BAG LADY!

It was supposed to be a "knitty" winter - at least that's how it started out. Clogs, scarves, some hats...then somehow it all turned into sewing.

I helped out a fellow massage therapist at her spa just before Christmas, tending the front office, doing gift certificates (over $1,200 one day - that's a lot of bodies receiving a lot of quality attention!), organizing stuff, talking to clients - really a fun time, in exchange for some free massage sessions! During a brief lull one day, Danielle asked if I knew how to sew, and upon receiving an affirmative, she promptly hauled out some boxes of fabric and her sewing machine, and got me started on making tote bags that she sells in the shop. Then we collaborated - I'd take the project home, do some sewing, and share the bags.

So that's how it all started.

Sister-in-law Diane took pity on me, and showed up one day with a brand new Bernina to use in place of mom's ancient and troubled sewing machine. Little Bernette is my new best friend, we've made some memories (which you'll be hearing more about).

The bags are made from upholstry samples and fabric. They are fun and fast (well, usually) and a great size for just about everything.

In fact, that's what Danielle calls them: "EVERYTHING BAGS!"

I've given several as gifts, and use two of my favorites almost everyday - for everything from library books, groceries, class books (you'll hear more about that, too - stick around, there's never a dull moment!), to portable projects of all sorts.

The variety is endless. And Danielle just brought me a whole big box of assorted fabric - her inlaws have an upholstry shop, so she gets the stuff free - how sweet is THAT!!

If you have a source of free upholstry fabric you just about HAVE to make something with it - right?