Monday, September 6, 2010

I've been sewing....

I've finally gotten around to making myself a tote bag!  I have about a dozen different fabrics/ideas for one, and this is what struck me on Saturday evening when I went to pull out "something" to finally make one for myself.....  I LOVE how it turned out - red and paisley - can't get any better than that.  The lining is the red paisley like the bottom/handles and there is a double pocket on the inside.   I'm going to make a couple of matching zipper bags to go with it - soon! ;-)  I started it Saturday night & finished it up yesterday afternoon. 

Picture is clickable btw, just in case you can't see it well!

We took a ride to Sumter yesterday a.m. to go to the new Michael's that just opened and it is a nice store, though it seemed a bit smaller than the one I shop in at the beach.  It's okay though, it's only about 30-45 minutes away (depending on traffic), so I won't complain too much! :-)  Then we stopped at the grocery store for a few things on the way home.  I spent the afternoon/evening finishing my tote bag & stitching.  I have LOTS of finishing to do & plan to get started on that in just a few minutes.  I didn't get as much done as I'd planned on this "long weekend", just had too much else to do.  Tomorrow is my sister's birthday so we took Hannah (our niece) to Wal-Mart & she picked out a giant chocolate chip cookie (instead of a cake) & we had "Happy Birthday Mama" put it on it and she also picked out a card & a couple of other little things for a gift.  We took it to my parents where my bro-in-law met us & then I had my mom call my sister to come over.  She was shocked to see us all there & I think it made her feel good, or at least I hope it did. I know Hannah was thrilled with the "surprise party" for her mama! ;-)  My sister is having constant migraine headaches and just can't get any relief & I'm worried about her.  Then she came over this afternoon & we chatted for awhile while Uncle Ray took Hannah for a ride with the top down.  She enjoys it more than *I* do, that's for sure!  I don't think I'd want to go back to being 10 years old, but wouldn't it be nice for the "little things" to be such "big things" again? ;-) 

Okay, off to do some finishing - wish me luck.  Each time I start, I have to stop for some other reason....  so crossing my fingers I have more pics to share in a few days!!  Happy stitching & Happy Labor Day!

21 comments:

Faye said...

Surprise parties always are a winner~~ I know it meant so much to your sister!!....Now, let us know how many fish you caught!!!

Take care, Faye

My Life In Stitches said...

Your tote bag is beautiful! I wish I could sew.
I have suffered from migraines for years, in March 2009 and I haven't had a migraine since July 2009. I don't know if it would work for everyone but it could be worth a try for your sister. Wish her a Happy Birthday!
Happy Stitching,
Annette

Louise said...

Beautiful! Love your finished pieces :)
Sorry about the migraines..I too have suffered many, many years.
Hope she feels better soon,

Raggedystitches,
Louise

BrendaS said...

Love your bag -- especially the colors.

Happy Birthday to your sister.

Natasha said...

Awww I am sure she was thrilled with the surprise :)

Whata beautiful tote Amy. I just LOVE the colors. I am sad not to be going to PALS this year. I am hoping to go next year though, hopefully in the next few years we will have made our way back to South Carolina then I can go to all the stitch ins :)

Take care and good luck on your finishing

Robin said...

I love the bag. Your fabric selection is awesome.

Nicole said...

Wow Amy! It turned out so pretty!! I love the changes you made. The bow is so cute! That was so sweet of you to surprise your mom - I bet she loved it!! I'm so sorry about your sisters migraines - I know how awful they can be. I used to get them all the time!

DonnaTN said...

You made a great tote bag! Migraines are awful. I get them occasionally, but my sister takes daily medication to keep them away.

Nicky said...

Your bag is gorgeous - you're right, red and paisley are pretty hard to beat! What a lovely surprise for your sister too.

Myra said...

Such a pretty bag Amy - you done good! Paisleys are one of my favorites. Sounds like you had some nice family time this weekend. Good luck with the finishing.

Carolyn NC said...

Your bag is adorable and perfect for you in the great reds!

Karen said...

OMG...Amy, your tote is gorgeous. Love the little bow detail around the middle. The red/white is so pretty!

Glad your sister had a happy birthday...hope she finds relief soon from her headaches.

Ahhhh...to have the wind blowing through my hair. Reminds me of riding in the back of my dad's pickup truck...in the good old days when you could do that.

Sharon said...

Gorgeous bag! Love the colors. Hope your sister feels better soon-those migraines are horrible.

Беликова Татьяна said...

Красивая сумка!!! Отличный цвет!

Sally said...

I absolutely love yout tote bag! So pretty.

Shelleen said...

Your bag is gorgeous! I hope that your sister can get some relief.

Sherry :o) said...

I love your finish - both the bag pattern and the fabric. Did you make it up or did you use a pattern? I'd love to know pattern...

I, too, have suffered from migraines and hope your sister improves! I am sure she loved the surprise!

Unknown said...

Wow!! A beautiful tote bag - something a girl can always use! LOL Amy, it is just beautiful and the colors are so nice and crisp. Very pretty.

Glad to see Hanna excited to do something for her mom - she is obviously being raised right!!

LoriU said...

Your tote bag is just beautiful! Love the fabric and colors! Congrats on the finish!

Lori

Blu said...

Gorgeous tote! The reds are so crisp and stunning!

Charlene ♥ NC said...

What a great bag! Oh, there's nothing better than red - well, maybe except yellow (and together, yum). Sounds like a great birthday celebration. Have a great finishing weekend!