Zakka Sewing

As you know may have noticed, I love Japanese craft books and magazines. I was at Barnes & Noble yesterday and couldn't resist this new book that was just released by Therese Laskey and Chika Mori. I think this pillow on the back cover will be my first project from this book. So sweet!

More on Amy Butler

This weekend we (my dd and I) went to Joann's on Friday and then again on Sunday. We've been wanting to buy the book "In Stitches" by Amy Butler for quite some time and I was ready to order it at Amazon. Well, we were joking around while at Joann's that would if it was there we would snap it right up, sure enough as we looked at the unorganized stash of books on the counter, there was Amy's book. So we bought it and now my dd is already making the apron! (I didn't even know she wore an apron) The book is great, I can see many gifts I can make in the future -- if I can ever get the chance. It seems like I buy the books, patterns and fabrics and my dd is whipping them up! Anywho, it's great fun to share something I love with my child, even though it took 21 years, she's re-inspired me, as well as all the blogs I read online. It's a been a real a treat to do something that I know how to do or think I'm good at with others.

My Monday Off

Today I took another vacation day, I requested to take off Monday's for this month. I just wanted a little bit longer weekend than normal. I'm taking a couple of more days off next month, too. We didn't plan a vacation this year, hopefully next year, so I'm going to enjoy longer weekends instead.

Besides sleeping in a little bit this morning and sipping my coffee while online, it has been a busy day. I did a load of laundry, submitted my Avon order, and read a few blogs. Then off to to the library to pick up some books I ordered, run to the bank, and then to the gym. Came home and made a large pitcher of Iced Passion Tea. I'm not really a iced tea person, but my daughter brought home lots of Tazo teas and makes iced tea regularly. It's very good.

The books I checked out are "Outdoor Kitchens" by Better Homes and Gardens (I can dream, can't I?), "Flea Market Make-overs" by BJ Berti, and "Embroidery Techniques & Patterns" by Marle-Noelle Bayard (beautiful photographs and detailed stitches). I haven't had a chance to looked at these books, but I will try to write about them soon.

Well, my day is not over yet and the sun is shining, it's beautiful outside, I have some gardening to do before it's time to cook dinner. Actually, it's really watering of plants. There's alot of gardening to do, but I don't know if I'm going to do it or hire someone to do it. That's another story.

Become a handbag designer

Making Handbags: Retro, Chic, Luxurious

I bought this book last year. I love handbags, especially ones that you can make. I have made a few simple tote bags in the past, but not from this book. Well, not yet. "Making Handbags" gives you the basics about making tote bags, clutch bags, drawstring bags, and beach bags. At the back of the book there are basic master patterns that you can use as a start to create your favorite handbag. There are beautiful photographs in the "gallery of designs", handbags made by students. The bags are beautiful works of art! You will find inspiration here if you love handbags.