See You In September Blog Hop

Wow...... summer has just flown by and we are now entering my favorite time of the year.... fall.  I love the cooler weather and crisp leaves..... We aren't quite experiencing this yet but will be very soon.  And with fall on the horizon comes a new batch of inspiring blog hops starting with:

 

 "See You In September."

 

 

As with so many of our wonderful hops, Madame Samm from Sew We Quilt, has put this one together for us.  Our cheerleader and blog organizer for this hop is Shari from Living With Purpose.  I have to thank both of these great ladies for all of the behind the scenes work, organization, and communication that must take place for these hops to hit the ground running.

 

"See You In September" was announced a few months ago, giving us time to make three projects to show on our designated day.  One of those projects was to include some fabulous Riley Blake gingham.

 

I have to admit that my summer sewing plans were put on hold until the middle of August and then it was time to get busy.  Phew.... I hustled and got them done!

 

Here's the first project..... I guess I could claim this as my three projects but I don't think this would be quite fair.  ;-) I made 

three fabric bins, each one using Riley Blake gingham as either the lining or the outside of the bin.

 

 

 

Three nested together....

 

And next to each other, large, medium, and small. 

 

Large.... this one would be a great napping spot for a cat to curl up in. 

 

Medium....hmmm..... maybe a kitten would like to nap in this size.

 

And small.... maybe for cat toys? (I always seem to be thinking about cats!)

 

Of course there are multiple uses for these bins.  Everything from cats to fabrics and sewing supplies.  You can find the free pattern for these bins at  Matryoshka Bins.

 

Next up is a little wall hanging that I made for a swap this summer.  It has been mailed and received so I can now show pictures of it.  And I must, again, apologize for these photos.  The project is now gone and I never had a nice day to photograph this wall hanging outside. 

 

 

 

 

 

The free sewing machine applique pattern  that I used can be found at Sew Can She.

And last up is a large tote bag that I made for the same swap as the hanging above.  I wanted to use some more of that great Riley Blake gingham for this bag.

 

 

 Here's a close up of the flower/button embellishment.

 

 

 

And the inside...  I don't have anything to show you the scale, but it could hold a pillow form or two....or lots of groceries, whatever.

 

 

This easy, free tote bag pattern can be found at

Pieceful Kwilter.

 

I should have had many more projects ready to show you but at least I managed to get my three projects finished.  I've done some more sewing since making these projects and will post soon.

 

Thank you so much for visiting today.  Now I hope you will continue your blog hopping and visit the other bloggers that are joining me today.  I'm loving that we get to see three projects on each blog so we will be overflowing with inspiration!

 

Thursday, September 4

Jane's Quilting
Life in the Scrapatch
Sew Many Yarns
Gracie Oliver Arts (that's me!)
Everyone Deserves a Quilt

Thanks for visiting today..... Happy Hopping!

Roomie Vacation

 

After a rough start to July, I needed some time away for a little R & R.  Fortunately, my annual reunion with my high school friends-and then college roommates- was already scheduled and I slipped away for a few days with my longtime girlfriends.

 

We stayed at the cottage of one of my roommates which is up in Michigan.  We had perfect weather....not too cold.... not too hot...... and not a drop of rain. 

 

This is me waiting for everyone to wake up.  I'm floating around on the pontoon in my jammies listening to the chorus of bird songs as they start their day.  Pleasant....... ahhhh.  I'm an early bird myself, so I always plan on a little quiet time before everyone gets up and around.

 

 

 

 

The making of Smores!  We had a great campfire with hot dogs and then Smores for dessert.  Not fancy, but just the perfect meal after a day in the water.

 

Here are my Roomies holding the tote bags that I made for them.  All of the bags are the same except for the linings.....well, and the initials too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I just had a wonderful time being lazy and relaxed with my friends.  We live far apart and don't see each other often, so this time together is special.  I'm back at home now.... still adjusting to my new normal without Oliver, but it's going well. 

Now I just need Smore time with my Roomies! 

Until next year........