another reason why $10 can change the world

hi everybody!

today, i have a fun, little post for you.

if you have been reading for a while, you know that i am a huge fan of donating money & supporting causes that will make a difference.

a huge part of blake & my's partnership is based on the idea that small changes can really make the world a better place.

we do a lot of our shopping at whole foods. we are lucky to have a location a mile away ; so we go there often. i will gladly pay a bit more for groceries knowing that i am supporting small farmers, start-up companies & giving money to a company that gives back millions of dollars to charity.

a few weeks ago, i got their whole planet newsletter, showcasing L.I.F.E. Line. whole foods has been a longtime financial supporter.

L.I.F.E. Line is an kenya-based organization that employs women to create hand-sewn totes, zipper pouches and incredible hand-beaded bracelets.

each woman is paid 3x the average kenyan salary ; that is huge in a place of deep poverty. also, a large number of the women that are employed have children with special needs. through this program, their children are able to attend school, receive the necessary services & thrive in their community. it is SO powerful!

from their website : 

How many people in Kenya does the L.I.F.E. Line support?-27 Malaika Mums
-400+ Maasai Mums
-1 sewing teacher (Liz)
-2 operations managers (Brigid and Vernoica)
-22 employees at Leather Works
-75+ employees at Color Creations
-100+ employees at Sunflag
-5 caretakers for students at Malaika Kids school
-1 occupational therapist at Malaika Kids school
-81 children of Malaika Mums
-1800+ estimated kids & grandkids of Maasai Mums
-----------------
Total individuals supported by the L.I.F.E. Line = 2,514+

a few weeks ago, we were at whole foods & i saw the L.I.F.E. Line bags at the service desk. i love that they have a sewing machine [the one i bought] & a ball of yarn [here] on the bags.

and i really love everything about the zippered pouch [its big enough to put cash, a million cards & change]

i have been taking the bag with me to hot yoga + the gym everyday. i load it up with my water bottle, my mat, a towel & a change of clothes.

also, the beaded bracelets are here & they are stunning.

you can purchase the bags at whole foods or online.

i love this. you spend $10 on a reusable bag & you support a woman, her child & her community THOUSANDS of miles away. [i really hope it gives you goosebumps!]

disclaimer : i bought the bag + the change pouch with my own money ; whole foods doesnt know who i am. i just want to change the planet!

stay connected to L.I.F.E. Line :

shop // meet the mums // twitter // FAQ section

: new product sneak peak // ponytail scarf :

happy wednesday!

today, i have something fun to share!

usually, on wednesdays, i make a project that i found on the internet, BUT this week, i created something cute.

this saturday, my baby sister is graduating college [!!!] & i wanted to make a fun accessory for a dress i want to wear.

i had an old, old pillowcase i thrifted years ago & decided to cut it up. [arent the colors cute?!]

the whole project took me about 25 minutes [if you are a fast sewer & not watching biggest loser on netflix ; it will probably take less time!]

you could also make the scarf a bit longer & use it as a headband // turban & secure it with bobby pins. OR you can make a fun statement bracelet // cuff.

super fun & easy project!

IF i choose to wear the dress this weekend ; i will take better shots.

would you be interested in purchasing a ponytail scarf?!

look for them in the shop soon [and i am taking color & pattern recommendations]

home DIY : sew your own curtains

happy thursday!!
this week month has been blurring by.
i have been feeling 'meh' & slightly uninspired lately ; more on that later [maybe].

today, i have vanessa here sharing a super simple project.

here we go :
__________________________________________________________________________________

A set of curtains is a great first-project for beginners on the sewing machine. This is the second set of curtains I've sewn for my home, and I can't wait to make a third.

The quantity of fabric can be overwhelming for some people, but if you take this step by step and follow the instructions, it's a breeze.

[I originally found this sewing guide in 2009 here. ]

How to sew easy curtains:

1. Measure the window. Multiply the width x2 for the length of the fabric. Add 8" to the height.
2. Cut your fabric to desired length. You should have two panels.
3. Fold each side and the bottom 1", then 1" again and sew 1/2" from the edges. (Basically down the middle.)
4. Fold the top down 1", then another 1" (like the sides and bottom). Pin this fabric, then fold down an additional 3" and transfer all pins to capture all three layers.
5. Sew right down the middle.
6. Sew 1" from the top to form the rod pocket. (I like to leave a little extra room and sew 1.25" - 1.5" depending on the look I'm going for.)

