Sewing Notes

Just a note to remind myself to finish my bag today. Here's the pattern I chose over a month, I'm just sad that it's taking me so long for to finish it.

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.

"Treasure Box" Totebags

Here are the totebags I made last weekend out of my stash that I no longer want.

They're small, measures 7"x7" plus handle, perfect for a child. I made four, but I gave one away already. I made them from a square quilt panel, I think it's called "cheater's quilt", something like that. I stitched diagonally across the panel using one of the decorative stitches on my sewing machine, in between the two different prints. If anything, I have a chance to play around with the different stitches that I never use on my machine.

Here's a close up of the stitching, which isn't bad. This machine isn't an expensive one, but it does have a few extra stitches that you can embellish with.

Okay, I'm off to meet a friend for lunch. I should be checking back within a few days. It's taking me hours just to get this posted!

Spring Cleaning

This month has already started off on a busy note. Not only have I started clearing and straightening out the backyard, but I'm also trying to get a grip on the inside. Luckily, I worked part time last week, so I was able to do something everyday. Of course, I never made it to the gym, but there is always next week. Next week is going to be hectic, because I'll be working at additional schools, plus a staff meeting. I'm just going to have to make the time.

My daughter has been sewing alot lately. We bought her a sewing machine last year for her birthday and now she's into sewing clothes, besides purses for her friends, which I think is very cool. She's a big fan of Project Runway and wants to design and create. She has inspired me to dust off my sewing machine and make something. I've been wanting to make a purse, or just a simple tote bag for a long time. I know an easy project, but I just haven't been in the mood to do anything crafty. Well, the bug finally bit as I was cleaning and reorganizing my sewing room and I came across fabrics and notions that needed to be used or given away. So I've started making children's totebags to put in our "treasure box" at work. The children (at the school I work at) have the opportunity to earn tickets as positive rewards, then when we have shopping day they can choose something from the "treasure box". Believe me, those tickets work!

I'm currently finishing this top that my daughter started. I think the inset was frustrating her and she had to get back to work and college, I offered to finish it for her. She likes Simplicity's "Built By Wendy" collection and has sewn one of the other top from another pattern, but this one is a little bit more challenging.

Okay, it's late and time for me to get to bed. I will try to have pictures in a few days. Goodnight.