Sylvia's Books Read

 A Year by the Sea - Thoughts of an Unfinished Woman by Joan Anderson.   Finished this book March 03 24.

A book about the author's journey to redefining and discovery herself following the departure of her children into adulthood.

Her husband gets a new job and expects her to follow him as she has before.  She chose to retreat to their family cottage on Cape Cod.

She enjoys her surroundings and gradually discovered her life was full of possibilities.  

Out of that magical, difficult, transformative year came this book. A record of her experiences in a year by the sea.

A good read.

The House Where Angels Dwell by Henry K. Ripplinger is book 6 of the Angelic Letters Series. Finished on Mar 21 24.

After decades apart, Henry and Jenny are finally married and living on Henry’s acreage situated on a hillside overlooking a beautiful panoramic valley. They couldn’t be happier. While Henry is finding fulfillment painting landscapes in his studio, Jenny is leading Bible studies as they relate to marriage and family with small groups of ladies in the city.

The only thing that could make Jenny happier would be to bear Henry a child. Although her age and the fact her body was ravaged by cancer is working against her, Jenny prays with Father Engelmann for another miracle in her life. Will God answer Jenny’s heartfelt wish and prayer?

Ever since Father Engelmann was miraculously healed from his near death experience, life at the care home was never the same. He is felt called to withdraw from the on-going hustle and bustle of the city to the prayer house beside the pond in the valley on Henry’s acreage. In the quietness and serenity of the small chapel in the prayer house, Father continues to offer up his prayers and Mass offerings for his flock.

Let it Shine by Josephine Cox was finished on March 30, 2024.  

She is one of my favorite authors.

Ada Williams believed that money and power would bring her happiness.  But now, she is all alone with a greedy and bitter son Peter who is just waiting for her to die.

A few miles away the Bolton family may be poor but the love they share, the friendship of neighbours, means they can overcome almost any adversity.

The twists and turns in this to discover the connection of these families so far apart.

Great read.

The Longings of Wayward Girls by Karen Brown.

This book is presented in different timelines but not very linear which I understand is done to dramatic effect.

A story about teenage girls and the angst of wanting to belong, being a clique, excluding others your social circle, being interested in boys and sometimes being mean.

I did finish the book but it was not a great read for me.

Happy Easter

 

I am so thrilled with my African Violet blooms.  

Wishing you all a very Happy Easter|

Slow Stitching - No. 013 - Friendship Star

The prompt for week 13 of the slow stitch challenge 2024 at K3N Cloth Tales was  Friendship with a nine patch square as the technique hence a Friendship Star.

I am not a traditional quilter so nine patch is something I have not done before. Then to make on a small scale and hand stitch it was another level of challenge.

I started with 2 inch squares but somewhere along the way I ended up with extra fabric I had to cut off the the center square was a bit too big.  Math is not my strong point.

Friends are important.

I chose to put the print on the star and the aqua on the surrounding squares. I then added the yellow and teal strips around the square to make it work better when I put these squares into a project at the end of the year.  Once the nine patch was done, I added a white cotton layer on the back and id the top stitching.  Really happy with this piece.

Slow Stitching - No. 012 - Bundle Book

This is my first piece for week 12 of the slow stitching challenge with K3N Cloth Tales.  

This challenge was to stitch one piece which will stay with me and one which will be exposed to nature for 3 months.

The poem Kathryn shared is the one where if you love something let it go if it comes back its yours if not it never was.  That was too much letter stitching for me so I just Free for my word on the the piece which will stay with me.

I put down the blue circle then the yellow word then the purple butterfly and then the seed stitching all the way around in green.  A final frame of yellow invisible stitch. I chose white cotton on a blue and white gingham fabric.

I chose Came Back for the piece which will be put outside for 3 months.  Mine has not gone far so I know I will be able to retrieve it. 

Those with more nature available in the form of yard, garden and or woods will have many nooks and crannys to place their bundle.

I made a book with four pages.  I ripped my 2 pieces of cotton and stitched down the center. I stitched in white cotton thread the circle and the words.

I had gathered a pinecone, some pine needles, a leaf from unknown bush, some green cedar leaves on my walk yesterday which was glorious.  I was able to wear my spring jacket.  I added a bit of rusty wire as well.

Here are my ingredients for the bundle. 

On the left handside the pages were not stitched together so I put pine needles in between the cloths.

