Bag Swap

An extra-special person had a birthday this week:

There she is on the left with a fellow-teacher/friend who shares the same birthday.

Our on-line group had our bag swap opening on Friday night.  We had to make a bag and include 5 things that would be found in that type of bag (2 to be hand-made).  I received some beautiful presents from Leanne:

Sewing Pouch - Photos from Leanne's blog

Needlebook

Pincushion

Chocolate, threads and trim

The fabrics, stitching, sewing and quilting and beautiful - Leanne chose so well for me.

My other partner was Vicki - Vicki and I are long-time internet friends and I have met up with her a few times over the years.  I asked Vicki if there was a particular style of bag she would like and she said something to take to the gym that she could throw her towel, sunglasses and keys in.

I made Vicki a bag from last year's bag series in Homespun using Amy Butler fabrics and bag pattern.  The sunglasses and keycases are from "Zakka Style", the makeup purse is a Sue Daley design and the purse is a new pattern called "Flower Garden Wallet" designed by Pretty by Hand.

This photo shows the inside of the purse

The bag has a clasp for the keyholder as well as loads of inside pockets

I really enjoyed making some new-to-me designs.  I will definitely be making one of those purses for myself (one day) - they are large enough to hold an i-phone in the outer zippered pocket.

I need to start some more secret sewing in the next couple of weeks.  The last "Gingham Girls" block is coming along so very slowly and I'm not doing much lunchtime stitching at the moment either - too busy at work and on weekends.  2 weekends of the eisteddfod to go and it will be over for another year.