Hippie Chic......

You may recognize this bag as one similar to the one I made for Monica a few months ago. I liked it so much I decided to make myself one. I'm always toting around sketch pads, books, magazines, notebooks, waterbottles, etc. and I typically carry small purses, and I don't like to load them up -- so I decided to make myself a cute little tote bag for my necessities. The outside fabric is a really cool batik and the blue Kaffe Fassett fabric I used for the inside lining, the trim and the peace sign. I love this combination almost as much as the hot pink and orange with black and white that I made for Monica. I liked that one a little better because the embellishment really stood out. I didn't really use a pattern this time I just winged it. (Tammy - I carry the pen you made me everywhere I go!!)

I made some pretty cool flowers in Jane Sassaman's class and as soon as Sabrina saw them she snatched them, picked out some black and white batik fabric, a bright orange print for the lining and handed them to me, gave me a big kiss and said, "pretty please!?!!!!?" What do you think my answer was?????

I Know, I know....

Nothing new in almost a week. I've been regrouping (and shopping!) I've got 7 things in the works right now and had to do some planning, sketching and preparing -- which doesn't always make for the best content or photographs. But -- here are some photographs of my "purchasing" trip to perk your interest. Most of these fabrics are Island Batiks, with a few Kaffee Fassett and Modas thrown in for fun. The batiks are just gorgeous !

Oh and -- if you see your name on this list (other than Leslie because her fabric is not pictured here) chances are -- you may get a glimpse of your present in it's "BEFORE" stage!!!
Here's what's in the works:

1. Sonoma Valley Art quilt for my lovely sister in law, Leslie - fabric has been purchased, washed, ironed and ready to go. Ovesized copies made and now I'm sketching and making templates for the design elements;

2. My Iris slice - The background has been painted and flower pieces have been cut out. I'm now ready to affix the flowers and begin painting in details with Tsukineko ink and acrylic paint;

3. Wurzerl's (Renate) Echanacea - sketching and designing in process;

4. Wild Girl's trade - fabric purchased today and is in process of being painted, stamped, etc.

5. Sabrina's dress for the art show - silk dupioni tapastry print this time

6. Aunt Nancy's birthday present (the details of which I cannot disclose because she visits here)

7. A surprise for a friend - fabric purchased today and is being painted and cut - and (the details of which I cannot disclose because she visits often!!)

Here's what needs to be in the works -- soon:

1. Sabrina's art teacher's "Pop Art" tote bag;

2. MIL's 80th birthday present;

3. Sal's "Ocean" duvet cover

(FYI - All of the fabric above was purchased at my favorite local quilt shop - Wish Upon a Quilt. AND, lucky you -- for those who don't live in the Raleigh/Wake Forest area -- they have an internet store with 100's maybe even 1000's of bolts of fabric. Here's the link: Wish Upon A Quilt)