August 30: Swoon, bag, books, camera strap!

I've been doing a lot of sewing lately.  I've finally got some time to myself, so I'm using it for fun stuff!  I finally jumped on the bandwagon and made a Swoon block:

I did mine a little bit differently, though - first of all, I used Marti Michell's template Set A to cut the block (so much easier).  Secondly, I decided to use all scraps for the one color.  I love it!  However, I don't see myself making any more anytime soon.

We received some coupons from Barnes and Noble the other day, and my wife insisted I take one to treat myself to this book I've been eying for months:

 It's got some really awesome clothes in, and I've been wanting to start on a new wardrobe for a long time.

I also picked up the new issue of MollieMakes, which has this awesome camera strap on the cover:

There were pictures of some others inside for inspiration, and I cannot wait to get started.  I'm actually considering doing interchangeable ones - I can't decide!
(P.S. - the people who do MollieMakes are starting a new magazine this fall about simple living.  I can't wait to check it out!)


 I'm finally getting things together to start selling my bags and wallets on etsy.  I made a prototype for one of my basic bags yesterday.  It was nice, because I was able to realize what was wrong with it.  This bag is a tote bag size, but with much more oomph to it than your regular tote.  There are two outside zippered pockets, and one non-zip pocket on the inside.  The handles are seriously padded and heavy-duty.  This will probably sell for between $65-80.

I made it for my wife, but I've got to take some notes and more photographs before she can have it. 

I hope to start blogging more soon... We'll see.

August 19: Bats

I love making stuffed animals and dolls.  I always have one (or more) in the back of my head that need/want to be made.  Next month, I'm offering a softie making class at Quilting Adventures:

I named him Herman!  I'm so happy with him.  The pattern is Sew Batty by Melly and Me.

I wish I could say I had more to say today, but I don't.  I'm hoping to enjoy the rest of this rainy day for sewing and reading!

August 16

Wow - I can't believe it's been a month!  So much for good intentions.

I've been working on a lot of things lately, but right now the only thing I have a picture of is this quilt I just made for a sweet little girl in my life.  She just turned 3, so I tried to get some of her favorite stories - the Lorax, Richard Scarry, and Goodnight Moon.  The back is done with Star Wars fabric.  The pattern is Texas Two Step by Atkinson Designs.

I took this picture yesterday while treating myself to lunch.  I got some of Christopher's Runaway Gourmay, and sat by the capitol building - an old Richmond tradition for my family.  :)

Hopefully I'll be back with more soon - I really just need to start taking more pictures!