I know this fabric just came out of the dryer and it’s still warm…

…..but it’s for making tote bags tomorrow.

Oh, okay….

…but just for a little while.

; )

Jenn

Good morning!

I am very happy to say that I’m all hooked up to the computer again, so me and my little digital camera are back! (My camera is a Canon Power Shot SD450 incase anyone wanted to know).

Here are the photos that I took yesterday of the first finished tote bag. I cut and began embroidering enough material to make 4 total. So far I have this one done, and a second smaller one is almost finished.

The lighter corduroy is stretchy - so the bag can accommodate quite a few books. Here I have four thick magazines and the latest Alexander McCall Smith book (“The Good Husband of Zebra Drive” ……. any other No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency fans out there?) And I’m sure it could hold even more.

My favorite thing about this bag is how “comfy” it is. The corduroy is super soft. It’s casual and relaxed - just the right feel for taking your favorite book with you wherever you go. I made two pockets inside.

Josh will be taking photos for me tonight and I’ll get this tote bag and maybe another in the shop tomorrow.

Thanks to all who commented on my last few posts. The swap was alot of fun - and if you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend it. I had alot of fun not only receiving my package from Rebecca, but finding and wrapping my goodies for her, too.

Josh has been suggesting for ages that I get some of my illustrations into my Etsy shop. I’ve been a bit distracted with all the sewing I’ve been doing lately. But working on the inchworm piece for the swap has reminded me how much I love to paint and draw. I really miss it. Now when I look up from my sewing machine - I can see my paintbrushes across the room and they call to me.

Have a wonderful day!

Jenn : )

Why is it that Fridays seem to be the most fun days? Stuff comes in the mail, I find an inspiring new blog, etc. I just love to post on Fridays - there’s so much to share!

First off: I got my package from Rebecca my Pink and Green Spring Fling Swap partner!!! Oh my gosh - what a fun time I had discovering all the goodies she put together for me… I’m almost speechless: wow!

She sent me these two potholders (did you make these, Rebecca?) that are so pretty I am going to display them in my kitchen immediately! (aren’t the colors beautiful together?), this lovely plate (oh, how I tried to find a similar plate or cup to send with my goodies - but I just had no luck in that department. Ask Josh…. aka “dragged around boy”… I searched and searched for something like that.)

And the colors - Rebecca you found the perfect pink and green plate. I bow to your thrifty skills! (and she included yummy candy, too!)

And then… I also received a package of notecards, a handmade pincushion covered with pins, two pink fat quarters (perfect - I already know what I’ll use them for!), two ribbon cards (joy!) and even a bundle of sewing supplies (including thread, buttons, a thimble, embroidery floss (love it!), elastic and even two zippers!)

Wow. Rebecca, you are wonderful! I am so overwhelmed by your generosity and creativity. Everything is so pretty and the packaging made each item so special.

Can you tell I’m super happy?!? I have to say that I love each item I received and that the supplies will surely find their way into future projects of mine. Thank you so much!

I would love to show you all what I sent to Rebecca - but she won’t be picking up her package until Monday or Tuesday and I would hate to spoil the surprise. So I will wait until I know that she’s rec’d her goodies before I post any photos.

Ah… okay, I have more things to chat about, if I can come down from my pink and green swap high!

Here is a photo of my tote bag progress. Prototype #1 and the brown and grey fabric I’m going to pair with the vintage. I’ll be working on that this weekend - so check back Monday for a progress report and hopefully even some finished bags!

While I am in a pink and green euphoria over here I thought I’d gather a list of a few pink and green goodies that can be found on Etsy:

And now - here are a couple funny things (at least my weird sense of humor finds them funny..) that I thought I’d share.

And this is a link to a Will Ferrell skit that is super funny… super funny if you aren’t offended by a child using curse words. Which, to be honest, at first I was a little uncomfortable with, but soon recovered and laughed my head off.

Sending out much love to all of you - thanks again Rebecca for the wonderful goodies! You rock!

Happy Friday everyone!

Jenn : )

Good morning!

I took your suggestion, Katie Jean, and framed a bit of my thrifted fabric. It looks pretty next to the pale yellow walls of my studio (although the photo isn’t very good - it has been dark and rainy here the last couple days). And such an easy project to do! I highly recommend making one of these if you have a piece of fabric that you love - these are super easy to make and come together quickly (you just have to wait for your glue to dry).

Josh emailed me the other day that he reeeeeally likes these pillows (they are at a furniture design show). So - I told him “your birthday is just around the corner…”, which is funny because his birthday is in December! Ha!

Hey - at least I have some time to figure out how to make them and get them done. : )

I listed another sewing book in the shop today.

Well - It’s time to go look through my cookbooks and figure out what to make for our LOST dinner tonight… it is our turn to host. And then there’s the American Idol results…. will Sanjaya make it to another week?

Have a great day! Talk to you again soon!

Jenn : )