Summer Tunic #1

I started thinking today that I need to break out of my t-shirt and jeans (or yoga pants) life. I went to the mall today and didn't see anything for me. I wanted something that I can wear with jeans or leggings. I wanted something feminine and simple.

A light bulb flashed and I thought maybe I could make something. I've made patterns for bags, pajama pants and basic t-shirts. However, this will be new for me. I will feel like a contestant on Project Runway. So I did my sketch (today's drawing) and I think I can draft this pattern. I will record my progress or lack therof at a later date.

One Drawing a Day

I've just finished reading/perusing Veronica Lawlor's book "One Drawing a Day". While I can't say I will always have time to do a drawing a day, I'm attempting to do a drawing most days.

The New Look of My Shop

New Astrid Bags on Etsy

I've been sewing for weeks and have finally listed new bags on Etsy. I was motivated to take photos because I got a new Canon EOS camera for Christmas. Woo hoo!

Check my new bags out at:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/gutentag

Yummy Bread Pudding Muffins and Espresso

One of my favorite Christmas gifts this year was from my sister - The Grand Central Baking Book. The Grand Central Bakery is a Portland, Oregon favorite. I love everything I've ever had while visiting my favorite city. The polenta pear cake is to die for. Today I made the bread pudding muffins and was delighted with the results. My only change for next time would be to cut the artisan bread into smaller pieces. If you love baking, order this book from Powell's Books.

Pincusions are Back at Etsy!

Today I reopened my second etsy shop.  This shop will focus on wool felted accessories, pincushions, and lavender sachets.  I initially designed these pincushions because my aunt gave me 10 boxes of wool strips.  I thought for several months about what I could do with these strips.  One day I was working on a quilt with concentric circles and I had an "aha" moment.  I could wrap the strips and then felt them to make pincushions.  What I love about these pincushions is that they are dense and stay put on your sewing table.  In addition, the lanolin in the wool lubricates your pins and the wool fibers sharpens the pins.  Come by my etsy shop:  http:www.gutentagfibers.etsy.com.

Diaper Bags Now Added

A friend asked me to make her two diaper bags.  I tried to make bags that I would have loved when my kids were little.  I made interior elastic pockets to hold bottles; a divider to separate clothing from diapers; and a back pocket large enough to hold a changing pad.  I am now on the search for unique fabrics to make the most beautiful diaper bags ever.  

Here is my latest design - so take a look and let me know what you think.  Last weekend I went to Eugene, OR and found some great fabrics to start some new bags.