The Clutch

I need your help. Below are pictures of a clutch that I made. I like it without a wrist strap but I think I'm going to do another variation with the strap. I need further embellishment on it, although I do quite like it plain. So, any suggestions? I'm open to hear what ideas you all have.

Mom's Messenger Bag

It's done. I did go out this morning and was able to find some thread close in color to the one I had. Couldn't find the exact brand and color but I got close. This bag is a little thicker than the one I made for myself. The canvas I chose was stiffer so it took a little more effort but I've got to say that my finishing skills are getting much better. I still need to iron it one last time to really make it crisp.

Unfortunately, my sewing machine didn't quite make it to the end. I'm not sure what happened but it has revolted and refused to sew properly. Lucky for me I had my new toy waiting in the wings. Craftmonkey, you guessed correctly. I got a Bernina!!! I've been lusting after this for a few months now and decided to step out and go for it. To save money (these things are expensive), I bought one of the floor models. I wanted a new one but the floor model comes with all the same warranties and what not so it's just as good as new. It took me a bit to get used to it but I was determined to get this bag finished tonight. I wanted to finish this project with my old machine so as not to be faced with a leaning curve in the middle of the project, but it worked out well.

I think mom will love the bag. I'm quite happy and impressed with it. I'll be doing all kinds of things now that I've got the new machine so you'll be seeing some of those projects soon. I will be taking the free classes that come with purchasing from Lavender Lime. I also get hundreds of free fat quarters from the store with this purchase so I'll be working on developing small projects that I can use them for.

Ran Out of Thread

The store where I got this thread (lime in color) is closed today and I'm trying to decide if I want to change to a different color or hit the shops looking for a match. Most of the exterior is done and I would still need another spool of the lime to finish topstitching on the outside. I had originally bought brown thread to do this bag but when I saw the lime thread I was given for free, I changed my mind. OY. So do I do the interior with brown??? Do I hit the shops??? Do I wait until Monday when the shop I got the thread from opens??? OH!

Recovering

This weekend will be the first time in a while that I get to just concentrate on myself and doing what I want to do. Unfortunately part of that will have to be spent cleaning the house but I have enough joy in store that I can endure the cleaning.

I've gotten most of the pieces cut for my mother's messenger bag. I need to pick up some canvas tomorrow at the fabric store for the lining and then I can get to sewing. She's really looking forward to getting this bag and it makes me want to get it finished quickly.




Other than the bag, I will spending a lot of my weekend with my new friend Mac the iMac. Cheesy, I know, but you would be cheesy too if you had one. Isn't he lovely. I think it should be a he. He will get a more appropriate name at a later date, but for now he is just Mac.













When things don't go as well as I would like in life (not that often but it happens), I like to spoil myself. In addition to Mac I bought myself another very special gift which is still in the box so I will post about it later.


For those of you in the Chattanooga area that include fabric in your fiber love obsessions, check out Lavender Lime. I know I've mentioned them before, but they have rearranged their store and it looks fabulous. You can't help but fall in love and loose your money in that store (hint on the other gift I bought myself).

Take care you all and have fun indulging in your fiber love.

I'm Due For A Turn-Around

Since starting back to work I haven't done any crafting. Part of it is due to getting used to being back on a regular work schedule and part is due from it being hot in the house. My heat pump has been out since January and I thought I was going to be able to hold out until July but that idea quickly went out the window when we got hit with a couple of really hot weeks. A friend let me borrow a portable air conditioner and it has been a life saver, but it only covers one room. So I limit my movements and try to stay in close proximity to the cool room.

But I am due for a turn-around! My heat pump is being replaced as I type and all will be good by the end of the day. I hated to shell out the money right now but I value my health. I wasn't even feeling well enough to attend any WWKIP events this weekend and you know that's not good. But I knew this would happen so it's not like it caught me off guard. The downfall of buying an older home. But I love this older home. And now I love it $4k more.

Maybe when I recover I'll be able to knit and sew like I want to. I especially need to get back to sewing. I have a gift for my mother I need to get started on.

Stay cool as you craft your way through the summer.

Every Girl Has a Story...

Book Review: Family Bible by Melissa Delbridge
ISBN: 978-1-58729-651-2 or 1-58729-651-9

And this girl has quite a story. This book really surprised me. It's title does nothing to clue you in on the tales of the southern family you will find inside. Get past the title and give this book a read. Melissa deals with family, race, friendship and social issues in a way that is funny and comforting without any of the language that would come across as offensive.

How brave of Melissa (any of us women!), to look inside of ourselves and tell stories that make us who we are. I don't think I've ever seen an author use a style quite like this. Her stories are not sequential but its written in a way that allows you to follow her life with no confusion.

Each person that comes into our lives leaves a little something behind and if we pay attention, we can see the true impact of each. Melissa's people gave her a voice and a unique perspective on what life should and could be.

This is a book that makes you think and makes you grateful for the people of your past. Whether they brought good or bad into your life, their existence contributed to who you are today.

Open your own family bible and review the lives listed there.

Thanks for the great book Melissa! If you are a knitter, you can find Melissa on Ravelry as Danto1. Stop by and tell her hi and mention that April sent you. I had the pleasure of meeting Melissa when she came to Chattanooga for her book signing and I'm happy to say she is a great and thoughtful person.

Happy Reading!!!