Mommie's Got a Brand New Bag!

As previously mentioned, I'm taking the library's DIY sewing catalog by storm. An adorable project caught my eye and finally gave me some sewing inspiration. I give you my take on the Mama's Bag from Amanda Blake Soule's Handmade Home:


This bag was SO easy and fun to make. It's mostly cutting, ironing, and pinning with some finishing seams thrown in. My lining is a gray & white houndstooth flat bedsheet I scored at Goodwill and the outer fabric is dark purple denim I found (on major sale of course!) at Hancock Fabrique. I even added an interior accessories pocket for my trusty phone, lists and coupons!


It's the perfect bag - stylish, expandable and washable. And I'm excited to make a few more...I'm thinking about altering the body by both size and shape...and adding personalized embroidery! This item is definitely going on my gift list for ladies and will be given to myself again from time-to-time. Who doesn't need a reason to buy more fun fabric?!

Random Thoughts of Crafty-ness

Maybe it's Spring Fever or just a lull, but I'm finding it hard to pick my next project. My inspiration list is only growing, yet that one special spark hasn't fired me up. So to possibly ignite some creative energies, here's a random list of things and ideas on my mind.


1. My lovely husband recently proclaimed he would clean up the home office in order to provide me a dedicated sewing space. I am aflutter with dreamy color schemes, organizational efforts and the coming reality of having my machines ready at all times. A wall it may be, but I'm in heaven I tell ya.

2. My hands may not be busy, but my mind is craving crafty food-for-thought via books and blogs. Check out some inspirational work sites here and here - oh my! My library hold list is hearty and I was excited to check-out and read thru Handmade Home this evening. Project Mama's Bag jumped immediately on my to-do list!

3. I continually strive to hone my domestic goddess skills. Housework is just that - work. One day I hope to have a better plan or schedule suited for the tasks at hand. But for now I will enjoy the daily highs and hope to improve the lows tomorrow. Cooking can be such a joy...now if only my kitchen would keep itself clean!

4. And lastly, here's to projects past and future. Creating is not just an outlet for me, but an expression of love. I am so thankful to be sentimental, southern and crafty!

Spring Shortall

I'm back from a fun Easter and terrific Spring Break spent with family in my Georgia hometown. Before our trip, I appliqued this boutique shortall I found at a consignment sale earlier this year. I love finding bargain blanks! It was a steal and looked hardly worn, if at all. I found the adorable fish applique over at Embroidery Boutique. It's quite a handsome, yet playful ensemble if I do say so myself! Please pardon the blurriness of the shot below. I have the most unfortunate luck with cameras these days, but at least the lacking crisp focus hides the hideous pollen dust that consumed us last week!