Back to the Drawing Board

This bag was originally going to be my new design for a large tote for the shop. It was completed a few weeks ago during my zipper melt-down period. It was a lot of work and I don't think I'll be making another, so back to the drawing board for something more manageable. I purposely allowed my 19 year old daughter, Eliza, to choose the fabrics just in case I decided not to feature it in the shop. Lucky for her it is now hers. I wanted to create a large bag with a sturdy, heavy duty zipper that could be used as a  gym bag, overnight bag, diaper bag or book bag. I just need to make a few changes to the overall design and the zipper installation, now that I am more confident in the zipper department.

I love the fabric combo and plan to use it again with my new design. The two fabrics in the front and back are from Anna Maria Horner's newest line, Field Study. The side panel is from her Innocent Crush line and the Zipper panel is Paula Prass Botanika. I always use heavy cotton canvas for the lining and straps in my bags which makes them very sturdy. I hope to have a revised design very soon. I'm excited to get some large bags in the shop!

Incommunicado, or what?

I know, I know...where the heck have I been? Too busy for my own good, that's where I've been. It's a busy time of year, graduations, birthdays, parties, street markets, etc... Sewing has been limited, just no time. So I've been satisfying my creative needs by plopping on the couch and crocheting after a long day of busy-ness. Afghans, totes, scarves, hats...just in time for summer! I was able to make a sweet baby quilt for a friend and I'm beginning to look at my fabric stash with fresh eyes. The craziness has almost subsided and my sewing machine and I will be inseparable once again...hopefully...in a few weeks...if I survive!

Eliza Jayne

2011 High School Graduate!

Fun in Gold Country!

My 17 year old daughter, Eliza, and I took a mini vacation to Gold Country this week. We stayed at a lodge in Angels Camp and spent one day in Sonora shopping and thrifting. We had dinner in Murphys, the most adorable little town you ever did see. The next day we headed into Colombia to lunch at Kate's Teahouse. What a wonderful place this is! We nibbled on delicious assorted tea sandwiches, fresh fruit, fresh pea soup, yummy lemon bars and cheesecake. We drank peach iced tea, enjoyed the bureau full of buttons and relaxed on the screened back porch before our long ride home. It was a wonderful way to end the summer before Eliza starts her senior year in high school. I'm just not ready for summer to end.

Happy Birthday, Baboo!

May 18, 1993

It's Baboo's birthday today, she is 17. Hard to believe, my sweet baby girl. It's been quite a wild ride, never a dull moment. She has turned into such a beautiful young woman and I am very proud of her. She still has a lot of growing up to do and I plan to be there with her to show her the way, whether she likes it or not. Happy Birthday Eliza Jayne, I love you!

Baboo Quilt

Baboo wants a new quilt. She's changing her room at her dad's house to lavender and a new quilt is essential. We have been picking out fabric for a few weeks now, an assortment of periwinkles, pinks, black and whites. It's just all so pretty! I plan to make the quilt using different kinds of blocks and some traditional patchwork. I need practice! I have never machine quilted before so it will be a learning experience. I hope she wants to take turns at the machine as well. If there is enough fabric I will also make a couple of pillow shams for her lovely little head to rest. My little Baboo.

Wise words: "Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." - Mahatma Gandhi

Listen closely: Lovley Head - Goldfrapp