Ellie Loves It!...

Ellie's mama shot a video of her opening her gift today, so you know I just had to share. She was so tickled! I would have shared the video, but her little sister and brother are bouncing around in the background, so I decided to capture some still images to give you an idea of how she liked it.

Once she (quickly) realized what it was, a huge (missing one front tooth) grin appeared on her face. She immediately put it on as a crossbody, and then inspected it further. She opened the zipper and had to show her mama the paw print lining.

You've got to know that I was grinning from ear to ear the entire time I watched the video...and my glee has lasted for hours since then.

This last photograph is sweet Ellie looking at the camera to thank her Aunt Donna for the gift. I'm grinning all over again as I write this.

Her mama, Brianna, told me that Ellie had a date yesterday evening to go to a ball game with her daddy. She asked her mother if she could take her purse with her, and was told she could. The update after they left was that her mom was going to have to "break her heart" tomorrow to tell her she couldn't take it to school with her. sniffle

In Ellie's card, I told her that I had designed and sewn the purse just for her, and that there isn't another one like it in the world. Her mom told me she was feeling extra special knowing that. I've made gifts for Ethan's family before, and as always, I really enjoy gifting them because all of them appreciate the time and effort that went into their creation.

I told Brianna that I know their second child loves kitties. I'm already working on that design in my head, and will make that purse soon, so the next gift won't be late...I mean...extended.

Getting Back To The Studio...

Now, I can finally focus on my great-great niece's Birthday gift. Talk about an "extended Birthday"! I'm teaching this young lady the concept without even planning for it! lol

So, I thought you might like to see the process for this project. I began with paper and pencil, drawing out my idea for the little shoulder bag I'm going to make for her. I'll be using cork fabric for this project, and of course, I have all the colors in stock to tackle this bag.

I decided this puppy face should have a spot around his/her eye like the old Spanky and Our Gang pup. Then, I thought, "Well, wouldn't it be cute if its tongue was hanging out, too?". Sure it would!

I haven't decided on all the colors yet, but I'm leaning toward natural for the main body, Rust for the spot and ears, black for the eyes and a red tongue. I'll add the muzzle and eye highlights by machine.

When I thought about the back of the bag, what could be more appropriate than to add a fluffy tail? hee hee  My drawings have extra lines and the shape is a bit wonky, but I'll even that all up when I draw the final pattern prior to cutting. 

I'll add a 1/4" seam allowance, and this bag will have a 1" gusset all the way around. It will have a top zipper, rings and a rolled shoulder strap so my niece can wear it as a shoulder or cross body bag.

What do you think so far? I'll take photos of my cutting and sewing as I go, and who knows? Maybe I'll turn it into a pattern for others to make their own, too.

Handsome is doing really well, and so glad to be back home. (So are we!) I'll make sure he rests through the holiday weekend, but I'll be sewing, canning applesauce, and picking up more tomatoes and peppers to do more canning. I'm happiest when my husband is near by, and I'm busy.  This plan should serve me well.

I hope you have a great weekend. Stop by to see what I've accomplished, or just catch up after the holidays. I'll be here when you get time.