The rusty wire was stood up so I could roll it.  

I found some jute to tie the bundle.

There is a pine cone as well but forgot to include it in the photo.

I did investigate nooks and crannys on my walk yesterday and decided that with the number of people and dogs around I may lose my bundle so I chose my balcony instead.

Today, we are back to the snow.

I will water my bundle regularly so the rust and decomposition can take place.

We will retrieve our bundles in 3 months time for the solstice in June.

Sewing Project - ReUsable Bag - Quilted Swirl

 

I made another ReUsable Shopping Bag today.  

I started with the 12.5 inch quilted square I picked up at the ReUse Center this week.   I backed the square with a 14" square of white 100% cotton. I chose to do this because the yellow fabric was thin and showed the pattern of the turquoise fabric through and with a finished layer I could create a pocket. I top stitched the swirl to the white cotton by following 2 of the diamond shapes in the quilting.  I then, used the technique of self binding to finish the edges.  That means bringing the white to the front and folding over and again and top stitching down. I mitered the corner with a technique I research a while back for napkins. Perfect Mitered Corners Tutorial. 

I then chose a turquoise microfiber cloth which matched well and created it with finished seams on the inside to a final width of fourteen inches. I sewed the quilted swirl to the front of the bag (should have done it before the sides).  I left a piece of the top edge open and created a pocket by top stitching are tall rectangle following the quilted pieces.

I created the handles by hemming the ends, pressing in half then in half again and top stitching the ope and folded sides. They were 19" long by .75" wide. I folded the top edge of the bag 1" then again another inch and sewed it down with the wavy decorative stitch. I placed the handles 4" from the edges and sewed them down the 2 inches they overlapped the bag. 

I created a skirt for the top of the bag with a double layer of white cotton and a double layer of turquoise microfiber. I serged the cut edges.  I folded over the serged edge about 1" along the finished top edge of the bag and top stitched in on.  I then folded in the serged short ends in and top stitched the 2 of them together on the side seam of each bag. 

I used white thread for this project.

Lipstick Needle Case

 I found some of these empty lipstick cases and I saw a needle case.  During a visit with my sister earlier this week we brainstormed ideas and had determined that polyfill would be the best filler.

I came home and worked out what I saw in my head.

I created a red felt tube, stitched it by hand, filled with polyfill and sealed at the top with another felt circle. I used a medium Zot at the bottom to keep it in place in the lipstick case.  Now one can safely carry a few needles with our slow stitching projects and it looks really cool.

Binder Cover with Journaling Bookmark

I had a visit with my sister before the snow came down again.

We discussed a lot of creative ideas and I realized that I don't have a central place to document these.  

They may or may not become full fledged completed projects but it was great to have a creative discussion.  It is important, to document the details we discussed so that they are not lost when the idea becomes a possibility.  It may be a spring board to another idea. Who knows.  

That is when I decided I needed a creative ideas journal.  She had returned to me a small binder that I had passed to her a couple of years ago that she had not used yet.  I am glad she kept it.

She sent fabric as well that is headed to the ReUse Center but I thought I should see if there was something there that would work for this project.  The big yellow flower on this fabric spoke to me.  I decided that I would use this.  I chose some beige fabric from the box which was given to me for the lining.  I cut the pieces 22" long and 10" inches tall.  The binder is 9 1/8 tall but I need some room.  I chose a 3/8 inch seam to attach these two layers which was too generous.  I did not have any fabric sticking out to create the top stitch to keep the flaps in place which would slide over the sides of the binder.  I chose to hand stitch the flaps in place with thread.  

I had an extra set of dividers which I bought at the second hand store a while back.  It may be hard to categorize the ideas but I will see how it goes.

She had created a Journaling Bookmark which I just winged the construction of.  I did have to try twice to get at least something that worked.  This means I will always have a pencil to jot notes.

sewing Project - Book Bag - Navy Calico

I made another book bag/sleeve.  This time I chose a navy calico fabric from my stash.  I believe I was given this piece from a quilter that was de-stashing. 

I found the beautiful cotton lace at the ReUse Center in the last couple of weeks.  The blue bias tape is a leftover from making these ReUsable Bags. 

This was a smaller piece of fabric so I had to stick to the 12x19 inches to get handles as well.  I cut my flannel padding layer the same.  I then used the stitching of the bias tape then the lace for my first 2 quilting seams.  I then made them every 3 inches with the wavy decorative stitch width wise across the bag.

