What's My Title?

As I sit here reading my ever-growing list of sewing blogs, I can't help but wonder what to call myself. What exactly does one who sews call herself anyway?

• A Seamstress? - well yes and no. I'm not really one to make clothing, or even alter clothing for that matter. Yet my friend and neighbor seems to think that is what I am.
• A Sewist? - ummmm, not really. This would imply that I am a great artiste. I get my inspiration and ideas from other people, therefore I feel that I need to give them the credit for being the artist.
• A Sewer - NO. That's just wrong.
• A Quilter - again, yes and no. I like to make quilts. I like to quilt fabric to make things that are not quilts. Yet I still have not finished the two major quilts that are sitting in my sewing closet.
• A Purse-Maker/Designer - yes. I think this fits me the best. However, it doesn't sound all fancy and romanticized. I need more flair than that.

So I am still stuck. I guess for now I'll just be Missie-the girl who likes to make things with her sewing machine. Wait. Did I just call myself a girl? Shouldn't I be a lady? Or a woman? Geez, this is a never-ending cycle...

Chasing Cottons Blog Giveaway

I discovered Chasing Cottons a few weeks ago when Rebecca commented on one of my blog posts. I love her modern quilting style and designer's eye for color. She truly has inspired me as I browse through her blog.
Rebecca is giving away one of her new quilt patterns, Rolling Meadows, as well as some of the fabric with which to make this quilt. Since I never win anything (lol!) I entered her blog contest in hopes that this might be my lucky week! Keeping my fingers crossed!

Zippered Pouch

I am an avid sewing blog reader. I find it inspirational to see what other extremely talented women around the world create on a daily basis. One of the blogs I frequent is Pink Penguin. Ayumi has a great technique for sewing zippers on pouches & bags, so I thought I'd try it out today. I used her Patchwork Wristlet Tutorial to make this awesome little pouch.
The outer bag is quilted with straight lines, alternating single & double lines, in both directions. I am so happy with it, and the technique, that I plan to make some as gifts in the near future. I also have a purse in the works to match it. It's actually going to be a small tote bag by the time I finish with it, but that's ok. I'm sure I'll find plenty of things with which to fill it ;)

GO!

I soooooo want an Accuquilt GO! It is a template "machine" that cuts your fabric in perfect quilty shapes. I have been wanting one for about a year and I just discovered that one of my favorite bloggers at a la mode fabric is having a giveaway of one of these beauties thanks to Accuquilt. Please let me win!!!

New Addition

Now this isn't a crafty post at all. Sometimes I just have to post about life. Our life has become a little crazy in the past 2 days as we have a new addition to our family.

Meet Lily!!!!

She's our American Bulldog/Chocolate Lab mix and she is the most adorable, lazy, playful little pup ever. We love her!

2nd Grade Messenger Bag

Emma has been begging me to make her a new schoolbag this year. I guess the trusty LL Bean backpack just isn't cool anymore. So this morning I finally took the time to whip up this messenger bag for her. It's quite big for my petite 7 year old, but it will definitely hold her folders, lunchbag and library books. As I got started she informed me that it needed a heart-shaped pocket with her name on it. We compromised with the letter "E" in purple fuzzy leopard print. The outer bag is a home decor canvas and the lining is flannel. I also used interfacing as well as a thin layer of batting for stability. The strap is adjustable with 2 "square" rings. I am quite proud of this and may already have a request for 2 more for a friend's daughters. Woohoo!!!

Butterfly Bag

My friend's daughter turned 15 yesterday and tonight is her party. After asking around this morning I discovered that she likes green, blue, butterflies and purses.
Taadaa!!!!!!! Here's her new purse! It's based on the purse that I made for myself earlier this year and I've decided to call it the "Mili Purse". Get it? MIssie LInd....
I love this fabric from Hoffman. The pictures don't do it justice as the swirls and butterfly accents are actually silver, but you get the idea.