Where Did You Get That Bag?

 I have carried bags I made for myself for a very long time. I like that they have the pockets that I need, the bag is a suitable size for me, and the fabrics I use are a reflection of my personality. 

However, out in the wild, I get the most interesting response. The conversation goes something like this:

"Where did you get that bag?"

"I made it."

"You're kidding!"

Very weird. Why wouldn't I make it? Where do they think bags come from? Magical elves?

Oh, well. I recently looked at my everyday clutch and decided that it was looking a little worn. Apparently I made it 3 years ago. So it is time for a new bag. Something bright for the spring that is still playing hide and seek.

I was playing in my stash. I recently sorted my fabrics again, to put themes together. At the same time, I pulled some fabric to give to a friend for her latest charity project.

In this box are cats, EMS, animals, Laurel Burch, and crafting themed fabric. I have another 2 boxes this size, though the second one isn't full.

I started putting fabrics together, that I liked.

Take 1:

 It has potential, but that isn;t quite it.

Take 2:

Maybe, but I think I want something a bit brighter. I have some cork that might work. I think I'll keep playing.

I finished some knitting this week.

Baby socks and one adult sock. The second adult sock is approaching the heel.

The flowers are trying to appear.

Snowdrops and crocus on a damp and  grey day. The forsythia is starting to get a yellow tinge.

Daisy is growing, too.

Her days as a lap dog are numbered. 

This is the dining room conservatory.

Six Hibiscus flowers opened this morning. They are obviously ready for it to be spring. 

Begonia

 Sometimes, an idea comes together quickly and easily.

A friend wanted a small backpack with a drawstring top for her spring walks. She asked if  I knew of a pattern. I went looking in my usual sources and found exactly what she was looking for at Blue Calla Patterns, the Begonia Backpack.

I realized that I had most everything I needed in my stash, so I decided a quick little project would take my mind off the snow.

The bag is finished, mailed and received, so let me show you.

I was really pleased with how it turned out.

The zipper pulls line up in the centre, and the fabric is matched across the zipper.

I remembered to add my label. The bottom of the bag is cork fabric.

I added a cork overlay to the interior pocket.

There is a carabiner for her keys. I didn't take a picture but there is Daisy fabric lining the interior pocket.

All of the fabric was in my stash, along with the zippers. 

I also started a new sock, this week.

A plain vanilla sock in some pretty yarn from Area 51 Fibres. 

Not much sign of spring outside, although most of the snow has disappeared. However, my dining room plants think we need some bright flowers.

The weather for this week is forecast to be grey and rainy. A good week to sew.

Is It Spring Yet?

 Spring has been teasing us. One day, we are enjoying the sunshine, the next it is snowing again. It is hard to plan anything. 

I cut some forsythia branches, to bring some spring inside. I seem to have forgotten to take a picture when they were in full bloom. I'll catch the tree in a few more weeks, when it is in bloom.

I had a 9 yo helper to make cupcakes for our Sunday lunch.

The verdict from the guests: They taste better than the cupcakes from a high end bakery. Taste for the win!

We took Daisy for her first visit to the Chip Truck. In Eastern Ontario, chip trucks are everywhere people are, from spring through fall. Fresh, hot, and delicious treat on the go.

The socks I started in November, are finally finished. Turns out that the nine yo has feet almost as big as mine.

So, he has warm socks for his boots.

I also made some baby socks, for another grandma.

I've been sewing, but that is a story for another post. Today, the sun is out for a few minutes, and I am going to enjoy my coffee in the sunshine.