1 Goal accomplished!

Ok, here is the finished product! It's such a cute purse, I'm still surprised that I made it.

My 2nd mom, Janine was SO patient with me and really took the time to explain the stuff I wasn't clear on. She was the picture of patience with me and I'm SO grateful! I had a lot of fun making the purse and watching it come together. I would hold it up at times and think to myself, "wow, I'm really doing this!".

I have to say though for someone that can't draw a straight line (or cut one for that matter) with a ruler, and who has no depth perception, stripes may not have been the best way to go. LOL I thought I was going cross-eyed a couple of times but it really turned out cute. We tried to improvise a bit on the shoulder strap and although it didn't turn out like it was supposed to, it actually works best for the purse. phew!

Of course, my wonderful, supportive husband wanted to look at it as soon as I walked in the door. I got the proper ooh's and ahh's from a husband and then sat on the couch in sheer exhaustion! Who knew sewing could take so much concentration and effort? I was at it for 6 hours on the purse...maybe I should give it up? nah...it was too fun. I have the material, I could actually cut out the pattern for the 2nd one in my collection....haha not yet.

Lexi saw the purse the next morning and after the appropriate compliments on it, I saw her trying to go up to her room with it on her shoulder. If I give it to her, then I have to make at least 2 more purses in my sewing career...one for each of my other two girls. lol

Maybe I'll start making them as gifts...I better practice more-but hey, it's fun!

Sewing Lesson

So tomorrow I am going over to my mother-in-law's to attempt to sew my first project. When we were on our honeymoon, walking around Saturday Market, I noticed women carrying the cutest purses and I decided I needed one to put my treasures (purchases) in as well so I would fit in with the Portland crowd. ;-)

On our way home, I looked at Jeremey and said I bet this purse wouldn't be that hard to make. He said well when we get home, go to Jo Ann's and get a pattern and stuff and make one. It took me an hour to pick out the material I thought I wanted. When I get home and fretted a bit and thought "what was I thinking, I've never sewn before!!" and he said oh, well you will probably throw your first one away anyways. UGG...not this beautiful material I picked out!! So, the stuff went in a drawer not to be seen or discussed again for a year and a half or so.

It must have been the whole "trying something new" thought process but I brought up making the purse again to Jeremey and he said to go for it. I talked to my aunt about it and she encouraged me to do it too so I went back to Jo Ann's and found a cute material. I won't cry if it doesn't turn out, but it's cute enough that if it looks ok, I'd still use it.

Now the fun part...I haven't sewn anything in my life, despite that A+ from Home Ec. (sorry Mrs. Williams!!). I had laid out the material and the pattern but my mom, the "seamstress" yelled that I was about to cut it wrong and sent me to bed. When I woke up, the sewing fairy had left me a perfect vest to turn in. I never attempted to sew again after that. So tomorrow will be fun...the best part? I love my MIL, she loves me, and she was my 4th grade teacher so we already kind of have this teacher/student relationship. :) haha

And we've already decided we'd have our lunch at A&W...because you know, we might need a break after we start to clear our minds or something to that effect.

I'll try to post a picture when I get done with it. :)