Summer spoils

I'm very happy to have some projects finished before school begins and The Madness ensues.

I made Mia this Dragon Backpack (by request in blues) using Kristi's geometric dragon paper piecing pattern, combining it with Essex linen in gray to help it pOp. The backpack pattern is Edelweiss by my BFF Sara over at Sew Sweetness. You can pick up these patterns and support Indie designers while also learning a trick or two and feeling pretty awesome in the process. I mean, it's nearly as good as building a rocket (I imagine).  

Every time I have a request from the kids, I take them through the process so they know this sh*t doesn't just magically happen. We start with a storyboard of some sort, inspiration colors/images/Google searches/etc...  It takes them some time, which buys me some time. Win / win.  Know what I'm sayin'?

Inspiration pic for backpack:  

I then sometimes haul them to Target so they can see what is available for $10 (you know, lunch bags made in China and the sort)--complete with showing them the crap seams and sewing execution. I know--it's totally NUTS. But they should know quality, they should realize craftsmanship takes wErk, (attitude with work ethic)--and then appreciate the discipline it takes to complete the job.  

I think a lot of this has been lost in the last 30 years, starting with "more is more" in the 80's. 

Just my 2 cents. You can take it or leave it. LOL!

Mia also will carry her new lunch bag I pieced together crazy style:

It's the Peas and Corn lunch bag by Sew Sweetness. 

Can you tell I kinda have a girl crush on Sara? LOL  

I can't help it, all her patterns WeRK!

Ahhhh cue Ru Paul!!

Meanwhile Ruby will carry her Cumberland Backpack:

This is Sara's newest pattern release. It's AWEsome, the shape, the pockets everywhere, everything.

Please for the love of God do not feel any twinge of guilt if you don't make your kids their bags. OH MY GAWD nooo. Just don't go there. I only have done this because I have the patterns and I love to sew--A N D I took a break from "selling" my wares this summer. I didn't do anything other than what I wanted to do. It was luxurious and rich, and I think quite possibly the ONLY way to live.  LMAO

Seriously.

Do what you like. Period.  And if that means buying Target products made in China then do it. Ok? Are we clear? We still good?

:D

Speaking of Target... I went there last night after seeing BAD MOMS with my friends and I went NUTZ-O. I was like---high--- or something. I suddenly felt free from all the "perfection pressure" that plagues Mothers. I try to bake home made granola bars, and make my own laundry soap, and infuse oils rather than use medicine but DAMN Yo...sometimes I'm just super sick of that sh*t and go rogue. 

Am I the only one who does this? 

In other news, I think I have Olympics Depression.

I'm not kidding. It was so inspiring and exciting to watch those amazing athletes every day--their stories-their triumphs... I was soaking it up! Not to mention the commercials. Those b*tches gave me goose bumps or had be near tears. "We are all made of Gold...." yeah yeah...I can't go there now, but I know you know what I'm saying.  Here is a link to some of them: Gold is  feeling, Rise, & A refreshing finish.  Not to mention the Galaxy Note 7 advert. Christoph Walz has me in every movie he's in- German born but he can do ANY accent perfectly--- I love him! The message was loud and clear too----Americans DO over task. It's our culture.

Which leads me to the article in the latest Oprah magazine- her "what I know for sure" column is always the first thing I read. 

This one really hit home- the disconnectedness she describes is right on.

"...you start believing what the world has to say about you, whether it's the world in your head or the world outside"...

   

In today's hyper connected world I often have to take breaks from social media to feel "right" again. It's a love hate relationship, 100%.

August issue 2016  

Don't get me wrong, there are lots of pluses to social media too. I am loving the Quilt-Alongs I'm participating in this year, and the facebook groups I joined (never knew they were a thing!)..

Finding like minded crafty people is FUN.

Week 15 of the Summer Sampler and I'm not sick of it! That's a reason to have a box-o-wine party right there!

Did you know the Posh magazine REAL SIMPLE listed the top 10 best boxed wines? Well honey I saved that to my Pinterest! Here you go, and you're welcome. 

Which speaking of wine in a box....

I had lots of it while finishing this String Quilt made with all scraps 1" to 1.5" in widths. I'm pretty pleased with it---but I'll let out full disclosure here (embarrassingly)---....

I started this while still living in England. That's almost 2 years ago now.  Geesh!!!!!

I started the blocks (each one has four sections) on a whim one day, and just made a block or two here and there. Then this summer I thought-- this needs to be finished or else it's going to be out of style by the time it's done (in 2 decades)... So I went full blast for about two weeks and there she is.

Never again.

BAhahahahaha Just kidding. But no, she's not for sale and I AIN'T makin' ya one, no matter how long we've known each other! bahahahaha

#puglife

I've finished a lot of clothes this summer too- thank you Rae!! 

Your patterns are the bestestest! Here is a "Ruby top" in voile, and there are more pics of other finished on my IG feed if you fancy a look. XOXO

I've rambled enough for now, let me know what you're up to, would ya?!