Garden Club exchange!!!

This morning I finished up making a 'Garden Club' exchange gift...
a canvas-lined apron, accented with matching garden gloves, two garden tools, and a handmade cotton knitted washcloth, bathed in prayer (I pray as I knit!)!

My sister went and picked up some free fabric and this particular piece went perfectly with the theme:  gardening!

I so enjoyed making this apron, though I had no idea who'd receive it!  She absolutely loved it and asked if she could hug me!!!  
Hugs make gift-giving the best!

I was in such a rush to finish it, I forgot to take a pix!  So, I asked her if I could take one, which didn't turn out so great, but the one of her wearing it is nice!

It matched her outfit beautifully!

When the world gives you lemons...

 Last night, Love and I headed across town to pick up a huge box of fabric, but when I got home, although there were some larger pieces, most of the stuff was scraps.  UGH!

But then it hit me: 

when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!

So, I decided to make a braided rug and this is what I have so far. I'm really enjoying this project.  Not sure if I'll sell this one, being that it's the first one, or give it as a gift for Christmas...

If you do receive this as a gift, know it was made with love, took a lot of time, effort and a sore thumb!

More Valances

Another project completed, hand delivered to NY and a very satisfied customer!

Once again, Donna, sent me this beautiful fabric and asked me to make another set; I thought the stitching went well with it---she loved 'em.

It's truly a pleasure to make people happy~ 

and she is such a grateful person!!!

If you're needing any valances made, drop me a note @ designsbydaune@yahoo.com.

I'd be more than glad to serve you.

*The Pennsylvania Bag*

After weeks of pushing forward with this bag, I'm glad to say it's done! For some reason, this particular bag was difficult. It might be because the inside is a satin material and slippery.

What a great fall bag to show off!
 
It's made of wool, a contrasting heavier cotton/polyester mix and a white lining, complete with a pocket inside, as well.

The front pocket is a zippered pocket with lots of room and once again, the side pockets are just big enough for your cell phone, keys or even a water bottle!

The marvelous thing is that this bag is gone! I can make more and intend on it, but this particular one is spoken for.

The next bag, hopefully, will have a denim lining and may well be reversible.

I love the detail stitch of this bag.

Especially the straps.
The designer buckles add to the distinctiveness of this piece. 

Quite unique!

Of course, I had to add my tag!

Believing the next one will be easier than this one was!!!

Just in case anyone was wondering, I haven't fallen off the planet, nor stopped sewing.  I'm working on a bag my dad has dubbed, "The Pennsylvania Bag" because of the colors.  It reminds him of the north, fall colors and colder temps.  Why Pennsylvania, I have no idea.  But it's a cute name for my next bag.  The photo is of the stitch design.  More pix to come. 

It's not finished because as I was working on it, my Love told me to make two bags and line them with different material and not just one reversible...so, it's taking me twice as long, but, once again, they're 'sister bags' and when they're done, they won't last long. 

They're too adorable.

A Finished set of valances!

About a month ago, a dear friend in Alden, NY wrote me and asked if I'd make her two valances for her home.  Well, they're done and I'm so glad she wasn't in a hurry. 

Here they are:

She's happy with them and is commissioning me to make two more for another room my son painted for her!  Yippee!!!

An Impromptu Art Show

My dear sister somehow talked me into another art show in Marion!  I wasn't planning on taking anything to set up except some crayon aprons and a table full of miscellaneous things I've made and I'm soooo glad I did!  I sold both "Sister Bags" and some jewelry bags, a crayon apron and two pillows!!!  Smashing success in less than ten minutes...you just never know, do you?  Maybe the key is not planning on going, then going and then forgetting the money box.  Whatever the reason, I'm grateful.

Here's the second bag I designed.  It went very quickly!  I loved that button!  This one was reversible and EVERYONE at the show loved it!

 

This great guy bought the bag for his fifteen yr. old sister!  That was so sweet, although I tried to talk him out of it.  I get attached to my creations!  He was sure, though!

My new friend, Stella, modeling in the third picture, has a great line of crocheted jewelry that you don't want to miss.  These are so pretty and unique; great Christmas gifts.  I've included her card, too!  She can be found here at her Etsy shop!

This picture doesn't really do the necklaces justice!  They're beautiful--so is she!~

Well, it's been a long day and I'm ready to get working on valances for a friend in NY as well as more Fall bags.