WOYWW 255

SUNRISE, SUNSET, SUNRISE. SUNSET,
SWIFTLY FLY THE YEARS,
ONE SEASON FOLLOWING ANOTHER, 
LADEN WITH HAPPINESS AND TEARS.
(Fiddler on the Roof)

You'll see why at the end of the post!

I've made four of these zipped craft bags now but I still have to follow the tutorial at certain points because it's so easy to get the zip facing the wrong way, or bits of lining attached incorrectly...hence the iPad with the Debbie Shore tutorial on it :-)  It's at this point that you begin to wonder if a bag is going to surface because it resembles anything but!!  This really is a bag of bits - I scraped enough of that grey/green print for the outside but didn't have enough grey/white spot to do all the inner, only the bits that show. So, that's why there's some black to make up some of the lining too. Sounds hideous!!!
It turned out ok though...phew....
This was from a couple of days ago...again, just enough of that fruity/floral fabric with which to construct another small craft tote.... (Btw, I know it's a floral pattern, but I see slices of citrus fruit! Wonder what THAT says about my personality!!)
Love these colours :-)
I'm slowly making these to sell at the WOYWW Crop (with the proceeds going to charity). If they don't go, then they'll be presents for throughout the year!

As you may remember, I made a goodly amount of money by selling my bags at Julia's card marathon day. Well, this little fella (Barney) is one of those who is in puppy training for a very important job one day soon. Thanks to Chris, his puppy walker, for sending the pics.....
D'awwwwwwww...he's sooooooooo cute!!
And clever :-)  It's good to know that the money is helping train him up.

And finally, but most importantly, it was my younger son Rhys' 18th birthday yesterday. Where HAS the time gone and how DID he grow to be so tall (6'3")?!

One of my favourite photos of all time...
Taken 9 years ago at Crackington Haven on the North Cornwall coast. Some of our best family holidays were at the beach with many a happy hour spent rockpooling - simple times, wonderful memories. My boy..now a man.  xxx

Have a great week xx


60 comments:

MaggieC (Silvercrafter) said...

Lovely photos and lovely bags. I am sure you will sell loads at the Crop. Good luck with your fund raising. xx Maggie

sandra de said...

Gorgeous bags, cute dog and well done for growing a 6'3" son and still having time to share your wonderful work with verse. Have a lovely week.
Sandra @20

Helen said...

I see slices of citrus too - you do because you're a fabulous cook, not sure about me... hungry maybe? It's breakfast time... The totes look fantastic, I hope to nab one in a few weeks time. That puppy is seriously cute.. Happy birthday again to the young man! Helen 5

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

OK, I got the analogy with the final photo, but I was thinking Fiddler on the Roof and you were going to show another heron or new bird that was living there. Obviously, it's late at night in my world (grin). I would be remiss if I didn't wish your son a happy belated birthday, though.

My favorite bag is the green and black one. I like the fabric graphics. Speaking of which, I thought those flowers were citrus, too. So what does it say for MY mind?

I thought you should know I will NOT be coming to the crop (GRIN). But I love that darling pup. I want one just for ME. Bleubeard can get his own! WOYWW wishes from # 9.

Claire said...

Wow, your work is just beautiful, Jan - I esp. like the first bag :) And how the years fly, don't they?? Our baby boy will be 19 in September...
Happy WOYWW!
no. 2

Judys Lace Creations said...

I love both bags Jan.Perhaps the citrus one a tiny bit more.Have a fab week.
Judy #25

Nikki said...

Such pretty bags I'm sure they will all be sold at the crop happy woyww hugs Nikki 4

Jackie said...

I love the bags you make they are really lovely...... Perhaps you will have a 'sale day ' on WOYWW were we can buy them!!!!! The puppy is sooooo cute and such a good cause, I say that thinking I might need one of these in my future as I have narrow angle glucoma and my sight is not good and I have been told I could loose it at some point in the future! So please keep up the good work and thank you
Jackie 3

Unknown said...

A lovely post this week Jan. Your bags are gorgeous and good on you for raising lots of money for such a good cause. I love your son's photo too, fab! Ooh I've always had dreams of being a puppy walker myself but would find it hard to give them back when it got time for their proper training. Hugs Lynda B 29

Paper rainbow said...

A Happy birthday to your son! They do grow up too fast, I love that beachcombing photo, what a lovely memory, The crafft bags you make are wonderful. It is very difficult to buy such useful and beautiful bags in the shops,
x

Chrysalis said...

Hi Jan - those fabrics go so well together, and the bags look great. The photo of your 'little' boy is really lovely, and I love Barney, too. Have a great week, Chris # 19

Anne said...

Belated birthday greetings to your son. Where I deed do the years go? My youngest 'baby' will be 36:on Monday and my eldest grandson 9 in June. The bags are gorgeous as is the pup. Anne x # 37

Anonymous said...

