One Bag, Two Blocks : :

On Tuesday I finished up one of three bag plans I have for the kids, specifically to carry around their new notebook and pencil sets. I'm really happy with how it turned out, except for one little big problem -- my measurement were off, whoops! I wrote out some quick dimensions before beginning, based on the size of their books and supplies. I added to that an allowance for boxing out the bottom corners, and I completely forgot to add in the allowance I would need for sewing the front and back pieces of the bags together. It is exactly 1/2" too small in it's width. The sketchbooks still fit, but much to snug to make them the easy bags I had envisioned. Good news, it does fit the Kindles perfectly and will no doubt be useful in other ways, but still....grrr!

After that it was nice to move onto making some blocks for Quilts For Boston. I made two so far. This first one is simple and although I improvised, I think it will fit in with traditional style quilt blocks.



The second is very improv, which is my absolute favorite thing to do! It's so fun and free!



Spending yesterday stitching up these blocks was both enjoyable and comforting. I'm grateful to have had this chance to help, a huge thanks to the BMQG!

Be sure to stop back tomorrow for a new Friday Fabric Giveaway!!

♥,  Maureen

But First : :

Oh my gosh! After the kids were off to school this morning, I wrapped myself in a blanket to get warm, laid down on the couch and I just woke up! I have never done that before. This cold/flu whatever is definitely still kicking my butt! I did get that curtain made yesterday and of course I started a few new things, including staying up late revisiting these Quilt As You Go blocks!



I can't wait to get that quilt finished, but before one more day goes by I have to share just a couple more of the handmade gifts that were made this past holiday! I probably should have done one long post with all of them last week when I shared the Alegria Pillows! I have promised two more coordinating pillows to go with these -- stay tuned!



Well, this is one of the little bags I made to give to some little people, my niece and nephew, filled with beautiful art supplies from Stubby Pencil Studio! Have I told you how much I love Stubby Pencil Studios? They are a wonderful sponsor here and I am grateful for their support, but I SO look forward to buying the stocking stuffers, art supplies, and before we know it -- Easter basket goodies from their lovely shop each year! We prefer to pick up creative supplies of the Eco-friendly variety, for a fair price, and they really make that easy! I can't say enough good things about them. Yes, I LOVE em'!



This little bag I should really make into a tutorial -- My Drawstring Mini Satchel! Made with some pretty, pink Outfoxed by Andover Designer Lizzy House. Just the right size for carrying those ballet slippers to class, which was the request! This bag is lined, can be reversed, and is very washable.







And this Boy's Shoulder Bag was made by my sweet friend Jodi of Tickle and Hide! Jodi is a huge inspiration to me for a great number of reasons, and the generous heart who sent me this amazing quilt to receive on the day my youngest went off to school. Which is still so amazing to me! Well, I won this bag in one of Jodi's giveaways not too long ago, and I knew right away that my nephew would be the perfect recipient! Again I filled it with lots of art goodies from Stubby Pencil, including this wooden train. My nephew Benny loves trains as much as I love sewing!



In fact, I think my perfect wish would be for everyone to find something they love as much as Benny loves trains and I love sewing!!

p.s. If you happened to stop by before early afternoon Monday I had my date to share my Luxe in Bloom tutorial and Giveaway wrong -- This Monday is my day!! And, I also found out since then that the wonderful iron was sent from Oliso, a generous gift from Riley Blake for being a part of the Design Team!!  ♥, Maureen