A Finished Weekender Tote

I got on a roll and finished my tote a week early. I am so please with how it turned out. Both Karilyn and Dave asked me if they could have it. I of course said, "no". I'm going to make a backpack for Karilyn though, and as for Dave, um...maybe a "man purse" would be more up his ally? Here are the pictures:
Putting on the metal clasp!

Pulling the bag through!

Opened bag before I stuffed the lining inside. This gives a good view of the pockets:

Top stitching the top:
The finished bag:
Inside:
The bag with the dresses I made for Karilyn and Heidi:

Straps and Outer Shell without help

Here's the latest on my weekender tote. This week we did the straps and finished the outer shell. I was a little behind because I was busy getting ready for Diana's birthday party, which will be my next blog post.















Only two weeks left until the bag will be complete! Stay tuned!

The Flats

Diana's Birthday is quickly approaching and I have plans to make her some birthday presents along with a birthday dress. We are going to celebrate next weekend, a whole week early, so I really have to pick up the pace this week!

Today I finished one of her presents. I got the idea from one of my new favorite sites, here. I thought they were so cute that I didn't change much from the "recipe". I'm really pleased with how these cloth paper dolls turned out! They are very fun with their Velcro undies and a complete wardrobe to attach!

Pleat Week and a Little More Help From Another Friend

Yes I do have a lot of friends... and a lot of help. Heidi helped me with pleat week on the weekender tote project.

(I didn't get any pictures of the sewing the two fabrics together or of ironing on the interfacing.)

Here I'm sewing the pleats in place:
Here I'm getting ready to cut: I was a bit nervous. Jen, if you're reading this, you actually WERE HELPFUL!
The cut pleats all ready to go:
Fortunately, Heidi didn't start helping me until AFTER I used the template:
She saw the dotted line and thought I needed it cut. She actually thought she WAS helping. But if you look closely you'll see that her cutting skills are very good as she cut perfectly on the line, not bad for a three year old... if only I needed it cut!

I'll have to print a new template out for the next weekender tote I make!

I wonder who will help me next week with the straps and outer shell.

Hocking Hills

We spent most of last week in Hocking Hills! It was awesome! Here are some of my favorite pictures: Sorry, some of them are sideways, I got tired of messing with it!
Our Cabin:

Karilyn was impressed with all the caterpillars!
Heidi's Dog binoculars:






Fat Lady squeeze: Does this mean I'm fat?


My favorite picture:


Diana hung out in the ergo the whole time! I LOVE that carrier!



We already miss it!

A Boring Post and a Little Help From a Friend

It's cutting week for the weekender tote project and here are some pictures. Diana was a BIG help!