Hey everyone. Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend.

I've been a really horrible blogger so far this year and I don't really know why. I guess since I haven't had much time to sew, I haven't had anything to blog about.
I've been spending most of my free time outdoors planting some things in our {dirt}

yard and spending time on my deck sketching. Last year I made a nice little creative place for drawing and reading and can't wait for the leaves to grow back on the trees so I can hang there again.

I purchased the cutest little journal at Malaprops yesterday that I adore and think I'll actually stick with. The illustrations are really sweet that are placed throughout the book. They also can be ripped out and used as postcards, but I don't see myself parting with them.

 

I even started on my first page.

Does anyone else art journal or have a regular (not online) journal they write in? Is anyone like me and have about 10 of them partially used and then abandoned? Well, I'm determined to finish this one. It's huge (half with lines and half blank pages) but I'm hoping the cute factor will keep me entertained with it.
I should be working on my moms buttercup bag now though instead of playing online so I'll be back later this week!
:)

Echino Bag

Hi friends! It's been a busy this week but I managed a little bit of time in the loft. I have had Rae's buttercup bag pattern for a long time and finally decided to make one.
I used Echino for the handles and outside fabric.

And a Soul Blossom print by Amy Butler for the inside.

I love the little pleats and how the cute bird is poking out. I wanted the bird in the center but with a fat quarter I didn't get enough fabric to fussy cut him.

 

Still, I love how this bag came out and it's perfect for every day toting around. Also I realized how much I love sewing with Echino fabric. My machine loves linen.
If you haven't made one of these bags yet I really think you should! The pattern is easy, fun, and FREE! :).