Two New Bags and a Giveaway

Slender Book Bag/Laptop Tote, Moss

Constructed with Amy Butler's Lotus and Sandi Henderson's Meadowsweet.

Mossy Greens, Steel Blue Grey & vivid water lilies inspired by the Orient

Slender Book Bag/Laptop Tote, Spice

Constructed of Joel Dewberry's Ginseng, decorator weight fabric

Elegant floral prints with a suble asian influence. Fully lined in Anna Maria Horner's Garden Party Olive Dot.

I made a couple of new bags this week, the Slender Book Bag/Laptop Tote. A new design for me. They're pretty large, 17"x 14" with 23" straps. Easily worn messenger style, across the chest. Fully lined with 3 deep pockets and a magnetic snap closure. In the shop!

Got a Lot to Give is hosting a giveaway with one of my Small Totes. Check out her blog and enter to win!

It's Friday so it must be time for Sew & Tell!

It was my 10 year anniversary yesterday, take a look at my lovely family!

Have a fabulous weekend, folks!

One Good Man

March 25, 2000

10 years ago I married One Good Man. He came into my life just in time. He saved me and gave me back the hope that had been lost. The year was 1998. We met in September, he purposed in October, we "shacked up" in November and married in March of 2000. We blended our families "Brady Bunch Style" and move forward. It hasn't been easy at times. We have experienced all of the typical teenage drama, angst, rebellion, turmoil, hooplah, brouhaha...the whole shebang! But, we also have so many wonderful memories to think back on! Summer vacations, family holidays, birthdays, recitals, graduations, grandbabies! In our house "Family" is a big deal, as it should be. I love my family, I am a very lucky gal, indeed. Thanks to One Good Man.

An' I don't want much outa life,

I never wanted a mansion in the south.

I just-a want to find someone sincere

Who'd treat me like he talks,

One Good Man

Oh, honey don't you know that I've been looking.

It ain't much, no, no, honey it ain't much,

Oh, it's only every little thing,

Just-a everything, everything

Ah yeah.

-Janis Joplin

Running on a Treadmill

Shapely Shoulder Tote with Exotic Water Lilies

Shapely Shoulder Tote with Teal Blue Roses - SOLD!!

Bohemian Tote, Large, Groovy, Multicolored - SOLD!!

I almost feel as I did years ago when I went back to college 2 nights a week, had a full time day job, waited tables and babysat on the weekends! Every pocket of time was accounted for. I scheduled homework, house cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, etc... plus, I had to attempt to be a somewhat decent mommy and loving wife (yeah, right!!). Currently, I work a full time day job, I'm still a mom and wife (probably not very decent or loving at the moment) and am attempting to make my mark on the crafting/sewing scene with my little business, Mama Roux. I took the Handmade Pledge ("on my honor, I will try..." oops, wrong pledge) and applied to be a vendor at the local street market. Once again, every pocket of time is accounted for. Instead of school and homework it's sewing, blogging and networking, which is much more fun! I wish I had MORE time to sew, blog and network. Most weekends are usually spent in my studio, creating pretty things. If I'm not called upon to perform some mundane task I can stay in there all day, only popping my head out to yell at someone to take the dog for a walk. Last weekend was one of those weekends. It was wonderful, I sewed from Friday evening until Sunday evening, I got so much done! The result was these three new bags! They're quite lovely, don't you think? So colorful and bright. They're all listed in the shop and I have even more beautiful bags in the works. Now, I'm off to the grocery store, after I put another load of laundry in the wash. I might have time to kiss my husband and pat my daughter on her head before I go. The dog will have to wait, poor guy! This treadmill does not seem to be slowing down one bit, does it?

Take a look at what others have been up to at Sew and Tell Fridays!

Invasion of the Party Animals!

Well, it's about time. The Party Animal Quilt is finally finished!

It was meant to be a Christmas present

for our oldest daughter and her brood of boys

but things got in the way and I had to put it aside until now.