Personally, that birdie one is my fave of all I've seen. Love it a lot! Will it be coming to the WOYWW crop for sale? Must remember to bring cash....

:)

Happy WOYWW!

Mary Anne (1)

Julia Dunnit said...

I see citrus too...I think that's OK! Slightly bittersweet innit, having grown up children...but really when you count the memories, they do stack up to 18 years...and they've only flown by because they are largely good times!
Am love love loving the sewing, I don't need another craft tote, but I jsut know I'm going to have one!

Vikki said...

Wow what great bags!! Sadly I can't sew to save myself...but those bags look amazing! Happy Birthday to your son, I know how you feel as my son is turning 18 in June and I really don't know where the years have gone...Vikki #22

Annie said...

Love your bags Jan...must look up the pattern [I nearly wrote menu lol ]...and I see orange and lemon slices too!
Gorgeous puppy pics and your last photo is simply gorgeous too....happy happy memories eh?
Hugs,
Annie x # 38

Eliza said...

Jan, That green and black bag is perfect and my favourite of the lot you have ever made. Good for you for supporting a worthy cause. If I was closer I would help you but postage is a shocker now here in Australia and the dollar/pound conversion even worse. Keep up the good work. Happy Birthday greeting to your Rhys wow a man now, it is a milestone for you too. Congratulations.

Hugs Eliza & Yoda 28
Happy WOYWW

Crafting Queen said...

Love your bags, when I finally get my machine back I will have a go. Well done on raising funds for such a good cause. He is so adorable. Have a great day.

Twiglet said...

Totally fab photo of your boy - they do grow up far too fast don't they! Jan your bags are brilliant - I love all your fabrics and you make such a wonderful job of them. I hope they sell well for you. I think they look like slices of citrus fruit too! x Jo #30

VonnyK said...

Happy birthday to the boy. Scary when your youngest becomes a man but such great memories and a lovely photo. To be honest just because he's 18 doesn't mean he isn't still your little boy. I think that way of my two 22 year olds. Those bags are fabulous, that first one is amazing. I thought the fabric was oranges and lemons so I've got the same problem as you :)
How adorable is that doggy, good to see where the money goes.
Have a great week.
Von #13

ANNETTE HUSBAND said...

G'day Jan
and happy WOYWW. Your totes are divine...uuummm I saw citrus fruit too LOL. How awesome to support a guide dog puppy too. Happy birthday to your son...mine just turned 18 a few months ago and he was my youngest too so I hear you!
hugs
Annette In Oz #8

My name is Cindy said...

Ooh I was hoping you were going to say you had those bags at the crop they are lovely!! I spy a table that looks very like my new one LOL I must have been thinking of you when I was writing my post. Do you know I just saw someone out walking with their new seeing eye dog and a handler this morning, I stopped for them at the zebra. That Barney is a cutey!! Love that photo of your soon - very arty. And yes the years go by. Daughter came home for Sunday lunch, all independent and living on her own talking about her untidy flatmates (the irony). Sigh, yes they do grow up and those memories become very precious. Happy WOYWW, Cindy #56

shazsilverwolf said...

Hiya Jan- Lovely pic of Rhys- don't all kids love rockpools? I know my two grandkids find them endlessly entertaining. Love the totes, and its not only you- I saw citrus fruits too. Barneys reading age seems to be coming along fine, rofl! Have a great week, Hugs, Shaz #54 xxx

Fiona@Staring at the Sea said...

Look at you, with all your fancy zip putting in, missus! I'm putting that bit off, now it's almost upon me, with the dress. How the time flies. There'll be a boy turned man in my house in a little over a year's time. How can this be?!

Fiona xx #59

Anonymous said...

I love those totes! The green/grey/black one looks fab, obviously you planned it that way! I saw fruit too, so perhaps we're of an ilk! I'd definitely buy a bag if I was coming to the crop, talking of which, it's just a few days off a year that we all met up in Salisbury last year! Amazing how time flies, but with Rhys now 18 you're well aware of that! Happy bday to him, you'll soon be empty nesters!!

Hugs
Brenda 64

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

ah wow Lunch lady Jan now have another reason to wish was at the crop those totes are really superb!! must agree with you on the fruity floral.. and great colour too.. and love the lights and shadows well done on great last shot.. yes where have those years gone in blink!!
as for puppy well he is beautiful indeedy! Happy WOYWW Shaz in oz.x #40.

jodpea said...

Surely that IS fruit slices?!

Winnie said...

Awesome bags! Wish I lived there to buy one for your charity! They are both beautiful! Love how different they are by the fabric choices. Enjoy the day! Winnie#53

my cup of tea said...

