It's fun to be at the YMCA

(not actual YMCA facility)

On Monday we all joined the YMCA. Don't sing the song, Tom hates it! LOL. Anyway, we are enjoying it immensely. It is only $57 a month for all of us. We have access to all the work out classes, the weight room, the bikes and elypticals, stair masters, etc.. The kids love to swim most of all. And believe it or not, we have worked out everyday this week so far! We shall see how long the enthusiasm lasts!!

Frenchy Bag and More!

As I am able to find time, make time, or steal time, I allow myself the pleasure and treat of making something with fabric and my sewing machine. This past week I purchased the Amy Butler Frenchy Bag pattern. I couldn't wait to get started on it and I got it done in one afternoon and evening with lots of interruptions. I started it after mass on Superbowl Sunday and got it done before midnight. It was "SEW EASY" and it is roomy without being too large or bulky. Below is a picture of the inside and pockets. I forgot to buy a magnetic snap so I need to add that. I think velcro would work too.

Below is my very first baby quilt. I finished it a couple of weeks ago but took far too long to finally mail it. My first attempt at mailing it, I ran other errands came home and completely forgot to go to the post office. I planned to go again the next day, but it was so rainy and ugly out that I decided not to go out at all that day. The next day was Saturday and I missed the deadline for the Post Office. On Monday I got so caught up with cleaning and school and then got sucked into sewing, that I didn't go out at all again. Then finally today, Sara had a doctor appointment and I had to go to the post office to get stamps to mail some bills so, FINALLY, I mailed it out. Thank goodness my nephew isn't due for a few more weeks!! I hope you like it Steph!

I was looking to buy some fabric checkbook covers to got with my Frenchy Bag or future bags I will make, so I went on ebay and bid on a couple. I lost the bids because I was too cheap to bid higher than $5, so I decided to research how to make my own. I found a free pattern online for the checkbook cover and made one. I used my Chocolate Lollipop fabric (which doesn't match with my bag, but will match with the next bag I make). It turned out nice but I made a few changes to the pattern to make it work better with my checks. Here is what it looks like. The colors are nice, pink and chocolate! YUM!

I am thinking of making a few and selling them on ebay. But first I will start by making them for family and friends as gifts.

My next new project will be making another smaller bag also by Amy Butler called Stash and Dash Bags. These little bags are great when you don't feel like carrying a purse or tote but have more than a handful to carry. I am expecting my pattern in the mail any day now. I bought a stash of fabric at Walmart for $1 or $2 a yard. But I want to invest in a few yards of designer fabric too, which can run about $9-$14 a yard, but are very pretty and unique.