Bags From The Heart

It's Been Awhile

2011-09-30T07:19:00.010+09:00

I had a very busy summer teaching summer enrichment, hosting my parents and then gearing back up for school again. My summer didn't go without sewing. So now that October is just around the corner, I would like to share my summer creations!

This quilt is from a quilt block exachange with the guild. It is a Korean memory quilt. my block is the paper pieced girl wearing a Hanbok. A hanbok is traditional Korean dress.

This pillow was made for a friend that had a baby. There were a lot of new babies this summer!

Oasis quilt. The fabrics in this quilt are all Amy Butler. The only exception is the boarder and the super soft minky backing. I really love how all the colors came together in this quilt. I've already snuggled with it many times.

This scene was from when my parents came to visit. My mom was in love with all the sewing materials I can find in Korea. It was fun to have some sewing time with my mum.

This is my Wonky-O-Ween quilt. I wanted to try making wonky blocks, so I created this quilt with Riley Blake's Boo to You line. The fabrics are so cute.

The backing is a deep orange minky. I quilted it on the long arm using a complicated Halloween design. I love how it turned out.

Baby set for a Soldier's new baby.

Fancy schmancy burp cloths made as a gift.

Baby Quilt made for a friend's baby's first birthday.

Minky backing is so soft!

The quilt in its custom pillow case ready for the party.

Mom's Birthday

2011-07-10T17:27:00.008+09:00

I am finally finding time to post the bag that I made for my Mom's birthday. Her Birthday was last week and I'm happy to report that it was completed, mailed around the world and arrived in her possession before her Birthday! The arrival was actually quite perfect...it arrived on the 30th day of my brother's deployment, so I had already added his combat patch to the bag...so it was official that it could be worn.

Front

Zippered Top

Inside the Bag

Side of bag with combat patch.

I have also been working on some decorative pillow cases for a friend. I don't think she checks my blog so I will post a pic of the pillow cases for her daughters. If you know her...please don't tell. :-) These two projects REALLY makes me anxious for an upgraded embroidery machine!!

Tribute to a 37 Year Career

2011-06-18T08:04:00.007+09:00

I was hired to make a bag for the USFK Commander's wife as a retirement gift from an organization. Whenever I make bags for people I don't know that well, I'm always a littler nervous. I try to make bags reflect the personality of the person and really cater to the things they will use the bag for. Usually this comes down to the interior and location of pockets and patches. For this bag, I laid out the patches for each of his commands. Through reading his biography, I was able to get the patches in order. Here is the back of the bag:

The front of the bag was made in my normal style:

In the military, spouses don't have rank, but spouses definitely contribute to the earning of each rank. There aren't many 4 Star Generals in the military, so I thought it was important to include the rank in this bag. I didn't want the rank on the outside because I felt the receiver of this bag isn't an outside carrier of rank. I decided to place the rank on the inside, directly across from where it would be if it had been on the outside. I thought this was more symbolic to the way that spouses carry the career of their spouse on the inside, close to their hearts.

It was a privilege to create this bag, as it is with all the bags I create. Right now there is another bag in the works for a very special military lady...more to come on that soon.

Fancy Schmancy Receiving Blankets

2011-05-09T17:10:00.004+09:00

My future sister-in-law's sister had a baby, so I really wanted to make some personalized things for her. It is fun making stuff for children because there are so many things that you can make. I added some personal touches to these small receiving blankets. Now, I can get them out in the mail!

My First Attempt

2011-05-01T08:36:00.005+09:00

I finished my first disappearing nine patch quilt...finally. I had the top done for awhile, but didn't really feel like putting the backing together to get ready for quilting. Now that it is done, I'm very proud of it. This is the largest quilt I have made. It measures 84" x 81". It has soft minky backing, which makes this quilt very heavy and very warm.

(My husband was gracious enough to hold this heavy beaut up while having to stand on the ottoman.)

(The warm soft minky back)

(Rolled up all nice and yummy.)

I'm happy with the results of this project, but this quilt is in need of a name. Any ideas out there?

I am also excited to get working on new projects now that this one is done!

Hoppy Easter

2011-04-23T21:56:00.003+09:00

I took on two Easter baskets this week. I hope they will bring Easter joy to the two young boys they are going to. I just love when things can be personalized.

Projects like this make me more and more eager to get the "Mega" embroidery machine. Donations are being accepted. :-)

Orders Complete!

2011-04-17T20:41:00.009+09:00

I have been busy with orders, personal sewing and traveling during Spring Break. In my last post I mentioned the next bag would be a little 'wild'. Well, here it is:

Outside:

Inside:

The lovely owner of this bag wanted tiger fabric because her husband is taking command of a Tiger Battalion. It always amazes me how ACU goes with practically everything!

Here are two other orders I was working on:

I'm proud to say that all of these bags have been shipped and are on their way. I am enjoying creating bags again. I think I will have a busy summer!

Here is a project that I have been working on for awhile. It is a very girlie quilt. I was able to get it quilted on the long arm, so now it just needs binding around the outside.

Quilting:

All quilted:

I think I will work on some smaller projects for a little while as well as getting back to some 'works in progress'.

Mod Floral Pink Marjorie

2011-03-20T16:01:00.003+09:00

I've been working on a bag order for about the past week and a half. I've been pretty busy with work, so I have been eager to get home get to my sewing machine. I really like how this bag turned out. The recipient wanted a sash that could be tied in a bow at the base of the strap. I think it is a cute touch. I really hope she likes it!

This weekend we also had a wonderful dinner with friends. We celebrated St. Patrick's Day with a feast of lamb, corned beef, potatoes, veggies and yorkshire puddings. It was nice to have a fancy 'grown up' meal. Now I'm off for more sewing! My next bag is a bit on the 'Wild Side.'

Hello Dahlia

2011-03-07T18:22:00.005+09:00

I worked on a bag this weekend to try out some new stuff for some incoming orders. I am thinking I will sell this one. I love the color contrast.

I used Hello Dahlia Vera Bradley fabric for the lining. My bags wouldn't be complete with a bunch of interior slot pockets.

The back has a usable pocket too! The owner can switch out the patches to suit them.

I have the GREATEST husband!

2011-03-06T15:13:00.004+09:00

My birthday was this week and although my husband is involved in a large training exercise he was still able to pull off a great birthday dinner date and a surprise party! My birthday was on Thursday, so we went to a fabulous Bulgarian style dinner at a great restaurant, Zelen's. I received two 'coupons' as my gift. One is a trip fabric shopping! WooHoo! The other is to order the new iPad 2!

I think I will get the white with the pink cover. I have to wait until March 11th to order.

On Friday, my great friend and surprise party co-conspirator took me out shopping. When we returned back home to meet up with the boys for a birthday couples dinner, I entered the apartment to a large "SURPRISE," and the greatest group of friends/co-workers were all present. I learned that we were initially meant to meet up in the shopping area at a restaurant, but due to the exercise my husband couldn't go out. It was a great evening together with friends. I truly am blessed with the greatest husband and friends!

Feeling S(crappy)

2011-02-26T16:25:00.004+09:00

I have been sick all week! Ugh! My voice still sounds like I've spent decades working as a smoking lounge singer. At least my students have been cooperative because they can hear that their teacher is a little under the weather.

Yesterday (Friday) I had a wonderful surprise. The metal wire baskets I ordered from Target arrived, so I spent a little time organizing my scraps! I love that project clean up will be super easy now that each colored scrap will have a spot. I love it!

Now I just need to keep creating and I can eventually make something with just scraps. Don't you just love organization? It makes me happy.

Boo Hoo?

2011-02-23T21:08:00.003+09:00

This past weekend was a long three day weekend. I spent most of it sick, sleeping and having a lack in desire of wanting to adventure out of the apartment. That left quite a bit of time to sew. At Halloween this past year I purchased some really cute Riley Blake Halloween fabric. I didn't get to using it, so I thought I should get started on a project in February and it would be done by October! Good thinking from a sickling? I also wanted to try out some wonky log cabin blocks. Here is my progress so far:

Close up:

I need to pick up some more material for the borders. I'm biased, but I'm loving it!

Bag it Up

2011-02-19T15:57:00.002+09:00

I've been meaning to make a plastic bag holder for sometime now. I don't know why today I finally cracked and got one put together. I love projects that can be completed in virtually no time at all and are extremely helpful.

Last weekend I also made a trip to the fabric warehouse and picked up a bunch of new stuff from Riley Blake and others. There is always to much there that I get overwhelmed. I wish I could just get everything, but that might be a little tough on the wallet.

Valentine Box

2011-02-06T14:50:00.004+09:00

At school this week I am having my students create mailboxes for their valentines. I made mine this weekend so they can have an example of what I wish for them to create. I used one of my favorite children's book authors, Eric Carle, as inspiration.

From the top:

Side:

Side:

I used some small heart shaped brads to add a little Valentine's Day feel to the mailbox. I am excited to see what the kids come up with.

Valentine's Day Bunting

2011-02-03T20:13:00.005+09:00

I completed this little gem this weekend.

(Don't worry that the picture is off center, I have recently re-hung the buntings to make them centered.) :-)

I used my embroidery machine to make applique letters with red felt. I want to make some other Valentine decorations using the same colors, but I haven't felt too inspired yet. Hopefully something will strike me before Valentine's Day. If not, at least I have a little bit of decoration for this month.

Sewing Strings

2011-01-23T14:57:00.004+09:00

I've been working most of the day on my black and white string quilt that I started a few months ago. I had put it away for awhile and decided it was time to get it back out. Now I remember why I put it away. Sewing the same little lines over and over again gets pretty boring. Being bored isn't completely a bad thing because it inspires me to start other projects. I think I need to put the string quilt on hold for a little while and do some projects that can be completed faster.

My inspiration for my next project comes from a winter hat and mittens that I think are cute, some items I picked up while out with the girls this weekend and something my grandmother sent me. I'm also inspired by this link, so I think I'm going to make one to spruce up my non-festive living room.

