Tropical Toucan

Hey everyone ~ happy hump day!

First day of spring was yesterday and I woke up to a huge black cloud over us, blowing like crazy and rain, bits of snow....... and then the afternoon was beautiful blue skies and a little wind.  Sure hope it starts to get warmer and no more snow!! I am so ready for summer :)

Today I want to share another tote bag that I did for a friend.  Actually, she custom ordered it for her friend and only asked for it to have a toucan and a little tropical-like.  Perfect! Right up my alley!

 I absolutely love this decor weight fabric and it was a perfect match for the embroidery design. 

A little closer of the toucan detail....such a fun design to create!

A little grassy trim that was on the selvage edge from the main piece of the tote that I cut off.  Rather than throw away, I thought it would be a great trim for the design.

And a quick view of the inside -












This is one of my favorites I think so far.  And they are getting very popular.  I think this is the 7th or 8th one my girlfriend has ordered for a gift!!!   Thanks Tracy <3

I'm off to finish another project for our stock - a distressed aviator jacket for a little man.  It is very cute.  And one more picture for the road........................

Totally suitable for the summertime I would say :)

Thanks for dropping by friends.............

Since I have been doing more in sewing than cardmaking lately, I wanted to share with you a couple of websites that I like to go to.

If you are like me, and lots of other ladies, you love bags, purses, totes!  I love to get new purse patterns and tutorials.  Christine has some awesome patterns and they are in PDF downloadable files, so it's instant.  I get very impatient when I am waiting for new patterns LOL.

Here is her blog - ChrisW Designs The picture below is one of her new FREE patterns so you should go and check it out!  Her tutorials are awesome - very detail instructions and lots of pictures.  I have also bought lots of her tutorials and never been disappointed.  ChrisW Designs is also on Facebook, so be sure to check for the link on her blog and for her shop.  Some awesome bag tutorials for you to choose from.



 
And since we are talking about making bags, you will need a place to get some beautiful fabric.  Michelle from The Life and Times of The Hypernoodle is great.  By Michelle's definition of 'hypernoodle', I will say that I am one too! LOL. Go to her blog and you will be updated with sales, coupons, giveaways and what's coming.  Plus the links for her fabric shop and her purse shop are there.  Her website has the best pictures for viewing the fabrics, AND she also pairs them up so you can shop for co-ordinating fabrics easily.  Michelle carries lots of my favorites like Michael Miller Fabrics · Alexander Henry Fabs · Amy Butler Fabrics · Ty Pennington Fabrics · Free Spirit Fabrics · Ann Kelle RKAUFMAN and Robert Kaufman. Shipping is quick too!  Michelle's purses are beautiful and very professionally done!

You want to make a bag today?  Go check both of these places and you can get started.  I have my patterns and new fabrics - now to decide which one I'm doing and with what print. Life is rough huh? LOL - I could make a few too :)

I hope you enjoyed this info.  I will be posting more about sewing related projects and products.  I need to push myself for some upcoming events and not slack off - need to build my stock up again. 

Will chat with you all later - leave me a comment and say hi :) and remember ...................