Part of my daily routine.......

I LOVE BLOGLAND!

After getting the kids off to school, cleaning the kitchen up and putting away all the hat/mitten bins, it's time to make a coffee and sit my but down for my daily doses of inspiration.

It's very easy to get lost in some of these blogs with people's "favorite places" and linky parties, and it's a wonderful lost.

By the time I am done my coffee, I am inspired and can't wait to get through all the "must-dos" for the day and put some of this creativity into use. Whether it is making something new, organizing a part of the house or just arranging something to look pretty it's a small sense of accomplishment for me everyday.

I do have some of my favorite places listed, but I just wanted to add a few new ones.

I have had Lindy at Cottage Hill bookmarked only since February when I was looking for pretty pillows to be inspired to make, I ran on to her Master Bedroom Redo.  Check it out it's beautiful.

Another site that give's me goosebumps when I look it is The Horchow Collection.  Isn't this stuff absolutely sumptuous?

 One of the most beautiful stamping blogs that I have discovered hands down is Jeri Kay from A Touch of Grace. Jeri creates lovely paper flowers and uses them so elegantly.

Thanks to all you ladies who help me make my day inspiring and beautiful!

Printer tray and a purse, but first.........

I can not start this blog without mentioning the terrible events that the people of Japan have faced and are facing.  As much though as my heart breaks and my mind tries to comprehend the fear and pain I am seeing relayed to me over the networks , my spirit soars for the control, dignity and sense of community that they have shown. They are certainly setting a very high standard for the rest of the planet in how humanity should represent itself in times of disaster and tragedy.

 

Here is a link I found to a site that has patiently collected many amazing examples of this country and it's people and their kindness and aid to one another. 

http://yatiechomeyl.blogspot.com/2011/03/lesson-learnt-from-japanese-people.html

Bless them all and all who are helping. 

I just love these printer trays from 7 Gypsies. They are such a cool way to display trinkets, treasures and photos. It's also a good way to use up some of the myriads of supplies under my stairs. It was nice to finally have a use for frames from my Stampin' Up hodge podge kits.



The stickpin and compass are from some of my father's keepsakes.  The buttons and key are from my Grandmother's button box. (My mini treasure trunk)

The next one I'm going to do is a sewing themed one.

On to the sewing portion.........

This is a Matilda bag made from a pattern from Indygo Junction. I made it for my trip next week. (Finally taking the kidlets to Disneyland). It goes with my cream raincoat (yep, it's supposed to rain) better than my black winter coat and snow that's for sure!

Do you recognize the fabric?


I have lined it with a brown taffeta. I bought it at a very good price (cheap, I'm so cheap) and so I got quite a bit. You will probably see a few projects made with this.

There are two inside pockets. One divided with a flap and a velcro closure.


One that is just a plain pocket.


I like the pleating at the bottom. (Kind of hard to see)


and the pleats on the handles

This purse is really easy to make. The more you make the easier and quicker they are.  This is the second one of this style I have made.  The first was for a women's event that my friend Erin held last fall. It was a donation to the door prize portion of the event. Maybe she'll let me make another one for this year.

I did make a few modifications. The pattern calls for the front and back to be in four pieces with a center seam, which is good if you want to use two contrasting fabrics. I did not want to break up the pattern so I cut the back and front on the fold resulting in only two pieces.

As good as my machine (the old doll) is on thick fabrics, it still wouldn't stitch through all the layers for the handle cover. So I ended up hand stitching the cover on.


I did use interfacing to stiffen the bottom up a bit, but I think the next one I make I will use a piece of foam core and have a solid bottom and see how I like it.  I would also like to try using a layer of fusible fleece in between the layers of fabric and give a bit more substance.


That's all for now.

Peace.