Turning Jackets into Totes

These are Arabesque purses, a free pattern from Sara Lawson at Sew Sweetness.  It's one of my favorite purse patterns - see the  Index on the right bottom of this blog.  While I would normally use Soft and Stable as the purse base, these purses are actually quilted jackets that I made - look at the December 3, 2007 and the March 17, 2009 blog entries.  The first jacket has traveled with me many times - look at this wonderful picture of me with two Turkish friends in the capital city Ankara.  But these two jackets have just been taking up valuable closet space since I haven't worn either of them in two years. So obviously deconstruction was called for.  This makeover has been very liberating, something I need since I'm gearing up for a new focus in February - more of this soon...

The straps are from the jacket.  So is the Exterior Pocket and the Interior Pocket.

These purses will allow me to continue to enjoy these fabrics in the most utilitarian of ways.

These sleeves will make perfect little zip pouches. 

Just one more purse...

Friend Nancy turned me on to this fabric - I made an Arabesque purse for her last week from this fabric. Another friend, someone who has suffered greatly this winter, is a perfect candidate for this happy purse. I'll give it to her tomorrow. Quilting on Soft and Stable is easy, and the quilting makes the purse that much sturdier.

Wintersection has come home.  I hung it in the living room and then promptly took it down.  I had fun making this piece, I'll find a wall in the studio or closet for it, but I don't love it anymore.  Which is ok. At yesterday's guild meeting I was talking with a couple of guildsters about education and made the point that kids must learn rules before they can break them.  A basic rule in quilting is that corners should be 90 degree angles.  I chose to break that rule.  And I don't think I will ever make that choice again...

Quilting Alchemy on a Snowy Day

The purse for loving friend Nancy is complete.  And while there are things I should do, what's calling me very very loudly is the charm pack of the complete collection of Carolyn Friedlander's Doe fabrics.  Melissa gave me this charm pack.  I saw on Pinterest an Aeroplane Bag that had a pieced body.  And 2 + 2 has come together into a very tidy 4!  Something like this.  We are getting our first really big snowfall today.  If I were still teaching, I'd be hoping for a snow day.  And you know what?  I am making today - and perhaps tomorrow too - honorary snow days.  There are ingredients for several Indian dishes - Keema Matar, Sag Paneer, Raita - just waiting.  Nice.

Five Pretty Purses, all in a row...

 Five bags are completed.  And one more is in process.  I never played with dolls when I was little.  Guess I'm making up for it now by playing with purses...

My favorite - and one I am hoping to keep.  However, everything has a price!

Anwer: Simple Tote, Sports Quilt, and Placemats

 Question:  What's been happening in the Studio this week?  First, this sweet little tote made from a bright batik is a little retirement present for my SIL who is finally graduating from Hinsdale Central after 37 years in the classroom.  Hooray!  Chris loves bright colors and corals and pinks, so I think she will LOVE this handy summer tote.  This is the Arabesque pattern from Sew Sweetness and is a free download. 

Just two little pockets on the inside and a zip top

The graduation quilt for Shari B is completed and spectacular, thanks to Frank at T and F Quilting. Shari's son is going to a college whose colors are grey, black, and royal blue. Dom's quilt is 60" by 80" and has a pillow made from a leftover baseball jersey.  From thin baseball jerseys to thick hockey jerseys,  Frank Karls and his longarming skills handles them all.  This quilt is absolutely useable and washable and will showcase some high school memories for years to come.

So far 4 of my 16 placemats are almost done.  These plain outer borders are crying for some quilting.  This is a great opportunity for some threadplay!

It's Thursday.  Off to my parents with some shrimp and grits and my handsewing, all nestled into this nifty little tri-zippered pouch from my guild buddy Sarah E. Having made a couple of these, I know how special these are and love that Sarah made this for me.  What a spirit-lifting gesture! 

In my favorite colors

Loaded and ready to go! (and check out the little pin cushion in the top of the bag!!!)