Some of my projects have been secret ones. Now that they are delivered I can finally share. =)

April's Sew Sweet Bee queen bee was Donna @ Donna's Lavender Nest. She asked for a strawberry block from Lori Holt's book, Farm Girl Vintage. So cute!!

For the Chosen Sister's Birthday swap, Pennie had asked for an Amy Butler Weekender Bag. I have made it once before, you can see it here, so I took on the challenge to make one for Pennie.  As it was the first time, it is a bag that takes a lot of time and you can't hurry through it. For a while I wanted to give up. Dare I confess, I wanted to throw it across the room? But for Pennie, I powered through and I am pleased with how it turned out, even with the flaws. Last weekend Pennie shared she took it to her first quilting retreat. =) That made all the struggle worth it. =) 

Terrible picture of the interior.

I send a hearty THANK YOU to my friend Capi, for graciously hand sewing the lining in for me. =) 

For the record, this may be the last one I attempt, or at least until I sufficiently forget how challenging it is to make. =D

Have a happy Wednesday!

Some of my projects have been secret ones. Now that they are delivered I can finally share. =)

April's Sew Sweet Bee queen bee was Donna @ Donna's Lavender Nest. She asked for a strawberry block from Lori Holt's book, Farm Girl Vintage. So cute!!

For the Chosen Sister's Birthday swap, Pennie had asked for an Amy Butler Weekender Bag. I have made it once before, you can see it here, so I took on the challenge to make one for Pennie.  As it was the first time, it is a bag that takes a lot of time and you can't hurry through it. For a while I wanted to give up. Dare I confess, I wanted to throw it across the room? But for Pennie, I powered through and I am pleased with how it turned out, even with the flaws. Last weekend Pennie shared she took it to her first quilting retreat. =) That made all the struggle worth it. =) 

Terrible picture of the interior.

I send a hearty THANK YOU to my friend Capi, for graciously hand sewing the lining in for me. =) 

For the record, this may be the last one I attempt, or at least until I sufficiently forget how challenging it is to make. =D

Have a happy Wednesday!

After years of wanting one, weeks of planning, a few false starts, I have finished my first Amy Butler Weekender Bag. 

I used the quilt as you go method as explained by Elizabeth Hartman. Her method makes a super sturdy and solid bag without all that interfacing. 

Next time, I want to sew in the lining by machine. Chrissy @ Sew Lux Fabric shared a tutorial on how to do it. 

I'll also add more pockets to the inside of the bag. 

The worst part for me was sewing around the curves of the bag. The bulk almost got the best of me. 

Match your thread to your project. It hides the less than perfect sewing nicely. ;)

There is no need to fear making this bag. I won't say it's easy, but it is doable. Take your time, study the instructions and read the helpful tips and ideas from the other bloggers out there who have made this bag. Google and Pinterest were my friends. =) 

Here is a link to my Pinterest board with the links I found to be very helpful. 

http://www.pinterest.com/redeemedsheep/amy-butler-weekender-bag/

Have a happy week! I'll be posting another giveaway soon. =)

After years of wanting one, weeks of planning, a few false starts, I have finished my first Amy Butler Weekender Bag. 

I used the quilt as you go method as explained by Elizabeth Hartman. Her method makes a super sturdy and solid bag without all that interfacing. 

Next time, I want to sew in the lining by machine. Chrissy @ Sew Lux Fabric shared a tutorial on how to do it. 

I'll also add more pockets to the inside of the bag. 

The worst part for me was sewing around the curves of the bag. The bulk almost got the best of me. 

Match your thread to your project. It hides the less than perfect sewing nicely. ;)

There is no need to fear making this bag. I won't say it's easy, but it is doable. Take your time, study the instructions and read the helpful tips and ideas from the other bloggers out there who have made this bag. Google and Pinterest were my friends. =) 

Here is a link to my Pinterest board with the links I found to be very helpful. 

http://www.pinterest.com/redeemedsheep/amy-butler-weekender-bag/

Have a happy week! I'll be posting another giveaway soon. =)