The Seamstressed Bag

The Seamstressed Bag was quite the adventure for me to take in sewing and I'm certain that I don't even have to tell you why. I had this vision and I was set on bringing it to life. I made a mini-version first to get feedback from my go-to girls and after their approval I went for it and this is what happened. Isn't it pretty?

(Fabrics by Riley Blake Designs)
I truly do love this bag because it expresses my personality more than anything else I've ever made. It says, "Here I am!" when it's carried into a room and if you know me, then you know that's totally who I am. :) This bag was designed for seamstresses to carry all of their seamstress stuff in. Hence the name, Seamstressed. It was made for cutting supplies and fabrics and notions and such. But if you'd like to use it for heavier items, you could just sew the straps in place and attach the buttons on top for extra security.

The absolute best part about this bag are the straps! You can keep them in standard purse position or you can convert them as shown below. Allowing you easy access to everything inside your tote and also easy to carry over your arm when you're lugging that 100 lbs of sewing machine.

(Fabrics by Amy Butler Design)

This bag has four surrounding jumbo pockets and secures with a magnetic closure. The pattern is once again, fairly simple with it's mounds of template pieces. Basically, you cut, sew, iron, and sew...basically. And the end result is priceless!

(Fabrics by Michael Miller and Riley Blake)

And just to show you that other people have actually made this bag...without shedding tears...or pulling out their hair...I swiped this picture from my sister-in-law's blog of the bag she made. She was my tester on the pattern and in one clean swoop this is what came about...

She did great, right? And conveniently there are kits for this bag listed in my shop and of course, I'm offering the pattern for a discounted price right now...so hurry, hurry, you don't want to be without...I promise!

The Backpack!

It's official! My very first project has been posted over at the Moda Bake Shop! So hop on over and check it out! I'm a little nervous about this one because it's not my typical "handbag" so to speak, but I like it. I've definetly found a small passion for backpacks because I get to make them for my boys. You'll have to let me know what ya think?

And if you're visiting from the MBS you can find the colored pencil pouch tutorial here. Happy Saturday everyone!

Cuteness: according to me.

Tonight we sat around watching as my husband set up the new swing set for the boys. We had a yard sale awhile back and sold some pretty large items (like the treadmill that I begged my husband for and only used three times) and decided that we'd put all of our summer earnings towards a new swingset for the boys. They did help earn the money and being that it's also their birthday time, we donated a little to make up the difference and called it one great BIG happy birthday present!

I am highly out-numbered in my little family and therefore all activities seem to consist of tools and trucks of some sort. The boys love it when Jason has a project to work on because they get to play with all of his stuff. :)

And the dog? Well, he's getting a little old and requires a lot of rest these days.

Be back soon!

Today...

1. My hubbie took a boy with him to buy wood for winter. One child feels so easy.
2. I am meeting with a contractor to finish our basement. :)
3. I am making a mad dash to the post office! Hello P.O. ladies!
4. We have an appointment with the pediatrician for two handsome little guys.
5. I will be stepping into a quilt shop for the first time in months! Crazy right?
6. We are going to Ruger's preschool orientation...so excited!
7. I will return phone calls...and more phone calls.
8. I'm planning a vacation...keep you posted!
9. I'm cleaning because my mother-in-law is coming tomorrow!
10. I'm gearing up for the boy's little bday party this weekend.

What are you doing today? I hope it's exciting!

My Jumbo Glam Bag

This week I will dust off (or perhaps I tossed it in the wash and hung it out to dry) the old Glam Bag! I will not show you a current picture because this poor bag has been abused and mostly, because it hasn't been ironed yet...but I assure you that it will be ironed and drug around town this week and there will be smashed crackers in the bottom of it by the end of the day. If we're lucky we will avoid all spilled beverages this week. ;)

I am so grateful for this bag and I know that sounds crazy because it's a bag, but if I could only tell you the relationship I've made with this bag. It has literally taken me the distance business wise and has given me every ounce of accomplishment that I dare to dream.

This bag was the second bag design that came to my mind and after a few rough drafts we were able to bring a simple sketch to life. This bag has two inner pockets, one large outer pocket and magnetic snap closure. The removable bow allows you to dress it up or dress it down and the comfy straps make it perfect for every occasion. I've learned that the bag can be made in any color, but black & white are most definetly it's most attractive combo. :)

I've broken many hearts by refusing to sell my one and only Tiffany Glam Bag. But how could I let it go? It has so much meaning to me.

This pattern teaches you to work with elastic, fusible fleece and snaps as well. And I've been told that the best part about this pattern is that their mistakes are easily hidden within the scrunching of the bag. ;) I've listed ONE pre-made bag (below) in my shop at a tiny discount:
There are still kits available and for a short time the pattern is listed at a discounted price! So hurry on over and pick up a glam bag of your very own or make one for yourself! Happy Monday!

***One more thing...I forgot to mention that my custom slots are all filled up. However, I have started a waiting list. If you'd like to get on that list just send me an email. :)

Oh Baby!

Today my baby turns 3! I refuse to have any more babies in August, because this is all too much to take. Sawyer is our happy guy--the entertainer. He gains the attention of everyone in the room without even asking. People are drawn to him and cater to his every need. We have to force people off of him in public, because YES he is that adorable! He is his brother's best friend and biggest rival. And he uses every ounce of his cuteness to his advantage. He gives the best cuddles and has the biggest pouty lip I've ever seen. I just can't believe he's already 3! Happy Birthday Baby!