Here is what my sewing room looks like as I'm working on these two projects:

Inspiration:

Yes, it's Vera

2011-01-13T21:23:00.003+09:00

I made a bag for my friend Becca for Christmas. She has a slight obsession with Vera too, so I decided to use Totally Turq fabric for her bag. I was really happy with the color contrast.

Just don't look too close if you are familiar with military units. I put a patch on upside down...which needs to be promptly fixed! My friend didn't notice the mix-up and of course our husbands were too nice to comment...til a few drinks later. Luckily it is an easy fix! Happy New Year All!

Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T09:53:00.007+09:00

I'm super excited that it is Christmas Eve because I will soon be able to post some of the lovely items that I made as gifts this Christmas. I didn't get to do us much sewing as last year, but I think the recipients will appreciate what I have created.

Two days ago I made another jaunt to the fabric warehouse in Osan. I could spend hours in that place! Here are some pics of the loot. I need to think of some great ideas for these items.

I think I will use the fabrics below for a new quilt. I will need to start searching for a design to use.

Where in the World

2010-11-28T09:57:00.004+09:00

I know I have been seriously delinquent in keeping up with posting to this blog. Let's just say teaching takes up pretty much my entire life and when I do have time left over I spend it with family and friends, or I'm sewing. Christmas is approaching and I have been having a million ideas running through my head...some of which will be revealed after Christmas. My students were the recipients of personalized pencil cases for their holiday gifts. They really seamed to like them. I'm also excited that students will have a place to store their personal things. I made 21 cases in all.

It is hard to imagine that our Korean Adventure started almost a year ago! I feel like I have much more to explore. With that, I feel a resolution should be made to keep up with my blog a little more. We can only wait and see how that goes!

P.S. I'm loving these. Hint, hint. ;-)

Back To School

2010-08-29T21:31:00.004+09:00

I've been busy getting my classroom together. I did a few sewing projects to get my room started. My photos don't seem to want to upload, so made a collage. Feel free to check them out larger on my Flickr.

Work in Progress

2010-07-11T23:11:00.004+09:00

This weekend was spent shopping for fabric in Osan and working on my pink, orange and green quilt. I went with several ladies to the Happy Quilt Warehouse to purchase fabric. We did have a goal in mind as the evening sewing group is going to work on a sampler quilt. I wasn't really sure if I would participate, but I figured...why not?!I finally decided on doing a disappearing nine-patch. I don't know if I'm doing it exactly how it is meant to be done, but I'm making it how I want it. So far I like how it is turning out. I also picked up some really cute Halloween Fabric designed by Riley Blake. I think I may make some household things with it and maybe not a quilt. It was just too cute to pass up.
I'm happy my classes are over and I'm having a chance to do some sewing before the school year starts... Yes, I got a teaching job! I'm so relieved and happy.

Road Trip

2010-06-20T19:11:00.003+09:00

My DH and I took a little road adventure today down to Osan, and he was nice enough to make a detour to the fabric warehouse. I could have spent hours there looking through all the pallets of fabric, but I knew I was on a time crunch. I was able to find some more fabrics for a project I want to start working on with pink, green, orange, yellow and cream. Here's the loot!Here is the stash for the next project. I may not include them all. I'm still trying to figure out what design I want to create. I just really like these colors together.

Boring to Styling

2010-06-15T17:53:00.003+09:00

I know I've been MIA for awhile, but things have been very busy here, so I haven't been able to do much sewing. I'm working full time again and taking graduate classes, so once my day is done I'm ready to get to sleep! Yesterday I finally took on jazzing up my camera strap with this quick little tutorial. I put thin batting inside my strap too add a little cushion. I love how it turned out!

Boring:
Styling:

The Loot

2010-05-11T21:10:00.005+09:00

I was able to slip away during my lunch hour at work today to make some purchases. The "Happy Quilt" man was set up in the on post hotel for the morning. Here is my loot!
I'm loving the availability of all the Riley Blake fabrics. I think it pink, peach, white and orange quilt may be in the mix. I'm getting spoiled. I won't know what 'real' fabric prices are like after our tour here.

Again, would you eat this?
Yes, he did eat the fish. Don't worry - not the whole fish, but still...Yummy?!

Sneak Peek

2010-05-09T21:59:00.006+09:00

Here are some things I've been working on.

Some Accent Pillows that Match the Krazy Quilt

Black, White, Grey & Aqua String QuiltRoar! Dinosaur Baby Blanket

Would you eat this?

2010-04-17T18:28:00.004+09:00

Last week I went to the local 'Super-Target' style store, Emart. My friend and I loved walking around the grocery area and trying all different kinds of things. We didn't know what a lot of it was, but it was delicious. We came across some interesting things, that I would like to play a game..would you eat this?

Large squid? I have eaten a lot of smaller pieces, but this kind of scares me.

A whole fish. I'm not really a "fishy" person. I like shell fish and some mild fish. Seeing the whole fish packaged up and ready to take home is I think what caught my eye.

Large suction cups? Again, I think this one is the size issue. Each of those suction cups was more than 1/2 inch wide.

What in the world are these? They have spikes!

Shrimp tale surprise! These were delicious. I grabbed two to take home. It was kind of like shrimp in a roll.

Doesn't it look great! I"m not a huge fan of raw sushi, but my DH loves it. I haven't seen sushi this beautiful in the US.

YUMMY! Now these I can handle. Already cooked too! Time for some dinner!

Kwik Crazy Quilt

2010-04-11T16:22:00.005+09:00

It's finally finished!

I was able to get an appointment with the long arm to quilt my first quilt on the long arm. I chose a playful paisley quilt design.

I love that I get to learn how to use the long arm and quilt it myself. It's such a great machine...now if I only had an extra $50,000 to have one of my own!!

I also made an Easter basket for a new friend. I may be teaching a class on how to make this basket since many people at the quilting group would like to make them.

Fabric Easter Baskets Tutorial

2010-03-28T10:10:00.013+09:00

I made fabric easter baskets this weekend for my husband and I. I just couldn't buy one when I knew I could create something with fabric. I searched the internet looking for a pattern or tutorial already figured out for me, but I didn't see anything I liked. This is what I came up with. Please feel free to use this tutorial for personal use.

This will be my first tutorial, so you will need to let me if you can follow it!

Materials Needed:

30 coordinating 3" squares (I used 4 coordinating fabrics)

1pc 13"x9" denim or choice of fabric for basket bottom

1 pc 2" x 18" denim for strap lining

2pc lining fabric 10.5" x 13" for the inside of the basket

1 pc batting 13" x 24"

2 pc medium weight iron on interfacing 10.5" x 13"

1 pc medium weight iron on interfacing 1.5" x 18"

Step 1 Cut all Fabric Pieces to Size and arrange the 3" squares into 2 sets of 3 rows of 5 squares. The squares can be arranged in any manner you choose. Sew 2 sets of square patchwork together using a 1/4" seam. Press seams to one side.

Step 2 Sew the 2 square patchwork sets to the bottom piece of 9"x13" denim fabric.

Step 3 Put the batting under the set and "stitch in the ditch" along the seam that separates the patchwork squares and the denim.

Step 4 I added top stitching on all sides of the squares. This step is optional, but I liked the look and the way it kept the layers together.

Step 5 Fold the patchwork in half with right sides together and sew along both sides. (Fold so that the piece is folded to 13" wide x 12" tall. See step 6 picture) I use pins to make sure all the seams line up and match.

Step 6 Now for the fun part! Cut off 2" from the top of the basket. The remaining piece that you just sewed together should be 10" tall. The piece you cut off will be your basket handle. (If you aren't too precise with your 1/4" seam allowance make the piece you cut off a little smaller. The remaining piece needs to be 10".)

Note: The piece you cut off may be a little 'wobbly' just square it off. You will need to cut one of the side seams to make the piece into a strap. The side seam will also be missing the decorative stitching if you chose to do it, so add the two little stitches if you desire.

Step 7 Box the corners of the patchwork. Measuring 3" up from the corner, making the basket 6" deep. I do not trim the access corner pieces because these pieces help the basket stand. Set to the side.

This is a picture of boxing the lining. I forgot to take a picture of boxing the patchwork, but the process is the same.

Step 8 Lining: Iron the interfacing to the wrong sides of both lining pieces. Sew around three sides of the lining leaving a generous opening on the bottom of the lining. Leave the top (13" wide section) open. You could use 1 pc of lining and leave a hole on the side. I used 2 pieces because my fabric was directional and I wanted everything going in the same direction. I also prefer to turn items through a hole on the bottom rather than the side.

Step 9 Box the corners of the lining using the same measurements as the patchwork. Set to the side.

Step 10 Now let's make the handle. Taking the patchwork piece you cut off, iron a 1/4" seam allowance on one of the long sides of the strap.

Step 11 Iron on the 1.5" x 18" pc of interfacing to the center of the wrong side of the 2"x18" pc of denim. Iron 1/4" seam allowance on the denim handle as well.

Step 12 With right sides together sew down the side of the handle that does not have the seam pressed.

Step 13 Press the handle so that the right sides are out. Sew down the long open side of the handle with coordinating thread. I also top stitched multiple lines down the handle. These are optional.

Step 14 Pin right sides of the basket handle to the patchwork sides.

Step 15 Pin right sides of all the basket layers together. Sew around the top edge of the basket with 1/4" seam allowance.

Step 16 Pull the basket right side out.

Step 17 Push the lining into the basket. Iron and then top stitch around the entire basket. Hand stitch the hole in the bottom of the basket closed.

Step 18 All done!

I added personalization to these baskets. If you would like to do the same...it is easiest if added after Step 4.

Getting it Together

2010-03-19T08:30:00.005+09:00

I'm almost a freak about organization. I love everything to have its own spot and also be aesthetically pleasing. Living in an apartment with no attic to hide stuff has given me new organizational challenges. Thankfully our apartment has tons of closets, but there are some things that are better stored...under the bed!

