Tag Archives: Galveston

Feb10

What do you get with Dismal Weather?

Posted on February 10, 2014 by Anny

What do you get with dismal weather? Eight purses! Seriously, I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed sunshine, so I’ve been stitching up a storm! Temperature down=production up! Here are six that I haven’t shared with you…

Madison’s birthday was last month and she (like her Granny Anny) loves all things British. I had seen an Indygo Junction pattern for a British flag pillow at Quilt Festival. Madison’s room decor, however, wears teal and many other colors other than red, white and blue. Aha! I shall convert the pillow pattern to a bag! Using Amy Barickman’s new Crossroads Denim (which is softly washed and available in many colors), I stitched the front and back following pillow directions, then added a gusset, handles, and lining of navy ticking to create this patriotic bag. BTW, the front and back consist of layering red, white, and navy, stitching along pattern lines, then cutting through either one or two layers to expose the red and white and allow the edges to be rough and free. Love this textured effect! I’ve always been a huge fan of Amy Barickman!

Not wanting to leave Europe I guess, my next two bags were fashioned from what I call my Paris fabrics. Ooh La La by Jo Moulton for Wilmington and Salon de The’ Paris by Holly Holderman for Lake House Dry Goods. Two Anny bags, one with a fabric handle and one with a purchased clear bamboo textured handle.

DANCING IN PARIS

LA BOUTIQUE DE FLEURS

Since a bit of the luscious Downton Abbey fabric, licensed to Andover Fabrics, was spotted still lounging in a corner of my sewing cabinet, I decided to give it a whirl in a completely different pattern. I harkened back to a Pink Sand Beach pattern called the Manhattan Bag, which allowed the various Downton fabrics to piece together in a lovely flow. This time the gusset featured the castle fabric. The handle was purchased. I replaced a jewel on the flower with a crown charm, and the necklace type embellishment on the front was a reclaimed charming but broken bracelet. Since this style has a wide bottom and the castle was a light colored fabric, it was the perfect time to try something new–purse feet!

DOWNRIGHT DOWNTON

Mardi Gras celebrations in Galveston are huge–second only to New Orleans. So my next bag (an altered Amy Butler design) presented with deep purple velvet handles. The look was completed with dangling jewel plum beads and a lush blue violet flower. Did you know that Pantone’s Color of the Year 2014 is Radiant Orchid? The perfect title for a bag fit for a Mardi Gras Ball!

RADIANT ORCHID

The sixth bag was created from a deep desire for sunshine. I chose the most spring/summer fabrics available and fashioned a bag I call Gardens of Paris. The blue floral is a heavy linen, surrounded by a buttery loop fringe and dazzling golden beads. I love this gypsy style, which is a modified Cindy Taylor Oates pattern.

GARDENS OF PARIS

Am I gathering fabrics, trims, and patterns for bag number seven? Tempting… But I’m taking a break to “sharpen my saw” as they say. More tutorials are calling my name, as well as books, patterns, and gorgeous ribbon (some vintage) for crafting fabric flowers. As Jimmy Fallon would say, “Thank you, Dismal Weather, for enticing me to sew!”

Nov17

WHAT DO SWEET POTATOES, EVENING BAGS, AND GELASKINS HAVE IN COMMON?

Posted on November 17, 2013 by Anny

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Anny has them all! Let’s start with the yummies:

PRALINE TOPPED SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

2 large cans sweet potatoes

2/3 c. (small can) evaporated milk

1 stick butter, melted

2 tsp. vanilla

1 cup sugar

4 eggs

TOPPING

2 c. brown sugar

2/3 cup flour

2/3 cup chopped pecans

1 stick butter, melted

Drain and mash sweet potatoes; add butter, sugar, evaporated milk, vanilla and eggs. In separate bowl mix all topping ingredients. Spread potato mixture in dish and spread topping on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes. Serves 16.

This is more like dessert than side dish. Mouthwatering! I make it every year and it’s delicious and easy. I also wholeheartedly recommend a Pinterest recipe called Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake. My niece served it yesterday and it was awesome! Paula Dean–need I say more?

