Whale of a Totebag

When I make a bag, I like to use something old, something new and here I even used something new, you could almost say something borrowed, but really the whale material was something gifted to me.

Whale tote, summer 2015

Red fabric, leftover from one of Kirstin's halloween costumes.

Blue mesh net was new waiting to be used, bought at Pacific Fabrics.

Red strapping, bought at Pacific Fabrics yesterday.

Blue material, I believe given to me from my friend Sheryl.

Whale material, a gift from my friend Cathie.

Small whale and fish fabric, bought at Keepsake Cottage Quilt and Fabric Shop this summer.

Red and Blue bias tape, well I am buying that stuff all the time!

Gifted to a friend who is on to a new employment journey

This bag actually has 10 pockets. Since I was using scraps of material, that is what decided the size of this tote bag. I tried something new with the binding tape, I would like to find a way to make that work a little better, but not complaining. I can't wait to hear how it works out for Trihn and her 4 year old son Calvin.  I hope they have lots of fun this summer and I wish her well wherever her career takes her to.

Well I had another birthday - Hooray!  So many birthday wishes, lunch with my 3 other generations, my kids baked this awesome ombre cake and Andy cooked our steaks to perfection!  Enjoyed a visit to Swanson's nursery, such loveliness there.  I am just sitting here packed to the gills. I was surprised with a flower delivery from my brother and his wife! I got a new floaty toy for our swimming pool. All these little things add up feeling loved! I had a good hair day too, hahahaha.

What a fun bouquet!

 I spent today's birthday with my mom and gramma just like my first birthday.

My daughters made me this amazing strawberry ombre' cake

Bicycling and me

I rode my bicycle on the Sammamish River Trail today.  Yes, you can get right back on and ride like you never forgot how, but I must say, I don't go quite as fast as I used to, nor can I keep up with my husband and daughters, ugh.

Craftiness

Summer allows for a little craftiness.  Finishing a project is even better, not only for me, but the recipient too, Kirstin looks great wrapped up in her quilt.

Alaina took photos of the new little boat sails I made up last week, reversible even. I have to say I really love how they turned out, and I go back and forth between which side I like best.

Kirstin and I picked out all these patterns for a colorful design over a year ago.  I think the black accents make it fun.

This is the largest quilt I have made and it wraps my kiddo up just perfect.

Kirstin holding up her finished quilt!

The backing looks great too.

This is the first time I have allowed myself to machine stitch the binding on