Amy Butler Birdie Sling - Finished Product

Ok, so I should taken picture as I was putting the bag together, but I was too excited to get it done. Let's just say, I LOVE this bag! I'm already starting on another one!! I've got plans for making a smaller version for some friends who don't love big bags (what is wrong with them??) This bag is HUGE and holds so much and I'm in love with it!

I lucked out and was able to make a copy of my sister-in-laws pattern, but you can find this pattern all over online or at Amy Butler, where there is a variety of ways to find a pattern. I will definately purchase more of her patterns in the future; the directions are easy to follow and full of details.

New Project



Birdie Sling Bag

So, this is my next project. My sister-in-law has this bag and I LOVE it! I borrowed the pattern and am excited to get started! Now, to just have the time to do it! It's hard when 3 little ladies want attention to help!

Here are the fabrics I'll be using for the bag. I'll try and post pictures as I'm working and of the completed project. If it's smooth sailing, some people may be getting them as birthday presents - hmmmm, wonder who that could be????



This will be the outside/inside band and handles




This will be the interior lining



Exterior body of bag - SOOOOO EXCITED!

Project 31, Day 24

What is Jesus teaching you presently?

Patience. Plain and simple.

Patience with my kids - it's been one of those weeks, months...

Patience with my husband.

Patience with others.

Patience with things I can't really control.

Patience with my life.

Patience, Patience, Patience.

It's been a rough week actually, and I've written this post about 10 times and nothing seems right. I'm feeling really tested/challenged and at the end of my rope. My kids look at me sort of weird when I start crying about reading a book - when what I'm really crying about is the fighting about who sits closer to me when I read and who is touching the other person and who can't see the pictures, etc. etc. I cry because what I really want to do is throw the book across the room and scream!

I'm tired from certain things in my life. I know that it's just a season and won't last forever. Things will change and get better, it's just a matter of being patient. Ahhhh, there is that word again. My girl-friend Kristi called this week and we talked about planning a girls get-away and all I wanted to do was say "Now? You wanna go right now? Great! Give me 10 minutes and I'm outta here!!" Again, patience. Patience, Patience, Patience.

Embarrassed

I'm embarrassed to be an American right now.

While there are people in the midst of tragedy in Japan, North Africa, the Middle East, Haiti, etc., the Today Show (and all sorts of other news programs; the Today show just happened to be what I have on this morning!)  is wasting time and money "reporting" on the shenanigans of Charlie Sheen! Who really cares?  All the media frenzy is just adding to his dysfunction and makes us look like fools for continuing to watch!

That's my little rant for the day.
Please don't take it personally if Charlie is one of your friends, favorite actor, etc. Don't send me hate mail.

Slacker

Wow, I have been slacking. Big time. I'm sorry. A lot is going on and I've had a lot on my mind. Trust me, I haven't even been doing much crafting. Here is what's been happening.

• Teething Harper - 4 molars at once. She has had a runny nose, drool, cough for the longest time. I'm also getting tired of all messy diapers, makes cloth diapering a headache. She's a trooper though and is sleeping great. She's just needier and crabbier.
• Swimming Lessons - Zoe and Teagan started lessons last week and are loving it. Zoe has always had a love/hate relationship with the water, so this is great. Their teacher is fun and they are starting at the very beginning and we'll go from there. Teagan keeps showing off and going under-water just because she can and like to show that she's not scared! Silly girls!!
• Wet, depressing weather. After a week of snow, unplanned days home from school, rain, rain and more rain, I'm SOOOOO ready for a break. Like a break from my life. Just some time to do something that has NOTHING to do with kids.
• Laundry, laundry and more laundry, It's never-ending and just when I think I'm caught up, there is another load to do!
• Dishes, dishes and more dishes. Today, alone, I unloaded the DW, reloaded, ran, unloaded and reloaded. I also had a bunch of stuff to do by hand!! How did that happen??
• Reading - If you haven't read Room, put it on your list. Right now. And read it!! It is amazing and a great story!
• Starting to think about birthdays. We don't do big, huge birthday bashes for the girls every year. Last year, Zoe and Harper had the big parties (Harper turned 1 and Zoe 6) so this year, we will do something simple and small with family. Teagan's birthday falls around the same weekend as my cousin's wedding! So, I'm starting to think about a Fairy-themed birthday for a soon-to-be 5 year old! Better get motivated.
• Thinking and browsing the internet for craft ideas. I have some projects in mind to start but life keeps happening and they get pushed to the back burner. And when I do have some quiet time, it's 8:30pm, the sewing machine is in Zoe's room (and I'm afraid to check it out. It's dying and I desperately need a new one, but that's not in the budget right now. Especially since I want a Bernina!)
• Thinking and planning for some upcoming changes in our family. Some of you know what I'm talking about and until I can say more, we'll have to leave it at that! Keep praying that things transition smoothly and for my continued patience and faith that God is in control. No matter what. And no, I'm not pregnant. No, no, no, no, no!!

Ok, enough for now. I'll get back to Project 31 this week. I promise!