::purpose::

You know, there are some things in life that are just so sweet.

Take this note for example:

A little girl in my church completed a verse memorization skill and the reward was a bag sewn by me. She and her friend both went with me to the store to pick out their fabric. That was a lot of fun!

I sewed it last week on my week off work [!!] and had it to them by our next church service.

So, I think I've found something I can stick with -- bags -- of all types and sizes!  More are coming soon, I promise.

But I'm working this summer full-time then the evenings are devoted to sewing [among other things].

And I actually have a queue.  It sounds so important, I know.

But until my queue is finished, I have a bit of a delay sewing new bags for the shop.

And I have a big, big, big decision to make real soon regarding my shop.

It involves

RISK.

And I am not a good risk-taker.  But I think it's gonna happen and I'll let you in on the good news.

promise.

LATER.
REBECCA

::simple pleasures of summer::

What is the magic of summer? There's something about a little slower pace of life, breezy evenings filled with laughter, and cool, peaceful mornings.

Here are a few things that make summer memorable for me:

--chats with friends outside
--strawberries and milk
--late night runs to McDonald's [cringe...but, yes, we do it!]
--fresh picked flowers from the garden
--farmers markets
--road trips
--fireflies
--s'mores
--open windows + fresh air

I plan to enjoy it this year! 

What makes summer memorable for you?

Happy Thursday.
Rebecca

::Happy Weekend::

Hi, there everyone!  I know we are happily plugging through our weekend and it is sadly half over!  Today has been an amazing, busy day.

First thing this morning, I popped over to the European Market in my town and picked up these lovelies.  What a start to the day!  I also sat down for a homemade donut and cup of coconut flavored coffee in a budding coffee shop.  I just love small-town living.  And I did feel a bit "European" waltzing through town with my bouquet of flowers.  It's almost been exactly one year since our family vacay overseas and I am missing Europe!!

This afternoon, I trekked to Chicago for my fourth sewing class.

I was only one of two students in the class and it was very nice for the class to be so small.  I didn't have to share an ironing board! [ha!]  This little wristlet has definitely been the most challenging of the classes I have taken so far.  I need to make another one [stat!] before I forget the tricks and tips I learned in class.

It has a nice strap for carrying.

And I love that floral lining.  Look at those pockets! Fancy-shmancy.  I had originally picked out a different fabric to use for this wristlet.

But I made this bag ------- ^ this week and fully intended to put it into the shop.  However, I made a minor error in constructing and don't feel fully confident in selling it.  So I will enjoy it for however long it lasts.  Now I have a matching set perfect for summer!

Speaking of summer, the weather man is telling us it will be warm tomorrow.  I think that is one of the reasons I am so tired right now.  I am freeeeeeeeeeezing cold!

One last look at that lining.  Looooooooove it!!

Have a wonderful Sunday!
Rebecca

::Inspiration Workshop Week 1::

Well, Mrs. Gussy has cooked up something new through her amazing shop. It is called Inspiration Workshop. I thought this would be such a perfect party to join in on.

The prompt for this week is HANDMADE. It's a very broad topic so it is easy for the first week!

This beautiful pillow is one of my favorite things in my bedroom that is handmade.  [To clarify, no this pic wasn't taken in my bedroom due to the angle of the sun this morning.  :)]  This pillow could qualify as vintage.  It was made by one of my Mom's aunts many years ago.  It is crewel work all done by hand.  It's so intricate.  I can truthfully say that this pillow is one of the first things that got me excited about working with my hands and making things HANDMADE.  This pillow recalls to memory moments of a simpler life in a much slower generation, a better generation.  One that took pride in making beautiful touches for their homes.  There is no way a beautiful pillow like this could be mass produced.  Sometimes, I pick up the pillow and just stare at the beautiful stitches.

Here are a few close-ups of some of the stitches.  Now if some of the stitches look a bit fuzzy or worn, remember this pillow is at least 40 years old!

I'm so thankful for this reminder that HANDMADE is special!  It is one of a kind.

Thanks, Gussy, for hosting the Inspiration Workshop!

HAPPY THURSDAY!
REBECCA

::day trip::

The amazing thing about being an after school sitter [or nanny, term I prefer] is that you can still squeeze in some pretty amazing road trips. I was up at the crack of dawn this morning to go to my first ever fabric show.

It wasn't what I was expecting.  But I didn't know what to expect seeing I had never been to a fabric show before.  Awesome.

I  made some great headway diving straight into the wonderful world of buying fabrics at wholesale prices.  I think some of the representatives didn't know what to do with me.

I'm so thankful for my awesome Grenadian friends who were my support, encouragement, and cheerleaders.  Luckily, I met a distributor who distributes for some of my favorite designers.  Sweeeeet.

We were in and out of the fabric show like a flash because I didn't have appointments.  Naturally.  Seeing I'd never been to a fabric show before.

But my friends and I had fun.

::saw horses and buggies at a gas station::hilarious to them, What? Buggies need gas?

 ::visited the cheese factory::

::chatted with a sweet Amish lady::

And ate lots of yummy food!

The day is not over with my friends.  We are hitting up the outlet mall after work tonight.  Hooray!

Stay on the lookout for changes to the shop!  Exciting times are ahead.  I just know it!

Oh, did you see this cutie that popped into the shop yesterday?

Happy beautiful Wednesday!
Rebecca