What ! ? Another ?

I'm on a roll now ! ! ! !
Second finish in as many days.

Carolina Carry All

Studio Kat Designs 

Seven pages of instructions

fifty-nine steps of instruction ! ! !

Sounds overwhelming, doesn't it.

I thought so too but found that this is a very easy bag to make.

 

Having this many steps facilitates the process

even if you have several days or several weeks between sewing stints. I made it a point to stop at the end of one step before I quit for the day.

  By doing so I was able to pick up exactly where I left off.

No time spent trying to figure out where in the pattern I should begin again.

Step by step it was easy to make progress with each sewing session.

 

I used a couple of really cool batiks with just enough color to keep me smiling.

This bag has a gusset as the bottom and part way up the sides in both the exterior and in the lining.
I love it's baggy style.

Here you can see the 'secret pockets' at the center of either side of the bag between the exterior and lining.

Studio Kat's method of making the handles is one I've never tried so gave her way a try and found it went together easily.
They're long enough to carry on my shoulder or
if I'd rather I could shorten the handles by making a cute knot.

You can see the interior is roomy.
The magnet snap holds it closed.
This bag, like the Simply Chic Carry All, I'll make in a couple of different fabrics.

So . . . . . . .
what's next ?

Finally, A TA-DAAAAA ! ! ! !

I've finally a finished project that I can show you.

Here's my version of the Simply Chic Carry All

that we did in the class at Zede's Sewing Studio in Columbia a couple of weekends ago.

This Simply Chic carryall, I've decided will be used to carry to sewing classes.

The pocket on the front of the carryall is Sun/Moon fabric I've had for some time
- just awaiting a perfect project to show it off.

Here's a great place for me to stash the current class pattern.

The base of the front is corduroy that is years and years old,
I LOVE this beautiful blue - again, awaiting a perfect project.

The back is a really good look at, I love this gorgeous fabric.

I did some quilting - just enough to hold the batt in place.

For the handles I chose fabric rather one of the plastic/pre-made handles
I used a short piece pvc flexi-tubing  on each handle

where my sometimes grubby hands will hold and not soil the handles.

As you can see, the inside has one vinyl zippered pocket.

A place for all my cutting tools - rotary, small scissors, shears, seam rippers, etc.

The fabric zippered pocket at the bottom of the vinyl pocket can hold tape measure,

and my chocolate stash.

On the other side of the inside there's one ruffled pocket
 a great place to store my pre-cut pattern pieces.

The smaller divided pocket at the bottom of the ruffled pocket is divided to hold markers, 6" rulers, a packet of kleenex and other goodies.

This is the front of the removable insert [held in place with velcro]
it has the two larger vinyl zippered pockets
while the bottom half  has a dozen zippered pockets
to hold all my sewing feet.

The removable insert can be hung by it's tab for easy access.
Had to make certain all the pockets opened from the top.  :^}

The reverse side of the insert I decided a couple more pockets were needed

 so added two vinyl zippered pockets and two fabric zippered pockets.

Lots of zippers - a dozen in all! ! !

I used Sullivans Make-A-Zipper for this project.

I was able to cut all these to size and used every zip tab on the reel.

This project used vinyl and lots of zippers. 

While I've put in a zipper or two during my sewing years,

the class instructor gave us a couple of options for inserting 'em.

They were easy-peasy !

This was the first time I've ever sewn vinyl.

Turns out it wasn't all that hard to do.

To my surprize the instructor had us use #12 needles throughout the entire project.

I never would have thought it was big enough to handle sewing through vinyl, fabric and zippers.

But it worked just fine. 

Yep, you read right, I was able to see right over those zipper teeth!

No broken needles.

Easy-breezy ! 

Now, that I've got this first carryall under my belt

and I am pretty well satisfied with it

hmmm, a couple of small things I could improve upon

and will work those out on my next carryalls.

I going to cut at least two more and production line 'em.

Wait 'til you see my fabric choices, yee-haa.

Now that I've shown you mine,

What have you been working on?

Google Voice Free Phone Calls ! ! !

Just got online this afternoon with Google Voice.

First call went to DH's cell phone.