Now let’s visit the sewing room. Going into the holidays, I’m downsizing to evening bags. I’ve taken some to Tina’s and the rest will be in the It’s Sew Anny Etsy shop.

Here you see Ali Foster clutch design bags fashioned from sumptuous upholstery fabric. Zipper bags with inside pocket and they fold over to a magnetic snap. They feel so good!

I created another bag from a lightweight velvety deep brown with just a dusting of golden threads design throughout. The interior is a soft faux fur leopard with pocket. Oh, and the frame was a cinch. Just sew a casing and slide it on. The ends of the frame have screws. Studio Mio, of course!

This last bag was an internet pattern from eHow. “How to Make a Drawstring Purse With Round Bottom.” I modified the pattern to make the drawstring a two-way and covered a round cardboard shape for bottom stabilization. Fashioned from a lovely teal washable damask and embellished with elaborate beading.

There is a fabulous Dickens Christmas celebration in Galveston the first weekend in December and many ladies dress in period costumes with fancy gowns and purses like the one above. Men in top hats and tails, little boys with knickers and smudged faces–so fun!

And now for something completely different. Have you heard of Gelaskins? This is a sturdy, flexible covering for your iPad, Kindle, even laptops. A large selection of designs are available. Here are some I’ve chosen.

This is my laptop.

Front of my iPad

Back of my iPad

Front of my Kindle

Back of my Kindle

Just thought I’d mention these because they make great gifts. They’re removable with no residue–gently peel off, which makes it easy when you’re applying and positioning also. No, I’m not being paid by Gelaskins–they don’t know me except I keep ordering… 🙂 My daughter introduced us. They just make technology even more fun!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Oct30

THE SUCCESS OF PASSION

Posted on October 30, 2013 by Anny

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I had the great privilege to take two classes at Quilt Market–The Success of Passion and How to Let People Know Who You Are. Both classes were led by Jo Packham, hosting a panel of exceptionally talented and creative ladies who shared how their passion led to successful businesses and how they stay ahead of the game in this media driven world. Jo Packham created the fabulous magazine, Where Women Create–Inspiring Work Spaces of Extraordinary Women. www.wherewomencreate.com. This led to Where Women Create-Business and Where Women Cook. If you haven’t had the pleasure of perusing these publications, you are in for a treat. Get a cup of coffee, ease into a cozy chair, and prepare to be inspired.

Speaking of inspiration, the classes were followed by the actual Quilt Market where companies like Westminster Fabrics, Moda, Anna Griffin and countless booths offer patterns, fabric, notions, books, machines, and all the latest items available for quilting, sewing, bag making, and embroidery. Here is just a sample of booths at the Market. Pure eye candy!

Marcia of Abbey Lane Quilts displays a pillow that I bought the pattern and fabric for last year, and a new bag pattern that I can’t wait to sew!

ABBEY LANE QUILTS BOOTH

If you quilt, I know you’ll recognize this sweet lady–Eleanor Burns! Check out her new book, Quilts from El’s Kitchen. www.quiltinaday.com. Savor fresh new quilt blocks along with recipes for tasty treats.

ELEANOR BURNS

I had a great time shopping as a “business owner” and chose new patterns for my bags, along with handles, and yes, FRAMES! No, I’m not really a masochist. I’m just determined to conquer those challenging glueing and stitching frames. Checking out those tutorials on frames, I discovered that it’s not just me. Usually in tutorials, the instructor seems to breeze through, finishing with “And there you have your beautiful project! Wasn’t that easy?” However, I noticed that the frame tutorials used words like “Now here’s the tricky part…” and, “You may have to practice and redo a few times…” I didn’t hear any actual curse words but you know you can edit those videos. 🙂

So between classes on Friday and Sunday, friends joined Rick and I in partaking of German beer and scrumptious homemade apple, cherry, and cheese strudel at the local Octoberfest. Perfectly gorgeous weather as well!

