Mini Blog Meet

I had a wonderful day last Thursday. Louise and I decided that we probably had a lot in common, after quite a few emails and an apron swap, so we thought that we should meet up. The beautiful fabric shop, Amitie, was to be the meeting place.

I had never been there before so it took a while for me to drive there. Anyway, Louise and I finally met and she is exactly how she is in her blog, a very warm and generous lady. She brought along her gorgeous daughter, Daphne, who I think will take after Louise, as she loved pulling everything off the shelves. Jenny and Judi were there of course from Amitie and all these wonderful people kept appearing. Everybody was just so friendly. It was like a lovely meeting place. I must say, the shop is just fantastic. I can't believe that I spent 2 1/2 hours in there (actually it was quite easy and I do believe it) - I am sure I could have stayed in there all day. The fabric is just amazing. Talk about 'fabric porn' as our friend Dizzey Jade would say!!!!

Anyway, Louise and I had a lovely time - she helped me with a quilt I was putting together and she was putting one together so I put in my two bobs worth. And then after doing all that we went and had lunch just down the road. A very, very satisfying and productive day. Thanks Louise, I had the best time.
Louise made me this beautiful needle case - just beautiful and a gorgeous pink apple container for some of my sewing bits and bobs. Don't you just love the big pink vintage button on top?

Here are some photos of some of the fabrics that I purchased from Amitie. The first photo includes some liberty fabrics as well as some Amy Butler. I just love this colour combination.





















I also bought a quilt kit from Amitie of 'Sail Away' by Jennifer from Amitie. It has all Belgian linen in it. The colours are just so fresh. Just beautiful. I think it was featured in Quilters Companion earlier this year. I started this quilt tonight, as I am very impatient to get into this one.

I must admit I was a bit nervous at the thought I meeting someone who I had only communicated with through blogging - but 2 seconds after I met Louise, I knew I wouldn't have to worry. In fact, I don't think we stopped talking the whole time we were there. A really great day.

This is what I have been up to!

New little top from one of my favourite Japanese Books. Gorgeous ivory spotted batiste (haven't a clue actually what it is - very fine)

New shoulder bag for someone in my family. Made from natural linen and some Japanese fabric I found here.

Amy Butler's stash and dash Toiletry Bag, made from gorgeous fabric from here and the Japanese spot from here. The colours of these fabrics I just adore.

I think I have improved immensely on sewing in zips. Please see earlier posts. I think I have graduated from the 'zip school'. I have my own way of doing it now. I didn't understand any of the tutorials that were out there, as good as they were. I just worked it out the usual way for me - trial and error. I feel like I have finally jumped over the last hurdle when it comes to installing zips. Maybe I should do a tutorial for the way I put them in. Now there is a thought - I will put that on my 'someday I might get around to it ' list.

And lastly, a little bit of playing around with scraps and some floss. Very cute. These are extremely satisfying to make as it is all done in about 15 minutes - complete. So they go straight to the completed box not the 'I'll get around to it someday' pile.

Amy Butler's Frenchy Bag

Last month I had the privilege of doing a pattern review for Sew Mama Sew for their July Bag Month.

I had to make Amy Butler's Frenchy Bag and if you go on over to Sew Mama Sew's blog, you will find my review - and maybe you might read it.

I took this bag on holidays (vacation for our northern hemisphere readers) with me, and I found it invaluable. Its appearance is very deceiving as it holds so much 'stuff'. I couldn't believe it. I had cameras, wallets, purses, makeup and you name it in there - and I still had room.

I highly recommend this bag. There are two bag patterns, hand bag and I made the shoulder bag. It is so easy and so good to use. It is my absolute favourite (til I find another one I like, that is.)

Anyway, let me know what you think.