The Bag Lady Strikes Again

Just finished this really cute bag and had to share it. It will be a birthday present for one of my favorite December birthday girls.

Jump on In

Even though the calendar says it is almost September, it's still the middle of a long, long, long, hot summer here in AZ. We love being in the pool, almost as much as our chocolate lab, Maggie. Once we open the gate to the pool, she jumps in, stands on the top step and waits for us to get her favorite orange fetching toy out of the bin.

Even though Gidget, our Schipperke, doesn't like to swim, she loves to chase Maggie around the outside of the pool. Once the toy comes out, it's evey man for themselves, Maggie WILL be jumping in and going after that toy. We have all learned, not to get between her and the orange toy!

She is one happy girl after swimming back with the toy! However, be warned, she would play this game all day long if we would only keep throwing. We have to take the toy and hide it away in the bin before she will officially leave the pool area.

And that is how Maggie makes it through this long, long, long hot summer.........

Finishing Touches

After finding the perfect button for this bag, I had to post a new picture. It's funny how such a little detail can make a big difference in the finished product.

Then this morning, I realized I had a coordinating fabric for the boring carry-all I showed you last time. Look at what a difference this fabric sash and bow made.

And finally, I finished the binding for this "Pink Twirls" baby quilt. It will be a gift for my soon to be born great-niece Arabella. I love these fabrics.

Can't wait for her to be born so I can finish up the label and send it off to her in Seattle!

Bag Time

When it's summer and blazing hot, I want to stay indoors and out of the heat. Spending time sewing is one of my favorite things to do on a free day. Lately, I've been getting several projects ready to take to Quilt Camp, but took time in the last week to make a few cute bags. The first one was inspired by the bag a friend was carrying, and an "I could make that" moment. I had a batch of charm squares in my stash and put them together for the bag and lining. I love the envelope pocket on the front, all I need now is a cute green button to finish it off. There actually is a pattern for this bag, but I knew I could wing it without a pattern, so I gave it a go.

Next was this "Camille" bag from a Peggy Sturgis pattern. The outer fabric of the bag was actually a mistake I made for the lining of a previous bag. I was frustrated with it at the time, and stuck it away.After looking at it for a bit, I figured I could rework it for a new carry-all bag for work. I like the style, but it seems a little dull to me, so I'm still considering what I might do to give it a little more "flair". Any ideas?

Back to the Blog

Between a computer that crashed, crazy schedule, and a lot of procrastination, I've been away from the blog for 3 months. BUT, I've missed the blog! So here's an attempt so get up to date.

 In May we had a great time going to L.A. Bruce and I had never really been there, so Tyler and Tu were our "tour guides" and we had a blast. In 3 days we saw Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice Beach and Warner Brothers Studios. We even had a minor star sighting, we saw (and said "Hi" to crazy Phillip from "Survivor".

In June, we hosted the best 4 year old birthday party ever. What could be better then a Superheros theme? We had lots of swimming, bouncing in the Spiderman bouncy house and presents that included a Green Hornet mask.

We've been in the pool a lot this year. Our chocolate lab, Maggie, loves swimming even more than Bruce and I. Now that I'm back in the blog world, I'll post some pictures soon. In the meantime, here are a few pics from the last few months.

On the "Friends" set at Warner Brothers Studios. The "Central Perk" sofa is pretty comfy.


The canals in Venice Beach are perfect for pictures.

I saved the best for last, my ultimate Superhero, Spiderman (aka Peyton!)

Easter Monday

Dear Peyton, The Easter Bunny is so clever, even when you are not at your Mama's house on Easter, he still comes, leaves your basket, and hides all sorts of eggs. Lucky for us, the EB texted Grandma this year and told her to be at Mama's house when you got home on Monday evening.

You were an amazing egg-finder, you have a knack for spotting the tough to find ones, even in a tree. 

 Your basket was so full, Grandpa had to help hold eggs while you kept hunting, I think both of you men had fun.

You even sat down long enough to get an Easter Monday picture with your Mama. Happy Easter, little Man!

Weekend in Seattle

My favorite niece, Blythe, (ok-she's my only niece) turned 30 last weekend. Bruce and I were able to go to Seattle and spend the weekend with Blythe, her husband Justin, their two boys Cullen and Wyatt. My sister-in-law, Geri and nephew Joel both came in from Kansas City for the weekend as well. We spent time on the military base where Justin is posted - I've always been supportive of our military, but being on a base and seeing the sacrifice and commitment of the these soldiers was inspiring.

Here's the birthday girl sharing some "tingling skin cream" with Justin, pretty funny moment.

 Bruce and Joel on top of the Space needle.

 The Pike's Market in downtown Seattle was fun, loaded with fresh seafood, vegatable and flowers. Wyatt was such a good little guy all day, rode in the back carrier most of the time. Cullen looked away just a little too quickly for me in this one.

 Geri and I would have bought out all the tulips if we'd been able to fly them home.

 It's a beautiful city from the top of the the Space Needle, the rain even held off for us all day while we were downtown.

Thank you Blythe and Justin for a fun weekend, and for the great news when we got home, IT'S A GIRL!!!!!