A Day Late

I know in my last blog post I told you to check back the next day (yesterday) to see what I've been working on lately. The post is a day late though because I got a bit distracted by being offered a JOB!!! A job I didn't even apply for, and the best part? It will be the first job I've ever had that didn't require a food handlers permit =/ I'll have a desk and everything. Plus, no customer service. So that's a definite plus. ANYWAY... on to the actual post =)

First up is my Pay It Forward gift for Christine. I have made several things for her already, so I wasn't sure what to send her for this. I decided on a ruffle clutch and I really hope she likes it. If not, she has an adorable little girl who might like it for dress-up =)

Here's a picture of the inside. I like the little pocket and I'm thinking I might make one for myself.



A friend of mine is having a birthday soon. She loves comic book characters, especially Wonder Woman. I made another version of this clutch using a fabric with Super Women on it. This time I made it without the ruffle, as this friend is slightly less "girly"...

Without the ruffles or the wrist strap, I think it makes a great oversized wallet.



My dear friend, Lizze, and I have a monthly swap that we do together. Up until last month we have both been really good about getting our stuff done and sent off. July was a little crazy for us both though and I didn't get my swap item out in time. We decided on swapping pillow covers and I though a Swoon block would make an awesome pillow.

Here's what I came up with. I never did get a picture of the finished pillow cover, but I quilted it and used a black Kona on the back. I also made her a little zipper bag and a set of 3 magnets for a belated birthday gift, which I did not get a picture of.


I have been having a hard time keeping up with sewing obligations lately and I wonder how I'll ever keep up working full time outside the home. I will just have to say no to swaps, I suppose, and sew for the shop or myself when I have spare time. How do you juggle work, kids, housework, and sewing?!?!

Pay It Forward

Here's another post where I talk about my friend Amanda. She is seriously an awesome person. She is always the first person to offer help when it's needed. Just in the short time that I've "known" her (I say it like that because I have never actually met her in real life, but I'd love to meet her someday!) she has made me a fabulous doll quilt for a swap along with a pretty zippered pouch, made quilt blocks for our charity quilt that we sent to Joplin, MO and also provided the fabric for the borders, binding, and gave us the batting. I have also seen her making things for so many others. This is why I wasn't at all surprised to see a post on her blog titled "Pay It Forward".

For those of you who aren't familiar with what that means, basically the idea is that if someone does something nice for you, then you in turn, do something nice for someone else. I decided to jump on this idea for a couple of reasons. One: I love everything that Amanda makes, and I love the thought of having more of her awesome stuff in my house. Two: I like to think that I am a nice person and I enjoy making things for people thinking it will bring a bit of joy to their lives. So, here is how this "Pay It Forward" is going to work:

1. I will make a little something of the first 3 people who comment on this post. It will be a surprise and it will arrive when you least expect it.

2. I will have 365 days to do it in. What's the catch? To get a handmade present from me, you have to play too! This means YOU pledge to send a little handmade something for 3 readers of your blog. It doesn't have to be quilty - just handmade!

3. You must have a blog.

4. Once you comment here, you must post about your Pay It Forward on your blog to keep the fun going - with the Pay It Forward badge.

So if you want a little surprise from me in your mailbox sometime in the next 365 days, post a comment! Even if you post after the third comment, it doesn't mean you can't do a Pay It Forward project of your own. Doing things for others can be a very rewarding experience. Not only does it make you feel good about yourself, but it makes the receiver feel good as well.