OKTOBERFEST TUNES

Yes, I did manage to sew one bag this weekend. A Victorian drawstring bag that’s appropriate for evening, or festivals like our upcoming Dickens on the Strand here in Galveston.

And now I must go pack, for my sister and I will be checking into the Hilton tomorrow that connects to the convention center for the International Quilt Festival, the largest quilt festival in the world, and the largest convention annually for the City of Houston. This year, as well as continual shopping and viewing the lovely quilts, we’re taking a class–something along the lines of “How to Make Time to Sew.” 🙂 So what am I looking for that I couldn’t find at Quilt Market? Well…fabric. The fabric companies that I mentioned above sell to shop owners who buy wholesale bolts at a time. But Festival is for the individual quilter (at retail prices.) So now I’ll have the opportunity to buy just enough fabric for my purses. I’m looking for spring/summer fabrics like cotton, laminates, vintage fabrics, and hopefully, colored denim. Each year Nannette and I treasure this time together where we shop, eat, giggle, and gab until the wee hours. We’ll be there until Saturday, in the room that we had to reserve at this same time last year, since rooms sell out immediately. Go Quilters! Support the Economy, right?

Next week I’ll share our pics and bargains scored at the International Quilt Festival. Join us!

Oct12

COMING UP FOR AIR!

Posted on October 12, 2013 by Anny

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Well, it’s true I have been sewing like a maniac the past few months to build an inventory of bags for the Artwalk Show. I am now officially Coming Up for Air! Last Saturday night Artwalk was amazing! I sold four of my favorite bags to lovely ladies–one shopping for Christmas, one shopping for her own bag, one shopping for an evening bag, and a pair of ladies who decided to buy a bag and share it–each one keeping it for six months! So cool! 🙂 A huge thank you to all my friends and family who supported me in this venture! I had a chance to visit with my daughter, granddaughters, sister, niece, and several friends! Here are the four bags that sold:

MIDNIGHT ROSE

RENDEZVOUS

THE WESTERN ANNY

LONDON FLAT

And now my focus falls to bags I have previously committed to sewing for charity events. Next blog–charity and beyond…

This week “Coming Up for Air” consisted of:

Two Lunch/Shopping Dates with Friends–Cafe Express, The Hotel Galvez, & The Strand

Two movies–Gravity, and Rush. We gave both an “A.”

One Dinner and Play–Downtown Houston with our good friends. The funny thing is my iPhone calendar read, “Dinner and Theatre with Bruce and Gayle.” But “Location” said, “Burlap Pretties.” Completely puzzled, I’m thinking, “Did I sign up for a craft class I forgot about??” But apparently my iPhone had auto-corrected the name of the restaurant I had typed, Birraporetti’s, to “Burlap Pretties.” 🙂

DINNER, A PLAY, AND SOME BURLAP PRETTIES!

One BBQ Party – with Galveston neighbors

Catching up on TV – Castle, Blacklist, Chicago Fire, Nashville, Scandal, Grays Anatomy, Good Wife, DIY shows like Restoration Rehab, and I’ll admit it–Days of Our Lives.

Catching up on Reading – Dan Brown’s Inferno, Haute Handbags, Studios, Where Women Create

Surfing the Net – Pinterest, Blogs, NYC travel sites, Trip Advisor, and yes, those YouTube tutorials!

Baking – Monkey Bread, plus that Pinterest recipe for putting brownie mix and cookie mix in a muffin tin. SO yummy! Good thing I took it to the party or I would have eaten more than two!

Yep, I work hard and play hard–never a dull moment! What do you read, bake, watch, and attend when you’re not sewing? What do you do when you “COME UP FOR AIR?” 🙂

Oct3

Sleep? What sleep?

