the last few handmade gifts

A few days ago the most lovely piece of fabric arrived in the mail.  I have been coveting Lara Cameron's fabric for so long now and finally managed to get to her Etsy shop in time to buy some.  And it is indeed fabulous.  I know fabric is really special when it never makes it onto the shelf - it becomes something as soon as it arrives.  Lara's fabric became this tote bag for our good friend, Lia. 

If you've been reading this journal for any length of time you've probably noticed that there are certain things I rarely make - garments, costumes, home decor, and tote bags.  Anything that involved measuring and math and straight lines.  Bleh.  But I have had Amy's book  on my bedside table for months now and it is so lovely and inspiring and, best of all, reassuring, that I decided to give her tote bag pattern a go.

I paired Lara's fabric with some heavy Ikea canvas-like stuff that my sister gave me a while ago and I'm fond of the red and aqua and linen combination.  Yea!  I made a bag.  I hope Lia likes it.

And finally, the last of the gift crafting for a bit (?), some softies for new babies.

Seems like so many of my friends are pregnant with their second child now.  I think maybe six friends in the last six months!  That means lots of cuddly lambs are being sewn up. These two are made from some fulled wool from Wendy.  I so rarely sew with wool now it was a pleasure to make these. 

Okay, there really is a bird on my craft desk waiting for wings.  I have a bunch of hammering to do in the garage to make the feathers, but it is 16 degrees here.  Ugh.   

Comments

[Carrie]

Your tote came out lovely. Bring a cup of tea out with you to the garage,though I am sure hammering will keep you warm!

[Jennifer at pink ric rac]

I love that tote! The fabric is awesome!!! :)

[Maritza]

That fabric is fabulous! Love the tote!

[Jhoanna]

I love Lara's fabric too and was so happy that I actually got to snap up some of that gorgeous fabric that you have too! Lovely tote and those lambs are so sweet!

[Terrill]

I think I recognize the quilt you made after your first year in Mississippi--back in the days of rulers and math! I like your tote bag color scheme!

[Myshell]

OOHH, I just ordered Amy's book and can't wait to wrap my brain around it...I have been a lurker of your blog since before Stella was born. I find much inspiration in your work and loved when you started with the birds. I hope to someday own a piece of your artwork.
Cheers to you and yours this Holiday season...
Myshell

[pamela]

I just adore ADORE your lambs!
lovely just lovely!