Matching bags

These bags were made from the extra fabric from Michelle's skirt. I made the big one first, for myself. Its been a while since I made a bag, so I took my time, and actually ironed seams and the like. I was really pleased with how it came out. When I was looking at it, I realized that it was likely Michelle would claim it as her own. So with a lot less precision, I made a mini version for her during one of her rare weekend naps. (That's another whole topic!)

She was quite pleased with it, especially because Mommy has one too. And I get to keep my bag.

Treats for me!

So work has been totally crazy for the last few weeks, and despite the original idea that it would calm down soon, additional new things have been added to my schedule. In order to keep sane, I have been allowing myself small treats and purchases, so that I have something to look forward to.

I saw one of the other shoes in this limited edition series on someone's blog last week, and when I started researching found these ones. Llamas! I love llamas. And its hard to find attractive items with llamas, so the order went in. They are just great. I mean, there is even attractive llama-ness on the inside. The only flaw is that they have a fleecy lining, so aren't really summery. But on the next slightly cooler day, these will be on my feet!


I also ordered my first etsy item, from Emily of the Black Apple here. Milk dress girl was simply too sweet to pass up. It arrived fast, and I had even forgotten it was coming so was a perfect treat. It needs a frame, but makes me smile whenever I see it.

Other items on my shopping list:
Prints and/or transfers from here.
Monsters! here and here (maybe).
Fabric and all sorts of things I don't really need here and who know what else.
Other things that I've forgotten I will have to add later.

But really, what I'd like is some time. I want one day to myself, to make things and/or go shopping. Then I want one day with Michelle to go to the beach or something else fun. Then I want another day to see friends who I haven't had the chance to talk to in ages, and eat and laugh together. Then I want a nice dinner out with just my husband. In the meantime, I will have to be the shallow person who substitutes with material goods and hot fudge sundaes for lunch. But these days will come, just wait and see.

Swap goodies arrived!

As I had hoped, my magazine swap goodies from Ellen arrived on a day when I really needed a treat! In addition to the wonderful New Zealand magazine, she sent a bunch of treats for Michelle - an adorable bunny and a custom-made apron. Its a good thing that Michelle claimed the bunny rught away, or she would have been at my bedside last night. I read through the magazine last night, and was amused to read about warm soups and cozy blankets. I hadn't even thought about the fact that it's winter in NZ, and thus the topics would not be the barbeques and outdoor parties of our U.S. magazines. I enjoyed my first perusal and look forward to curling up with it in more detail this weekend.



Thanks to Ellen for the wonderful package. And thanks to Adriana for organizing it.

Tiered skirt

A while ago, there was a post on WhipUp with a tiered skirt tutorial from 3 peas, here that I just loved. And believe it or not, I actually made it! A trip to Fabric Place during their 25% off everything sale provided the perfect fabric. (Not that I didn't already have plenty of fabric that would work, but this was "perfect" fabric.) I cut it out that night, actually pulled out the ironing board to press the hem the next night. The tutorial was very clear, with plenty of helpful tips. An evening drifting between the sofa and the sewing machine let me do the gathering, and poof, a skirt for my little princess.

Shh.. don't tell anyone that I didn't finish the inside edges. Given the kind of wear Michelle has on her clothes, those will be the least of the worries. I also discovered a small hole in my brand new fabric that made me pout. A little fusible webbing, and a busy print, and it is impossible to find without close examination.
!
I am very proud. I've been fearful of sewing clothing for a while, given some bad fitting issues in the past, and the fact that she is a toddler who abuses her clothes a lot. But this was easy, doesn't use a lot of fabric and looks just beautiful. As a bonus, I got a baby stuff catalogue over the weekend that showed skirts like this for $45 each. So this was a bargain! I think I'll make more... Of course, I also have some of the fabric left over that I think will make a lovely bag for myself.