Because I couldn't find them anywhere in Korea, I ordered adjustable bed risers from Walmart.com. I got the adjustable ones so I could choose how high I wanted the bed. An extra 3", 5" or 8". I'm a woman after all and changing my mind about things is what I'm allowed to do! Either way, after ordering these things over a month ago they finally arrived!

I started with our master bedroom.

Ahhh...all that extra under bed storage bliss. But, eww! The sheet is hanging out and you can see all the *crap* underneath. Time to make a bedskirt! Rather a faux bedskirt because there is no way I'm lifting the tempurpedic mattress myself. I love the bed, but it's a pain to lift.

I wanted to make the bedskirt tailored to the bed with straight lines. No ruffles. No pleats. Here is the end piece.

Now for the rest of the bedskirt.

Much better! I haven't decided it I want to put some trim on the skirt to add some visual interest. I also need to make some more decorative pillows to tie all the colors of the bed together. Right now it's a bit too neutral. I am also on the hunt for a night stand for the far side of the bed. Right now it's just some simple shelves that were shipped to Korea by mistake. I had seen a beautiful blue cabinet that I hope to find again.

At least for now I can hide the under bed storage!

No Teaching Today

2010-03-18T09:18:00.008+09:00

I've been busy for the first three days of this work week subbing for first grade. The teacher was feeling a bit better, so I get to sew today because I didn't get called in to work. I've been working on a Bags From The Heart order and I finished it this morning.

I love the fabric that was used for the lining, side panels and accents. It is Vera Bradley Bali Blue. One advantage to living in Korea is that I can actually buy these fabrics by the yard! In the US, I would have to scavenger hunt the web to see who would send it to me - at a much higher cost too! Here are two pictures of the inside. The inside has three slide pockets on both sides and one of the ends has three pen pockets. Isn't this fabric wonderful?

Three Slide Pockets (above) Pen Pockets (below)

I truly believe a bag needs to have pockets on the inside to keep all your stuff organized. I always find it a pain when you can't find your cell phone in your purse when it is ringing. When I design my bags I try to maintain functionality.

Finally, here is a picture of the back. I stippled all over the exterior. I love the look it gives a somewhat plain uniform. I used beautiful blue thread for the stitching.

Working Again

2010-03-12T13:46:00.004+09:00

I've been a little absent this past week because we had our first visitor in Korea and I've started working again. There is a huge military training exercise that takes place every March in Korea, so my DH has been gone from about 6am to 10pm everyday since Feb 22. Luckily, there have been some "pauses" on the weekends, so he has only had to work 6-8 hours on the weekends.

This past weekend (March 6-7) our friend from the states was here because of the exercise. He was in the same unit as my husband when they were in Iraq, so it was good to see a familiar face again. We went with him to Itaewon for some shopping and dinner. It was kind of weird because our friend had to stay with other members of the group here. Almost like babysitting. The commander didn't want the guys to separate into groups less than 4. It was weird since all

the guys were officers. But, we dealt with it. Our friend was able to come to our apartment for some cookies though, so it was nice to show him where we live.

On Tuesday, March 9 I got a phone call from the school to say my substitute paperwork was all complete and I could start working. I wasn't sure how often I would be working...but Wednesday morning I got a call to come in for 1/2 the day. I worked in the nurses office. It was a good first assignment. I had never been in the building before and there isn't an orientation or anything, so I asked the nurse I worked with a lot of things about the school to try to get some bearings. On Thursday morning, I got another call to work in 1st grade. I was excited to be in a classroom. The kids were pretty good, and my teacher attitude/voice came back pretty easily. Today (Friday) is a teacher work day with no students, so I'm off. Getting back to work is kind of nice. I like having my day planned out more. Hopefully I will find out if I'm subbing early than the morning of my assignment, but for now...I'll just keep my phone at the bedside.

My 26th Birthday

2010-03-04T10:00:00.007+09:00

I celebrated a wonderful birthday yesterday. The day started out with breakfast in bed and finished with sushi for dinner and a glass of wine. After all it was Wednesday, and on Wednesdays my husband and I like to try a different wine each week. "Wine Wednesday"

After enjoying my breakfast I met up with three wonderful ladies from the quilting group to go fabric shopping in Dongdaemun. It was the perfect way to spend the day. The weather was sunny and fairly warm, so it was pleasant inside the market buildings. I bought an assortment of fabrics, notions and thread that will probably last me for a couple years. You can buy spools of thread as large as soccer balls! It is crazy the assortment of things you can find at the market. I picked up several business cards of places so I find them again. I went to lunch at a traditional Korean restaurant with the ladies. We had an assortment on things. It was all delicious.

My husband and pretty much all he military in Korea is in the middle of a large training exercise. He has been working late each night. The thought of eating dinner at 10pm wasn't too appealing, but luckily someone at work was willing to take on my husband's duties, so he was able to come home at 5pm. When he walked in the door he had a beautiful bouquet of spring colored roses in hand. They smell great and are really pretty on the dining table.

I also got a new camera as my birthday gift. It is a Canon Digital SLR XSi. I love the quality of the pictures it can take. I now need to read the manual to learn about all the functions it has. I'm excited to try new things with the camera.

We went to dinner at Fuji Sushi on post. I really like the double shrimp rolls there, so that is what I ordered. It was nice being able to eat dinner with my husband because that probably won't happen again for another couple of weeks.

When we got home we tried a different Pinot Grigio that we haven't had before. It was a nice way to end a great birthday.

I'm excited to create with my new fabrics. I need to still put borders on my Krazy Quilt and then sign up to get it quilted on the long arm machine.

Introducing the Yongsan Long Arm

2010-03-02T16:58:00.005+09:00

It's only Tuesday and I feel like is should be Friday! Phew! On the first Mondays of each month the quilt group meets at a member's home rather than at the Quilting room at the on post Chapel. The monthly meeting allows us to show and tell, discuss projects and just have some girl time. This month was my first time visiting another member's home. It was nice to just sit and chat. All of the ladies are very informative and helpful. I brought my finished Krazy Quilt blocks to share as well as my Hanbok example block to show for the exchange. Both items were well received and boosted my sewing/ quilting confidence. Some of the other ladies brought their blocks to share as well. I think they are all really cute.We were all talking so much that before we knew it, it was past 3pm. We had arrived at 9:30am!

Tuesdays at the Yongsan Quilt Shop are designated for long arm quilting Quilts of Valor. I decided to go to the shop and start training on the machine. Once/ if I get trained then I will be able to use the long arm to quilt my own quilts as well as quilts for other people. The process isn't too confusing, but is just takes practice. The machine that we have is AMAZING! The entire machine is computerized. Below is a picture of the computer screen for the quilt we quilted today. Here is the machine in action. We quilted a patriotic pattern on the quilt.
The long arm has a 14 foot bed and measures pretty much everything for you. You click the buttons on the sewing machine to designate your parameters and then you decide on pattern placement. Owning a machine like this would be crazy. Anyone have an extra $35,000 laying around?

I checked the mail center today and there was a lovely surprise there for me. My new sewing chair arrived! I've been sitting in it for only about 20 min and I'm already in love. The chair sits a little higher than a normal dining chair and the low back is great for supporting my lumbar. When I saw this chair I was in love with the funky retro looking fabric. The fabric is an Alexander Henry print, so I will check to see if Dongdaemun will carry the fabric. I was able to purchase the chair from JoAnn's for 50% off the original price, no tax and free shipping! I thought that was a great deal. The shipping was a lot faster than most of the orders I have placed too. Below is a photo of the chair from a website advertising it.
One thing I like is that there is storage under the seat too. I love things that are dual purpose. This picture is also from the advertising website.
Now that I can roll around my sewing room, I will get to work on some of the exchange blocks. I'm excited for tomorrow because I am heading to Dongdaemun with some of the ladies from the quilt group. Also tomorrow is my Birthday! I think shopping for fabric will be a great way to celebrate!

Hanbok Block

2010-03-01T20:03:00.003+09:00

I have decided on my block for the Yongsan Quilters Spring Block Exchange. From the beginning I thought about making a Hanbok block, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to paper piece 20 blocks. After testing out the block this weekend, I decided 20 blocks wouldn't be too difficult to handle.

I used a Kimono paper pieced pattern altered into a hanbok. I think it looks very similar to the Traditional Korean Hanbok.

The unfinished block is 9 1/2 inches.

I'm finding it kind of amusing that I'm doing so much quilting right now. Less than a year ago I wouldn't have considered myself a quilter and I really had no intentions of making quilts. I think it might be because my grandmother is a magnificent quilter and I never thought I could create the things that she does. My grandmother is an expert quilter... I put myself on the novice level. With each quilt I make, my precision and techniques are improving. I have found that just being able to see doesn't make quilting any easier. I find myself concentrating more while I'm making quilt blocks because I want to make sure they are made to the correct size.

I love to see and create things will fabric, so I guess quilting is just another addition to my creative outlet. For now, I would love to know the creative outlets of other people.

Sewing in Seoul

2010-02-25T13:42:00.004+09:00

Now that my new sewing room is set up, I've been busy. I'm loving my new space!

I've made a dozen blocks to exchange as friendship blocks for the quilting group. I still need to write my name, date, Seoul, Korea and my home state on the blocks. They will then be traded with the other members of the quilt group to be kept as a reminder of each member.

I'm also working on a Kwik Krazy Quilt. I like to make quilts that are more of a mish-mosh of fabrics and what I consider "funky." I really like how the blocks are coming together.

Here are the first 12 blocks.

Now I need to go make some more! I will continue to share as a progress with this project. I also need to get to work on my quilt exchange block. I need to create a block that reminds me of Korea. The Krazy Quilt block kinda reminds me of Korea... kinda crazy and chaotic.

