Zippered Tote Bag

I have always been intimidated by zippers. Since most of the dresses I made for my daughter were smocked/heirloom type dresses I didn't have to worry about them. I always used buttons or fancy pins for closure. It took me awhile to do the wristlets because it meant I had to put in the much dreaded zippers. Surprisingly it wasn't that bad and I was able to use the technique I used to line the dresses without any seams showing. Purses are another story though. They are more complicated because of the several layers I have to deal with. I was asked to make a Debbie bag in the Miami print but a Weekender size and zipper closure. It is going to be a birthday present for a friend who adores flamingos (she already got the Debbie bag in the flamingo print). I have searched the net for a tutorial and there are plenty of them but I ended up doing it my way. I am actually proud of it and might add a zippered handbag soon. I received an email from the recepient and she was happy with it!
I made a complete set just in case she wanted matching accessories. She ended up getting the wristlet.

Side View

Top view. I like this kind of zipper closure--it has a "lip". If it doesn't it looks weird to me especially if the handbag is boxed. It tends to look out of proportion because the top is a lot narrower than the bottom.

Pottery Barn Studio

potterybarn, originally uploaded by Lagomorph.

I was browsing through flickr and came across this. I literally clutched my chest with excitement! I love their style and I have all their books. My studio is not as big as this but I love the shelf--exactly what I need. It can be my mailing station where I put the ribbons, tissue paper and some odds and ends. I have been planning to decorate my studio ala PB style. I don't recall seeing this in their catalog or maybe I missed it. I just checked their site and it is not in the catalog anymore. I have actually seen something similar at Michael's. They are called quilt racks and they come unfinished. Maybe I can swing by there this weekend. I know I have to finish decorating but something always comes up. If a big order comes in I can't spare the time to be fixing stuff let alone do the laundry! One of these days I will since it makes such a difference when everything is so orderly and pretty.

Time to go to bed and dream about it.

Beach Party

It was a beautiful Saturday and uncharacteristically cool for this time of year. I hope it stays this way much longer. My daughter turned 12 last May 16 and we had a beach party for her.
The birthday girl doing endless carthweels. Such energy!

Red flag was up but you will surprised so many people ignore it. It kept the lifeguards busy I'll say.

Taking a break.

We had so much fun we decided to go to the beach more often. We should thank our lucky stars--we are only 10 minutes away!

Birthday Girl

My darling daughter is 12 years old today. Time flies so fast! She was so excited last night and can't wait to get her presents. She can wear some of my shoes (I am a 7- 7 1/2) and about one inch shorter than I.