Posted on October 3, 2013 by Anny

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Imagine my surprise to find I’d been nominated for the Good Neighbor Blog Award! Katherine from Pillows A-La-Mode (an awesome site) requested nominations for someone in the blogging world that you would most want to live next door to! The winner was a fabulous blogger, Crafty Staci, that you will certainly enjoy reading. And to the person(s) who nominated me, I send my deepest gratitude! I consider myself fairly new to blogging and as they say in Hollywood, “It’s an honor just to be nominated.” Amen to that! Just for being nominated, I get to display a Good Neighbor Award button on my blog, and you will be seeing that just as soon as I learn how to display it. 🙂 Yep, I still have lots to learn about blogging, my friend. So in this world of widgets, buttons, and stats, please just bear with me!

This is Wednesday night and Saturday is my trunk show at Tina’s for Artwalk Galveston. As noted in my last blog, I thought my fall collection was finished. 🙂 Oh, silly me! They had requested 15 bags and I had 16 bags. But when I mentioned that there was not an Anny Bag in the collection, I could read the disappointment in their faces. While I consider the Anny Bag as something more suited to a Spring/Summer collection, apparently the customers have been requesting the Anny Bag, so… In the last four days, I have designed four Anny Bags! Sleep? What sleep? I needed to find fall/winter type fabric that would also be able to drape for those ruffles. I am pleased to say that without shopping, I managed to come up with the fabrics and trims I needed. (That should tell you something about my stash. Shh! ) Anyway, today I planned to make the tags (see previous blog) but after lunch, Tina’s called. The newspaper needed a photo preview of my presentation by day’s end. Whaaaat?? I know NOTHING about photo shoots. So you should have seen me schlepping bags and lamps all over the house trying to figure out what to do next. Too much light! Too little light! Too many bags! Too few bags! Too much background distraction! I was mainly working with two coat racks. After taking about 30 pics, I decided less is more, and since they just wanted a sneak preview, here is the photo that will be published:

Bag #16 is a pattern I designed called the Jenny Bag. (Publishing it is on my “to do” list.) 🙂 Here it is, fashioned from that sumptuous copper velvety fabric from Cowgirls and Lace, and the Roma Deco upholstery fabric I picked up in L.A. in silver and gold tones. Embellished with four glass beaded tassels, and a beaded golden applique, I’m not sure what to name it. Any suggestions?

So…the four Anny Bags. The first is created mostly from velvet and a leopard faux fur. (Can you tell I relish that copper fabric?) I had purchased the leopard flower but added a brooch from my stash from Trims on Wheels for the center. This whole bag is so velvety smooth I could just eat it up!

THE FANCY ANNY

The Western Anny was fashioned from faux leathers and a furry leopard print. Yes, I had these western looking leather straps in my stash from Cindy’s Button Company. The fringe completes the western look. Would you believe the beautiful dangle on the front was from a broken necklace? Don’t you just love repurposing!! Yeehaw!

THE WESTERN ANNY

The Autumn Anny (sorry about the pic lighting) is actually made of gold, tan, deep red, and rich chocolate brown floral linens. The linens were purchased from various sources but worked well together. The trim features alternating glass gold beads and silky tassels. The tan leather strap was another past purchase from Cindy’s Button Company. There is a gold brooch flower pendant that I’m making into a removable pin that has the same beads as the trim but it isn’t in this picture because I haven’t quite finished it. Last minute idea. Yikes!

THE AUTUMN ANNY

I had fun choosing fabric for the Denim Anny. After pairing two shades of denim with a blue leopard, I spotted a feathery trim from Mood Fabrics. Perfect! But, I’ve also been saving this sequined/beaded applique in shades of blue that I discovered last summer at the Pasadena Flea Market in L.A. where a lady was selling vintage fabric items. It made the perfect focal point! I wanted to leave the edges on the denim ruffles raw. If I tried to hem them, they wouldn’t drape, plus I just think it works as a fun denim look. After washing, they came out nicely frayed, so I sewed an invisible row of stitching just above the fraying to lock it in. I honestly don’t remember where I scored the handle fabric. It was funky and totally matched the style of the denim look but the back was a little wonky looking. The fix? Take a navy webbing from my stash and sew the two strips back to back. Voila! Handles! Dang! My Job Is Fun!!!