New Workspace

2010-02-20T23:44:00.005+09:00

Our stuff has finally arrived in Korea which has me bouncing with excitement because this means I can SEW! I've been in fabric heaven, but with little outlet. Tomorrow, I will be sewing! I have turned into one of those military spouses that can unpack and set-up house in what seems like a flash. Friday at 5 pm we were in a heap of boxes and packing paper. Saturday at 5 pm we were headed out for dinner with a fully intact apartment, all boxes gone and pretty much everything set-up. I need to purchase a few odds and ends, and as we live here I would like to purchase some furniture; but, for now I'm most excited for my NEW WORKSPACE!

I started with this blank room.
My work table is set-up so that I can cut fabric from 3 sides. I love have the cutting mat as my table. It makes my life a lot easier when trying to make things precise. The mat has cutting measured for 58" x 33". It is a nice size work table. The white cubes are from Target. They store sewing and scrapbooking supplies.Look at all the beautiful storage under the table and the large workspace.

This picture is standing behind the work table looking back at the other wall. My cubes for fabric storage are almost full. I Think I will probably have to think about more storage solutions for fabric soon. I like to fold my fabric so all the pieces are the same size. This makes storage MUCH easier!The last part is the AWESOME closet. I did give my husband one section of the closet for his Army gear, but I'm more than happy to share. The white drawers in the first cabinet store scrapbook paper and thread. The grey bins have 1. batting, 2. parts of uniforms that have been cut up for Bags From The Hear t and 3. Finished items to sell/ give away & works in progress. I like that I have space to store all of my sewing machines, so that if I want to just scrapbook, my sewing stuff can be out of the way and vice versa.
I can't wait to start creating in this awesome new work space.

It's Snowing...Off to Dongdaemun

2010-02-11T12:39:00.003+09:00

It's pretty cold out today and people are a little crazy because it is snowing, but weather can't stop us from hopping on the subway and heading to Dongdaemun. Each time I go there (this was my 3rd time) I feel more comfortable and slightly less lost. It helps when I go with people that know where to go too. My mission today was to look for home decor fabrics to cover the dining chairs. I wasn't too successful. I think I need to wait until the sofa and lounge chair covers get here to make any decisions. I did see some awesome fabrics though.

Today, I set out to buy some fabrics for my mom. She is making a quilt for a teenager. I tried to get a variety of bold colors.

For myself I bought just a couple of yards to go with fabrics I already have.

I also bought this really cute measuring tape. It has both inches and centimeters. You pull the legs for the tape to come out and then push the nose and the tape rolls back up. I thought it was cute.
That's all for today. I'm off to try and stay warm!

Goodies from New York

2010-02-10T21:35:00.002+09:00

My mom is the best! She went to the local maple farm and had a TON of small sized packages made up and sent to us to use for a house warming party or as favors when we go to someone's house. She also made me a really cute Valentine wall hanging, which is awesome since I don't have any decorations right now. We are still waiting for our stuff to arrive in Korea.

I can't wait to share all of these awesome New York goodies! They are delicious! Thank you Mom!!!

Happy Quilt Warehouse

2010-02-04T14:58:00.006+09:00

I met up early this morning with six ladies from the quilt group. We loaded up into Poncie's "houpde" and headed south to visit Happy Quilt's Warehouse. The warehouse is about 1-1.5 hours away depending on traffic. We were lucky to have more than 6 passengers in the van because we could take the bus lane. This was a great thing because there was a lot of traffic! So on with the post...I think today's adventure may best be described with lots of pictures.

This image is looking in to the right side of the warehouse. There are piles and piles of bolts of fabulous fabrics. Down the middle there are rows of 2 yard pre cut packets. Each packet has 2 yards in it. 44" wide yards are 3,000 won or about $2.60 per yard, and 60" wide yards are 4,000 won or about $3.50 per yard.

This next photo was taken standing in the back of the warehouse. If you look carefully out the door you will see a second warehouse. Yes, that smaller warehouse was filled with bolts too! You can pick any fabric you want and they will cut it in 1 yard increments.

They had a couple sewing machines there as well. I'm not really sure why they are there. There were some samples of things made with the warehouse fabrics, but that was all.

I wonder where you may have seen this fabric before?

Here are some pieces that I bought today to coordinate with the brown swirly piece I bought 2

weeks ago. I am really loving Riley Blake fabric designs.

On the shopping trip to Dongdaemun last week I bout the two Vera Bradley prints. This week I found the border that goes with the prints. I also bought the border to Bali Blue because I have the fabric matching that border as well.

Bali Blue Boarder for Vera Bradley

I don't think I can live in asia and not acquire some Asian fabrics. I really like the lanterns, so I found some other Asian inspired fabrics to coordinate. I think I will need Ideas on what to make with this.

I also bought some almost comic book like fabric. I thought it was really cool. I think a quilt made with this should possibly be titled "Hip."

The quilting group is going to do a block exchange. The blocks won't have to be done for a few months, which is good considering

my sewing machine isn't even here yet. The group picked out yellow and blue to use for the blocks. We can supplement with other fabrics as needed. I really like the yellow and blue fabric. It has metallic in it and almost ribbon-like patterns. It is very asian-eske. The block theme is meant to be "Memories of Korea."

I found this funny cow print fabric that I couldn't pass up. I thought it was hilarious. I'm not sure what I will do with it, but seriously, could you pass this by with a straight face?

Mr. Han, the owner of Happy Quilt is such a pleasant man. He will pull out bolts of fabric for you and is happy to have our business. It may be because all of the Americans go crazy and buy a ton of fabric like there is no tomorrow, but he is still a wonderful man. Depending on how much you buy, he always throws in some fabric for free. Usually it is 1-2 free fabric packets per purchase. That's 2-4 free yards of fabric that would be $10 in the US, so for me that's a great deal. Today, however Mr. Han was VERY generous and gave our whole group a box of "freebies." We didn't know what was in the box until we got back to base, but when we opened it we were amazed. Usually is is just scraps, but this box had yards and yards of fabric. No Scraps.

I picked out this dress model print for 1 of my free packets and the matching solid was found in the "freebie" box.

Also in the box were some large flower panels. I got a couple of them. They would make great Euro-Shams of lounging pillows.

The fabrics below obviously don't coordinate, but they were my other free picks. I can't complain with free!

So we have been in Korea a month today...look at all the glorious fabric I have collected in a month. Just to think I have 35 more months that I can accumulate more! Did I mention, I love Korea?

That was a pretty long post, but aren't you glad there are so many pictures of fabric! Now if just for my sewing machines to arrived, I would be set.

Dongdaemun

2010-01-29T13:56:00.000+09:00

I don't think it is possible to express how amazing it is to live in Korea especially when you love to sew! Dongdaemun market is sewing heaven! Can you image five floors, one city block wide of booth after booth of fabric, buttons, zippers, and sewing hardware? Nothing I know exists like this in the US, which is all the more reason why I am loving Korea!

Rows and rows of possibilities!

A Korean man carries bolts of fabric on his back. Then the bolts are loaded on to a scooter! It is an amazing sight and a feat beyond scientific explanation!
Happy with my first purchases at Dongdaemun.

Today, several of the wonderful ladies from the Yongsan Quilting group provided me with my first shopping Dongdaemun experience. It requires a lot of will power to not immediately run in a million directions and purchase everything in sight. Don't worry, I was well behaved and was good about only purchasing a few pieces of fabric along with two pieces of hardware to try to make some small clutches.

My loot! I couldn't resist the Vera fabrics and cute frogs.

I am looking forward to all the new project possibilities and many more trips to Dongdaemun.

Waiting

2010-01-19T21:54:00.000+09:00

My creativity is starting to bottle up a bit, so while we continue to wait for housing and our household goods to arrive in Korea, I was able to find some more photos of projects made for holiday gifts. (I'm still trying to track down photos of some projects - my bad!)

First up is a personalized pillowcase made for my friend's son. He loves the color blue (it's more like his obsession), and his father is in the Army, so I used ACU for the trim.

Here is a close-up of the machine name applique. I wish I had a machine that could have done all the letters without me having to place each one individually. What looks like a 'simple' project took much longer because each letter was completed separately.

I made a second pillow case using red as the base for the brother to the blue pillowcase. Again, the name wasn't short. I will try to get a picture of that pillowcase as well. I love the burrito method of making pillowcases! They are so easy! Below are images of my mother's "Brick" quilt in progress. The couches in my parents home are pottery barn classic red couches, so I made her quilt to match. I was also able to find some Mesa Red Vera Bradley fabric (retired) since my mom has quite a few bags with this Vera pattern.

The strips in a row.

I used the vinyl tiles as a grid in the kitchen of our townhouse to center the backing. I would tape the backing to the floor. I don't really like using basting spray, so this is one way to try to prevent puckers in the quilt back.All the layers together. I love to use cotton (Warm and Natural) batting in my quilts. Cotton batting makes the quilts very warm. I don't like the synthetic feeling of polyester.

Now I just need to have a picture of the finished quilt! That's all for now.

New Year, New Country

2010-01-07T08:20:00.000+09:00

It's certainly been awhile since my last post, but with moving 1/2 the way around the world... I've been busy. We arrived last night in Korea and I'm excited to start life in our new home. Before the holidays I was very busy created projects for Christmas. I made a quilt for my mom and mother-in-law, small personalized stockings for a Christmas Eve party, coffee cozy, passport covers, and snack bags. I also had the joy of getting a massive stomach bug at the same time our household was being packed, so I neglected to take photos of some of the items I made. I will add the photos as I get them.

Coffee coozie. Or any other beverage of choice!

All the small stockings hung in a row. They were each personalized.
Backside of the quilt made for my mother-in-law. I used a little ACU fabric in the back piece, so add a tiny bit of military to the quilt.
The front of the pinwheel quilt for my mother-in-law.

My DH helped hand sew the binding on his mother's quilt. (Photo evidence!)

