Amy Butler's everything bag

This is what I've been spending most of my time on this weekend:I mentioned in my last post that the only project I really wanted to try out of the Little Stitches book was "The Everything Bag". I was hoping I'd be able to carry it without looking like I was carrying a diaper bag... but I'm thinking I'll hold on to this for a mom-to-be. I'm pretty happy with how it came out. I read a number of reviews of this online, and was most freaked out by the 2-layered peltex divider in the center. I didn't have a problem attaching that, but it was super annoying to maneuver around when I was attaching the lining to the outside. Here's the lining:
Yep, those are the same fish that I used here. Who would've thought that fish and pears would go together so well? I decided to use fabric for this that I already had on hand, after the sticker shock of the various interfacings. This required the previously mentioned Peltex, fusible fleece, and a mid-weight fusible pellon, setting me back nearly $40 at JoAnn. With a coupon. I carefully followed the pattern, except that I sewed on the side panels without having the outside pockets attached, so it's missing 2 pockets. I think it still has plenty.

If I was to sew it again, I would do a couple of things differently.

1. I would use a shorter length of elastic in the lining pockets, because I think they gap a little more than I'd like.
2. I'd make that silly divider not go quite out to each edge (is a divider really necessary in a diaper bag? Seriously, I'm asking-- I've never carried one).
3. I'd forget about buying the expensive fusible fleece and use scraps of quilt batting instead. The fusible fleece didn't ever really fuse, and I followed the instructions.
   
4. I might make the straps a little longer, though I guess it could get a little out of control.
   

I think that's about it. I'm crazy in love with the fabric, and that I managed to keep both of the directionals going the right way. I think it's about time I start working on a quilt, and get away from all of this baby crafting.

quick spring skirt

Last summer, I was lucky to find about 1500 patterns on Craigslist for an absurdly low price. They are all in a pattern cabinet (included with the patterns) in my garage. After spending a weekend in 76 degree weather, I was really ready for spring. I pulled out a pretty basic skirt pattern (though it does have a slight cute slit on the side) and made myself a skirt. I love this Alexander Henry fabric and I think it'll look good with all sorts of tops for work. The one weird thing with Burda patterns is that there isn't a seam allowance included with the pattern-- I had to add in a 5/8" allowance. I'm not much of a dressmaker, and I'm glad this fabric has a little bit of a stretch, because it's a little on the tight side. But no matter, I still love it!