Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Memorial Day Weekend--The Sequel


Our Memorial Day barbecue turned into a Memorial Day bake when the propane ran out about a minute after I put the chicken on the grill today. Still, our baked "barbecued" chicken, corn on the cob, salad, and garlic bread turned out pretty good, even if it DID take longer to cook than I'd originally planned. And coffee ice cream sundaes made a wonderful end to the day! Summer's nearly here and it's time to start enjoying the longer days, fresher and more abundant foods, and nicer weather.

All in all, I spent a reasonably lazy day, and I had a nice little nap in the afternoon. The morning was spent cleaning up and organizing the Sweat Shop again--it always amazes me how disorganized that room can get after only a week or two--and I generally try to pick up after myself as I go! I think my big downfall is bringing in new purchases that aren't put away and generally accumulating "stuff" that doesn't really belong in the Sweat Shop to begin with.

When Gran and I went on our little road trip a couple weeks ago, I found the cutest little "travel bag" sample in one of the quilt shops, but they didn't have the pattern in yet, so I searched online and ordered it. THAT pattern, along with some of my road trip purchases, were among the "stuff" that had covered the surfaces in the Sweat Shop since the last cleaning, so I thought I'd try making the smaller of the two "travel bags" tonight. Here's a photo of the pattern and the outside of the little "bag" I made.


This smaller bag will hold a 6" x 8" cutting mat and a few quilt class supplies, although I don't think that's what I'll use mine for. I think it might make a better holder for embroidery supplies--something to toss in my tote to have on hand for a little stitchery when time allows. It would certainly hold needles, floss, and a small pair of scissors rather well. Here's a photo of the inside of the bag:


I'm also planning to make the larger version, which will hold a 12" x 18" cutting mat and supplies--THAT I do think I'd use for quilt class. Now that I've made the smaller version, I can see what I'd like to do a little differently for the large bag. For one thing, I'll use about half the amount of interfacing called for in the pattern, because I think it makes the pockets and flap a little stiff, although I might use a heavier interfacing for the body of the bag.

The weekend's finally come to an end now, and it's time for my beauty sleep. At least it will be a short work week! Thanks for checking in on me!

5 comments:

Minniestitches said...

Hi Kim
We made bags a few years ago for quilt class and we really liked how using heavy canvas instead of interfacing turned out rather than using stiff interfacing. I've also used flannelette in little story book panels and it works really well. Just thought you might like to know.
Cheryl

Orcsmom said...

I bought that same pattern on my way home from quilt camp at Shared Stitches!! I was making it for my embroidery supplies also! I also bought some really beautiful fabric there that BP & HH does not have. See ya soon!

Pam

Shirley--Knot-y Embroidery Lady said...

There is nothing like baked bar-b-q chicken! Your dinner sounds yummy, especially the dessert.
Getting the sweat shop in order is sure to give you a boost of energy. I love the bag. Good Job! Interesting about the canvas hey.

Hugs

Greenmare said...

forget all that, go back to those sundaes! did you say COFFEE ice cream sundae???? COFFEE????
you are now my hero! can I have one please???

Busy Little Quilter said...

I agree with Greenmare, I want a Coffee ice cream sundae!!! Baskin Robbins (an ice cream chain store) used to sell Jomoca Almond Fudge which had a coffee taste to it. We don't have a Baskin Robbins anymore, and I miss it.

The bag is really nice. It would be perfect for embroidery supplies.