Worked like a charm - great sound quality, no lag.

Second Google Voice call made from my gmail page using 'call phone'

went to a fellow blogger in TN.

She had already used her Google Voice 'call phone' to call her sister.

DH's Google Voice 'call phone' didn't come online until this evening.

He used this new google feature to phone our youngest son in California.

Oh, do you know this service is provided free until the end of the year.

Google has not spelled out what or how charges will be at the first of 2011.

In the meantime, we will be able to phone friends, relatives, etc., within the U.S free - - - - - -

no long distance charge, no using monthly minutes.

This new feature that Google has given us is as great as their Gmail Video Chat.

Now,

who will I phone tomorrow and over the weekend  ? ? ?

Yep! It is the week of the GO!

Heather at A La Mode Fabric

is having a GO! Giveaway ! ! 

This give-a-way will run until Friday 27th 9:00 pm PST

Heather has made is simple to enter.

and given us three chance to win this baby.

I know you want it

give Heather's link a click.

A La Mode Fabric

Be sure to take a few minutes to peruse her great blog posts! 

This Must Be the Week to GO!

Paulette at Sweet P Quilting and Creations announced 

her GO! giveaway begins now

and goes through the 31st of August ! ! 

So GO! on over and join Paulette's blog by Following  and see what Paulette creates with her GO!.

I turn green with envy.

Aw, GO! on over - visit Paulette

-------

'course you don't have to enter 

for her AccuQuilt GO! Giveaway

that way MY chances improve if you don't 

BUT

why miss the fun ????

GO! GO! GO!

Ready Set GO ! ! ! ! Go Over to Jackie's Blog

Canton Village Quilt Works

She's running her contest through the stroke of midnight Eastern Time on August 26.

This is so cool, Jackie is giving us up to FOUR chances to win.

There are four separate items to give you a chance for each item you compete.

Leave a Comment telling us why you want to win this GO!

What did I tell you easy to enter.

The additional ways to get another chance in the draw

 involve FB, 

Following,

Blog about this giveaway

Such an easy-peasy way to have the opportunity to win one of these little babies.

Since it's only 5+ days 'til the draw we'll know who the lucky duck is shortly.

Now if you're not interested in winning this lovely .  .  .  .

 well, I don't know what to say.

If you are eager to win a GO!

click on the hyperlink above

and join the fun and excitement ! ! ! 

Carry-All . . . . . Win All

• 
  
  
  Recognize this Sun-Moon fabric from my other post?  I've had it for years and hadn't found a good project for it until now.
• 
  
  
  The solid blue corduroy is from many years ago.  Leftover fabric from grandson Ryan's pants that his mom made for him when he was 2 years old.  Hmmmm, something like umpteen years ago.
• 
  
  
  Love the colors in both these fabric and think this bag is just the way to show it off.

  

Sunday I took a class for this
Simply Chic Carry All
pattern by
Michelle's Designs

Class was held in Columbia.  The instructor was Linda B.

Zede's Sewing Studio
in Columbia
is where I took Linda B's class on free-motion quilting a couple of months ago
This is where Sunday's class was held with five gals eager to make this carry all.

Linda B's class for the Simply Chic was great !
- - - -
learned lots of techniques that make the construction of this bag easy-peasy.

The first photo is the front of the bag with a good-sized pocket.
I've not made the handles yet, but do have something in mind
rather than the pre-made handles recommended.

The inside has several pockets

here you can see the ruffled one with a shorter pocket in front.

The other side has a zippered vinyl pocket on the top
with a fabric zippered pocket on the  bottom.
This project has lots of zippered pockets . .  .  .
something eleven zippers, Gad that's a lot of zippers.
Good thing I used Sullivans Make a Zipper.
This kit includes 5.5 yards of zipper with 12 tabs.
Just cut to your measurements.
Yep, easy-peasy.

The black strip in the gusset is a Velcro strip that will be used to attach a removable insert that has even more pockets.
Wait 'til you see it ! ! !
I'm still working on that part.