I love your bags! I thought that fabric looked like fruit too! Some of our best family memories are at the beach also! Happy sewing!
donna#70

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

You have some special photos here. Hard to cope with sons growing up so fast and all those wonderful memories are more precious everyday. Who can not like a puppy?? Adorable. And your bags..beautiful...my patience has dwindled as I've aged, so if it ain't easy...it ain't.
Enjoy the week, I am still in awe of it being Wednesday. #75

Elizabeth said...

Aww! Gulp! Where do all the years go? They go too fast that's for sure! Nice photo of the birthday boy when he was younger ... one to treasure. And that puppy is adorable, and if we were in any doubt at all it's clear he is intelligent too. I love your bags, especially the green/grey one ... got to admire your ingenuity in making the lining, very clever. I'm sure they will go down a storm at the crop. Have a great week. Hugs, Elizabeth x #39

CraftygasheadZo said...

I love those crafty bags! Eeekkk Rhys growing up means Keagan is not too far behind as he will be 16 this year. I hope your boy had a super day and I reckon they will always be our little boys really! Am just popping in to say hi as no desk from me. Not been too great after going to 2 footy matches in 3 days so desk is empty. Take care Zo xx

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Love your crafty bags! And yes, that yummy fabric is fruit slices, don't let anyone tell you differently! And how clever of puppy that he can read!! Judy #86

Lynn Holland said...

Barney is gorgeous Jan and so are your bags.
I'm with you on the fruit slices
Have a good week.
Lynn x

Unknown said...

Wow, I really must try those bags! Karen #31

Caro said...

I love those bags, they are stunning and so useful! The pup is gorgeous, I just love the photos of him and happy birthday to your young man! Thanks for sharing. Happy WOYWW. Caro x (#89)

Annie Claxton said...

Brilliant photo - I know what you mean about the way time flies and suddenly your boy is a man. Mine are both in their thirties now and yet when I look at them I still see their kid faces looking back at me. Weird probably, but hey .... LOVE your craft totes, your colour combos are so fun. Happy WOYWW Annie C #57

Andrea said...

great bags love the materials used and fab design..what acute puppy and I can see why that sunset pic is a favourite it great ...nothing beats happy memories . not taking part this week have had my sis visiting she went home this afternoon ,hope to be back next week,,,,have good week crafty hugs Andrea x

Mrs.D said...

Jan thank you for the visit and lovely comments earlier. I certainly try to use the waste from die cutting.
Those bags are gorgeous, just love the green one with the birds on and it doesn't detract at all from the finished article that the lining is black.
Pleased the funds are going to guide dogs, my daughter and son in law puppy walk, on their third.
Bless you
Chris #34

Unknown said...

Oh, happy birthday to your precious boy! He's all grown, yet really they are still teenagers, and growing up and need us. I love it. And, amazingly, I felt your big hug all the way across the ocean...such a comfort to have a soul sister who really understands how you feel when your mom is suddenly gone. Your mum must have really loved on your boys--that's the way my mom was with loving on her grandchildren. She was absolutely crazy about my daughter. Mom's birthday was June 7th, and Lauren's is June 8th...so that will be another hard day for us all. Your tote bags are beautiful though, and I bet you follow tutorials better than I do! My knit heart turned out a little wonky. But I'm going to make more! I love that you're stamping at Julia's!!! I'm like you, more of a stitcher than a stamper, but I do enjoy making cards lately. I just won a prize from Unity Stamps, so I'll blog about it when it comes in the mail, because I don't know what it's going to be! I think of you and Julia often, and I hope you have fun stamping with her stuff, and please feel my big hug back across the ocean, and hug Julia for me too! Much love and hugs! Sandy Leigh #60

glitterandglue said...

Wey hey - happy birthday to the young man - and man is what they are now at 18, aren't they? I agree - where have all the years gone - my elder daughter will be 40 this year - now that really IS scary!!! Lovely photo at Crackington Haven - great spot - love it there.
I do like those bags, Jan - the fabrics look lovely together - and - er - I see citrus fruit too!!
Thanks for your comments. Yes, I,too, am sure someone else would finish off the reports for the AGM - trouble is - most are already in and on J's computer - so he has done the majority of the work - I just need to do the final printing and collating. The hardest bit was cracking inot his computer - he thinks differently from me - so keeps his files in a way I never would. Nearly all done now, though.
Take care and have a great week.
Margaret #49

glitterandglue said...

uh oh! That should have read "into his computer" - sorry!
Margaret again #49

Ali H said...

Hi Jan
Yes Lynda & I are definitely planning to come to the crop - it will be great to see everyone ! I am sure there won't be any bags left ! They are gorgeous ! Ali xx

fairy thoughts said...

hi LLJ
I love that fabric on the first bag..... and the second. It looks such a useful shape I must checkout the tutorial it would be perfect for my elephant fabric. they will surely sell like hot cakes at the crop..
it is scary how the years fly past when you have kids.... and then your kids have kids so watch out he he
janet

Krisha said...

