Whew...

Time flies, doesn't it? It's already mid-July and it still feels like 2014 to me. :) I've started taking Tap dance classes again after 15 years. It's just like riding a bike, because it does all come back with just a bit of a reminder. And, it's fun... it's really fun! I must admit though, that I'm just a bit sore... especially my feet! :)

We were without hot water for 4 1/2 days since our newly purchased (2 yrs) GE (we have had the worst luck with our GE appliances and will probably never purchase another one) hot water heater stopped working on Tuesday. It was finally repaired yesterday at noon. I will never take for granted again just how wonderful a hot shower feels!! Yea clean hair!!! :)

I've also made a couple of new Sew Together Bags since I last posted. I love them both although they are very different from each other in terms of color. I truly don't think it's possible to make one of these bags, in any fabric, and not have it look wonderful.

We had a good time in our little class (reference my last post). There were five friends that ended up making the bag along with me. Unfortunately, I didn't get photos of any of them but one because we all finished at different times/different days. So, I'll show you Max's bag...

isn't it just gorgeous? Max does exceptional work... everything she touches is perfect. We refer to her as our "over-achiever" and she truly is. In addition to that, she has a huge heart and is always making quilts and donating them to her favorite cause. Her last quilt brought in $5000 at their most recent auction. Amazing, right? And, of course, in her spare time, she made a second one...

If you haven't tried this bag yet, I really encourage you to do it. It's really very simple to make (and fun, fun, fun!) and the Sew-Along by Quilt Barn makes it that much simpler. Her directions/instructions are very good and very clarifying.

Take care,

I made a "mini"...

I just finished up this little mini Sew Together bag. It seems tiny compared to the original size, but it's cute and very easy (and quick) to make. In order to make the mini version, you must purchase the original pattern from Sew Demented and then use the tutorial/worksheet provided by Occasionalpiece-Quilt.

The true colors are just a bit more muted. I took this photo in a room filled with that beautiful, warm, late-afternoon light so it makes everything pop.

I've been putting together some fabric "kits" for the regular-sized Sew Together bag. My quilting friends asked me to teach them how to make the bag and wanted me to provide kits (there will be a charge for the "kit" but no charge for the instruction). We'll take two Thursdays and work our way through the bag. I know we'll have a lot of fun!!

It started me thinking about whether I should put some kits together to sell in my shop. Got an opinion?

Take care,

I love these bags...

Today I'm making a dust ruffle for a Cal King bed using black yarn-dyed essex linen. I think it's going to look really great when I'm finished, but I have a ways to go yet.

In the meantime, I needed to take a break and it seemed the perfect time to share this latest Sew Together bag since I just finished it this morning. This is my 3rd and I already have another planned. I'm sure I'll be making many more of these!

Take care,

I couldn't share this until today...

I recently made a second Sew Together Bag. I truly love this bag and encourage you to try one. I know that zippers intimidate many people, but I promise you it is not difficult at all to sew this bag. Just take it slow. Quilt Barn has done a 5-part sew-along with a multitude of photos that make the instructions much more clear.

Pat and I gifted it yesterday to our friend Johanne, who invited us to her lovely home for lunch. While there we saw all of her gorgeous quilts, both finished and in-progress and her very organized studio. It was such an enjoyable and inspirational day! Thanks Johanne!

Johanne's favorite colors were the inspiration for the fabrics we chose. These were pulled from my stash. I couldn't believe I actually had these beautiful fabrics buried on my shelves. Anyway, both Pat and I were happy with the way it turned out.

I always like to use fairly light colors on the inside of zipper pockets since that makes it so easy to see what's inside.

After spending the afternoon with Johanne, we drove over to Sun Dried Tomato Bistro in San Juan Capistrano for dinner. Truth be told, we really went for the Black Cherry Lemon Drop martini's and dinner was secondary. :)) Those martini's are so, so good! My Angel Hair pasta was excellent too.

Today I tried to work on my Caravan Tote, but I think I had to rip out as much as I got sewn. Tomorrow will be another day, right?

Take care,