My new bag

I finally got around to making a new purse for myself. I bought this pattern over a month ago but just never got around to making it. I LOVE how it turned out! I also got alot of compliments from the gals at work too. A nice feeling. I wanted to put a zipper in, but just couldn't get my head wrapped around the way to get it to work right. I must have ripped that part out 4 or 5 times. It was late at night and I wanted to use the purse the next morning so I eventually gave up. I figured it out now, so the next purse will have a zipper! I always worry that someone will be able to just reach into my purse and take out my wallet or something. Plus, the way I toss my bag around...it needs a zipper to keep everything inside :)

The pattern called for a button loop closure but I just went ahead with a snap flap instead. I was hoping it would keep the top closed a bit better.

I probably should put a bottom piece on the inside though. It is a very soft but floppy bag. My wallet and other items disappear in the bottom between the pockets.


I think these little ties on the sides are what caught my eye. I kept going back and looking at the pattern trying to decide if I should buy it or not. As you can tell...I bought the pattern (and another too). I've made enough bags by now that I really didn't need the pattern. I don't know why I feel that these patterns are going to show me something I don't already know. I should just look at the pictures more closely and figure it out for myself. I changed so many things about the pattern anyways. The one great thing I learned is how to make the pocket with the contrasting top piece. Their way was actually a fun and easy way to do it. Easier and faster than what I would have done. This is a very easy bag to make but the pattern was very confusing for me.



I love the wavy black quilting lines all over the bag. I even carried it through to the front pocket and handles. I love free motion quilting! I takes alot more time than other forms of quilting but it makes a nice impact.

I think I will be making more of this style bag in the near future :)

Quilting along with one crazy mom

AmandaJean is hosting a one a day quilt along. I always want to join in but as usual I tend to join a bunch of things and get very few things accomplished. This time I committed myself. I figured I could handle one a day, right? Well, I knew from the start that I would most likely make a bunch on my weekends off instead of the one a day. I figure that if I am going to get the sewing machine humming, I may as well get a bunch of squares sewn together.



I just dragged a bunch of the little pieces that I saved from various projects and cut them into the required 2.5" squares. Then I moved up to the bigger pieces of scraps. I noticed that I had some definite girl fabrics and then some boy fabrics too. I guess I will be making two quilts for this quilt along :).




I plan on squaring them all up once they are all made. I'm sure there will be more than one wonky looking 9 patch once I'm done.



These quilts will have a variety of colors and designs. The white sashing will bring it all together though. I love scrappy quilts. They have so many things to look at.

Hexing quilt top complete

I finished hand piecing the hexagon Halloween quilt recently. I had a fun time working on it. I was worried it might be one of those projects that I am eager to start but then never actually finish.





I hand embroidered different Halloween inspired motifs in the white center hexagons. There's a bat, a couple pumpkins, a few sayings (including BOO), a skull, a witch's hat, and a ghost or two. A fun little mix if I do say so myself :)




I've decided to just square up all four sides and then I can bind it like a regular quilt. I was going to put a border on but then decided I like it just the way it is. I have some more fun Halloween fabric for the back and bindings too.




I'm hoping to get it quilted this weekend. I have a few I would like to get finished this weekend. Luckily they are all baby size.

I still had a bunch of hexes left over so I decided to make a Halloween stocking with some of them. I'm thinking about quilting the top and having a plain back and lining.



Now to decide on the next hex project. If you love hexagons, stop by The Great Hexagon Quilt Along 2!