Trying Again

I love to cook;

but if I walk into the kitchen and find a mess, I can't even slice an onion or boil water without first getting everything organized.

(I am my father's daughter.)

Not so in the sewing room!

I've been itching to conquer this project (and to get it done in time to post on Amy's Sew & Tell for this week).

When I entered my sewing room after breakfast this morning, I had a moral dilemma:

Clean first?

Or just dive into the project?

It was a hard mess to resist...

... but resist I did!

I made a similar messenger bag a while back. It was intended for a friend, but I wasn't pleased with the results. Today I was determined to try again. I'm pleased this time. I just love this tutorial.

This toile fabric was used for the exterior of the first bag. I still had plenty left, so I used it for the lining of this one. I "heart" the black exterior fabric, but it sort of reminds me of the test that the eye doctor gave to assess my astigmatism.

And now I have some cleaning to do...

Feeling Mediocre/Blogging-Sewing Envy

It's been a long time since I've had anything to share for Sew & Tell, but I still faithfully check in to see what's new with Amy and her friends.

I'm so jealous of all who attended this fabulous event. Amy blogs about her experience here.

I must find a way to qualify to attend the next time.

Reading about the great time Amy had at the summit made me reconsider something I've been resisting since 2002. I had gone through burn-out from quilting (perhaps because I'm a novice), and I vowed not to even consider quilting again until 2004.

Well, what year is it now?...

Anyway, Amy has inspired me to pursue mini quilts as an option. They seem like they'd be much less stressful. I like small projects that can be completed quickly. I think mini quilts may be the solution for me.

My project wish list just keeps growing.

I've Sewn, Therefore I'll Tell

I have needed to sew lately. Needed.

But I've had difficulty finding time.

I did manage to squeeze in one other project recently for Liesl's challenge.

Fortunately, Amy and Sarah have motivated me to make another project before the end of the month - Amy, because she now only does Sew & Tell once each month; and Sarah, because she's having a baby.

It's so nice to have another reason to make a nursing cover. Sarah's little boy is due next month, so I wanted to be sure to get this cover made for her before we really become entrenched in our moving preparation.

I wanted to try something new for the pocket. I think this took care of it.

My life is so different now that I know how to use my embroidery machine. It's almost as amazing as my Vita-Mix.

Many thanks to Caelyn for modeling the features for me. One day I hope to make one of these for her.  Of course, she'll have to get married first; but I digress.

Craft Book Challenge Update

Liesl is fairest among patient friends.

I dropped the ball on my end of the Craft Book Challenge for March, and she reassured me that it was totally fine and that the blog police wouldn't get me.

Whew!

March was super busy, and I only touched my sewing machine about... well... I don't think I touched my sewing machine in March.

I'm not one to make promises if I can't guarantee the fulfillment thereof. So, I'm NOT going to say that I'll do two challenge projects in April to make up for March.

(But the thought has crossed my mind.

Several times.)

These super cute birdie pot holders came from Zakka Sewing. This book was one of my very few (read "astronomically-priced") purchases while living in Africa.

(I just needed some retail therapy.)

My mom always tells me that I need to make two of everything I sew, so that there's one for her, as well. In this case, I made three so that I may also give one to Craig's mom.

I'm keeping this blue one for myself.

I may even name her.

(She's a "her". I just know it. She likes tea. And flowers. And nesting. My kitchen is a good nesting place, I think.)

I Don't Make Resolutions, But...

... I do plan to spend more time with my sewing machine, now that life is back to something akin to "normal". (What is "normal", anyway? The "norm" seems to shift often. Perhaps this can be a future blog topic.)

Way back before we returned from Moz, my cousin, Denise, asked me to make an apron for her. I kept promising, but with a move, a struggle to get settled, multiple guests, the holidays, and being short one "staff" member for three months, I just didn't get around to it until last weekend.

I used Butterick's B4945 pattern for this one, which isn't quite as easy as making up the design myself; but it's a cute one, and I didn't have to really think about what to do. The option I chose didn't actually have a pocket, but I promised Denise that her apron would have one. I played a little with some decorative stitching, as well:

In other sewing news, Liesl has presented a wonderful challenge to her readers. I'm actually having a bit of a struggle with the commitment that this one requires -- not because I don't think I can accomplish the task, but because I can't imagine further delaying the gratification of purchasing the sewing book I've been wanting. I've been searching for a loophole in the deal. For instance, if I sew at least two items per month from the sewing books I already own, maybe I can purchase this book sooner. Maybe?

Well, here is my first finished project of the new year, and the first one to post for Liesl's challenge. It comes from Amy Butler's Style Stitches. I'm thinking that I must not be as smart as other woman who make Amy's purses, because I had to walk away from this project at least once, and I kept my seam ripper in very close proximity. (It is, after all, my most-frequently-used tool.) In the end, I love the result; but I don't think that anyone could pay me to cause cramps like that in my fingers again!

It's such a tiny detail, but I love the magnetic snap! I can't wait to use one again. (I know. I'm a late bloomer in the sewing world.)