I finished a couple of things...

Yep, linking up the meagre 2 of my Q2 FAL 2015 hoped for finishes!

I know I was NEVER going to get all four finished, and I do love a rollover, but one day I will get the other two completed; I just need to stop chasing other shiny new lovelies in the meantime!

So my actual finishes:

Here…

and here…

Thank you to Adrianne and all the amazing sponsors for trying to chivvy us along.

I need to start thinking about my Q3 list, shame I can't add the 3 cushions, one pouch and a handbag that I made over the long weekend!  I'll show you most of those over the next few days, including tomorrow, my blogiversary GIVEAWAY!!!

See, it is worth stopping by now and then x

Betsy!

I finished it… just!!!

I battled through the layers, broke my foot pedal in the process, but made it to the end.  I may need to tidy up a few little bits, as my control via the start/stop button is a little lacking, but hey, you want to see it?!

I made a couple of alterations to the pattern; inserted a thick interfacing to the base to give it a little more structure, and did not attach the long strap slider in the end, because, to be honest, on all the bags I have made with a slider, once on, the slider has never been slid!  Having added thick fusible fleece to the main length for comfort, I attached a couple of non-wadded tabs to the ends of the long strap, to both increase the length, and also allow me to sew though the layers securely.  I didn't make it detachable, I didn't see the point.

My inside side lining panels are pieced, due to running out of the main lining fabric, but I like the look with the accent fabric.  I also didn't topstitch right the way round the ends, because of the bulk, especially at the inside pocket corners, which for me, made it impossible.

I love how it turned out, even if there are areas which, with a more powerful machine, I may have been able to improve upon.  But it is what it is, and I will use it with pride.

Its first over-nighter will be the Brownie Pack Holiday, I'm all about the glamourous lifestyle me!

Some deets for those who like to know...
Betsy Travel Bag - Kristi McDonough Schnitzel & Boo
Made with Cotton & Steel and Melody Miller linen (outer)
Quilting weight lining - C&S and Kona solids
Yarn Dyed Essex linen accent fabric
Pieced and quilted with Aurifil 40wt

Sunny Success!

What a beautiful day - I cracked on with some stitching, caught up with last night's Ordinary Lies on my iPad all while the conservatory was still cool enough to sew.

So I go me a FAL finish already!

I finished up my #UKminiswap extras, I will get a group shot before I pop the lot in the mail, but here's the FAL item, an Anna-Maria Horner Lola pouch…

I have loved all the Lola's I have made, and this is no exception, and the Cotton & Steel binding has to be one of my favourites.

I also made a good start on my Betsy Travel Bag, not quite caught up with the Sew-along, but a good start nonetheless…

I could have achieved more, but I spent an hour or so soaking up some vitamin D, because I am sure the lovely weather won't last and I've really got to keep those rickets at bay xxx

FAL Q2 2015 - Just a little list...

After the rather pleasing successes of Q1, my WIPs are now rather thin on the ground, which I suppose is a good thing!

So this quarter I will begin with listing these two old chestnuts…

1.  Hexies...

2.  MATO…

I suppose if I don't put them on my list it will be sod's law and I will actually progress them, even if only in my dreams!

And these are the only other things I can list…

3. The super awesome Cotton & Steel Betsy Travel Bag, which I am soooooo excited about...

4.  Another Lola pouch for my #IGminiswap partner; the mailing deadline is next week, so I have no excuse not to get this one in the bag this week...

Everything else that I have to do currently comprises of secret blocks, BOMs and contributions, which don't really count, but will keep me busy none the less.

So let's hope the sunshine and productivity continue through this quarter for everyone x