Thanks, Mom!

I made this bag for my mom as a thank you gift for dog sitting during our recent trip to CA. I figured she didn't want any mouse themed, made in China goods and that this bag would be fun to have on her upcoming trip. So, thanks, mom! Hope you like it.

BTRS for Mom

My mom is going to the beach this weekend and I am trying to make her a pleated beauty bag before she leaves. I got the pieces all cut out today for the PBB and also this little fold over bag, which I think turned out really cute. My partner from the BTRS swap made me a larger version that I absolutely love (makes a terrific bag for a diaper change!). Now I gotta get moving on the big mama bag... a little bit more of a bear than this sweet little thing.

It's In the Bag

I finished my swap bag last night. I am mostly happy with how it turned out. I had wanted to put a button closure on the top, but I forgot to do it. Next time. I added a few heart buttons above the birdies--I kept staring at the embroidery thinking it needed a little something extra, I think the buttons do the trick. I can't wait to send it off to my partner, but have a few more things to put together before I do. Today I'm going to start on Addie's Cinderella dress for Disneyland. How fun will that be? I'll let you know.

In the Works: My Partner's Swap Bag

The book


Contrast fabric & birdie sketch

Front bag panel with pleat and embroidery

Inside pocket

Even though my weekend was busy, I did get a start on my Amy Karol swap bag. I sketched out the embroidery pattern last week (inspired by my tennis shoes), measured & cut out pattern pieces, embroidered front panel, and pieced together bag & lining panels. I still have a lot of work to do, but happy to get started!

Wonderful Surprise

A wonderful surprise was waiting for me today when I got home from the LWML convention in Claremore. A box--from my Pleated Beauty Bag Swap partner. Wahoo! I opened it to find the most darling bag I have ever seen. I had been secretly hoping to receive my bag before my trip to California--I can't believe how fast she finished this little piece of artwork! One of my favorite details is the embroidered owl on the front of the bag. SO CUTE! Ani also sent along a journal, stuffed owl (my son tried to steal it!), and another wonderful Amy Karol bag that she made. The pictures don't do it justice, but I had to share her work with you. I love, love, love this bag (and the other extras--looking forward to Raspberry Shortcake!) and can't wait to show it off. Thank you Ani.

BTR Sewing Partner

I received my partner for the Bend the Rules Sewing Swap I joined. I am so excited to start Amy Karol's Pleated Beauty Bag. I can tell from visiting my partner's blog page that we share many things in common--which hopefully will help me create something for her that she will like. I have a month and tons to do (& learn)...I will try to post as I go along.