilly's Happy Quilts -isn't that a fun name? 
She is a quilter and Navy wife living in beautiful Southern California. 
I always enjoy her beautiful California photos she shares as well as her quilts and stitching,

she will close the contests on March 18th,  so hurry on over.

Tip for loud baby toys

This little key chain toy is a favorite of both Gavin and Elizabeth. 

It has multiple buttons that make 5 different car noises. 

But it is a loud toy. 

I don't like loud things and I don't think the loud noises are good for little ears. 



 

Nina suggested I cover the speaker with masking tape.
I put several layers over it. 
The toy still plays but is a very low sound level now. 
Still fun but much better for all of us!



Sewing a new cash spending billfold

I sewed a cash spending envelope system about 2 years ago and have been using it ever since.  It worked pretty good but had a couple of flaws and was also getting worn from so much use. 

you can see it here and read a little about my method.

my first cash spending system on my old blog

I wanted a new one and searched for some tutorials.  I did not ever find one exactly like I wanted but I did like this one

my inspiration is from this tutorial

Except hers is made from oilcloth. I like oilcloth but I tried  to buy some in my town a few months ago and no store here carries it. 

I used that tutorial, but for fabric.  So I added a 1/2 inch for seam allowances to all the pieces,  added some batting to the base and back pockets for a little stability and used less pockets. 

Since I am trying to use-down my craft supplies,  I made this strictly from supplies on hand too. 

a little larger than a regular wallet or billfold
but I think this size and number of pockets will suit me.

to make the labels,  I just used some bias tape and rubber stamps,
 then I machine-sewed on the labels.

I put my rewards cards in the front pocket.
Change is in it's own pocket and the only one with a zipper. 
On the oilcloth tutorial,  she used zippers on 6 pockets,  but I did not need that many pockets. And the pockets that hold paper money and receipts are deep enough that I don't think mine will require zippers to be secure. 

the back has a pocket for my checkbook. 
The checkbook cover already has a spot for my license, insurance cards and money cards
so I did not make special pockets for them on this wallet.

It may seem silly to mainly use cash for spending and then to also carry credit cards and a checkbook but this system works for me.

If you have any questions,  I will be happy to try to answer them
but I don't have any plans to do a real tutorial.