Weekender Bag and more

I'm getting an urge to make yet another Weekender Bag - I've made 2 so far - the 1st was for me, and I didn't use Timtex, which gives it the right stiffness, so it's floppier than I like it. The 2nd was for my friend Lisa, and I did it the right way, breaking many a needle along the way, but loving the finished product. I just love this bag, and it's definitely worth the arduous process in making it.

Here's the wallet that Julie shared her pattern and I made! I just love it, and immediately transferred out of my old wallet when I was done making it. My girls like to count how many items I have in my purse that are made out of Hip Stitch fabrics - about 5, including my purse itself.

This morning at the store, it felt like Cheers when the regulars walk into the bar - Kara, Delia, Kelena, Vanessa, Ann - all came in to sew at different times, and we all shared what's being made (this and this mostly) and it was just so fun to share our mutual love for fabrics and sewing! Vanessa has been making the sandwich wraps from Sewing Green, a book which we hope to carry soon. Ann has set up an etsy shop for her purses, totes, aprons and re-usable snack bags, but is getting so many word-of-mouth custom orders that she barely has time to keep her store stocked! Imagine if we could complete wipe out the demand for plastic zip bags and all use handmade bags over and over - it's a lofty goal, but we've each got to do our part!

Speaking of re-using, Hip Stitch is participating in a fashion show at Offcenter Arts, as part of their Fiber Fanfare next Friday, June 19. Fliers are at our store and around town - this center is an incredibly positive force in the community, providing space and supplies for anyone to come create. Fiber Fanfare will be an evening of storytelling, art on display and for sale, refreshments, and the fashion show - we'll be supplies models and outfits - both newly created with our fabrics, and recycled with t-shirts and plastic bags. Is that enough of a teaser? Come on down! (if nothing else, enjoy a good belly laugh at my attempt at runway modeling - something I've never done before and never will again - but it's for a good cause!)

And lastly (I know, mom, I shouldn't begin a sentence with 'and'), I really want to make what Robyn's making - Simplicity 3750 (scroll down and she has a picture of the pattern) I'll wait and get your review, Robyn, before I dive in. It looks like a great summer top.