My last two commissioned bags made in Georgia for a good military friend in Texas. I am looking forward to getting my sewing machines back and opening up shop again. I guess, finding housing will be a good first step!

Today, is my first full day in Korea. I'm excited to adventure around base and see where I will be living for the next 3 years!

Happy Birthday to My Amazing Husband

2009-11-26T06:03:00.001+09:00

Some people try to pass over Birthdays, but for me, this year, my husband's Birthday needs celebration! My husband spent his last two Birthdays in Iraq, so I feel there is need for celebration! I am thankful to have him home and safe. I'm also more than happy to spoil him with some culinary love.

After yesterday's baking bazaar, there was a lot to prepare today. We are having slow cooked BBQ beer pork ribs, loaded red potato salad, bacon wrapped scallops and stuffed mushrooms. The menu is almost a mix of picnic and Italian restaurant in one. Each 'dish' is one of my husband's favorites. Luckily my family is coming to visit, so we will have plenty of people to indulge in the delicious-ness.

Here is the brownie birthday cake. It has chunky peanut butter as frosting.

I also made a little Birthday decoration that we can use over again. I made it a couple weeks ago, but didn't share it because I didn't want my DH to see it.

Because we will be doing a lot of traveling in the next few months, I decided to get my husband some comfy footwear. These are indoor/outdoor slippers. He said they are like walking in heaven. I'm so happy he likes them. I may need a pair now too!

Baking Bazaar - Most Favorite Muffins

2009-11-25T04:18:00.000+09:00

In preparation for my parent's visit and my DH's birthday, I'm baking! On the list is: Whole Wheat Beer Bread, Carrot Oatmeal Muffins (the best muffins in the world), apple pie, and a birthday brownie cake.

I'm writing this post as I wait for the oven to catch up with the row of prepared batters. I've had several requests for my most favorite muffin recipe, so I am including it here:

Carrot Oatmeal Muffins (aka the Best Muffins in the World!)

Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 canola oil
3/4 cup plain apple sauce
3 eggs, beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup uncooked rolled oats
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup golden raisins
2 cups shredded carrots (the pre-cut "match stick" carrots work well)
1 (8 oz) can crush pineapple, drained
2/3 cup pecan bits (optional - but they are very tasty)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease muffin tins.
2. In a large bowl, mix flours, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon. Make a well in the center of the mixture and add sugars, oil, eggs, vanilla, and apple sauce. Mix until evenly moist. Fold in oats, coconut, raisins, carrots, pineapple and pecans.
3. Bake 21-25 minutes in the preheated oven (newer ovens usually require about 21 min) until muffins are golden or a knife inserted comes out clean.

For the sweet tooth: These muffins are so delicious that you could serve them for dessert or a special treat... just add cream cheese frosting to the top and its like eating carrot cake! Delicious!

Please feel free to share this recipe. I found it awhile ago and have been 'tweaking' it since. It is definitely a favorite for everyone I have made it for. Let me know what you think!

Apron, pleated purse, pillow

2009-11-18T07:53:00.000+09:00

Phew. I've been super busy! I finally got a moment to catch my breath and update my blog! The past week has been crazy with appointments and getting ready to move again. I've also had a lot of projects that I've been wanting to do, so I put other things on hold and did some things for myself!

My first creation to share is a cute holiday apron. I haven't decided if I will keep it or gift it yet, but I love the frilly layers. I'm not really making anything in this photo, but my DH insisted props were necessary.We had beautiful weather this weekend, so we drove the convertible top down up to my sisters. The fall colors were (still) really pretty. I love being in a car with the wind blowing on your face. It is such a free feeling. The sky and water together were truly beautiful on the drive.
A second leather strap pleated purse! Okay, so since I knew my machine could handle sewing through leather, I made another pleated purse with leather strap. Again, I'm not quite sure qhat I will do with this purse yet. It may make a nice Christmas gift though? Hmmm.Here is a shot of the purse over the shoulder. It's a good sized purse that can fit tons of stuff. Perfect for the woman who likes to take everything with her. Travel Pillow! My final show-and-tell for this post is a vibrant pillow sham that I made for my travel pillow. Since our we will be traveling for roughly 24 hours, I've decided I need to travel in style! I did simple 4" squares and jazzed it up with pom-pom fringe. This was the first time I added pom-pom fringe to a project. It was a very simple process. I just was sure to use a lot of pins! I can't wait to travel with this flashy pillow!

Birthday Cake

2009-11-07T23:02:00.001+09:00

Today is my neighbor's 2nd anniversary of her 25th Birthday, so I made her a cake yesterday. I had purchased tiny 3 tier cake pans months ago and I finally had the opportunity to test them out. I think I may be giving the guys at Cake Boss a run for their money. LOL The plate is 7" round, just to give you an indicator of how small it really is. So cute!
Today is also my husband's brother's 30th Birthday. We are sad to miss the festivities, but I would like to wish him a very Happy Birthday anyway!

In celebration of my neighbor's Birthday we went out to celebrate last night. I was certain to bring the camera because I recently realized we don't have many new pictures together since he has been home. Here is one of the shots that we are both looking at the camera and look halfway decent! I was the DD for the evening, which allowed our friends to enjoy celebrating. It had been awhile since we went out, and Georgia definitely has some interesting characters!

Fort Hood Mass Shootings

2009-11-06T09:29:00.000+09:00

The attack today was that of massive aggression. While we are no longer stationed at Fort Hood, we still have many friends that live and work there. It makes my stomach turn to know that soldiers are not even safe when they are home from war. My thoughts and prayers are with those that are involved and especially with those that have lost.

News Link: http://www.kxxv.com/global/story.asp?s=11451553

Halloween Success

2009-11-02T00:45:00.001+09:00

Here are our amazing costumes (if I must be completely biased). ;-) We were Super Mario and Princess Peach. The response we got from our fellow party goers was great. Everyone loved them. I am happy with how they turned out as well.

The first picture shoes the full length of the costumes. For my husband I made the blue overalls and add the Mario emblem to a baseball cap. For my costume I made 4 separate parts. The skirt is fully lined and has some tulle and sparkle accents underneath. The peasant blouse was a challenge because the pattern was huge. I looked like I was wearing a potato sack until I tailored it down. The third part is the pink corset. It even has grommets and laces up the back. I should have taken a picture from the back because each side had 12 grommets. The final part was just a small sash to tie around the waist. I also made a "1up" white and green mushroom that was a functional purse. It could hold the camera, keys and the all essential lip gloss. My husband was most impressed by this. It made for an unexpected accessory. At the party we voted for best costume and my Mario won! I think I will have to take the credit for his victory...he is fine with that. :-)The final photo is one of the food items we took with us. I made "Witch Finger" cookies. They are simple sugar cookies with some added attention. The almond fingernails, green food coloring, and raspberry jam ooze made these cookies very eye catching. People we a little frightened to try them, but the taste was great. We also took "Babies in a blanket" aka pigs in a blanket and "Dirt" (chocolate pudding, cool whip and crushed oreos). Overall Halloween 2009 was a success!

Prepping for Halloween

2009-10-30T22:56:00.000+09:00

The past two weeks have been very busy. I spent about a week at my friend's house caring for her brood of children (2 boys) and dogs (2 dogs). My friend and her husband had a wedding to attend in Ireland, so I took on the challenge of keeping things going on the homefront. The days went quickly because each day I had visitors or activities going on. I also got to do quite a bit of retail therapy during the daytime in the great shopping places of Atlanta. There are so many amazing places to shop in Atlanta. It's a good thing I don't live there permanently! While in Atlanta we also went to the Aquarium. For being in a large city, the Aquarium is very nice. I think I still prefer the Boston Aquarium or even better scuba diving. I will make do with what is available. After my experience, I've also confirmed my decision further about dog ownership. My Husband would love to get a dog, but I've always objected due to our on-the-go and unpredictable lifestyle. After both of us picking up poop for six days (from 2 larger sized dogs) and having to wake up extra early (even on the weekends) to take the dogs out to pee, I think the dog idea is on a back burner for awhile.

Oh how I wish I could be scuba diving--- Picture of me from Cozumel, Mexico

Ok, now on to the projects... I've been working on some scrappy napkins for "Thanksgiving". We won't be home for Thanksgiving, I decided to make some for the celebration we are hosting the night before. My parents will be visiting my sister in South Carolina and are going to stop in to see us the night before Thanksgiving. That day also just happens to be my dear hubby's birthday, so we definitely need to celebrate. I'm really excited for his birthday since he spent the last two birthdays in Iraq. Also these napkins are match the table runner and autumn banners I created previously.I used different decorative stitching as top stitching. There are four different top stitching styles that I chose. I used a nice chocolate brown cotton for the napkin backs.
The whole set of eight. I like how each one is slightly different from the next. They aren't perfect, but who will care?!
Here is a picture of the whole ensemble. The banner, table runner and napkins.
I've also been working on our costumes for Halloween. My husband and I are attending a costume party, so we wanted to have a little fun with our choices. We looking through stores and online costume catalogues, but we decided I could make the costumes 1. cheaper 2. with better quality materials that the stores offer and 3. mine would just be "cooler." So here are the costumes hanging and ready. Can you tell what super couple we are going to be? I hope you can figure it out because I'm not going to tell you what they are right now. I will post photos after we get to don them. Enjoy Halloween. Stay safe with whatever you are doing!

Diaper Bag

2009-10-15T04:26:00.000+09:00

I continuosly find myself wondering how time can pass so quickly between my posts, but I guess having a 4-day weekend this past weekend kind of threw me off a bit. My routine goes all helter kelter when my husband is home from work when its not his "normal" time to be home. I am not complaining though because I'm very happy to have him home (opposed to Iraq or Afghanistan).

