Valentina Bag

Hi Folks!

I've just finished up this lovely bag! It's quite big, so it has room for all sorts. I used a bag pattern called Valentina Bag from Sewing With Me. I decided I wanted to make a waterproof bag, so I used an eco-friendly fabric wax called Otter Wax from a small company in Oregon. I nearly used the whole bar to wax the fabric for the bag. It worked so well, that I will be using more of their wax for another bag I use a lot. I love the look it leaves on the fabric, it gives it a very weathered look.

I changed a few things. I made the straps longer, so that they fit over my shoulder comfortably (27 inches long). I also added sew on snaps, so that I can snap in place all 4 sides of the bag. This way I can collapse the bag and make it a bit smaller.

 The bag is fully opened.

The bag is snapped in on all 4 sides to make it smaller!

I love it! If you are interested in making this bag, I've provided links above. Just hover over the word!

Vacation Over

As my spring break comes to a close I can't help but feel overwhelmed by all that needs to get done. There is a lot of pressure to do well. To change my (our) circumstances. It can only be done by putting forth the effort. I know what I need to do, but I can't seem to focus. Maybe the stress is not allowing me to clear my mind and focus on staying positive. I stress about failing.

Obviously, I need to de-stress. How?

I really wanted to go for a walk today. Somewhere lovely. With trees and fuzzy creatures running around....Yes, I wanted to go for a walk in a fairy tale forest.  I wanted some sense of accomplishment.

I don't know if walking through a forest would do that, but it really felt like it would. "Yes, I did that! Now back to work!" I wasn't able to.  It was frustrating. This place if so far removed from a fairy tale forest.

I saw a post from a friend quoting Audrey Hepburn, " I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong.... I believe tomorrow is another day."


I need to make a lists. I need to get focused. And I'm not going to Mississippi.


Goodnight.

As I was trying to cut some fabric...

Krikkit decided crawl over and take a nap! Too cute move the little guy...

Spring Time

Reflection

I was going to go see an apartment this morning, but I wasn't in the mood for a stressful day.

I decided to spend sometime in the garden, taking pictures and doing some sketching. Just doing what felt good and natural to me.

I wanted to sketch. So I started sketching Honshu, my mom's chihuahua. She is strange little thing mostly because she has very little hair on her body and likes to sleep within pillowcases.

As I sketched her, I realized how out of practice I was and also remember the days when I did it so avidly. In fact I still have those sketches. My prized ones that I couldn't part with. I use to love drawing faces. They are complex and very interesting and enjoyed spending my time sketching them.

I never really wanted to do art as a profession but just as a hobby. It was a creative pursuit that really kept me away from vegging out in front of the tv.... being in a soccer team also did that.

It's been over 10 years since I've properly dedicated time to drawing. The hobby sort of faded away when I started college.

Today, I find myself missing it. Missing the pleasure I derived from it, the process, the product. Granted today I have a few new hobbies that I love to spend doing. I don't do those enough either.

I've let work bog me down. If I am to remain a whole person, a happy person... I need to do things that feel good and natural to me too. 

Hugs,

Me

Spring Break! Oh yeah!

Yesterday was the first day of my spring break! It was busy, but nice. I'm looking forward to catching up with this blog and many projects.

This coming week I will start sewing my new dress for my graduation ceremony. I started a pinterest board and after much thought I've decided with a Decades of Style pattern. Here are some pictures from Hart's Fabric. com:

This pattern makes me purrr!

Tomorrow morning, I'll be off to look at a possible apartment, so fingers crossed. After that, I will be sewing a clutch for a friend's birthday.

I'll update soon!

New Year and first post!

The fall palette challenge didn't go off as planned. Instead, grad school happened! I've been a busy girl lately and will be until the start of March.

However, this hasn't stopped me for doing a little sewing. While waiting for my

niece to be born, I did a little baby sewing.:

If you are interested in making any of these, please visit Sewingwithme4's shop and her other shop for baby clothes for all her lovely sewing patterns.

Also with a group of lovely gals, I helped plan this beautiful baby shower. It really wouldn't of been possible without the help Grace, Patty, Adriana C, Torrie, Tiffany, and

Mama! Here was the set up:

And here are the center pieces we did:

I got the idea for these jars from a youtube video How to make Lanterns out of Old Glass Jars.

This year there are a lot happening. For graduation, I wanted to buy a lovely pair of Chie Mihara's, but unfortunately I don't have the money! Instead, I will focus my little money and time on making myself a lovely dress for graduation. A planning post to follow about this dress!

I will also be moving soon and will start some projects on home decor... retro-stylin'. I'm thinking bright colors and funky patterns.

And last but not least. My beautiful niece Olivia was born January 24, 2012 (just a day after her mommy's birthday!)

Auntie loves you very much and can't wait to make you all sorts of lovely dresses!