Graduation Messenger Bag

In keeping with the graduation theme I made this messenger bag for another graduate.  I think the size of the bag will be very versatile for any young lady.  Large enough for a small laptop it will easily carry supplies for college classes or a day out with girl friends.  Sylvia did some quick original artwork that we converted into embroidery to add a whimsical touch to the bag.  The line "I sing because I'm free" is from the hymn "His Eye is on the Sparrow".  This is for a young lady that plays the piano wonderfully and I know she will appreciate the musical reference.  The inside has pockets on both sides so she will have lots of room for accessories like cell phones and makeup.  I like the simple linen look with a colorful lining.  It gives the bag a classic but up to date style.  We will fill the bag with some goodies and of course some cash for this graduates future plans.  Best Wishes Anna!

Graduation Gift

We were invited to a graduation party for a wonderful young woman.  We have watched her grow from an infant into the precious young lady we she is today.  Although a gift of money was appropiate to help with her future plans I wanted to add something a little more personal so I set to work on this little purse and included a tissue cozy to match.  I attached pockets to the lining for an ID or cash card and tucked in a gift card.  Just a little something to for her to use long after the money is spent. 

 I didn't use a pattern and just made this up as I went and I think it turned out pretty cute.  Hope the new graduate thinks so too. 

The Stash

Following through on what I started, I am building up my stash making a number of tissue cozies adding a simple tag a Bible verse from Revelation 21:4 KJV "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."  I've passed a few on to friends who have helped me through some tough times.   Feels so good to complete a number of small projects and see the stash being used!  My stash has been growing for years and I am resolving to begin to use it up...or at least make use of some of those treasures.  I will be posting more stash busters soon. 

Chocolate Chip Muffins

I got a running start this week and have been baking lots and lots. I made bread the other day and yesterday I made two kinds of granola bars and a some granola-ish stuff (minus fiber cereal, added nuts, coconut and craisins).
Today I made chocolate chip muffins for the second time. I made these last weekend for house guests and they were a huge hit. I used this recipe with a couple mods (she has lots of great recipes on her site).

Kiddos put their stamp of approval on these.

Chocolate Chip Muffins via The Gluten Free Homemaker

reheat oven to 375°

3/4 c. sorghum flour

1/2 c. brown rice flour

3/4 c. potato starch

1 tsp. xantham gum

1 Tb. baking powder

3/4 tsp. salt

1/3 c. sugar

1/3 c. oil

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 c. milk

1 c. chocolate chips

In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients.  In a smaller bowl combine the egg, vanilla,  and liquid.  Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk together until moistened.  Stir in the chocolate chips .  Bake at 375 degrees for 20 – 25 minutes.  Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.  Serve warm.

I love bags...

 I love bags.  It always seems that no matter how many I have when I go to start a new knitting project they are all occupied!  This bag pattern, McCalls M5822 made a very nicely shaped bag and has sizes that will work for most of the project needs I have.

 
The smaller bag would make a great place to carry a sock knitting project and the largest will hold a sweater.  This medium bag has been gifted but I have a stash of this great print and need to get busy on another that I will selfishly keep for myself.

                                       

Tissue Cozy

We have been looking for easy projects that we can make for simple gifts to bless friends on birthdays or as a simple "thinking of you" gesture when a friend needs a hug.  These tissue holders were quick and really fun to make.  They were all made using fat quarters and scraps in my stash.  The Eiffel Tower print cozy was made using the free pattern at Skip to My Lou.  The flowered ones were made from the free pattern here.  I like how the lining is cut larger to make a trim at the opening. They fit the travel packs of tissues perfectly.  I'll be making a stash of these to hand out and at least one for myself!

One more year

I'm really not sure where this year went. I think each successive year of my life goes by faster than the last. We celebrated two birthdays last weekend and I dove right in again with invites and decorations and all that fun stuff. I'm working on getting some printables available, but still deciding the best way to do it. In the meantime, here are some pictures from the weekend.