Lined Tote Bag
I’ve had this tote bag in mind for a few weeks, but executing it was a bit more difficult than I had anticipated. I’ve only done lining on one item prior to this, and it was already a month ago so I had forgotten how the pieces worked together as far as which ones were inside out and right side out when sewing the edges together… anyway, I got it figured out after one go around (thank goodness for a seam ripper, my new best friend)… and despite the two layers of interfacing being on only one side (an oops that I am not entirely too worried about), it still has practical use written all over it!
You know what’s really cool about this tote? You can’t see any of the mistakes because they are all on the inner parts of it! Oh, and the fabric is kind of rocking my world, too! Need some? Buy it here: Magnolia Lane. Yum!
I’m pleased with the basic design of this bag, but am looking forward to adding some pockets and flowers to the next one!
I fell in love with fabric exactly this color that had swirly embroidery on it- it was at the second store we visited and was such a good deal that I couldn’t pass it up- you’ll see some project with it this year, hopefully!
I am imagining a cute valance here for Lauren’s room….
In this same store, there were walls upon walls of ribbon & trim, just beautiful!
Spitting distance from the Fabric District is the Fashion District and a smaller area within that known as Santee Aleey. When we were doing our homework on places to see, Santee Alley was listed, so ventured in. It was nutso. I’m not sure what I expected, but the amount of people was not one. Someone forgot to remind me that we are back in Southern California, the melting pot of the west?
I’m pretty sure Kelly’s face sums up what we all were thinking- HOLY shopping hazard!
Meredith scored a $6 strapless dress, but the rest of us were happy with our fabric finds 
I missed the performance of the Mexican folk dancers, but this is where gatherers watched and took it in. I was a little bit loving the sunshine this late in the day.
A great day with great friends. I am blessed to share a season with these ladies!
(L-r): me, Meredith, Dayna, & Kelly!
(hey, Brooke! I used a hoop!)
If you’d like to see the individual photos above, just 
If I ever get down about living in such a remote spot, all I have to do is hop in the car and drive a bit and there is nothing BUT action going on in Southern California! This past Sunday, I surprised the girls with a special trip to the American Girl Doll store in L.A. On the way, we hooked up with my aunt and made an afternoon of visiting 
Andy asked if I had a matching case here at home with his heart on it? Swooooon :)
The girls attended a Harry Potter birthday party last Saturday and each came home with a set of goggles just like their wizard friend wears.
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#21:
Congratulations, Marie! I can’t wait to see your newly won “M” mug show up in your beautiful
(**it appears that they are hit and miss with which initials they sale, so if it comes down to it and they don’t sale the initial you have if you win, then you can opt for the 
But, the “sleeve” part where my book was supposed to slide in actually turned out to be too small, boo! It may or may not actually fit the e-reader it is designed for, I don’t have a Kindle, so I’m not sure. For now, I’m going to go ahead and use it for the pencil case, after all, it still meets the original need. I think I might like to try to make a small bag to match it. I’ll be back soon with that idea…