California Sunshine Bag

So, I took the plunge and became a pattern tester.  In today's sewing world, young designers often depend on the fans of their previous work to help them by testing their new patterns, working out the kinks and giving them a host of examples of possible colors and fabrics.  The testers are not usually paid, except they receive a copy of the pattern and have at the end one of the projects for their very own.

I've been working with Anna at Charmed Liebling on some editing jobs and when she asked if I'd like to test a pattern, I decided to do it.  She has announced the pattern today on her blog, so I am free to share my work with you.

She's calling this the California Sunshine Bag and the fabrics I chose remind me of being in LA in the late 60's, the era of peace, love and psychedelic colors. I used four fabrics from the Amy Butler Lotus Garden collection.

If you think you'd like to make one of these yourself, you can find her patterns available here as a download-able PDF.

If you think you'd like to be a pattern tester, start hanging out with young designers on your favorite social network.

Summer's Here - probably

High temperatures for the coming week are all in the low 80's, summer weather for sure in many places I've visited. Here in south Florida I guess we would consider it just the beginning. There are usually a week or two of nights later on when the low temps overnight will be in the low 80's. So far, I have been able to open windows on all sides of the house and run a couple of fans to be comfortable.

The fabric arrived today to make the repairs on the antique quilt - the purple and natural print to replace the pieces that disintegrated.  I am still debating about the binding. There are those who think I must replace with the same color rather than changing to a more modern green. The jury is still out. Feel free to cast a vote with reasons if you like.

Last night I was totally shocked to see this quartet ambling around the church parking lot.  I thought for sure that given the attempt to cross the road the last time I saw them that their reckless behavior would have gotten at least one of them in serious trouble.

                                           
                                      .
 I was becoming increasingly discouraged trying to make some new clothes that FIT, so I decided to make this bag.  It's from an Amy Butler pattern for an Overnight Bag and is being constructed with Amy Butler Midwest Modern fabrics. It's great to be able to sew accurately and smoothly with a sewing machine that has settings and power to accomplish the job without complaint.