bad blogger

I have been such an awful blogger lately... too much summer fun. WE just got back from Utah - what a great time we had with family and friends. I had never really thought of Salt Lake as that large of a city, but after getting used to living in a smaller town/city, it really seemed quite large. Funny how persepective changes.

Before our trip to Utah, Sadie had a birthday party to go to. A little girl that was in her class this last year. I love making homemade gifts - there's something fun and personal about it, so we decided to do a Buttercup bag, and a notebook holder. My idea for the notebook holder came from Michelle's blog.

Here's the inside. Two large pockets. One for the notebook, and the other could be for used sheets of paper or other bits of treasure. With a small pocket space for a pen. (Sorry about the picture, it was the other direction before I imported it.)

Here's the outside shot... check out the cute appliqued flower.

Here's the Buttercup bag.

And a close up of the appliques on the bag... pink on one side...

and blue on the other. I love the messiness of the stitching around the flowers. Those were just free-handed.

Sadie said that it was a hit. All the little girls loved it. But what girl wouldn't?

buttercup bag

A couple of weeks ago I found this FREE pattern for this cute bag. Here's where you can find the pattern. I've used the purse a couple of times already, and it's just right for my wallet and a few other small things. I think it turned out really great.

Check out that cute pleat detail.

I used an Amy Butler fabric, can't remember the name of it off-hand. And the lining is just a solid brown. There is a pocket inside, and a magnetic snap closure, which is so fun. And... it can be made with two fat quarters - one for the outside and one for the lining.

What I changed: The pattern didn't call for interfacing, (well except for a small piece if you add the button flap thingy - see pattern and you'll understand). I was afraid that it would be too flimsy, so I interfaced the outside fabric and the handle. But, the next one I make I think I'll try using canvas as the lining instead and see how I like that. Overall I really liked that pattern. It was a lot of fun and the bag is really cute and was easy and quick to sew up. Can't wait to make another one. In fact, I may send this as my "handmade something" to my 3 "pay-it-forward" people... well except of course to Daniel - I'm not sure how great he would look with one of these on his arm. Course, Sara would love it I'm sure... hmmmmm.