I used a piece of white microfiber cloth to make the lining.  I added a large inside pocket using a piece of striped cotton poly as I had no calico big enough.

The handles were cut 2x12 inches then just a 1/4 fold over on each side and then down the middle again making them 1/2 inch wide.  I would like more but it is what it is.

I found a beautiful vintage button and used white flat elastic for the closure.

Sewing Project - Book Sleeve - Perfect Pear

 I am using up my smallish pieces of fabric.  Here I have a book sleeve/bag made with some nice cotton pear fabric in yellow and black.  I have made a banded front with yellow, black and pear fabric.  The bottom is black which works well for keeping dirt from showing.  The back is a full piece of pear fabric.

I chose a cotton/Tencel (fabric made from wood fiber) blend fabric for the lining.  It is also the panel on the front and the band at the top. Feels wonderful. 

I stitched the front to the flannel padding layer with top stitching along the black and pear pieces.  The handles are made of the pear fabric and are 3/4 inches wide and about 11 inches long.

The bag has an elastic and button closure. 

I did put a pocket on the inside which will accommodate something extra. 

Sewing Project - Book Sleeve - Blue Abstract

I found this cotton poly fabric at the thrift store and thought that would make a great bag. I liked the blue abstract pattern at the top which was different than the rest.

Cut the outer fabric, flannel padding and the ivory lining cotton poly fabric to 9 x 12 inches. Quilted the outer fabric to the padding with a wavy decorative stitch. Sewed both side seams on both pieces.  Managed to cut handles 3 x 12 inches with similar pattern.  Folded both edges in then again in half to make .75 inch wide handles. Top stitched left and right edges with ivory thread.

Placed the handles 3 inches from the edge and pinned, added the elastic on the back piece and tacked those down with a bit of stitching and checked their orientation o make sure I got it right.  Then pinned the two pieces together and sewing the top seam leaving a gap to turn out the piece. Back to flat elastic. 

Top stitched the top edge to close the gap and finish the edge.  

Added a vintage button just the right color.

Sewing Project - Book Sleeve - Red Batik

I started with the red piece of batik fabric.  I did not have enough to make the whole sleeve so I pulled a few fabric from my stash to complete the colors in the fabric.  I added some black, red and taupe.

I wanted most of the front to feature the batik fabric.  I added black on either side then a piece of taupe on the right hand side.  The back features 2 pieces of batik and black and taupe.  The taupe was on the opposite side so they would not be together when I sewed the bag. I added a strip of red along the top front to finish off the piece of fabric.  Piecing together the fabric took much longer than using a single piece of fabric. There were more choices to make coordinating the colors and the fabrics.

I then laid it onto my flannel padding piece and top stitched the red pieces with red thread and the black the matching thread. Now those pieces were one.

I used some red cotton poly as the liner.  Again, cut the the same size at the main fabric which is 12 inches wide by 19 inches tall.

I wanted the handles both to be black as it was sturdy fabric and a dark color. I just had one piece so I made the back handle out of all red fabric.  The handles were cut to 12 inches long with top stitching.

I used a hair elastic for the loop but I would not do it again.  The center is very hard and the elastic is very dimensional which made it harder to sew into the seam.

I chose a vintage cream button for the front of the sleeve.

Card - Slow Stitching - Abstract

I finished another slow stitch card this week.

This was a black and white heavy fabric with zebra stripes type pattern.

I chose to use red embroidery thread and followed several of the large shapes radiating from the dark spot.

I added a frame with black thread all the way around.  

I found a button that worked well as the focal element for the card.  I stitched it one with black thread.

I mounted the fabric to a red card in the landscape orientation. Added an insert and envelope.  

Sewing Project - Book Sleeve - Pin Stripe

I chose 100% cotton fabric from a men's shirt for the outside of this bag/sleeve.  Really nice crisp fabric.  I chose black thread for this project.

I created some cotton poly fabric from some of squares I got from the box of fabric donated to me.  I used 4 squares and sewed them together staggering the seams and then trim the excess and added it back to the length to get what I needed.  

I cut all my layers the same size 12 inches wide and 19 inches tall.  Pin Stripe outer fabric, flannel, and black taupe patterned fabric I made. The stitching I did to attached the flannel to the outer fabric was a rectangle on the front and back about 2 inches away from the edge.