NOW, FOR THE OOLA-LA FRENCHY-FRENCHY DRAWING
****************** 
Dear Hubby drew the winning chance first thing this morning.
##############
Before I tell all
I want to say THANK YOU to all of you blogger-itas for visiting and leaving such wonderful Comments. 
You make Blogging great !

This third of my Play-It-Forward giveaways
is going to
V
V
V
Martys Fiber Musings

If you've not visited with Marty why not do so right now?

Again, THANKS for visiting my blog and leaving comments.

Hmmmmm, what will my next giveaway be ????????????????

Edit:
Just found Christine  A Few Scraps
who is having a Free Motion Quilt Along
where we can learn all about free-motion.
See my sidebar for her button.

Prizes

Added these lovlies to my Perle Cotton stash. Picked them up while at Bernina Club Friday.

Except for two balls that I son as door. Can you guess which two I did not pick?

If you haven't already entered my Frenchy-Frenchy giveaway - you still have ~ 84 hours left to do so

98.6 degrees

Sounds like normal, right?

Well, I don't think so in the case.

That's today's temperature

without indexing the humidity.

I'm not complaining

just commenting.

In fact, when we ate at The Old Brick House at lunch time

we sat outside on the back porch.

Didn't even break a sweat ! ! ! 

This summer's temps are hotter than last summer

and the lawns here are beginning to turn brown.

Due partly to no rain in probably a week now.

WE NEED SOME RAIN ! ! ! 

Leaves are dropping in many, many yards.

I guess that's what this time of year is all about.

* * * * * * * *

Hey, wanna see my current sock project?

This is the Zitron 100% Merino yarn

that I 'frogged'.  'Frogged' TWICE from two other pair of started socks.

Now my current pair look like this:

Impressed ya didn't I ? ? ? ?

I'm getting good at frogging.

Now to knit something I am satisfied with. 

Will do a little more this evening while we listen to the audio book

by

Richard North Patterson

EXILE

which is a very good story with lots of current events in the Middle East.

We're enjoying every hour of the seventeen hours it takes to tell the tale.

I'll be able to get an hour's worth of sock knitting while listening to the next CD of it.

- - - - - -

Was able to put in a hour or so of sewing this morning

and am making headway with several projects.

Photos upcoming.

Hey, Have you Commented on 

my Frency-Frenchy giveaway yet?

There's still time.

p.s.  I'm not the only one having a giveaway.

Pink Dogwood Blossom

is celebrating her first year of blogging.

Why not visit her?

Can't Believe

I've been blogging since

June 2007
-  -  -
Brother, the time has just whizzed on by.


My first post was more than three years ago.


One Hundred Sixty Two Weeks Ago


I wonder how many words,
how many photos
I've posted.

What ever the numbers,

blogging is not only fun

but a great way to meet up with others with the same interests
from all over the globe.


In the beginning, art dolls and quilting were my main interests.
Being able to visit so many other blogs
my interests have widened
During the three years I've been blogging
some new interests now include knitting
- mainly sox . . . 2-at-a-time on one circular needle,
and crocheting,
things vintage,
things pink,
shabby chic,
retro,

and quilting.

One Thousand One Hundred Thirty Six Days

and I feel richer for knowing all of you

Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a Comment or two.

Mom and Me

ca 1997 at Mom's in Palm Springs

 

Today is August 7th
 my Mother was born in Detroit on this date in 1915.
She's been gone for a dozen years
but still here,
in my heart,
Forever.
Love you, Mom

Hey,

Have you noticed ? ? ? ?
New Music ! ! !

Edith Piaf one of my all-time favs
singing
Non, Je Regrette Rien
&

La Vi En Rose

Not to worry though, Pink is still here

just a bit further down the list

for now.

My DH and I were at Barnes & Noble the other day.

I came across these.

 V

V

V

V

Zowee ! ! ! It's the Eiffel Tower - Paris

Had my first cup of Earl Grey while in Paris.

Could not get them outta my mind.

We went back today so I could pick them up.

Whadda think?

Pretty frenchy, huh?

The one on the left is a very cool box for keeping precious goodies,

the other is a journal for keeping track of those all important thoughts of the day

.  .  .  .  or night.

Even have four magnetic bookmarks.

Frenchy, frenchy.