THE DENIM ANNY

So, I now have one day left to make five tags, which normally I can finish two per day. Okay then… It’s all a learning experience right? Everything needs to be turned in Friday for readying the display and pricing. Think I’m going to have to shift some priorities tomorrow…

But Hallelujah! On Friday morning, Jen, Madison and Gracie arrive and I will be basking in goodness and laughter and fun! They are my good luck charms for a Successful Artwalk Show! Hope to see you there!

Aug12

Say Goodnight, Gracie!

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Anny

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How lucky can one lady get? TWO granddaughters who love to sew! Grayson, aka Gracie, visited this week and not only does she love to sew but she’s a night person as well! Oh yes– days spent gallivanting around Galveston and nights of sewing. By day we shopped, enjoyed mani/pedis, visited the hairdresser, hit all the great restaurants, painted pottery, and frolicked on the beach. Grandpa and Gracie sculpted a man of sand and we all played in the waves (including Buddy.) By night we visited the Pleasure Pier and rode the Ferris Wheel, took an awesome carriage ride, and did I say sew? Just like the Madison visit, we packed it all in!

Our very first evening together, I entered the sewing room to find that Gracie had already pulled together a combo of black fur, pink ribbon with leopard spots, and a black velvet flower, saying she wanted to make a bag. Needless to say, a short time later and with a little help from Granny, Gracie had fashioned this adorable bag for back to school. 🙂

You’ll notice in the second pic, Gracie has her nightgown on. Bedtime? What bedtime? After the successful bag attempt, she was off and running to make miniature bags for dolls, rugs for her dollhouse, and pillows. But the best part was when she used an iPhone to make sewing instructional videos!! I loved it when she told the viewer, “Now you really need to use foot #53 for this laminated fabric, so if you don’t have it, you may want to start collecting different feet.” OMG! She says she wants to be a director. 🙂 Sounds like the Frugal Crafter to me! Right, Lindsay?

So did Granny get any sewing accomplished? Well, that’s why we have two Berninas! I completed a bag I had started while sewing with Maddie. I call it Gypsy Style with plenty of fringe and tassels using a Carol Taylor Oates pattern. But the neat thing is the source of the fabric. Repurposed! My neighbor said his friend had upholstery remnants and he knew I made bags, so this beautiful heavy duty red polka dot fabric was intended for upholstery! Paired with a taupe/red toile lining and an ivory/tan animal print, it has new life as a stylishly whimsical bag. Thank you, Jeff!

Interestingly, the other bag I created with Gracie was also fashioned from an upholstery remnant, either from Jeff, or my sister’s upholsterer. I used this floral linen and an Amy Barickmann pattern. A golden crushed velvet drapes the front with a leopard print tab adorned with a pin from my stash. Delighted with this outcome.

Since Grandpa was returning Gracie to her mom that day, I sent the bag along to show her. They were meeting in LaGrange since Grandpa had property business to attend to. Unfortunately, I had forgotten to photo the bag before they left, so I phoned him asking if he could please photo it and text it to me. Uh-huh, you guessed it. In the first pic I received, my bag is draped over “the other woman” in Rick’s life these days–that cotton pickin’ Kubota tractor! Not funny, Rick! Well, he made up for it by sending the one above, which I think is actually stunning. He’s a darn good farmer/photographer!

The other item I sewed was from an unusual fabric I found in L.A. (More about L.A. fabric in my next entry…) It’s a ruffled, blue, animal print, fading from light to dark. This does not sound very attractive, but drapes beautifully on Gracie as either a dress or gown.

Finally, a few Gracie-isms. She informed me that the reason kids have parents is so they don’t say things they shouldn’t. She says that is when your parent says, “Just keep that to yourself.” 🙂 And then there was the day we were late to the Painted Potter and were running through the parking lot. She yells, “Wow, Granny! You run pretty fast for an…uh…your age!” Nice save, Gracie! Say Goodnight, Gracie! I miss you!

Jul23

Dramamine, anyone?

