a very frenchy birthday

I've finished my second Frenchy bag. It came together so easily. I loved it. I am so pleased with it. I've now given it to my friend, Christine, for her belated birthday present. Here are the pictures of the finished product.



I saw Christine in the fabric store and while trying to describe the bag I was making for the retirement gift (because I totally forgot the name) she mentioned how much she liked Amy Butler's Frenchy bag. After realizing that this was the bag I was trying to describe, my brain started whirring. So after she left, I picked out some really pretty material for her bag. The print and the colors just reminded me of her. I think it turned out really lovely. The colors and fabric design are so great.

Before she left the store, I desperately tried to get a clue as to what fabric she would like. She pointed a finger at a blue turtle print fabric and said, "anything but that". So of course I had to get it and make the little wallet found in Bend the Rules Sewing . So this is what she found inside the purse



It is a bit clumsy, but it was my first one.

I did change a few things on the Frenchy bag this time around. I moved the magnetic snap up a bit. I also sewed a seam down the middle of the pockets so that the bag has four pockets instead of two and when you stick your hand inside, you find yourself in the body of the bag and not in one of the huge pockets. There's nothing I hate more than to be rummaging around in my purse looking desperately for something only to realize that I'm rooting through the pocket.



I'm definitely going to make more of these, although I think I'm going to try the smaller version. I also have another Amy Butler bag pattern to try. I'm going to be pretty busy.

Too tired to spell check. must go to sleep.

apron

I helped cohost a bridal shower. What fun! We had a great time planning. We decided to have a kitchen shower. That was even better! I wasn't sure what to bring as a gift, so I thought about what I loved in my kitchen. Besides my pink KitchenAid mixer, I would have to say it would be my mixing bowls. There are three nesting bowls and of course they are a lovely shade of pink. They also have a handle and a small spout and a nice ring on the bottom that keeps them from walking around the counter when you stir. I managed to find a nice set in red since that is the color I most associate with my bride-to-be friend. I don't know why, I just do. Then I thought I wanted to make an apron. I found the material at the local fabric shop and again, it reminded me of my friend. Not because she is fruity! but because of the pastel colors and the vivid red that just sort of pops. I knew exactly how I wanted it to look.
The pattern is from Amy Butler's In Stitches book. I changed only the pocket. I made it bigger because the measurement called for wouldn't be big enough for a child's hand.
Here is the result. Hopefully I can get a picture of the recipient wearing it.