I've been working on gifts again, so the lack of projects to report on are due to that. I have been sporting my Autumn Purse and have been getting many positive comments. I really do love how it turned out. I bought some more fabrics to make some more "civilian"purses. I am anxious to get to work on them. Before I could start creating for myself, I had a to create a diaper bag ordered by a friend made out of denim. Using fabric rather than a uniform takes about the same amount of time to complete. I put some extra details on this diaper bag, so it actually took a little longer than normal. I'm pleased with the way it turned out. I hope the recipient will love it as much as I do.

Along with the diaper bag there is a taggie blanket and changing pad. I was pleased to use my new sewing labels as well.

The interior fabric is construction themed. I used a mixture of 3 different interior fabrics.

Well, now I need to get this order in the mail and off to Texas!

Visiting Fall

2009-10-07T23:22:00.000+09:00

Life has been a whirlwind since my last post. I officially got to experience a Northeastern Fall this year, so I'm feeling happy and rejuvenated. I didn't realize how much I truly enjoy fall until getting to have a taste of it again this year. There are few things more beautiful than a New York autumn full of vibrant colors. On Thursday (Oct. 1) I traveled to New York with several missions in mind. 1. Visit family 2.Visit friends 3. Shop! Now that I'm back, all of my missions have been accomplished.

I was able to visit with my grandparents and wish my grandmother a 1 day late Birthday in person and spend quality "retail therapy" time with my mom at Woodbury Commons Outlet mall (I love shopping at this outlet!). Over the weekend I traveled to my alma mater and visited friends that I haven't seen since graduation.

Country Road on the way to Hamilton College. Can you see the vibrant orange in the trees?
It can be difficult to drive and take pictures.

The drive to Hamilton was beautiful. I traveled by many farms and trees full of color. I wanted to stop many times to just take it all in.

A true sign of Fall!

There were so many changes at Hamilton. A brand new athletic facility where I once had Organic Chemistry lab, a missing road, a water feature inside a building - certain to have many pranks courtesy of campus Greeks, and an orange "red pit" that now resembles a Vera Bradley pattern gone wrong. I enjoyed seeing some of my college friends and look forward to another reunion at the end of the year before I head to Korea.

I also think friendships made in college are the lasting kind. I hadn't seen these girls in over three years and it seemed like we hadn't missed a beat. It's nice to have friends that no matter the time or distance you can just pick up where you left off.

Homage to my Grandmother on her Birthday

2009-09-30T20:46:00.000+09:00

Today my Grandmother is celebrating her 81st birthday, and since she is somewhat of an immigrant to technology I don't know if she will see this post, but perhaps my mother or I can share it with her when I travel to Upstate New York for the next few days. (**I'm bursting with excitement!**) I know I have failed to mention how I learned the skills of my creativity, sewing and all things handmade. I guess I would have to say its genetic. If you do a simple google search for "Arlene Vrooman Quilting" you will find several hits for my grandmother. Here is one article that does a little history lesson.

Only recently have I tried my hand at quilting, however, my grandmother is considered somewhat of a quilting guru. She is published in a book, several magazines, teaches classes at her home twice a week, and holds workshops throughout the Catskills. Here are some photos of quilts (from 2007) that she has constructed. The complexity of them is amazing and they are so precise.

Square Within a Square

Floral Arbor

Santa is Coming to Town

My grandparents had seven children, so in the 1950's and 60's sewing was taught to each of them. My mother of course learned from her mother and over the years taught me the artistry of craft. I will admit, I'm still figuring things out on my own at times when you don't have the ease of asking your mom how things are done, but I'm making my way through my creative exploration.

Now that I'm inspired, I'm off to sew!

2nd time for today

2009-09-29T04:56:00.000+09:00

Ok, I got my act together and found my camera to take a picture of my new satin pleated purse with leather strap (try saying that 20x's fast!). I just love this purse.

PGA and Pleats

2009-09-29T02:19:00.000+09:00

This weekend was spent visiting friends in Atlanta and going to the Tour of Champions PGA tour at East Lakes golf course. I'm not really a golf fanatic, but we were able to get in for free, so we decided why not chick it out?! We hung out at the 16th hole across from the Executive Box at the "Birdies for Braves" Military Outpost. It was very nice. There were free drinks, lunch from Chick-Filet and cake. I got to see Tiger Woods, Kenny Perry, Phil Mickelson and all of the others on the tour. Golf isn't a very exciting sport, but it was interesting to see the concentration on the players faces. It was definitely a different pace from UFC Fight nights!

On Thursday and Friday I worked on finishing the satin pleated purse. I'm pleased with the way it turned it out. It will be my "fall purse." I didn't take a picture of it fully completed, it's just missing the leather strap in these pictures.

I love the green lining I used in this purse. It has a magnetic closure, zipper pocket and two slide pockets. Doesn't it just say, "Fall' to you?

Today's project:
I made this little pennant banner to decorate for Autumn. I am trying not to accumulate "stuff" in our house because we will be moving and having to but everything into storage, but I thought this little project was too cute to pass up. I guess it will enjoy its time in storage for the next 2+ years.

Catch Up

2009-09-24T07:32:00.000+09:00

The past week just flew by and I can hardly remember all of the events from the week! Does that ever happen to you? You are actively participating in "life" but at the same time it is spinning past you. Right now I feel like I'm trying to do a million things, but they are all things I'm setting up for myself. For instance, I've been sewing a ton, but since most of the items are for Christmas I feel a bit bottled up because I can't share.

I have been trying a few new things for myself. I've discovered that most of my handbags are military, and since I will need to cover more as a civilian in Korea, I've decided to make some non-military bags. I made this cute bag as a model to see how my design would turn out. I'm constructing another one out of more a sateen fabric, but I wanted to make sure the design would work first.

I'm quite proud of my pleats on this purse. I don't think I've ever done pleats without the assistance of my mom, so I guess I'm branching out a bit more! This purse is fully lined, has a zipper pocket, two slide pockets and a magnetic closure.

I finished another Bag From The Heart for a recipient in California. She sent me the lining fabrics and asked me to "do with them what you like". I thought the green looked best on the outside and for the inside I mixed the two together. The recipient is expecting her first baby, so I made sure to include plenty of pockets, 2 spots for bottles, and a hard bottom insert, so the bag can keep its form when filled.
This is the front of the bag. There are spots where name tapes can velcro on. The bag measures about 17" wide, 11" tall and 6" deep.
This photo shows a close up of the inside. You can see the brown slip in pockets (3 per side), the pen holders (3), the elastic pocket for a baby or water bottle (green), and the hard bottom insert (green).

This past weekend was spent entertaining and socializing. Friday night we had friends over for pizza and a movie. It was nice to have them over because the husband was stationed in Korea and his wife is Korean. She (Tara) has been teaching me about different things to expect, and is honestly making me even more excited and anxious to leave Augusta. I know Korea will take us far away from family, but I think it will unite all of us in adventure as well. I've been doing a lot of research about ESL jobs and trying to be as informed as I can be. It is difficult to contact schools of language institutes because we don't know yet where in Korea we will be. We might not know until we get there. Oh the adventure!

On Saturday Dan and I went to a member of Dan's mixed martial arts (MMA) gym to watch the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). I made 'pigs in a blanket' to take as some sustenance. You would have thought I was bringing in gold and diamonds the way the guys drooled and inhaled them. It was pretty funny how quickly they disappeared. I was glad that I made double the amount I usually do. I guess we will be invited back for the next party...as long as I make some food.

Tuesday I adventured to Atlanta to visit with Kim and Aerielle. Yes, Aerielle! No, not the Little Mermaid (different spelling), but my long lost deployment buddy from Texas. I don't think we have seen each other since Dan came home from Iraq! We were both just very busy getting everything ready to move that we didn't have a chance to meet up. She is at Ft. Benning, so we are a little more than 4 hours apart in Georgia, but at least we can meet 1/2 way in Atlanta. The three of us spent the day catching up and wondering around a huge shopping complex. None of us bought much, but the conversation was well worth the trip. Plus we ate lunch at a great sushi place. All three of us were desiring sushi, so we were happy to find a descent place.

Now for the exciting news....I know, long post, but it's been forever! Today Dan and I went and met with the woman who will "cut" our orders of Korea! We got different forms that have to be filled out by our doctors and different departments on post as well as different briefings we have to attend. Next week we will have another meeting to attend, which should answer/provide even more information. I'm extremely happy to have 'the ball rolling' with all the steps that need to happen when moving overseas.

Alright, phew...that's it for now. I will try to do better the rest of this week with updates! **Wishful thinking at least.**

Beach

2009-09-15T21:17:00.000+09:00

This weekend we went to Hilton Head Island for a little getaway. I found an amazing deal online that included our room, amazing dinner, and breakfast. Hilton Head Island is about 3 hours away from us, so it was well worth the trip. We couldn't have asked for better weather. On Saturday morning we starting our trek to the coast and arrived about 11am. We went to lunch at the Salty Dog Cafe and wondered a little bit around the South Pines area. It was gorgeous. We could have stayed for at least a week. After lunch we went to our hotel, where our room was ready, so we checked in and immediately headed for the beach. It was sunny and warm, but not too hot. It was perfect. We stayed beach and poolside for most of the afternoon.

Dinner was at the Hotel restaurant, which sometimes in hotels doesn't live up to expectations. The dinner exceeded our expectations in this case. The package deal allowed each of us to pick any appetizer, any entree and any dessert. It also included soft drinks. Dan and I shared most of our meal getting a chance to try all the delectable food. Our appetizers included tempura shrimp and lobster mac and cheese. Both wonderfully delicious. For our entrees I had the crab cakes and Dan had the lobster tail and fillet meal... Yes, I couldn't believe the choice for a full fillet and lobster at an all inclusive package! Dessert was also to die for. We had raspberry chocolate molten brownie cakes with vanilla ice cream. Lets just say the two of us were wobbling out of the restaurant when we were finished because we were so full.

