AMY BUTLER BAGS

I had an odd car problem which resulting in these fun bags -- sometimes it doesn't want to start. . . mostly when I have to run a quick errand and need to restart it within a few minutes of last turning it off. A couple weeks ago, I stopped at The Beatnik to drop off more of the bobby pins I make and sell there. Not thinking that I would be in-and-out, I shut everything off, ran in and came back to a car that still needed a few minutes.

Luckily, there is a very nice quilt shop across the street! Most of the time I will go to JoAnn's for my fabric since I get their coupons in the mail . . or even WalMart if I find something great. But this little shop is so nice and cozy and ORGANIZED!! I tried to limit myself to $10, but ended up spending $20. I bought 4 half yards of some amazing Amy Butler fabric to make these bags for my friends Kelly and Holly. Obviously it's the same pattern in different colors. And I have some of the fabric left over for another project when the right one comes along.

This is the same pattern as a previous bag I made from Bend the Rules Sewing. I LOVE IT!

BABY SHOWER THANK YOU'S

Have you ever needed something for a baby or bridal shower, but the mothers and brides to be insist that they really don't need anything (or they do and you don't want to shell out a bunch of cash)?? I think a perfect gift is thank you cards. It's not something that everyone always has on their mind after such an event. This way they are on-hand for them to use and is one less thing for them to worry about during a busy time.

I just attended a baby shower and brought these. The baby is unknown, but I found out the nursery is yellow and green. Each set that I made contains 10 cards and envelopes. I packaged them in clear vinyl boxes (from U-line) that I use when I make card sets to sell and tied ribbon around to keep the package together.

Another great idea is to make a couple extra for yourself to keep in your ready to go collection!