Easy does it!

You're going to think I'm crazy...but before you judge, hear me out! ;) Vanessa has been encouraging everyone to get organized over at her blog! Which is something I am not. Well I am but I'm not...basically I know where everything is, but it's probably not where is should be. At first I found myself just reading her posts and then slowly I found myself tossing out toys, unneccessary clothing and bedding, etc. Especially in the boy's room! I went out a few weeks ago, leaving Jason with the kids and I cleaned out the kid's section at Target. My husband thought I was crazy when I walked in with bins and shelving and sheets, etc. He was a sport though and helped me put it all together.

Also, while I was at my brother's house a few weeks back, I noticed that all of the children had 3 things on their beds--a fitted sheet, a pillow (with case), and a quilt. That's it, nothing else. I asked, "Betsy, does that work?" She confirmed that it's been the best way to keep their beds tidy and also to teach the children to make their beds. So I came home and I gave it a shot. Guess what? IT WORKS!!! Forget about the top sheet...just throw the blankets in the wash! Right?

So between these two ladies, I've come up with a system. Two quilts, two pillows, and two fitted sheets for both boys. I'm doing TWO so I can rotate bedding easily and not stress. They have their first sets already and will be receiving their second bedding sets for Christmas this year. Hence, the eeeasy square quilt above...and the extra bonus is that Ruger's learning to make his bed! He's a champ with laundry and dishes, so this shouldn't be too bad. :) I know, we're full of exciting news around here...bed making and potty training, life just doesn't get any better than that!

My Legendary Bag

This is my Simply Legendary bag and it's the bag I'm carrying this week. Loaded with my Diaper Savvy coordinate, colored pencil pouches, snacks, wallet, etc. it's my best mommy bag ever!

(Fabrics: Marabella by Amy Hamberlin)

I originally designed this bag below for my Mom. She looooves pockets and long straps! She also loves cup holders in her car, but that's a story for another day (Hi Mom!). I used to be so scared to sew pockets in my bags (I don't know why) but my sweet mother helped me step out of that zone. Now we're working on zippers...give me some time, I'll get there.

This bag was a hit at market because of it's pocket overload...there's one in the front (as you can see) and then inside I've layered them so there are 5 pockets...yes, FIVE! A cell pocket, two bottle or longer pockets, a larger pocket for wallets and such, and then a small pocket for gum or keys. Store owners also enjoy the versatility of the pattern, allowing you to design your bag with long or short straps.

(Fabrics: Love by Amy Butler)

I've been told over and over that this pattern is simple to follow, especially with it's template pieces....I don't like to be the judge of my pattern's simplicity because well, I designed them and that just wouldn't be fair. So I'll just tell you what I've heard. ;)

This bag below is one of my favorites by far! It's in my shop right now! It's sewn with the longer straps. I think the mix of colors and Sandi's florals work for all seasons. Don't you?

(Fabrics: Meadowsweet by Sandi Henderson)

The Simply Legendary Pattern is also available in the shop! If you hurry you might get a

discount! Shhh...

Hurry Home!

So life has been a rollercoaster lately. We've had grown-up decisions to make, babies to love and take care of, a house to clean, refridgerators to buy (we're on #3 this year), a mama to miss, hubbie's papers to edit, you know how it goes. And while none of it is tragic, sometimes life just gets full and the load seems heavy and so you remember the good times. Where there's always someone that remembers you and understands your troubles and keeps her cupboard stocked with cookies n' cream candy bars just for you (b/c you don't buy those things for yourself). And when that person's gone you feel a void and she just can't be replaced...so you wait out the four long years (3 more to go) for her hubbie to finish med school and you be really supportive, minus the venting on your blog. And while it's so entertaining to share those massive amounts of texts a month and hear your hubbie say, "I'll listen to you." It's just...not...the same!

Everybody Poops!

Today my heart rejoiced and perhaps sang a tune as my baby (almost 3) used the potty for the very first time! NOW, I know that all children do this, but this was one of my greatest mommy moments thus far. The potty chair that Ruger used was just too big for Sawyer, he couldn't get on it and as for the regular toilet, well, obviously that would be too big as well. So I was sort of stuck and annoyed with the whole situation...darn near ready to snatch a bed pan from a hospital, BUT then today as I was walking through Target with my pal Lisa, I came across this little beauty...

I analyzed it for about 20 minutes, sent a text and Mom said, "BUY IT!" and off I went. I brought the little chair home, plopped it on the floor and a few hours later, Sawyer came running in saying, "I did it Mommy!" And he did do it! :) And we are all so proud! Ruger and I jumped for joy giving lots of praise. I knew he was ready, but I on the other hand was ill-prepared until now!

Oh and if you happen to like this potty chair, buy it online because apparently I really over-paid after my research and well, it's not like I can return it now. ;)

When did that happen?

Today Ruger turns 5! Can you believe it? I sure can't. He asked today if he could be six...I'm so not ready for that! This little (BIG) guy has changed my world in so many ways and I love him so much for it! He's brought so much happiness and joy into our lives and I just wouldn't have it any other way! Happy Birthday Ruger!

Bag Kits

I recently added some kits to my Etsy shop for the Seamstressed and Jumbo Glam Bag patterns. The kits include the pattern and the fabrics that are shown below.
I also have a few slots available for custom orders. If there is a bag that you would like me to make for you, please shoot me an email for fabrics and pricing. Once the slots are filled it will be a little while before I take orders again. Thanks so much!