one reason I love my family

So the other day, it became apparent that my 7yo needed a refresher on the concept of “BC” and “AD”. I quickly sketched a timeline, a pyramid way back in BC, baby Jesus at 0 (approximately, we know) a castle at about 1000, and her at 2012. So she promptly grabbed a pen to add to my drawing (as she always does). She drew some guys with a catapult outside the castle. And Doctor Who over the whole thing in the TARDIS.

Exactly right. My family is a perfect fit for me. 🙂

special bag

I love to make things.  And making money making things is handy too.  But I also like to give, and there are causes near and dear to my heart that need and deserve funding.  When all those loves of mine can come together, it’s a wonderful thing!  So for a while, I’m going to have bags in my shop with special themes, and when they sell, the money will be donated to a charity.

Here’s the first one.  My next-door neighbor has two sons, one on the autism spectrum, and we count them all dear friends.  She founded the A. Skate organization to help kids like her son (and their families) get out of the house, learn about skateboarding, socialize and have fun.  There is no cost to the kids who participate, so they depend on donations and volunteers.  When this bag sells, all the money will be donated to A. Skate.

The fabric is an autism awareness collection from Riley Blake called Pieces of Hope.  You can read more about it on their website.  A portion of their fabric sales will be donated to Autism Speaks.  Besides the fact that money will be donated to a worthy cause, the fabric is just adorable.  I love the colors.  And it’s nice and sturdy, too – very good quality.  If you would like to buy the fabric, it’s available on Hawthorne Threads.

 

modifications

Know where I get some of my best ideas?  From my customers!  Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been asked to make slight modifications to the basic Jars to Go Bag, all of them great and I’m glad I have a plan for the next time it comes up.  But this one?  This one’s going to become a staple in the shop, because I LOVE it.

I was asked to make a Jars to Go bag to hold 4 pint jars instead of 2.  I love the combination of fabrics more and more as I work with them – Amy Butler’s Pressed Flowers and Pat Bravo’s Oval Elements from Hawthorne Threads.  As with any pattern, there’s a little figuring out as I go along – for example, I added another layer to the handles for strength (four jars are pretty heavy!)  But I just adore how it turned out.  I can see this as a picnic basket, or to take to a potluck.  It seems there’s room in the top for some small plates or bowls.  And of course, it needed extra matching napkins!

Enjoy!