Ultrasuede bag

For a change of pace, I got some of my ultrasuede out, and made a little tote bag.

It is about the right size for carrying an iPad, or just a convenient size for everyday use.

The ultrasuede is a challenge to sew, but it went pretty well. The cream-color on the flap is a lighter weight ultrasuede, very soft and flexible, and easier to work with.

I got it when Baer's was still here, and they had a wonderful selection to choose from. it was a splurge, but hard to resist...

I found this wonderful lining fabric in my black-and-white collection. It is designer fabric that I got years ago in New York. Glad I splurged on it, too. The black with white polka dots is a lined pocket.

I love making bags.

Oh, to be in England

Although I haven't posted much lately, I have been busy.

I have been working on an English cottage and garden. It is for a gift from a friend to her granddaughter-in-law, who has moved to the United States from England. My friend asked me to do a quilt that would be reminiscent of a cottage in an English village.

I have traveled to and bicycled in many charming English villages, so it seemed like a pleasant assignment.

I have enjoyed it, but it took on a life of its own, and was much more "labor-intensive" than I expected...

I did a composite of several photos, and combined a "typical" half-timbered cottage with "typical" English garden.

I am pleased with the way it turned out, and I think it will make the recipient happy, too.

It was another opportunity for me to practice free-motion embroidery, and I am especially happy with the way the sky turned out, and the stucco on the cottage

I just learned yesterday that my neighborhood fabric store will be closing in a few weeks. In addition to it being so conveniently located, it has been the meeting place for our Monday night meetings.. So I don't know if our group will find another place to meet. It was quite a shock to hear the news. One thing that could happen would be for someone to buy the shop and continue it in the same location... Time will tell.