Sunday morning was another appetite pleaser. The breakfast buffet had omelets to order and array of fruit and all of the other typical breakfast items. We hit the beach again and then left around noon. Before going home we did a little shopping at the outlets as well. I found some great deals on shirts at Gap. We drove home with the roof down on the EOS all while belting out our favorite tunes. It was an amazing trip.

Yesterday was back to sewing. I have orders to work on, so I will wrap up this post. This Penny bag was a joy to complete. The bright pink swirly fabric makes me smile. I will get these items in the mail soon.
Over the arm view:
Back to creating, but wishing I were still at the beach!

Some Bags

2009-09-08T22:18:00.000+09:00

I wanted to show off some pictures of two completed bags. The one has been done awhile, but I never got around to taking pictures.

This is the front of the bag along with a rolled up diaper changing pad. I got a little creative with this changing pad and made the outside of it quilted squares. I guess the baby that will be changed using this pad, will have his bum changed in style. The other size has snugglie flannel. The great thing about this changing pad is that if it gets dirty you can just throw it in the wash.

The second picture shows the inside. There are loads of pockets. On the front wall there are 2 sliding pockets, on the back there are 3. On one end there are 2 places for bottles, and on the other end there are pen holders. I think it utilizes the inside walls well.
The final picture is a bag that I made for myself. I realized I was giving away all the things I made and never had a good example of some of the things I can do, so I made this bag a few months back. I added some color around the names to add a little extra flair. The ends just have velcro for the patches to attach. I really just wanted to try out some different things on this bag. I liked it so much that I kept it.
As for the rest of today I am battling a slight sore throat and earache. I haven't been sick in forever, which I guess was one benefit of teaching. After the first year of constant sickness, I built an immunity of steel. I guess I will need to get back into the classroom as some point to get my germ strength back! I'm looking forward to the possibility of teaching English while in Korea. Good thing I got my ESL certification while I was in Texas! Smart thinking!?!

Some New Things

2009-09-08T03:38:00.000+09:00

A lot has been going on the past few days. On Thursday evening we found out our next duty station...drum roll...we are going to Korea!!! We are very happy. This was our second choice, so we are excited. We will be moving to South Korea in January! Now, I have a lot on my mind. There are passports to update, visas to process, deciding what to do with all our household stuff, and of course shopping!

My sister also visited on Saturday. It was the first time she came to visit, so it was nice to spend time together. We drove around the area and did some shopping. I look forward to meeting up again with her soon.

Today I made some pillow covers for my sewing room. I thought they needed some spicing up. Here you can see the "before" and "after" pictures.

Sewing chair before:

Sewing chair after:
Lounging chair before:
Lounging chair after:
Alright time for more sewing

New Labels

2009-09-03T23:47:00.000+09:00

I just checked to the progress of my new woven labels and much to my delight they are done! They were shipped on 9/1/2009, so I'm excited to just have to wait until they get here in (10-14 days). I don't know why it excites me so much, but I guess it's because they are new.

I think they are fun, but still readable.

Pillows and ID Holder

2009-09-02T10:35:00.000+09:00

The past few days have been busy in the sewing room. Unfortunately for you (but good for me!) most of the things are gifts, so can't be revealed yet. You will have to wait til Christmas. I guess the rain from the off coast storms have made my brain realize that summer is ending.

Somethings I can show are these two pillow shams. They will be sent off tomorrow for a birthday gift. They are a combination of Vera Bradley fabrics and some Amy Butler fabrics as well. I really love the vibrant 16-square pillow. I'm thinking I may need to make myself 2 of these for the pillows in my sewing room.

I finally made an ID card/cash holder to match my latest ACU tote. If you haven't realized, I love things to match. There are slots on the inside for cards and cash, and then there is a handy vinyl pocket on the outside for ID. It is extremely important to always have ID handy as a military spouse. Your life practically depends on your ID.

In other news I'm excited for the upcoming weekend. My sister is meant to come for a visit! I don't really know what we will do, but I'm sure we can find somewhere to wonder. Also, next weekend my dear husband and I have booked a little getaway to Hilton Head Island, SC. I'm excited to hit up the beach and can now only hope that we will have good weather!

Snack Bags...

2009-08-28T07:58:00.000+09:00

are fun! I spent all day in my sewing room trying to figure out what to make and trying out different things. I am trying to get some Christmas inspiration, which is proving difficult since it is still in the 90's here.

Here are two more snack bags that will get sent off tomorrow. These little things are rewarding to create and cute!
Here are two appliques that I tried out today too. I'm thinking ornaments, napkins, place mats, any ideas?

I'm also almost finished with my pinwheel quilt. I need to go to the fabric store to purchase some batting for it...or as my husband insists it is called "padding."

I visited my friend in Atlanta on Tuesday. We went to a mall in the Buckhead area. OMG! It was the nicest mall I have been to in a long time. It was quite a change from what was available in Texas or here in Augusta. I look forward to go back to Atlanta and explore more malls. I will need to do a lot of sewing to afford anything, but I am happy looking and wishing too. :-)

We are also waiting to hear about our next duty station!! We are hoping to go overseas next. The wait is pulling out all sorts of emotions. We are excited, nervous, anxious... We can only wait (insert Jeopardy song).

Snack Bags

2009-08-22T01:28:00.001+09:00

After a visit from my friend this week she stated her two boys were in need of new snack bags, so I put my sewing skills to work. I created these two little snack bags with their initials on them. They are easy to close with a drawstring and can be machine washed when they get dirty. I look forward to delivering to them next week.

Lil Miss P

2009-08-19T03:46:00.000+09:00

I've been trying out some different appliques the past couple of days. I downloaded some different applique fonts to tryout on my embroidery machine. I'm really like the applique effect and. The machine makes it so easy and gives it a clean look.

I made this cute little purse for a friend of my husband and I from High School. They have a little girl that is about 18 months old and is a girlie girl. I really wanted to try some of my new fonts and motifs, so she will be the lucky recipient of this tiny purse.

I am excited to continue with even more designs. This could get dangerous. LOL.

Pencil Roll Part 2

2009-08-14T06:03:00.000+09:00

I finished the final version of my colored pencil roll. Each colored pencil has its own slot designated by color. There is also a little slot for a small notebook. I see this being used while waiting for dinner at a restaurant, in the car, or at home coloring at the dining table. I'm sure the recipient will be happy to receive this as a gift for his birthday. I am also proud of myself for having it done weeks before the Birthday! I am thinking of adding this item to my Bags From The Heart website as things that can be customized. Let me know what you think!

Isn't it just delightful?!

Pencil Roll

2009-08-12T04:29:00.001+09:00

Back in July I made a crayon roll for my friend's son's birthday. He loves to draw and color, but with a family that is always on the go it was difficult for him to not drop his crayons everywhere. Here he is in the car with the crayon roll balancing on his feet.

The crayon roll was my first attempt at something like this (it was pretty easy to make), but I wanted to try to make it even better. The roll was a little wrinkled with the crayons in it, so I tried making another roll with little compartments for each colored pencil and a small spot for paper...all the more practical and portable.

I used fabric that I just had lying around, so now I will need to figure out who to send this to. I have a little girl in mind, so once I'm done awing over it, I will put it in the mail.

I have one more type I am going to try. You will have to wait to see!

New Ironing Board Cover

2009-08-11T03:36:00.001+09:00

I was sick of looking at my very cheap and stained ironing board cover, so I made a new cover today. It is full of personality and makes me smile to look at it. The dingy is gone and my sewing room has some added color. I used a U-Handbag's tutorial and it was done in no time.

On the other hand, the water was off for some time today. It's back on now, so hopefully it will stay that way. It was annoying to find it was off because I was about to start my workout and then I had to postpone it for fear I wouldn't be able to shower. I am going to go workout now, so I hope the water is still on once I am done!

Cool Flickr Widget

2009-08-10T09:28:00.001+09:00

I was looking at another blog today and found this really neat widget for flickr. I like how it rotates the photos through. I guess I will need to upload some more photos.

Roy Tanck's Flickr Widget requires Flash Player 9 or better.

Get this widget at roytanck.com

This has been a pretty busy weekend. I visited my sister yesterday and we went shopping at a local outlet shopping center. It was tax free weekend, so the stores were little crowded when we left. I enjoyed spending time with my sister and catching up.

I have also been busy creating different projects, but I haven't taken photos yet. I guess it's good I found the new widget to make the photos I do have up all the more pleasing!

Pinwheels

2009-08-04T23:02:00.000+09:00

I decided to try out a new quilt block today - pinwheels. I think they are a fun looking block, so I figured I would try it out. It's super easy...another thing I like. I don't know if I will make anything with this block yet, but I just wanted to try it out. I used a 6" square to start. and then made my pinwheel from there. The blog I Have To Say... has a nice tutorial for making pinwheels.

I also did some organization of my sewing room, so I will include pictures of all the angles of my sewing room. From the pictures it looks really bland...maybe I will need to do something to spruce it up. Although I really do like all the light that comes into the room. I am loving my sewing room because it is allowing me to be slightly obsessive compulsive about putting things in order (LOL).

My sewing table (Wall 1). It has a 60" x 33" cutting mat on the top of it. This is ample space for me to cut, sew and quilt.

Corner 1/ Wall 2 - The big white chair is a pottery barn grand chair. It is very comfortable. It's usually what I sit in to read, hand sew, cross stitch, and recently...write my blog.

The nine-cube shelf stores the larger pieces of my stash, books, photo albums, scrapbooks, my sewing case and my embroidery machine. The purple cloth drawers are designated 1 - cross stitch 2 - scraps 3 - sewing notions (bag handles, sewing patterns, velcro, etc.).

