SPECIAL ORDER LITTLE GIRL TOTE

A friend of mine asked me to make a tote for her 8-year old neice and provided me with a variety of fat quarters in shades of green, pink and yellow. Such pretty prints and bright colors. I used the fabric to make two disappearing nine patch blocks about 13" square. The lining consisted of two different pink fabrics - one with princesses and one with crowns. The tote measures roughly 10" x 12" with a 3" flat bottom. The straps are a patchwork of the various fabrics used.

I had a bit of fabric left after making the tote so I whipped up a little wonder wallet. Easy to do and sooo very handy. I found a neat vintage dome button with rhinestones to go with the crown print fabric. I hope she likes it!

I just love these fabrics - so bright and springy!! And so perfect for an 8-year old princess.

BACK TO SEWING, AT LAST!

A few days ago I finally fired up the ole sewing machine and got down to making totes. The first uses charm squares from MODA - these are called Rural Jardin by French General. I love the classic French floral designs in these great colors. I lined the tote with a cream tone on tone print. I'm thinking of listing this one on Etsy so, if you're interested, keep an eye out.



The second tote is made using charm squares from the Glory collection by Kathy Schmitz LLC for MODA. I combined the patriotic print squares with squares of recycled denim for real down-home American style. The lining is a deep red tone-on-tone tiny floral print. This is the third tote I've made from this collection and I think I'm gonna have to make one for me! It's perfect for all those casual outfits. Although this particular tote is already spoken for, if you want one, let me know.


I have one more set of charm squares ready to sew up into a tote. They are from the Kashmir IV collection by Sentimental Studios for MODA. If you are familiar with the Kashmir collections, you know that they are lovely paisley prints and this particular one is in pale pinks, blues and greens. The tote will have a pale green lining and pale pink straps. I should have a pic posted in the next couple of days.

Along with sewing I've been taking advantage of the great weather we've been having to do some yardwork. There is something very theraputic about pulling weeds and trimming shrubs, don'tcha' think?

DOGGY AND KITTY TOTES

I was so lucky lately to have sold two of my totes to volunteers with a local animal adoption group called HOPE (Homeless and Orphaned Pet Endeavor). I went to the site at a local Petco a couple of weeks ago to pick up some kitty hammocks from another volunteer and took my doggie print tote for a "show & tell". One of the dog foster parents fell in love with it and bought it then and there!

In addition, a cat foster mom asked if I could make one with cats on it and I said that of course I could. I delivered it this weekend and, again, it was a big hit. I loved the fabrics and I'm so glad each tote has found a good home.

I'm currently working on a rag quilt that features another cat print in pinks and purples on cream. I'll post a picture as soon as I'm finished.

QCG RED TAG SALE

It's Red Tag Sale time again!! Be sure to go to ebay and search "QCG Red Tag" for some amazing bargains. I have relisted all of my totes at HALF PRICE!!! I also have a couple of other items in case you're not in the market for a tote bag right now. Anyway, go check out all the sale items. There's something there for everyone!!!

And check out the Rag Queen Quilters blog. I just posted an entry about the history of feedsacks and how they were used, not only in quilting, but in many useful items. Printed feedsacks of the 30's and 40's are very collectible today.

BONANZLE HAND PICKED LISTS

Wow, my stuff has made three different hand picked lists on Bonanzle!!
One is Rag Quilts http://www.bonanzle.com/hand_picked_lists/3096 (thanks to Ashlawn Farms). My strip pieced rag quilt is there. The second is Prim and Proper http://www.bonanzle.com/hand_picked_lists/4150 (thanks to Pugcentric). It included my Debbie Mum "Creative Woman" Rag Quilt. The third one is Valentine Hearts http://www.bonanzle.com/hand_picked_lists/3714 (thanks to stampslore) with my Red, Pink and White Valentine Tote. It's so nice to have someone else recognize the items we make. I guess I'll have to do a hand picked list too. As soon as I have come up with a theme. Any suggestions?