Summer isn't over with yet...

Love my new purse? I think it's a lot of fun...a little scrappy and a little shabby chic with a few roses and a dash a sugar thrown in. Perfect for the rest of this summer.


Inspiration for the style came from Creative Little Daisy and all the pretty bags she makes. Her directions for a quilted patchwork purse are here.

Lately I've been reading the SewMamaSew blog and have found some of the best purse tutorials there. I learned how to make purse handles here and how to line a purse here.

With the leftover bits and pieces from my purse, I'm making a couple mini quilts with embroidered center blocks. I may hang them on the wall or give them away, or put them in my shop...not sure yet, but I'm enjoying making them.

by for now,
Jessica

A New Sewing Toy!

Yes, I finally bought a serger! I've had the money to buy a serger since I got married, but just never followed through on researching and finding one. This one is a used Pfaff 4870 that I got off of e-bay, and I am so happy with it. I has a lot of neat features--21 different stitch options and up to 5 threads, and each of the stitch options has 3 programmable memories to save tension changes and such. I've only had a couple days to play around with it, but it seems to be fairly easy to thread (I got it right the1st time!), and it sews beautifully. I made a knit shirt to try out some of the different stitches...I used a flatlock stitch for the hem and that worked pretty well. I definitely will do more clothing sewing for myself now that I have a serger again.

Elliot is 6 months old now and he is just now starting to eat rice cereal. It's so much fun. I think mommy was more excited about feeding him then he was at first, but now after a few days, he chows down pretty good at dinner time. Yesterday he had fun spitting cereal on Justin!

Pay It Forward

I don't usually do the various memes that get passed around on blogland, but I thought this one sounded fun. I got this from Linda, and decided to join in. I like the idea of Pay It Forward!
Ruth


Pay It Forward meme

I will send a handmade gift* to the first three people who leave a comment requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don't know what that gift will be yet, but you will receive it within 365 days. The only thing you have to do in return is "pay it forward" by making a similar agreement on your blog.

I'm not sure what I will send, but it will be something handmade by me.

*The "gift" you send doesn't have to be handmade--choose your specs when you post it on your blog.

Please leave your email address with your comment so that I can contact you.

Sassy Stripes Finished

Blue striped socks. My favorite color. Plain everyday socks. Comfortable. Yes, the stripes match. Can't wait 'til cooler weather so I can wear them. Started in March. Finished 2 weeks ago. Almost finished with the pink Tofutsies socks. Sock knitting is addicting. Fun.
Ruth



Yarn: Cascade Sassy Stripes
Needles: Inox double pointed, size 0
Pattern: Basic 2x2 rib