ANOTHER BACK PACK

Since my first back pack for Monica, my two children decided they wanted one of their own.  My older son (Big "B") just loves the classic pin stripe pattern.  Luckily I had a bunch of pin stripe fabric so I "whipped" up his back pack since he insisted he NEEDED it for school the next day.  This time, I did boxed bottoms instead.  I didn't have time to cut out a bottom as the previous back pack but I think it worked out well.  He said its "sick" so in today's world I take it that he approves.....Here's how the bottom turned out::

And here he is ready for school......I wanted to personalize it w/his name,an iron-on patch or rhinestone design but he wanted it as is....On this particular day, it was a short day for the students so with less books, he NEEDED this small back pack:

For Big B's backpack, I used interfacing for both the lining and outer bag since the fabric seemed thin for his books and school supplies.  Next back pack I think I'll use my serger for the extra support as well. 

As for my Little "B", she took some sewing lessons recently so I told her I would cut out the fabrics and she could sew one of her very own.....Of course, we need to visit the fabric store for MORE FABRIC.......Don't we always need more....I'll post her work when she completes it...

COUSIN WILLIAM "BILLY"

I just returned from Oahu to attend a funeral for my cousin, Billy.  He passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 59.  I will always remember him as a quiet, gentle, warm, polite and very down to earth person.  He was a very simple person but so rich in values.  Billy was buried at the Veterans cemetary in Kaneohe.  It was a beautiful ceremony and a beautiful day!  We will all miss you  and your visits to the Big Island, Billy.....please say hello to my dad when you see him in heaven!

In memory of Cousin Billy

August 3, 1950-August 23, 2009

Backpack for Monica

My niece, Monica, is a big fan of the "peace" symbol and when I saw this fabric, I instantly thought of her. I see a lot of drawstring backpacks in sports retail stores so I thought I'd make her one since she will be going to states in a few weeks for cross country .....The pattern/tutorial came from http://happythings.typepad.com/happythings/2006/04/the_mama_backpa.html .

I wanted to try something new and got some "bling" to spell MONICA but don't think you can see it well....here's view of it. Not quite pleased how it turned out. I'll work on this and hopefully the next "bling" will be easier to see.

Here I used, for the first time, grommets.....this hardware sure adds to the backpack...One thing about these babies is that you really have to pound hard to secure them. Not something to do late at night but these little doo hickies are sure cute!

Here I added a pocket on the inside....I think it may be a good idea to add velcro for the next backpack pocket.

And just for the heck of it, I made a label out of twill ribbon. It reads: "BB & me" on the top half and the bottom half reads: "Handmade in Waikoloa".

ORCHID FLOWER

Look at this surprise I found in my garden......I am NOT by any means an orchid "professional"....just one that appreciates the vibrant colors and shapes they come in.....most of all they can last months in my home....some are wonderfully fragrant, too! I got this orchid from my mom who is also an orchid lover....She lives in higher elevation where it's much more moist and cooloer than my home so all her orchids are always blooming for her. This particular flower ("pua" as we call it here in Hawaii) has a label "Lc, Dinard 'Blue Haven'" I can never remember the scientific names of the many species so I'm always happy to see an easy to remember name on the label. My mom is home to my "ORCHIDS THAT NEED HELP".....I'll bring her orchids that seem to be on its last lap and in a few months, wallah.....they are blooming, and ever so healthy again. In the meantime, I "borrow" her plants until they have that "I NEED HELP" look on them ....that's when I drive to my mom......Mom's always come to the rescue don't they....

Amy Butler's birdie sling bag

For my first post (YAY!) I get to show you a bag made from an Amy Butler pattern called "birdie sling". This is a fashionable way to hold all your extra things that your regular bag won't. Great bag for craft fairs, shopping, picnics, beach, sporting events, diapers, overnighters....the list goes on! The interior has two pockets, 1 large, 1 small. Definitely a keeper pattern. I used fabric that was purchased at some discount store (get ready for this....drum roll.....) some ten, yes, ten years ago. I remember my son, now 14 was only a toddler back then when we were killing time at the fabric section of the store.....I am very pleased how it turned out. The directions were easy for me, a self-taught, novice sewer.....More bags to make.....I'll showcase more as they are created....Vist Amy Butler's website at http://www.amybuter.com/ ...she rocks!