Corner 2 - This book shelf holds tons of stuff. The bottom two shelves have pieces of my stash that are under 1 yard. The middle shelf holds all my scrapbooking inks and more photo albums. The top shelf has business materials (business cards, post cards), some thread, and tools for my sewing machines. On the very top there are photos and other random crafty things.
Wall 3/ Corner 4 - Scrapbooking Mecca - these cubes hold all of my scrapbooking stuff. I think I have enough stuff to scrapbook for life! Two of the drawers hold thread. One drawer for regular thread and one drawer for embroidery thread. All of my scrapbooking papers are sorted by the seasons designated by the company they are from. I use Close to My Heart scrapbooking materials. The closed door opens to a full size bathroom. You can see the open door leading to the rest of the upstairs of my house.
Wall 4 - pretty simple. The ironing board stands here and the door to the closet. The closet is used mostly by my husband for his work attire. It is nicely organized, but I just didn't take pictures of it...its not that exciting. I will often put on the hanging red apron for when I have my "serious" sewing days. For some strange reason I think it helps me focus.
Off to try more pinwheels!

What to Do?

2009-08-03T09:03:00.001+09:00

This is a question that goes through my mind about a million times a day. I am currently on a working hiatus due to military relocation, so the "What do do?" question occurs frequently. It is difficult for me to enjoy the free time because I have always worked. My husband is enjoying me not working because dinners have been ornate, laundry complete, folded and put away, and the house is super clean. I like doing things around the house, but it is difficult to be completely dependent on someone else.

I have been looking for jobs -- roughly an hour or two daily. BUT...the job market here isn't too easy to tap into. I am trying to get away from teaching, so that is narrowing my searching scope. Also, our time here is short and I don't want to get linked in to a job that I won't be able to easily escape. I would feel wrong committing to a company and then departing (99% certain of this) quickly. Plus, I'm enjoying getting to spend extra time with Dan. He has been done with class before 4 and has been having long lunch breaks, so I would hate to miss an opportunity to spend time together. I guess that's what a 16month deployment does to you! We have definitely gotten a lot closer since his return and we love each other even more.

On another note, I have been sewing! I just don't have any pictures because I'm experimenting with things for Christmas gifts and I wouldn't want to reveal possible gifts. So to add a little visual to this post...I will add one of Kim and I from the Holiday Bazaar. I wish they had something like this here, but so far I haven't found anything. I will keep looking because if I could just sew...I would be *sew* happy!

Busy Bee

2009-07-30T05:21:00.000+09:00

Phew...I have been busy today. I finished the bags, so I can get them sent out tomorrow. Usually I like to do quilting on my bags and a variety of colors, but this person just wanted single colors. I think the two little bags with the bows are cute. They are for two little girls.
Now I'm off to work out...P-90X!

Fun Pictures

2009-07-29T22:09:00.000+09:00

This past May, friends of my husband and I were married. Last night I got to see some more pictures from the wedding and it made me remember how much fun it was. It also makes me miss friends from Texas. Luckily, a lot of them have moved to Georgia too, so we will have to make a few road trips while we are here to visit people. One of the pictures that I liked the most was me with two friends from TX. I think its a favorite because it also reminds me of Thanksgiving. -Kim and Sunset....you know what I mean! I love you girlies!

Summer Serene Quilt

2009-07-29T00:39:00.000+09:00

My first quilt is finished! I am quite proud of myself... I think mainly because it took me less than 2 weeks to complete it. (I was also working on other projects in between.) I think I will name the quilt..."Summer Serene" - I will have to make a label for it. I guess that means it isn't completely done, but that's just a tiny detail. The final quilt measures 63" x 63".

What should I try next?

For now, I have a few bags to finish, so once those are complete I will see where my imagination takes me.

Stippling

2009-07-27T22:46:00.000+09:00

I finished all the blocks for my lap quilt, so the last few days have been spent stippling the top. This is the first time for me to machine quilt something this large, but I am pleased with my progress. My quilting certainly is not perfect, but I"m getting excited to finish it. The end is in sight.

Once I finish this quilt, I may be tempted to start another. I guess once you do one, you get hooked. We will have have to stay tuned to see what strikes me next.

I have a few bags to finish up and get sent out this week too. I think it's time to get to work. More to come later!

Quilt Crazy

2009-07-22T09:27:00.001+09:00

The past few days have been very productive! What started out as "just trying" out a couple of quilt blocks has turned into a fairly large lap quilt! I have made 64 blocks total, which will make a quilt measuring roughly 64"x64". I don't think it looks bad for my first quilt. Now I need to get batting and backing fabric before I can quilt it. My dilemma is, what color thread should I use to quilt it? I think I will look for red backing, so should I use red thread? What do you think? I also need to think of a name for this quilt. I love the vibrant colors mixed with the ACU. I think this quilt will make a lovely picnic blanket and matches the ACU tote I blogged about previously. Decisions...decisions...

New Fabric! Fabrics from Hong Kong arrived today! They are all Vera Bradley fabrics. These tend to be difficult to find, but the person I bought these from was quite reasonable. They are 60" wide yards, which is fairly large too! I don't know what I will make with these fabrics yet, but I'm thinking they will be put to good use. Perhaps Christmas gifts? I know it's only July, but I've started to think about Christmas. I have some time now to complete things, so I need to start thinking!
Aren't these fabrics gorgeous? I love the colors and mixture I selected.

Bags? Quilts? Gifts? What will you turn in to? Do you have any suggestions?

Well, that's all for now. I am off to create some more!

Sewing Casa

2009-07-19T03:30:00.000+09:00

My Sewing Casa! Well, it's not my dream room, but in time, I am sure it will get there. I love having the quilt cutting board easily accessible. For years, I had the huge mat on the floor and was always cutting things on the floor. Now it is up on a board cut for the mat's size and I can easily stand (or sit) to cut fabric. Ideally, I would like to have the cutting board in the middle of the room, so I could easily walk around the whole thing, but right now I just don't have the room to do that. I would also like a separate counter area that I could set up my sewing machines. (I have 3 of them!) I use each maching for different purposes, so it would be nice to have a spot for each and not have to shift them around when I need to use them. Again, space is the issue.

The "Bags From The Heart" banner arrived this week. I hung it up to give me inspiration to keep working. I really love the playful font and graphic that I chose for it as well. I got if for free from Vistaprint.com. That website is amazing! I am on their email list, so I am always getting offers for free items. You have to pay shipping, but it is definitely worth it!

I ordered some amazing fabrics before we left Texas, but I never had the opportunity to use them, so this week I decided to put them to use! The finished bag on the chair is what I was made with some of the fabrics. I haven't decided if I want to keep the bag yet. I don't have a bag like this one, so I don't know what I will do.

These are the fabrics before I put them to use. I will need to get some pictures up close of the details of the finished bag.

I also tried a little bit of quilting this week. I used scraps to put together some blocks (9 patch and log cabin) I'm not sure what I will make with it yet, but I like the vibrant colors. I think I'm inspired to make more blocks.Well, that's all for now. I'll be back again soon.

Why Bags?

2009-07-15T22:39:00.000+09:00

I sometimes wonder why I am slightly obsessed with sewing bags. I don't really fancy making clothes, blankets, or other sewn items. I generally stay in the realm of handbags and accessories. I think my desire has been a part of me since I was very small. I always had a ton of bags and I still do!

When I was young I was involved in many things; ballet, soccer and skiing are just a few. Each of these activities required a specific outfit or gear, so to make life easier my mom designated a bag specific to each activity. Ballet had a ballet bag, soccer had a bag, and skiing had its own too. Each bag was perfectly proportioned to the activity it matched. My ballet had a separate compartment for my slippers to keep them easily accessible and enough space to hold a change of clothes for afterward. I played soccer for roughly 18 years and with many different teams, so needless to say, I had multiple soccer bags over the years. I would often be playing soccer all weekend long so my bag would have different compartments to keep things separate for each day. My soccer cleats even had their own compartment, so my things wouldn't get dirty. Finally, my ski bag. This bag was probably the most magnificent bag possible. It could be slung over my shoulder, held my boots and all other items (I was a downhill racer, so I had a lot of stuff), but it allowed me to keep track of all my items. Each bag I owned also proudly donned my name (first or last). I love having my name on my things, maybe because in the US it is difficult to find ERIKA spelled with a "k" but I also think it is because it labeled that bag as my responsibility.

I think the details and purpose of the bags I had at a young age inspire my bag designs today. I try to think about their use and make their design fit their purpose. I like to personalize the things I create to match the person they are going to. This is sometimes difficult when I don't know much about the person. I don't like to be "tied down" to specific details, but I like some loose guidelines.

Okay, so maybe you didn't need to know all that information, but utility and personalization are my inspiration. I think I need to thank my Mom for that!

One of the popular styles of bag. It can be used for a diaper bag, scrap tote, day-to-day bag, gym bag, overnight bag, school bag. The possibilities are endless. The bag's name is Marjorie. Named after my great aunt who stood the test of time living to be 103 yrs and an incredibly wonderful woman.

For more styles check out my webpage: www.bagsfromtheheart.com

Taking a Crack at This

2009-07-14T22:01:00.000+09:00

Bags From the Heart has been "in business" for about 2 years now, but I figured it was time to start a blog because what better way to keep everyone up to date? I don't know how well I will do at this, but I will take a crack at blogging.

Currently, we are living in Georgia and I am let's say in-between jobs. I have been teaching for the past three years, but since we aren't sure how long we will be here, I am taking the summer off to see what will happen. I love the uncertainty of military life! Right now, it looks like we will be here until December, so I may need to obtain some part time work (at least) for fear of going crazy. Sewing and creating can more than fill my day, but that doesn't really provide for social interaction.

My husband isn't really complaining with me not working. He comes home and the house is spotless, the laundry is all done, folded and put away, and dinner has also been more elaborate than ever. It is amazing how much you can find to do during the day.

Well, I think it is time to get started creating. I'm working on a gift right now, which I love doing because it gives me the ultimate freedom. I will need to take some pictures of my latest creation but for now, I will just add a picture from a craft show my business: Bags From The Heart was in last November.