Posted on July 23, 2013 by Anny

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The Madison Visit–We began with sewing and ended with sewing but mucho entertainment in between! Our first mission was to purchase fabric for the cute McCall’s vintage romper pattern we recently ordered. Madison chose a lovely red stripe seersucker. Luckily, we borrowed a tape measure and discovered that the size was wrong. But, after visiting two stores we located an almost identical pattern (also McCall’s) and promptly had it cut out and ready to roll! We woke up to crashing thunder and lightning the following morning which, as you know, is perfect for sewing up a storm. 🙂 That sewing room had never seen so much cutting and stitching! Maddie is a very quick learner, cutting and sewing with minimal guidance from Granny, and soon delighted with her new summery creation. Encouraged by this awesome success, she proceeded to sew with me throughout the evening, fashioning matching hair accessories, belts, and bracelets! Here is the new outfit…

On Sunday we visited with Nannette and Laura, then back to Galveston for evening sewing. This time Madison was itching to try her hand at stitching a bag pattern (with a zipper!) for small travel items. She selected a laminated chevron fabric from my laminated scraps bin and again, with minimal guidance, created a lovely bag. With even less guidance, she produced yet a second bag for pencils etc. to coordinate with her backpack. As I sewed my latest bag, she continued at the Bernina, trying her hand at fabric flowers. Yay! A beautiful turquoise polka dot laminate rose was generated, along with a fabulous shabby chic satiny silver peony.

No, we didn’t spend four days just sewing. 🙂 We experienced the Duck Tour, visited Moody Gardens Aquarium and The Texas Seaport Museum, learned to Segway along the Seawall, took a carriage ride in the historic district, and rode the Ferris Wheel (Galaxy Wheel) and Log Ride (Pirate’s Plunge) at the new Pleasure Pier over the water. Wow! I am a little lacking in sleep but happy as a clam that we had such fun together! Except for the sewing, Grandpa was a great sport at escorting us and being the bank. 🙂 We dined at our favorite places and sampled some new ones. If you’re in Galveston, we highly recommend the following: Mosquito Cafe, Farley Girls Cafe, Hey Mikey!’s Ice Cream, Mario’s, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt, Olympia Grill (umm, the blue lump crab cakes are divine), and Galvez Bar and Grille (try the bacon wrapped shrimp.) We also sneaked in a little shopping here and there at Tina’s on the Strand, Colonel Bubbies, Flea by the Sea (Maddie picked up a cute nautical bag), and Modern Vintage on Post Office Street, where I snapped up a beautifully embroidered silk pillow and an antique bird feeder for Grandpa’s wildlife preserve on the Hill Country property!

I mentioned we also ended our visit with sewing. Last night I helped Madison start some embroidery and she took to it like a duck to water, stitching a tea towel with a pear design–a foray into hand stitching.

You must be thinking, “But I thought Madison just arrived Thursday evening?” Yes, she did, and sadly bid us farewell today. But anyone who has traveled with me knows that I do like to pack in the fun until you drop. Grandpa told Madison the story of our honeymoon and how I planned a fantastic agenda but forgot to include little things like travel time and sleep. On the fifth day, he fell asleep in his plate at Trader Vic’s in San Francisco! I stayed up that night reading magazines and viewed more action out the window of our downtown hotel. When I traveled with the teachers, they learned a little secret–I get sleepy if I’m taking Dramamine. Now they threaten to sprinkle it in my food! 🙂 Well, Warren Zevon had a song in the 70’s called, “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead.” Anyone remember that? Somehow it resonates with me…

Just need to restore a tiny bit of shut-eye to prepare for our upcoming trip to L.A., followed by a Gracie visit! Hmm, Dramamine anyone? Zzzzzz

Jul19

Be Careful What You Wish For!

Posted on July 19, 2013 by Anny

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They say, “Be Careful What You Wish For!” Well, I’ve always wished to be a featured artist on one of Galveston’s Artwalk Evenings. AND…my wish has been granted! On October 5th, I will be the featured artist at Tina’s on the Strand on Artwalk night! However…by that time fifteen bags must be ready for my “trunk show.” Whew! Yes, I can do this, I tell myself. It’s been a few days since my “wish was granted” and I have spent those days basically taking inventory of all my exquisite fall/winter fabrics, trims, and potential patterns. You know that’s my favorite part! It’s true, I need to get in gear and churn out those bags, but planning is a very necessary step for me. It is psychologically energizing! Last night my mind was whirling with possibilities until 4:30 a.m. (Yes, I’m also a night person. Too bad most of the world is not in this mode. 🙂 But I digress.)

I have been sewing, though, since we last met. Creating a Victorian style bag was a goal that I can now check off the list. Below you see a sumptuous exterior upholstery fabric trimmed with richly colored tassels and silk ribbon fringe. Lined with Dupioni Silk, this bag has a pocket and zipper top closure. Now for sale in my Etsy Shop–ItsSewAnny! Yay! Progress!

Next, I tackled another goal of fashioning a gypsy/hobo/chic bag, which is now at Tina’s on the Strand. Extensively embellished with silk ribbon loop fringe, beautiful beading and large tassels on the back, this bag is definitely one of a kind! Again, it is thickly woven upholstery fabric but very lightweight and the lining features three dimensional bees–yes, bees. My friend, Pattie, suggested we name her Honey, Bee Chic! Take a look!

My sister, Nannette, had a birthday last week which gave me the opportunity to stitch a bag from a kit I purchased from Cactus Quilts in Texas City, Texas. Fabrics and pattern provided transformed into the sewing tote bag that you see here. Hmm, wouldn’t mind having one of those myself! Lots of pockets both inside and out!

Speaking of my sister, she and her husband, daughter, son, and daughter-in-law invited us to join them at their ranch house in LaGrange (Texas Hill Country.) We had a blast despite 104 degree heat! We pitched in for a mock Thanksgiving Dinner to pretend it was fall! 🙂 In the evening, it was cool enough to go down by the river in a grove of trees, sip some wine, and enjoy the most striking sunset ever!

But a fabulously fun feature of this awesome weekend was everyone’s dog was also invited! Yay! There were seven adults and eight dogs! Here is a sample of a few trying to share a bed that actually belonged to Natalie and Adam. 🙂 P.S. Kate, our bird dog, seen here, was the smallest dog there…

Everyone had a grand time but had to say good-bye on Sunday, so we loaded up Buddy, the Golden, and Kate, and, like a typical kid, Kate seemed to be saying, “Are we there yet?”

BUT, the fun continues! My darling granddaughter, Madison, selected a vintage romper pattern (really vintage–the price on the pattern envelope is $2.50!) Those were the days! Anyway, she arrives this evening when we will visit the fabric store and see if we can fashion a new chic outfit! (Been a long time since I’ve sewn a garment.) Perhaps in my next post, you will see a pic of Madison modeling that adorable romper! Until then…Happy Sewing!

Apr22

So What’s the Drink of the Day?

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Anny

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Our first day back on shore I turn to Rick and ask, “So what’s the Drink of the Day?” Oh yeah, back to REALITY!! No more Mango Mungo Madness! Back to selling the house, readying house for Homes Tour, Rick starting on Hill Country land, putting Spring items on Etsy, sewing for Tina’s, having the flu… Yep, the first week back from the cruise I think I’m dizzy just getting used to land again but no! Very sick, but just for a few days. Now I’m good as new!

So, about the cruise… If you know Flat Stanley, you know that since Gracie is in second grade, Rick and I were in charge of photographing this nicely dressed flat boy doing various activities in settings that prove he has visited countries outside the U.S. so Gracie could share with her class. Duly noted! As the pics portray, Stanley went to the On Deck Sailaway Party, Belize zip lining, marketing in Cozumel, enjoying the Atrium, and even getting his hair styled (his hair always did look nice…) in the ship salon. He’s a dandy!

Docked in Cozumel.

Sail Away Party. See those deck chairs? Drink of the Day setting. Non-alcoholic for Stanley. :)

Sail Away Party setting. See those deck chairs? Drink of the Day setting. Non-alcoholic for Stanley. 🙂

My Cabana Boy

Waving to Roatan, Honduras. Too choppy for ship to dock. 😦

Stan dances the night away.

