Another basket; on a roll

On a roll; two completed.  How many more shall I make?  These will make nice Christmas gifts, I think.

Small fabric basket

Now that I've got bags and duffles out of the way, I have time to play with charm packs and fat quarters that I've been collecting.  I purchased this Basket of Charms pattern by Sweet Jane at a quilt show.  I chose to make the smallest of three baskets, which measures about 4"x 6".  See the 2" square pincushion made from extra scraps?  This is a handy basket for keeping needle, thread and scissors at my side when stitching and mending.

Embroidered Drawstring Backpacks

Personalized drawstring backpacks made for the girlies by Grandma; now finished and on their way to Idaho.  I think I've got bags and travel cushions out of my system for the moment.  

Calico Quilter's Casita; Spring 2016

Angels welcome here

Angels welcome here.

  

April 2016; In the garden...

Spots of lavendar, rose geranium and sweet alyssum grow amidst a mint patch which is kept in check by hardpan soil.

A view of my Calico Quilter's garden in the springtime.  It's not a large area, but every garden requires daily maintenance to thrive.  I spend early mornings in the garden, watering and tending the plants.  Roses do well here.

Child's Duffle Bag and Drawstring Backpack

Still cranking out bags for the granddaughters.  These are for Natalie.  Nat's 4 years old (almost 5) and currently into gymnastics.  I lined the duffle with this very cute print fabric and with the leftovers I made a drawstring/cinch bag backpack, just the right size for Natalie.  The bag measures about 13" wide by 15" long.  I looked at a lot of drawstring backpack patterns before I came up with this version of my own.  I used Butterick 5934 to make this duffle.  I had no struggles sewing this one and have made it twice already; definitely a go-to bag patterns.

Dance bags in the making

Chloe is an endearing grandchild who loves her ballet lessons.  When she was younger I made a ballet bag for her, pink canvas with black gingham trim, custom-sized to her small frame.  Chloe is 7 years old now and she needs a bigger bag.  So, here it is sewn up in  red, with hot pink trim; Chloe has loved the color red for a while now.  Thank goodness for granddaughters which gives me good reason to use the embroidery feature on my very fancy sewing machine.  Chloe's bag...all done!  Next I am working on a bag for Natalie who is our little 4-year-old gymnast.  After that, I'll be making a dance bag for Jaden who will be 13 in July.  Three fabulous granddaughters, Jaden, Chloe and Natalie. We are so blessed : )