Aha ! ! !

I thought they might perk your interest

so here's the deal.

I got these especially

for YOU

!!!!!!!!!

Thank You for staying with me for this,

the 300th Post ! ! ! !

Sooooo, if you're interested

and would like a chance

to have these reminders of Paris

just leave a Comment ***

[***  as an extra chance for you I'll be giving an extra chance to the first

three hundred to Comment]

Hmmmmm,

when shall I draw for this Giveaway

Hey, I know -  -  - 

I'm gonna draw in 300 hours from the time I post this.

How does that sound?

Week's progress

This is how far I got with the Carolina CarryAll
The blue is the lining and, of course, that means that the yellow/pink is the exterior of the bag.
I've gotten to Step 37
though I told you it has 48 steps
I was mistaken
I found another page of instructions
page 7 goes to Step 59 !!!I don't mind really
StudioKatDesigns
makes the pattern easy to follow
by using this many steps - small increments
can't get lost.

My first pair of sox since the 1st of September last year.
These are ready to begin the heel gusset.
I'll be using Wendy D Johnson's book
SOCKS FROM THE TOE UP
for a Gusset Heel on page 38
Not certain what the pattern I'll use for the leg portion

 

The yarn I'm using is
Austermann Step with Aloe Vera and Jojoba Oil
75% superwash virgin wool
25% polyamid/nylon
So very soft AND durable.

Yee-Haa ! ! ! Guess what I did . . .

Well, What's Your Guess ? ? ?

Here are a couple of hints

- - - -

It was a first for me

----

I was eagerly looking forward to it 

- - - 

It was easy, all I had to do was sit for 15 minutes ! ! ! ! 

- - - 

And . . . . 

it was good for me.

and no doubt it could be good for you.

Good Guess, you are almost right ! ! ! ! 

THIS IS WHAT I DID TODAY ! ! ! ! ! 

RECLAST

is an easy solution to taking that monthly tablet of Boniva or whatever.

This is a once-a-year treatment for osteoporosis.

Reclast increases bone density and strengthens bones.

Boy, was I ready for this.

I hated taking Boniva once a month; 

having to take it before breakfast

having to wait one hour before having my first cup of coffee of the day

having to sit upright during that hour.

I did it because, let's face it 

weak, disintegrating bones are not on my schedule.

So this afternoon I had my first Reclast Infusion.

Yep, it's an infusion procedure.

Just one small needle in a vein, a 15-minute wait for the Reclast to drip to and through my vein to be distributed throughout my bones.

and that's all for the entire year. 

I will continue to take my Citracal for calcium and Vit D 

these two supplements will

re-enforce my Relcast treatment.

Now I can eliminate two meds from my daily routine, 

All-in-all   

YEE-HAA ! ! ! ! 

Three-in-one

That is: three projects in one photo.

A while back there were a number of blogs with so many delicible hangers
.  .  .  .
I was envious

Once I found a wood hanger I decided to make a hanger or two of my own.

I'm using
Queensland Collection
Bamboo Cotton yarn

it's 70% bamboo and 30% cotton

So lovely to work with, 
gives wonderful results with anything I've made with it.
So soft to the touch
and such vibrant colors. 

I yarn-covered the hook part using watered-down Elmer's glue.

The posies were just waiting for a cool place to hang.

Sequins and clear crystals embellish their centers.

The flower at the base of the hook has heart button embelishment.

 

The Starling Handbag is my all time favorite ! ! !

Don't know how many I've made but each is as individual as can be.

FutureGirl

is the mother of this bag and deserves many thanks for publishing it on her blog.

I decided to line this bag.  Went through The Stash and come out with this fabric that I think goes well with it.

I'm using this bag as a - what else? - a crochet project bag.

Just the size for yet another Starling Handbag.

FutureGirl, Alice, has one terrific blog with a slug of great tutorials.

Take a Click above to view a great blog with great tuts.

 

Here's the next covered hanger in mid-stride.

Am not impressed with these flowers at all ! ! !

Back to the sidelines with these ladies while I work up some smaller posies for this hanger.

I love the color PINK

Also love Pink's music ! ! !

Can ya tell?