Friday, June 25, 2010

my short list

I have several areas that I try to monitor in my life.  Things that I need to be on the look out regarding. For example, here is my short list of cautions that I keep an eye on:
  1.   stay away from poison ivy
  2.   don't go to the grocery store hungry
  3.   be careful to not purchase more plants than I want  to water keep alive throughout the summer 
  4.   I have enough bags/totes/purses
I really do well with #1-3 on that list.  But #4 kicks my butt all the time.  I love bags and totes and purses.  I have plenty, I really do.  But there is always just one more adorable bag, calling my name.  Last week, I found a short term antidote to my malady.  I made two totes for other people.  My friend Maureen had a birthday and she was gifted the blue tote because blue is her favorite color and she's a mom and every mom needs a cute new tote bag for their birthday, right!?  See, I got my bag fix tended to by sewing two cuties, and I didn't even keep one of them.  (well, one is still here at the house, but I'm planning on using it as a gift...really I am.)
I used Larissa's Deputy Tote bag tutorial.  If you've never made a tote before, Larissa's tutorial is a great place to start.  I followed all her wonderful directions and then I added some extras to make each bag a bit individual.  (thanks Larissa!)
*I put pockets inside each bag, because pockets are essential in a tote bag. 
*I added this flower which is attached with a pin for easier laundering.  The flower is just a strip of fabric cut with pinking sheers and gathered into a spiral.  easy peasy
*on this bag, I added the red grosgrain ribbon before sewing the side seams.  I like the punch of color it added.
 I had a fun time sewing and embellishing and the bags and then giving away the fun. (I am not an enabler...I'm not!)  Today, I'm headed to the grocery store...right after I eat a solid breakfast.  What about you, what things are you cautious about in your life? 

14 comments:

Meg said...

This is too funny--bags are a big weakness for me, too. They're just so easy to make, and they're quick, and playing with fabrics and trimmings is so much fun...it's a good thing my sewing machine is put away right now! What lucky friends you have!

The WoodLand School said...

You're hilarious! I'm so impressed that you're making bags to give away ... maybe I'll have to try that sometime :-)

My name is Courtney ... and I'm a bag-a-holic!

Tracy said...

Oh, I had to laugh little Lisa, especially about #4! I love bags and making them, and earlier this year finally broke my addition... I think, I hope... LOL! These bags you've made are so pretty--so festive! They will be loved. Oh, happy belated anniversary greetings to you & your hubby! May the love keep growing and blooming! :o) Happy Days ((HUGS))

Gigi said...

Oh, cute bags! And anyway, how can that be bad -- you're making them (thrifty, right?) and they're useful, so there Bag Police!
My weakness is yarn & shoes. Although, I went to the big yarn shop in Dallas yesterday and didn't buy a thing -- not one thing -- ha!
But then, I went to the mall to return some shoes to Anthropologie and ended up buying another pair at Dillard's on the way out ;-(. But, we do try to be good, don't we?

Christina said...

Lol! Sewing bags is definitely one of my weaknesses too! They're so easy and satisfying and embelish-able. I made three bags last week, and all of them were for giving away. I was proud of myself. ; )

Your bags are adorable, by the way, and I think the recipients will be delighted.

From All Stitched Up said...

I guess we are all the same. Shorts for little babies - why am I making them - I just had to. I can't find enough little babies to dress. I think there's always something. I like sharing my crafts with others. For awhile I was making lots of napkins, then shorts and I'm sure something else will come along.

cathleen said...

Oh, yes, you are an enabler! Now I want to go up to my sewing room, pick out some coordinating fabrics and sew me one or two of those gorgeous bags. Your choice of fabrics look lovely together, Lisa!

Stephanie said...

Yes, bags are a serious addiction, I know it all too well! So is fabric, yarn, and shoes :)

Your bags are super cute, and will be well loved I'm sure.

~ The Jolly Bee ~ said...

I share your love of bags! And for the record, you can never have too many. It's true. I've made many a tote following Larissa's instructions. Your fabric choices are awesome -- you definitely have an "eye" for combinations.

At Home Mommy Knits said...

Love your bags!! You have very fortunate friends.

Imene said...

I don't know where your rule comes from but a woman has never enough bags!!..or at least that's what I tell my husband ;o)
i love your bags and Larissa's tutorial is really great!

Coach said...

If you think you have so many bags I will just take back the one I just got for you. Sorry! (Ha, Ha)

Kristyn Knits said...

my short list-
1. magazines and books
2. another new craft project
3. avoid irritating bees
4. bags

your creations are perfect! love how you added special details to make them each unique. a new bag? that you didn't share with us??

hook and needle said...

Just found your blog, I love the totes! I've only made one crochet tote... perhaps I should take a taste of tote-sewing?