Too many deadlines...

It's been a pretty good week, but I am feeling quite stressed by all the deadlines hovering over my head right now. I have three dresses that need to be altered this week, vests for the lions club and some bags and other small things to make. Not to mention a quilt to finish hand quilting. I think it's all pretty doable, but right now I'm having trouble seeing how it's all going to work. Plus I think I'm getting a cold. Or at least laryngitis. Fun.

Out of all the sewing I did this week, this was my favorite finish! It is a Travel Bag / Carry on bag by Candy Corner Quilting on Etsy. This pattern was different in that it has a little contrast flange in the seams. Not sure exactly why this isn't actual cording which wouldn't be much different to apply, but I followed the pattern directions, and it came out really cute! I added extra pockets to the inside. This is a nice size weekend type bag, no pattern pieces to worry about blowing up, and easy to make with good results.

I found a new supplier for hardware that is only 100 miles from me, so my order for the rest of the bags came in less than 2 days from the time I ordered! Very nice! I also ordered a free (with shipping) scrap bag of webbing and was thrilled with a nice quantity of webbing in several colors that I have for future projects. I see some fun quilted bags in my future! At least after I get past all of these deadlines.

I suppose I need to learn to say no, but I really need the work right now. Seems like the bills have piled up lately. I suppose I shouldn't complain, it's good work that I enjoy. Enough rambling, I suppose I should get to the rest of tonights hand quilting. Can't wait to finish up this Grandmothers Flower Garden. Then I get to start the Double Wedding Ring!

Remember to turn back your clocks!

Pamela

Luggage Tags for Minnesota

Today I worked on hemming a black dress and taking in a wedding gown at the zipper. Neither project was conducive to pictures, so you'll just have to take my word on those projects, they both came out pretty nicely!

Then I cleaned house for company tomorrow - we are going to watch King Kong - fun!

Then I finished up a set of luggage tags, from the pattern I reviewed earlier this summer by StudioCherie. I had a lot of fun choosing neat fabrics from my stash for these. The reason I am making so many of them is that my daughter and I are going to sell them as a fundraiser for her trip to the journalism convention in Minnesota. We have a month to raise almost $500.00, so that should keep me pretty busy - I'm going to do the sewing and she gets to do the selling. They will sell for $10.00 each, so that makes 5o - so far I've got 10 done. Guess I'd better get busy and keep stitching!

Pamela

Laura's Luggage by StudioCherie

I need to catch up reviewing all the patterns I have sewn up this month! This is one of my favorite projects - Laura's Luggage. This pattern was as well written as the Luggage Tag pattern, and made a simply beautiful bag that would be perfect for a weekend away. It features two large outside pockets, two zipper pockets, and large inner pockets with elastic at the top.

I did have one issue with this pattern, and that was the fact that in order to get your full size pattern pieces you have to go to a copy store and have the page enlarged. This was the only pattern that I worked with that required this step, and I believe that the shop did a poor job of getting it to the correct size. I had to buy a longer zipper for the top closure and spent a bit of time fiddling to get things to line up correctly. I generally prefer having pattern pieces printed full size in patterns and having to tape the pieces together than having to worry about taking them to be enlarged and having them come out correct. But all is well that ends well and the bag came out terrific! It's a nice light weight and not too stiff, and the piping gives it a really classy look. Below is a peek into the large zippered pocket, which is hidden behind the outside panel pocket. The other pocket is a small one in the side that would be perfect to stash your keys in.The instructions and illustrations were perfect - and I appreciated the tip on sewing the lining to the outside at the top as it really made a difference in the finished bag. This is an easier bag to sew than the Amy Butler Weekender bag (less bulky), and has a similar style to it. Definitely one I would make again!

For more patterns by StudioCherie, check out her shop here.