Paper or Plastic? Cotton!
Tonight I went to a sewing class at the local fabric shop. We made environmentally friendly shopping bags that fold into themselves for easy storage. The bags are much sturdier than those for sale at supermarkets.
I chose to sew a floral fabric as the lining. My sewing skills are improving and these bags will make great holiday gifts.
The bags fold into themselves because of the large outside pocket. Folded, they conveniently fit into a glove compartment or handbag.
My First Quilt - a work in progress
It appears as though I have successfully completed two rows of my first quilt. I've had a great time working on this project and I've really learned a lot about sewing. I'm pleased with my fabric selection, the squares seem to be complementing each other quite nicely. So far, so good.
Preparation
While several family members and close friends are busy preparing their nurseries, I’ve been busy preparing my sewing area. Perhaps the recent frogging of a pair of socks and beret are to blame for my lack of knitting mojo. That, coupled with four babies just around the corner, and I don’t know if I have it in me to knit fast enough! I’ve been eager to get better acquainted with my sewing machine – the time is now! 
I’ve decided to make eight Simple Bibs from Amy Karol’s book, “Bend-The-Rules Sewing”. There are some inspiring patterns in this book, and it isn’t intimidating. I’ve selected some fabrics that I hope will match the personalities of the mothers and fathers to-be. 
Tonight I am taking my first sewing lesson. The tips acquired from hands-on learning are so valuable to me. I’ve never had much interest in making quilts, but my first project is a lap quilt and I’m very excited. I’ve selected three fabrics for the project, two of which are batiks.
Though I’ve been a professional graphic designer for many years, selecting fabrics is a whole new world. Colors, patterns and textures that I once thought would compliment each other suddenly don’t, and vise versa. It is fascinating!
Linen Curtains
I am finally getting to know my sewing machine. Shown here is my first completed curtain accompanied by a trio of brass birds that I bought several years back at a flea market in New York.
"Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
These bibs are cotton with cotton flannel backing. The saleswoman at the fabric shop was very helpful with selecting complimentary fabrics. I just need to place the snap closures and they'll be ready to mail. 
I am pleased with the results and I feel much more comfortable with my sewing machine. I hope the recipients of these bibs will stain them with pride! 
