~ in the studio: messenger bag and crochet toys ~

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The first project to come out of my new studio 

is a messenger bag for me! 

I've been dissatisfied with having a purse that sits only on one shoulder, 

always feeling I need to keep a hand on it.

My friend Cookie mentioned how she felt a messenger bag simplified her life just a little,

so I decided I needed to give it a try, too! 

I haven't sewed in a while, 

and I'm so very, very pleased with how this purse turned out!

  

I used this tutorial from New Green Mama.

The print is IKEA GUNILLA in orange - it's decorator weight.

The body is the most special - a pair of so very soft wool dress slacks that belonged to my Grandaddy.

~ the last day she's six ~

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Tomorrow my big girl turns seven!

We spent the day at the Catawba Science Center,

checking out some amazing art installations,

petting skates and rays

and even enjoying sushi for lunch.

I didn't take my camera in with me, 

and it's just as well, because I was too busy having fun to use it.

So I snapped a few pictures of the birthday girl after supper,

looking exhausted yet happy.

Tomorrow we'll enjoy opening gifts and a leisurely breakfast.

We sure do love this girl.

~carrie~

~ a good week ~

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A week full of playing outside,

sand castles and swinging high.

Finding crocuses and beetles.

Listening for frogs and spying hawks with binoculars. 

Finally finishing our second consonant block

with a funny story that everyone loved.

Getting into a rhythm of all three sitting 'round the table.

Rhythm has been hard to come by for a while, 

but I believe I'm finding what works.

Lots of windows open,

gnomes and faeries playing in the backyard.

Climbing trees and discovering mischievous letters.

We're coasting into a very special weekend,

with my big girl turning seven.

Seven?

How did that happen?

~carrie~