Pucker Up: Tart Grocery Tote

This is quickly becoming my favorite tote with a new twist. The big news: the lining contrasts the outside. Meaning you'll see twice as many lemons inside as outside and it's sturdy as can be. A double pocket -- one with gussets and one without -- help reign in the chaos inside (read: even more of your must-haves within reach). Updated, curves create new styling for this roomy tote, plus sleek, flat straps complete the look.


Admit it, it's a delicious collage of all the things that remind you of limoncello, yet all the things a limoncello should not be -- good gosh can you imagine drinking that Italian nectar in this size! Eclectic, folkloric design of my favorite garnish. Complementary hues of marigold, sage, white enhance the sun-kissed-inspired theme. Great for grocery shopping, as a book bag or your bag of tricks for your next road trip. Super-roomy and completely versatile for everyday use.


Measures about 17" x 15" (excluding straps) and sports a contrast pocket band and mirrored lining. 100% cotton, so it's machine-washable. Top-stitched for durability! This bag is made with designer fabric "Juicy" by Micheal Miller and heavy-duty canvas.

Mini Me Aprons

I made two more aprons. These were for a pair of sisters (my cousins). One is a tween and the other 2. Here I am pictured (being remarkably silly at that) in one of the aprons because my Aunt -- who is my husband's age -- asked me to pose with her youngest daughter.


The aprons were the same Butterick pattern, but just another version, as the Christmas apron and Jillaroo apron I made earlier this week. I love these because they are completely reversible. They are a little flouncy and not the type of apron I personally would like to wear (because I have me some child bearin' hips).

Overlock Project: 2 Aprons

I know what you're thinking... does she even sew anymore. Well, I have been slowing down because I've taken a break to get acquainted with my new Bernina Overlock/Coverstitch Server. (It's wonderful.)

I took a few mastery classes and I've been trying to practice everything we learned in class. Now I'm really starting to understand where I can use it to improve my sewing projects. I just finished two aprons and to attach the ruffle I used an overlock stitch (but no cutting edge). I also put my ruffler foot to use. Those are useful, but I'm still learning how to judge how gathered to make pieces and still work with a pattern.

The fabrics are pretty old, not sure what some of them are. The red is a moda (I think) and I think it's called Little Christmas. I have no idea where the cowboy fabric came from, but it was about $1 a yard (I kept the tag). The Christmas print is an Alexander Henry and it was $1 a yard at Hancock Fabric in Idaho Falls. I'm telling you those small towns clearance fabrics that are absolutely gobbled up around here.

These are headed to an area art market. I've got to sew at least one thing a day to get ready for it. I've never done anything like this -- actually sold anything -- so it will be a learning experience. If nothing else I will bash my stash.