DESIGN WALL MONDAY

This was my finish for this week.
The pattern is the Versatile Wave pattern by Susan Rooney patterns.

This purse has two parts.  The inside pouch has a zipper opening and two interior pockets.  It has two buttons to connect the outer reversible cover.  The inside part can be carried as a clutch.
I added piping to the outer bag, and it has swivel clasps to connect the handles.  Glasses, cell phone, etc., can be placed inside the outer bag for quick access.  
The directions were well written, and I enjoyed making this purse.  I plan to make a better zipper pull when I return north - I have a huge box of beads and charms to use!

I won't be posting about my design wall for a week or two, as our little visitors arrive today, and DH and I will be BUSY!!!!!

Check out all the creativity at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week 1.75 yards

Used year to date  61.875 yards

Added this week  0 yards

Added year to date 9 yards

Net used 2014  52.875 yards

 

My only finish this week was a small purse, which accounts for my fabric usage.

 

My days were taken up with house cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, etc., following our first guests' departure, and preparing for the next set.

 

DH's group, 3 for a Quarter, had a successful performance yesterday afternoon, entertaining on the pool patio for neighbours and friends.  I was even persuaded to play 3 numbers on my flute, accompanied by DH on guitar and his partner on bass.  The weather was lovely, clear blue skies, light breezes, and warm temperatures.  The pool was busy, but people were singing along as the swam or sunbathed too!

 

I don't think I'll be getting much sewing done over the next 2 weeks, as we have 2 little ones visiting, but I do hope to attend the quilt show in Mt. Dora FL on the 8th.  DH has found a great park with a wonderful playground to entertain our small guests nearby....

 

Check out all the stash progress at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times. 

GOOD NEWS THURSDAY

Our two sons and one daughter-in-law are arriving tonight, and staying until Sunday!
I love when they visit.  The guys put all the leaves in my table and set up board games, laughing, and teasing each other the whole time.  I love having time to get to know my newest daughter-in-law!

I've been cooking and baking - cooked ribs yesterday, and they'll be reheated tomorrow.  Tonight I'm making pizza - one traditional and one Alfredo with chicken, along with a salad.  I also made a large snack cake, as well as stocking up on fruit - apples, oranges, grapes, bananas and blueberries.  Have to have some healthy options!

I finished the 3 remaining tote bags for "Every Child Counts", and I'm making a small purse/wallet to test the pattern.  Probably won't get much done once the gang arrives....I can hardly wait.

Check out other good news at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.   

STASH REPORT SUNDAY JANUARY 8

Used this week 1.875 yards

Used year to date  11.875 yards

Purchased this week  0 yards

Purchased year to date  13.75 yards

Net used 2012  -1.875 yards

My sewing was hit and miss this week.  Seemed to have lots of small errands to do, which all took 10 times longer than planned.  DH is still struggling with his sprain - his ankle has improved, but seems to have hit a plateau - little swelling, lots of pretty colours from the bruise, but still painful.  Of course he hates being tied down, so doesn't rest it enough.
This week it seemed that every project I tried to start needed one or two items to even get started.  Finally I started my latest purse.  The patterns is from Studio Kat Designs and is called "Baggalista".  It is a smaller purse that has an adjustable strap so it can be worn "cross body" so your hands are free.  It has wonderful pockets to fill with all sorts of items too.  I purchased the zippers and hardware when I ordered the pattern.  I found this great fabric last week, and paired it with a light gold with tiny gold sparkles and a black on black swirl design for the main part of the purse.

The front pouch is zippered and has an interior pocket as well.  It is held together with magnet clasps and has another pocket underneath.  The back has a large zippered pocket as well, and two small zippered pouches on each side to hold a cell phone etc.  The inside also has two attached pockets on one side.
I did get some other fabric, but not for quilting.  I found some great fabric to make my outfit for DS2's wedding in the spring.  I picked up an interesting jacket pattern, and I had a pattern for a wardrobe - dress, slacks, top, so I bought enough fabric to make all the parts.  That way if my DS2's future MIL decided to wear a pant outfit, I'll be good either way.  They are having a small wedding with immediate family, so it won't be too formal.
I guess I'll have to put my quilting hat back on next week!  
Check out everyone's progress at Judy's blog......

I MADE A PURSE!

My favourite purse for travel was looking a little worse for wear, and I decided to replace it - easier said than done!  I finally found a pattern I liked, called Trifecta from Studio Kat Designs.

 My outer fabric is a sandy beach print, with a tan interior and green accents.  I chose to add the pocket to the front - handy for keys, pen etc.

It has a magnetic closure, and two large pouch areas, with a centre zippered area as well.

 I chose to add the "core insert" into the zippered area, with space for cards on the side - probably my library card, etc.  I made the zippered core, so that I'll have another safe place to stash stuff!

With the purse opened up, you can see all the different areas to stow items.  I like to be organized.  It is very versatile for a smaller purse (9" x 10" x 5").
The pattern was interesting to make, and the instructions were fairly easy to follow.  I'll make this again, but with a little more creativity next time.  I also plan to find a "purse zipper" as well - much better than the regular one that I used, as it would have two zipper pulls, closing in the centre of the purse instead of at one side.