I created my handles from the cotton poly fabric squares of the patterned fabric.  I cut a stripe then folded the edges into the center then ironed it half again.  I placed 4 lines of stitching both outer edges and then 2 in the middle. The handles measure 1.25 inches wide and were cut to 12 inches long.

Tacked the handles and black elastic in place then placed the bags one inside the other and sewed the top edges together leaving a gap to turn it inside out. Turned right sides out and ironed flat then pushed the lining into the bag.  I top stitched the top very close to the edge then added another line of stiching 1/2 inch from the top.

I chose a beige button but I would have preferred a gold one.

Slow Stitching - No. 011 - Kawandi and Respect Traditions

Here's my piece for week 11 - prompt Kawandi and Respect Traditions. This challenge is hosted by Kathyn at K3N Cloth Tales.
Kawandi means quilt in Siddi people of India. Traditionally, the edges are all folded over then stitched to a base foundation and an extra layer of fabric is added in the middle after the outside pieces are stitched. Grains of rice are added to the quilt to wish the recipient full bellies.  The kawandi is considered naked with out the puhlas (flowers) in each corner.

I chose a blue cotton base fabric and stitche my first pieces all the way around the edge folding the base layer and my top scraps as I went. I chose to leave raw edges on the inner pieces of the piece as it was too difficult to turn over edges on such small pieces of fabric. I confess that I forgot my puhlas so they were added at the end. I am so grateful to Kathryn for sharing and presenting videos so well prepared and educational.

Sewing Project - Book Sleeve - Blue Mottled

 
I made another book sleeve but with a different process - where we make the outer layer and the lining layer and then insert one into the other. I chose light grey thread for this project.

I cut my blue outer fabric, the flannel padding then the grey lining fabric all the same size - 12 inches wide and 19 inches tall. 

I quilted the padding to the wrong side of the outer blue fabric with a pretty stitch.  This one though is too thread intensive and very slow. 

I prepare my handles which measured 12 inches long and 3 inches wide and I folded in the edges then ironed it in half and sewed both edges.

I then sewed the side seams on the outer blue fabric. I decided to add a tiny pocket on the inside for a pen so I prepared that piece then pinned it into the seam and sewed the side seams of the lining fabric. I made sure that it stood the right side up this time.

I then tacked my handles in place on the outer fabric along with the small elastic just to give me a last chance to make sure they are not twisted. 

I inserted one into the other with right sides together and pinned it very well. I sewed them together leaving a small opening to turn them inside out. I then turned them right side out, ironed them, and pushed the lining into the bag. I top stitched the edge very close to the edge all the way around closing the gap in the same process.

I chose a button which matched very well.  This process is working well. It fits my large paper back book which is my guide.

Sewing Project - Book Sleeve - Butterflies

I decided to jump right in and try again to make a book sleeve.  I chose this beautiful butterfly fabric given to me by a fellow quilter. Used the same light blue cotton poly for lining.

I had changed my mind but my mind had a mind of it's own and I ended up with another book cover instead of a sleeve so I added side panels again.  I had just enough fabric.

I added a pocket on the inside.  I did add a pocket made with the lining fabric but it end up upside down in the side seam.  Pretty useless. 

It has handles and an elastic button closure as the earlier one did.

I did quilt a piece of flannelette which is an inch smaller than the outside fabric to provide some padding but not bulk up the seams.

The finishes size of the book sleeve:

11 inches wide

9 inches tall

2 inches deep

handles 8.25 inches long

One of the handles was twisted so I had to take it apart, turn it and sew it back in but it will not be as strong as they others.

I probably should have waited for the sun to rise into a new day before I tried again.
 
I spent some time this morning trying to define what my book sleeves will be like - size, padding, closure and handles.

Sewing Project - Book Cover/Carrier

My sister and I had a discussion recently about products we could sew.

Book sleeves seen to sell well.  They just protect a book but don't allow you to read without folks seeing what you are reading.  I'm not sure how import that is.

We did find adjustable book covers which are not as adjustable on the height of the book only the thickness of the book.

There were book cover carriers which allow you to protect the book, open the book to read and will a flexible closure would adjust somewhat.

I did watch one video which I followed the instructions which made this book cover much larger than it should be.  I have put one of my hard cover books in it and it's still a bit too tall but about right for thickness.

