Sherbert Fun

And the "final" result of the new bag design:


Took this bright thing into work today as a test.  It worked marvelously! Just large enough to haul around full size books and notepads with water-bottle loaded on either side.  As always, the second attempt of a bag seems to result in more problems than the first!  I made the lining so perfect for the interior of the bag that when I assembled it (which requires one to put the lining on the outside of the bag), the lining was just ever too small.  Small pintucks on the exterior had to be added to make everything work. Sigh.  Someday, I'll master the balance between this and an interior that is not too roomy.

This bag experiment has eased the need to sew that has been increasing over the last weeks. So, now the questions is- make more for Etsy to sell or move on to another design?  I bought some lining and accent fabric for another fabric that I bought almost a year ago- enough to make several bags.  So, again- this pattern or another?  Hmmm...

Diving Back In

The end of the term approaches and as I have the last two weeks of lectures already prepared, I actually had time to get some sewing in this last week! I've been working on a new bag over the last week- sketching out ideas and measurements in small moments of free time. The following is only a taste- a test bag I made from some old batiks. Mom wanted a bag from it years ago, before I really had any abilities.  I think I'll put her Mother's Day gift in it.  The whole family is coming to visit this next weekend- so excited!  I told Mom I'd have her Mother's Day presents when she got here.

I know what to get Mom and Dad for the most part but my younger brother always proves a challenge.  What does an older sister get her 24 year old brother for his birthday?  His usual request involves some car part that I can neither afford nor name. The day when I could buy him a video game or box of candy has long since passed. Sigh. I hope he finds something here in Nebraska next weekend I can get him or I'm out of luck!

Little Projects Here and There

How is it May already?!  Seriously, where did March and April go?

I started teaching in March, which signaled the end of anything resembling "free" time.  After work, I make dinner, then settle down in front of the computer with notes and books to draft the next week's lectures. Though time consuming, I love it!

I've only been able to sneak in small moments of sewing.  I made the three bags for my aunt, then started on the following bag for Ms. Anna, the Woolie Mammoth blogess.  I promised her this bag months ago- sometime around last October, if I recall correctly.  She's been very patient with me!

The pattern is the "Professional Tote" by The Creative Thimble, with a few modifications by me. The pattern is about 20 pages long and is quite specific.  Unfortunately, there are several parts of the pattern that are very difficult to illustrate.  Having made about 5 of these bags and taught the class several times, I've gotten better at it.  Though I have to admit, I still get frustrated by the top zipper.  Those of you who have tackled this bag will likely agree that there has to be a better way.  Anna's post about the bag can be found here.

I cannot tell you what prompted me to start the following project- not once in my life have I had the urge to pick up needle and thread for decorative stitching. But then, I once said that I'd never quilt and look how that turned out! The pink and green blocks are made from scraps- they were left over from a BJ's sample.  Points if you can locate it in the store...

Anyway, my wonderful sister-in-law taught me how to do some basic embroidery stitches last Christmas and I found myself designing these.  The patterns are from the internet- just doodles I found and liked. Stitch 'em in, buy a couple of shadow frames from Target and voila! Bathroom embroidery art.



And yes, those are the colors of my bathroom.  You should have known- I don't do anything that isn't colorful.  ;)