I love these totes, and I saw fruit until your drew my attention to the floral design.....LOL
Have a great week
Krisha #74

KatzElbows said...

I don't think I can come to the crop this year, but I want a bag. I guess I'll either have to come and crop again or figure out some other way to get the money to you. Gosh, they're fabulous. I really like purple and black, in case that's helpful at all.

Happy WOYWW,
Rachel #94

Deb said...

Love the colours of the first bag, they are all gorgeous but totally love the mix of the lime, cream and black! You are so clever, that zipped one looks very complicated!
So lovely to see your well earned money is going to a great cause, he is a cutie!
The kids grow up way too quickly, my eldest is 21 this year, can't believe it!
I won't be playing along with WOYWW for the next little while, taking a bit of a break, my mum isn't well and it has knocked my mojo out of whack! I will pop by to say hello from time to time though!
Debxx

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

More gorgeous bags, I love them all, you are so clever.
Someone is going to be very lucky to get the puppy, he is so sweet and what an amazing job they do.
Happy crafting, Angela x 48

Sharon Madson said...

I love your bags! Wish I was over there to go buy one in person! :) What a great photo of your son. My favorite photo of my 44 year old son is one when he is small in a cowboy hat! :) Thanks for sharing. Oh, and the puppy is adorable too!
#92

Arnoldo L. Romero, MLA said...

Your bags are not only very pretty, but seem to be very practical with their compartments. Glad you did well on your sale and are putting the profits to good use. Happy birthday to your son and blessings!

Robyn Oliver said...

Hi Jan...what a wonderful way to use up the scraps and your colour combining works great....you're a clever and generous lady and I wish you all the best in selling everyone of your beautiful tote. Cheers and have a great week Robyn#18

Neet said...

My son is considerably older than yours but sometimes it is hard to think of him as a 'man' and not a 'boy' because he is my 'son'. Did you follow that?
Love the new bag and he other ones you have made. We must be similar as I saw fruit and not flowers.
Hugs & Thanks for visiting me earlier - Neet 27 xx

famfa said...

Love love love your bags and if they don't sell I will buy one. I saw the bag you made for my friend and kindly posted it to her (ducks and hens) when I visited England earlier. I loved it, she loves it. Thank you again.
In answer to your comment about my granny blanket, I have only ran out of wool once in all the many rounds I have done because I wanted each round to be a different colour. I was so upset I ran out but I can't even find that round now so I guess it doesn't matter.
Famfa 65
Ps love the photo of your son - we have similar ones from Devon and Cornwall xx

voodoo vixen said...

Hi Jan, long time no visit! Gotta say your bags are totally wonderful, and yes, I see fruit too but my fav is the other one, you clever widget you!! Congrats on your son's 18th, the years certainly fly by, don't they? Mine was 27 this year and I am sure it was only a couple of years ago that he was in primary school! Annette #7

rose AKA Walk in the Woods - she/her said...

Your bags are just lovely!
And yes ... tempus fugit!

505whimsygirl said...

Hi LLJ,

Oh, I love your bags! You are so clever to put the dot fabric only where it'll be noticed and finish up using the black. Now, I must admit, you scared me with the comment about the blouse...... It's a pattern that has only one button on the back. No, I haven't gotten any further than washing the fabric! I need to read up about what the selvage is, etc. JoAnn's had patterns on sale (5 for $5 of the Simplicity patterns) so I bought several more. One is a pajama pattern but I'm going to use it as an everyday pattern. It's a pheasant blouse!!!! I was soooo in love with them when I was younger.

I'm planning to retire July, 2015 so maybe I'll be able to get over to visit! Maybe the crop in 2016......

Hugs,
Kay

505whimsygirl said...

PS. The pup you are sponsoring is so dang cute. And very smart studying the newspaper!

Hugs,
Kay

pearshapedcrafting said...

Love those bags and errr, yes I see citrus fruit too! Chris67

Lisa-Jane said...

Althoguh I adore that lime and grey fabric, I did worry slightly that you didn't have anything bright to work with but then out came the citrus fabric! LOVE that seaside themed bag. Gah! Its taken me so long to get around this week #coulddobetter! #32

Anonymous said...

DOH! I forgot to get back to you re: the birdie bag! Yes, please! Still coming up with some gorgeous stash-busting projects, I see. Puppy is so sweet - I have to hide the monitor from DD or she will start in on the whole I want a Puppy/Cat plea and this week I am just not up t it! :)

Happy (day late) WOYWW!

Mary Anne (8)

WOYWW 769

 WE'LL MEET AGAIN.... I'm going to take a break from blogging for a while - please don't worry, all is ok! - think I just need a...