The boys all came over for the day and we had a party!

I got to kiss and snuggle little Lucca, what a sweet baby boy!

We ate popsicles

and went to the park.

It won't be long until Lucca is jumping on the bed with his brothers.

HEY!!! No more monkeys jumping on the bed!!

The Party Animal Quilt was made with Animal Party fabric, backed with flannel, Warm and White batting, cocoa dot boarder and brown zebra binding. Cozy and Fun!

Check out Sew and Tell for more Friday fun!!

Chocolate Lollipop, anyone?

Well, I made another quilt. I had ordered some Chocolate Lolipop fat quarters and they looked so delicious that I just had to dig right in! I have been wanting to attempt a string block for a while and let me tell you, I think it is now my favorite block (sorry, log cabin block). I used the tutorial from Ashley's Film in the Fridge blog and made twelve 12 inch string blocks and arranged them so they created 3 large offset squares. Sashed in Kona Cotton maize and bound with Crimson Kona. I choose a solid binding to rope in the kaleidoscope of rich, bold colors. I think it will add a yummy punch of color and sweetness to any room!

Next, I made a medium sized tote. I basically took two different patterns and used what elements I liked. I did a little tweaking of my own and came up with The Bohemian Tote. 4 deep pockets, 2 inside, 2 outside, button and loop closure and extra long straps. Interfaced to add durability. I used designer fabrics (of course). Anna's Garden Party and Tina Givens Georgina Lullaby Vine. The inside pockets are made of the most adorable lime green houndstooth from Paula Prass Summer Soiree. I tried to go outside my comfort zone and just mix things up and not worry about colors matching. I think it all works, in a groovy sort of way, don't you?

Both listed in my Etsy shop!

Head on over to Amy Lou Who's for Sew and Tell Friday!

Cheeky and Delightful!

Last weekend I felt like making a quilt. I really needed to hone my quilting skills. I have been making totes and pillow covers and have been ignoring my quilting projects (don't even ask me about my kid's Christmas quilts). I have been so tired of dreary weather so I chose bright and cheerful fabrics and added the black and white so it wasn't too sugary! My favorite part was attaching the binding to the back of the quilt by hand. I can spend time with my family on the couch quietly stitching away. I'm a huge sucker for designer fabrics so this quilt is par for the course. I've used Jennifer Paganelli Bell Bottom, Heather Bailey Freshcut and several by Paula Prass. The quality of these fabrics are outstanding and so satisfying to work with. The batting is Warm and Natural. Machine stippled by moi, I think I have finally gotten the hang of it. It measures 40" x 50", perfect for adding a little sunshine to the couch or bedroom. I'm thinking of making another one this weekend. It was a lot of fun and I'm the kind of cheeky gal that likes to have delightful fun! Ya know?

Listed in my new little shop!

Go take a look at Sew and Tell Friday and Floral Showers Craft Blog for some really awesome creations!!!

Ocean Blue

Crisp. Fresh. Clean. Just a few descriptives that come to mind when looking at my newest Pillow Cover. Soothing deep blue, soft turquoise with hints of creamy yellow and pale mint. A deep envelope back in crisp Kona Cotton White. I've used an assortment of different fabrics to create the log cabin block including several from Amy Butler's Daisy Chain, Aquatic pallet. The fabrics all work together to create an image of a swirling pool of water. Let's all just float away...... Listed in my shop!

As promised, our newest little monkey to join the family, Lucca Alejandro! He joins big brothers Nico and Roberto...amazing!

Jungle Tote winner!! Vickie at Dottie Jane Designs, CONGRATULATIONS, GIRLFRIEND! A great big grazie to all of you who participated in my give away. How fun was that? I will be hosting more in the future so stay tuned.

Have a great weekend and head on over to Amy's Sew & Tell Friday & Floral Showers Craft Blog. Even more fun over there!

Ciao!