Voila! You have curtains!

nice!

one of the things i am looking forward to once we own a home is all the decorating and diy projects i can do!!

have you ever sewn curtains before?! 

: my weekend in photos :and i want to hear from you if you RIDE A BIKE! :

sunday.
tomorrow, i am meeting my FIRST EVER blog friend in real life.
[woot!]
are you so curious?!
[youll just have to wait!]

this weekend was good.
so chill.
which NEVER happens!

here are a few photos!

 thrifting.

 rest stop.

 snack from home = fresh snap peas.

 fox on a bike.

 cake in a cup! more on this tomorrow!

i worked on a project for 10 hours today. mostly sewing. yikes.

also, did you read this post?
i am looking for people with bikes. any bike. any distance. any story.
i love biking and i really want share that even if you dont want to read about it ;)
leave me a comment OR send me an email.
[and for the emails and comments from yesterday ; thanks! ; youll hear from me soon!]

thanks for reading!
i think you are all pretty cool ;)

: vacation = GIVEAWAY! :

[another] super quick post :

head over to saras blog to enter to win a CUSTOM-STATE market tote bag from me!
you enter.
you win.
i send you a few fabric choices.
you choose.
i sew.

sweet deal.
lots of choices :

cheers.
off to a baseball game!

: four new pairs of :babypantz:! :

wowza!

i have been a sewing ma.cheeeeeene!

new babypantz in the shop :

annnnnd, i am doing a pretty big custom order. its been fun. 10 minnesota bags, all different shapes and fabrics!

 more once i am finished!

also, LAST CHANCE to win a market tote of your choice!
head over here to enter.
ends tonight!

: two new bags in my shop :

hi.
so, its monday today.
i havent had the internet since thursday.
[honestly, i am okay with being a little disconnected..]

blake and i are dogsitting for a week and a half, and we dont have the internet password.
[i have like, 4 posts i want to get up before i leave work today]
[yes, i am blogging at work..]

two new bags in my shop!

and a favorite that i made that I AM GOING TO KEEP.

since i started sewing and knitting, there are a lot of things where i go 'wow, i'd love to keep that' - but then i dont.

but, i love this bag. its made from two pieces of bedding that i found while thrifting a few weeks ago.

 

annnnd, come back in a few days, because i will be giving away this bag. [seriously? this might be my second fave - i LOVE the olive straps.]

 

 

and can i please get a whoop whoop for spring?!?!

[wheeeeee!]

: a few new items in the shop this morning :

good morning. 

here are a few new pieces in the shop today!

[psst : enter in the code GOTWINS11 for 15% off EVERYTHING in the store]

and thennnnn : head over to facebook and 'like' :dianapantz:

[thanks]

: NEW PROJECT! :

oh, how exciting!
i have a lot of ideas flying through my brain.
and on paper. and in my dreams. 

i have two new lines that i want to produce.
1) babypantz : kid stuff. baby stuff. i have 2-4 ideas in the works. like, really in the works.
2) travelpantz : bags and pouches that will help you get to where you need to go.

i know that a lot of my friends/family read this blog [hey guys!]. i also know that i have been getting views from all over the country, from humans i dont personally know [hey!]. so a small 'about me' ...
i am from minnesota. i was born there [here.] i moved to iowa. and then back. and then iowa. and then back. and then i moved to germany. back to minnesota. and then vermont. and then portland, oregon. and now, as of 6 months ago, i am back living in minneapolis.
i have always considered minnesota 'home.' always. even when i didnt have an address in mn, it was always where i fit. coming back, and knowing that i will stay is a cool feeling. ive done a lot of moving. a lot of figuring out who i am. and where i should be. im pretty sure its here for now.

so, the first two :travelpantz: bags :::::: [i am so happy with these] [also, these are just iphone photos, i will take better ones when the sun is shining!

right now, i have fabric cut for a million more bags, but these are the two i have done today. [if youd like a bag with your state, let me know!][these will be in my shop in a few days!]