The book carrier has great handles which I think are the right length. It has yellow pocket sleeves which provides a contrast to the pale blue lining fabric. There is a layer of cotton flannel in it to provide some padding. There are 2 mini pockets to carry a pen and maybe a small notebook. It has an elastic closure which allows tension to keep closed and flexibility on the thickness of the book. it has two bookmarks which may be handy. I have added a pony bead to the elastic which shorten it and works better. It also provide purchase to pull it across to the button.

The final measurements of the book cover/carrier are:

16.5 inches wide, 10.5 inches tall, cover pockets are 4.5 inches deep, mini pockets measure 2.5" w X 4.5" tall, handles are 9.5 inches long.

There are a few things to improve upon with this design. 

• I attached some reinforcements for the elastic and the button and sewed them directly through the cover pockets which now limits the width of the cover you can put in the sleeve. 
• I think the overall height is too tall. 
• The width of the overall carrier may be to much as well. 

UPDATE:

I have decided to convert my book cover to a sleeve where it is a much better size and it will accommodate any book almost.  It holds my largest paper back book which measures 5.5 inches wide by 8.5 inches tall. 

I just created a narrow tab for each end and finished the ends - top folded and bottom hemmed and top stitched it into the folded length of the bag.  The pockets on the inside are largely inaccessible and I cut off the book marks. 

I am happy with this.

This book sleeve because it is in the landscape orientation allows you to hide your book cover if you choose.

Card - Slow Stitching - Flower

I love the colors in this fabric.  

I chose an ivory thread to outline the flower and a light green to outline the stem.

I added several French Knots in the center of the flower.

The stitch I used is the back stitch.

This was a long one which took 2 evenings to complete.

I chose an Early Espresso card base in the A2 size.  

A quarter sheet insert and an envelope added it is now sitting under a pile of books to ensure the double sided tape sticks the fabric on very well.

Sewing Project - ReUsable Bag - Navy and Taupe Squares

This is the last of the 7 inch cotton poly squares in the Navy and Taupe which I received for free.  I paired it with some navy microfiber cloth to have enough fabric to complete the project. I created two 6 square panels then serged all the seam edges. I then sewed the 2 panels together with a French Seam hiding all the raw edges which created the bottom of the bag.

Realizing that it was not tall enough and I needed handles as well I dipped into my good microfiber fabric and chose this navy.  Works well with the pattern in the squares. I cut the navy panel 12 inches wide and ironed it half to 6 inches tall.  I then measured the width of my bag and sewed the strip to be exactly the same width then serged that seam.  Now I sewed the  navy panel to the top of the squares bag with the serger then top stitched fabric to the serged edge from the top on the squares piece.

I then changed my thread to navy for the rest of the project.

I ripped my handles to 3 inches wide and 41" inches long.  I sewed them and turned them inside out.  I fold the raw edges of each end to the inside leaving me a 40" handle.  I pinned the bottom of the handle to the bottom on the first rows of squares 5" inches in from the right and left side.  I created my reinforced squares on the bottom and the spot where the handle meets the top of the bag.  The handle is top stitched on both edges for both handles.

I added a decorative stitch along the top of the bag to keep that fold in place and to add my elastic to the inside of the bag which I can use to roll up if I want it to take less space.

This bag will replace my shopping bag.  This one I made a year ago. It is polyester and is very thin but I just loved the color so I just enjoyed for as long as it was going to last.  

Slow Stitching - No. 010 - Feather, Hope and Poem

This is piece number 10 for the slow stitch challenge with Kathryn at K3N Cloth Tales.

The prompt this week was feathers based on the poem by Emily Dickinson. Hope is the thing with Feathers.

I chose a turquoise cotton base fabric as well as my white cotton one underneath.  After a bit of inspiration looking at black and white drawings of feathers, I drew my own.

I cut the pieces out from the paper then applied them to small pieces of fabric in the turquoise color family.

I started with the dark blue center quill and added the top one.  Then the pieces on the right then those on the left.  I did have to adjust some angles as I stitched to keep the overall outline I wanted for the feather.

I wanted them offset somewhat and that turned out well.

These are such tiny pieces.  

I stitched the word hope from the poem on the left bottom corner which helps to balance the composition.

I really like this one.
 

Card - Slow Stitching - Vine

Another slow stitch card. This fabric has a coarse weave so it was interesting stitching on it.

I started with the blue and added texture to the indigo areas with corresponding thread. 