Zip lining in Belize.

Market visit in Cozumel.

Salon visit for Formal Night.

Although Stanley zip lined in Belize, he passed on the Cave Tubing expedition, and on the Helmet Diving in Cozumel. He prefers dry activities. A great time was had by all and it was amazing how many people recognized Stanley. When taking that Market pic, a policeman says, “So…how many countries has he been to?” 🙂 The one place I planned to buy fabric was Roatan since we had friends there who actually knew where to take us. So no new fabric. (Although I did place an order today from QuiltHome.com. 🙂 And I plan to order soon from another fav, Laminates.)

So…still keeping the sewing room tidy for house showings (an open house yesterday) but before we vacationed I took time to finish a few items for Its Sew Anny on Etsy and a few evening bags for the cruise. (P.S. If you visit my store on Etsy, please don’t place an apostrophe in the “Its” or you will visit someone else’s shop. Yes, I’m a teacher and this just drives me crazy…)

These bags are a wonderful design by CraftApple. I can’t say enough about their patterns. Very clear, attractive, easy to follow instructions. I carry a fall upholstery version of this bag and love it because it’s just the right size. It’s shoulder style, holds more than you realize, and I’ve added three pockets inside. They offer two versions. The magenta and gold bag is the gathered style and while pulling the fabrics I found this embroidered ribbon in my stash that matched perfectly and was a nice little embellishment. When the straps seemed too lightweight (even with interfacing) I decided to add lines of stitching which gave a quilted effect and a much sturdier strap. I opted to use the non-gathered pattern on the blue bag since I didn’t want to interrupt the beautiful floral design. Blue beads called to me from my embellishment stash, so voila! I don’t remember where I purchased these fabrics–it’s been a while–but I have been waiting for a project worthy of these beautiful colors and designs. I do know that the magenta fabric is from Timeless Treasures called “Darling Clementine.” The lining is Garden Pindot. The blue lining is from Moda, and probably the floral also. The polka dot is from Marcus Fabrics, “Authentic 1930’s from the collection by Judie Rothermel.”

This evening bag is a Studio Mio design with the clever slide magnetic clasp. Fashioned from the most opulent copper plush fabric I own, and embellished with a feathery accent. The strap was enhanced by a rhinestone buckle found in my trimmings drawer.

Recuperating from the flu I decided to try this Katie’s Draw-string Bag pattern from Amelie Scott Designs. This is a gem of a pattern that I plan to use again. I had some Michael Miller laminated cotton that begged to be used and I was able to whip this drawstring/backpack style bag up in no time. The pattern comes with flower embellishment instructions which I plan to create from a coordinating fabric. Next time I would add pockets. What was I thinking? Hmm, coming off the flu I guess. But you know how I love pockets!!

In other news:

My hubby retired right before the cruise and is anxious to get started clearing property in the Texas Hill Country where he wants to build a vacation home for us. He is there today which means that I will probably sew until late tonight. 🙂

We have been asked to participate in the Galveston Historical Homes Tour 2013 which happens the first and second weekend in May. Very honored, we are, and very excited to be sharing our home built in 1886. Wednesday the docents arrive for the orientation meeting. On those two weekends, we will stay at the Marriott Hotel Galvez on the Seawall–an historical landmark as well and host to classic celebrities as Frank Sinatra and past presidents. During the day, we will probably spend half our time touring the other homes and half the time on our own deck answering any questions from tourists. We are blessed.

So happy to be home and back with Buddy and Kate! Our teacher friend, Amy, did a terrific job of house/pet sitting for us! She did say that if she gets to return to earth as an animal, she wants to come back as a Heiberg dog! 🙂

With that I bid you farewell and I’m taking those Heiberg dogs up to sew!

Love,

Anny

It's Sew Anny!

Do what makes your heart sing! A blog about Sewing and Traveling

Tag Archives: Galveston

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