Well to do a recap of the Market... I will say that I learned a lot. I met a lot of great people to know. I exchanged a few cards and handed out some flyers. I also took a few school house classes that were very informative. I experienced sample spree. There were some things that I had pictured one way, which I was looking forward to.  Then once experiencing it I found I wouldn't participate in next time. Then there were other things that I just did for the heck of it and I was very surprised that I would definitely do next time.

There were people from all over the world there.  I was there just three days and market went two extra days that I wasn't,  but I would say that it was very easy to get around and see all of the booths.  I didn't feel crowded which I was wondering if that would be a problem and it wasn't.  I think just being one person moving around made it pretty easy.  I also peeked at a few of the quilts in the quilt show that will stay for a few weeks until the Quilt Festival for the public is over.  They were impressive.  I think that it is neat that people have invested the time to dedicate to one quilt that would be easily upwards of 100 hours.  Those are crazy to see.  So all in all it was a great trip.  I learned probably too much and now I just need to decide what to do with all that knowledge... maybe just waste it.... just kidding :)  I'm looking forward to getting with some of the people I have met and to continue on down this road of making new things.  Plus I did get to spend some time with family down there as well.

(sample spree)

(cutest booth display, I think that this trailer was super cute and it really would make camping fun but I don't think it would be as cute when you got home because camping is quite dirty my feeling)

(on the plane home)

(Coming into the Airport)

I'm here and it is a relief. Here's my Quilt and me shamelessly taking a picture next to it. They have other things of mine too but I don't want to be too dorky taking pictures next to all of them. Loving the vacation!

Here is my new pattern :) (UPDATE - I have it finished and it is available in my pattern shop tab #2 and Etsy and) I don't have it uploaded on the pattern sites yet but I will hopefully have it all ready to go by the end of next week. I seriously had post-it-notes stuck all over the way of the things that I needed to finish before I left and I only got about five hours of sleep each night, which for me is three to four short.

 Anyway, I was super excited to share this little bag. It is cute as a backpack or just a purse or whatever bag.  Well, I am officially on the plane when this posts. I was able to do a few posts that will hopefully add as I am gone.

 So if you are interested in these patterns please don't forget to check back in a week when they will both be ready. Thanks so much!!

 The strap is adjustable and the bag can be worn a couple different ways, even as a messenger bag.  Don't my kids look happy... just kidding.  It was a little chilly.

(Love adding the embroidery and trims and appliqué)

(big version, with rings and adjustable strap)

(handle strap)

Of course you need to have a big version and a small version.  Well, this bag has tons of extras and it was inspired by my recent bag I was able to make.  I just thought it was fun adding all of the extra hardware.  It makes sewing a little exciting.

Thanks for looking.  I have a quilt to share tomorrow!

I have some finished projects!!  Zipper Pouch... Weekender Bag...

Zipper Pouch - First my kids were invited to a birthday.  It was a BOY's birthday.  I enjoy sewing things for kids but I always think that it is more challenging when it comes to boys.  At least for me.  I thought that it would be fun to make a zipper bag because I have recently been practicing my zipper skills.  So here is some pics of that little bag (plus two extra for my kiddos).  PS - I made it from this tutorial - love this awesome bag and very impressed by her sewing skills!




The Weekender - So now for my most exciting finished project.  I was checking out a few other blogs where I found this lovely bag.  It is Amy Butler's Weekender bag pattern.  I came across it a few months ago but because I was still a little bit sad and out of sorts at that point, I just thought it was cute but didn't give a second thought. Then I saw it again recently on another site.  I thought with the upcoming trip that it would be perfect project now.  Also, my best bud was going on a trip too so that called for a group project.  I won't bore ya with too much more other than it was TUFFFFFF to sew the constructed panels together.  We are talking Duck Cloth, Piping, Batting, Main Panels, Pocket Panels, LOTS of LAYERS of FABRIC.  I can't even tell you how many times I poked my little fingers.  There was even a point where a needle when in between the nail and finger and there was blood a few times so this bag had a little spot treatment.

Anyway, it is finished.  We modified the pattern with extras.  It is outfitted with magnetic clasps, adjustable straps, inner elastic pockets, inner zip pocket, quilted panels, purse feet, exposed zipper, and oddly enough shorter handles :).  It feels great to have this one finished and checked off the to do list.  The to do list is getting a little backed up here in this house.  Just FYI - I am not going to have a finished dress (in previous post).  I have two apparel projects that are unfinished now.  When things don't work out I just put them to the side until I can later figure it out or never ;)  I think the clothes thing will work out eventually.

(I have my boots for Texas and now I have my bag! :)0)

(Magnetic Clasp)

(Shorter Straps and Quilted Panels)

(Weekender Bag)

(my Most Favorite Print, and tons of cherished scraps)

Well, I have to include a little about the fabric.  I'm in love with all the scraps in this bag.  They remind me of the projects that I have been able to do over the last little bit.  Also the bag reminds me of things that I have learned over the last few years, which helped me make this bag.  Where a few years ago wouldn't have looked as good finished.  I also did an ode to Amy Butler herself which I felt was very appropriate in the green on the top, it is the green fabric and she is the one that designed the pattern.  A bright leaf Green is one of my favorite colors and mixed with all of the color shades that I love, you can't go wrong.  This was a labor of love taking up a few days and nights but it made it more fun to do it with a couple of friends involved.  If you ever want to make one I suggest making one with a buddy because it makes the whole process sweeter (and then you don't feel alone when you are cussing and bleeding).

Now I just need to literally pack my bags but I got a few days to work all that in.