I then did a couple of purple areas.

It still needed something so I started to add leaves and stems which became a vine.

I mounted the piece to a card base of Rich Razzleberry textured cardstock. I have started adding a piece of heavy duty double sided tape in the center.

A white quarter sheet insert and an envelope and there's another card in my box.

Sewing Project - Pojagi Fabric Bags

I added to the piece of Pojagi fabric I made the other day.  I added some on the length and width.

I then had enough fabric to make 2 reusable bags. They both measure about 12x12 square.  I added handles from scrap fabric. 

For this bag I added handles in grey polycotton blend fabric which will wear well.  It came in the box of fabric I was given so bonus. The strip was cut 2 inches resulting in approximately 5/8 inch wide strip.

I sewed the handles right to the bottom to distribute the weight in the bag along a better distance. In this case I sewed the strip and then turned it inside out which was a challenge being so narrow.

Top stitched it on both sides of the strip on both handles on both sides of the bag.

This one again measures approximately 12x12 inches square.

For this bag I decided to cut down on the work.  I ironed the 40 inch handle strip of navy microfiber in half then ironed in both edges then just stitched it from the top. Folded in the raw edges at both ends before I sewed the seam. 

Then I just used a decorative stitch on my sewing machine to sew the handles all the way down the front and back of the bag. Back stitched where the handle meets the top of the bag and at the bottom of the bag.

This took much less time.

These are being donated.

Slow Stitching - No. 009 - Nine Patch & Poem

It has been a bit of a tough week for no particular reason.

I just had to get my piece for the K3N Cloth Tales challenge before Monday. The challenge was a Nine Patch and possibly a poem you can read left to right and top to bottom. Nine patch is a traditional quilting pattern so that may have put me off.

I was not inspired at all so I had to just do something. 

I cut a piece of blue cotton fabric as my base fabric.  I chose several pieces of cotton fabric in blues with a yellow for the center. I just finger pressed these pieces the iron may have been a better choice. I did intentionally choose white thread but not sure about that being the best. 

I am happy with my color choices.  I will applique this piece to my grey square blocks so I left the outside edges unstitched.

I did not write poem but some participants did.

Sylvia's Simple Shots

We had a snow storm this week.  

It was blowing and snowing pretty hard.

I can barely see the building one street over  through the snow.

I did purchase a fabric marker from Walmart because I wanted one to create designs for embroidery which will wash out after the stitching is done.

Then just after I bought at retail I found this set of markers at Restore.  

I have plenty for my needs now for my slow stitching.

I found this Clover Kanzashi Flower Maker Pointed Petal small at Goodwill this week.

I was wanting to make flowers to decorate my bags and thought this would work well.

It does work well but the flowers are quite small.

Once I understood the concept I could make a large one with out the gadget.

At the same time my sister was looking for something similar.

You can check out the method and flower she made in this post.

I have made flowers both ways and it works quite well.  The pentagon flower requires quite light fabric as it needs to bunch a lot to make the petals.

Sewing Project - Recycled Fabric - Everyday Carry Bag

I made a bag from all recycled materials.  The fabrics came from the box from Michelle at ReImagined Fabrics.

The bag is beige cotton duck fabric. 

A beautiful leaf pattern cotton fabric was used for the zipper insert, the tab on the front pocket and the tab on ginger pocket.  

I added a piece of ginger cotton denim to the bottom of the back to improve wear ability and keep it cleaner. 

I chose a small piece of red for the trim on the zipper insert, the loop on the front pocket and the key hook on the inside.

The bag features 3 pockets - the front leaf patterned one, the back ginger denim one, and the space between the ginger pocket and the bag.

It has a teal zipper at the top in the normal for me completed finished zipper insert. 

I used taupe cotton poly blend for the handles and made them as long as I could. They are placed on either side of the pockets.  They are well reinforced in the stress areas.

The the seams are finished which looks smart and there are no raw edges in sight.

I added a tab on the ginger pocket so that it provide better leverage to open the velcro closure. It is center which the velcro was not.

This button is from my stash of recycled materials as well as the teal zipper.

It was the perfect color to match the teal color in the patterned fabric.

I included a keys hook on the inside so they will always be at hand and easy to find in the bag.

The bag measures 12x12 square so it is not a big bag.  I guess, you would call it purse sized.  

For more information on "My Bag" line: