WOYWW 258

                                          AND MORE, MUCH MORE THAN THIS, 
                                                           I DID IT MY WAY..............!

As Julia will tell you, I can be a little stubborn at times :-)  This can manifest itself in many ways - for example, I hardly ever stick to a recipe; I like to navigate from a map and view Satnav as an irritation which I yearn to chuck out of the window. Sewing patterns? I usually do my own thing. Pins for example, I almost never use them - in fact, I'm a proud member of the Non-Pinners of the World Unite movement *grin*
But there are times when I recognise that not using them would be stupid...and this is one of them. I've constructed the exterior of the mini tote and now need to insert the lining. I have learnt the hard way (!!) that fabric can be a slippery little b*7%*r  and now pin the lining in all the way round. Bain't be natural, I tell 'ee.....but it saves a lot of cussing and blue air if I do it.

I hate conforming..........


The finished tote, ready for the Crop sales table :-)
So are these......
And these!  Now to cut out some desk tidies.......


This is the bunting I couldn't show you last week, but I know it's been received now. It was for Jackie ScrapBangWallop's new grandaughter, Lara :-)

Occasionally you see something on the desks that really grabs you and such has been the case with Morag (Paper Rainbow). She is a comparatively new desker but goodness, her work speaks to me. So much so that I bought one of her pieces!
 I love it. My favourite colours, the clever collage work, loads of sparkle. It makes me smile - thanks Morag!!

Have a great week - it's a busy one for me. There's the food shopping for the Crop to start thinking about and a few more items to sew. I might even have to....deep breath....MAKE A LIST.... *grin*

47 comments:

MaggieC (Silvercrafter) said...

I love that grey tote - the one with the silhouette leaves on. Just so restful looking. I am also a member of the No-Pinners Guild, except for velvet and ultra slippery fabric. I do admit to relying on my satanic - but only after I have checked the map and Google Earth and any other info I can find. Looking forward to the Crop. xx Maggie

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Golly, I have never owned a Satnav, or a cell phone for that matter. I have a few pins, but I'm one who doesn't pin, either. Of course, the quiltlets I make don't require pins. Haphazard is my middle name (grin).

Love the bunting, and the totes are always so much fun to see. Lara is one lucky little gal.

You have excellent taste in collages. That one is beautiful.

Now it's time to get ready for the crop and the food. Lists? I can only imagine what the song lyrics will be next week. No number yet, because Julia is still asleep.

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

You are a hoot ! I could have written the 1st paragraph for my life's way of living. Just love your totes. All so pretty. #27 this week and I'm off to bed.........our furnace is running and my plants outside are covered for fear of frost. Ba.....................

Bridget Larsen said...

Love that bag and whose says you are too old to change ahahaha
Bridget #4

Helen said...

I loved your post today, and the totes are a-may-zing, I must have one.... but for now I must stop desking and get dressed for work... good luck with the lists (I never follow them.. make them but don't follow them..) see you soon!!! Helen 7

Judys Lace Creations said...

Haha,Hehe..I hate pinning too, but needs must eh? I am a non-conformer.Imagine that in a school teaching setting!!. Love your totes.So nicely done. Hehe again..just noticed Helen above writes lists but ignores them the little REBEL!!
have a great week
Judy #31

Annie said...

From one non pinner and def non tacker to another I'm right up there with you :-) In fact I have been known to argue with the Satnav and love it when Dod goes a different way so she gets cross :-)
I love your bags and the bunting is gorgeous but please tell me where you get all these extra hours in the week to do all you do in?
Hugs,
Annie x # 32

Crafting Queen said...

Just love your bags, the fabrics are super. I am sure they will sell really well. Have a great day.

Paper rainbow said...

I don't like pins either although the precision of your work and the sharp lines must make this a tricky task. When I am on my own in the car I like to argue with the at nav, I guess that says a lot about me!! :) As always your bags and choice of fabric are wonderful. The summer dragonfly is looking very at home. :) x

Belinda Basson said...

I am a pinner...mostly cos I am not a sewer and the fabric gets the better of me if I don't. Saw your bunting with dear Laura and her proud parents on Jackie's blog. Beautiful as always. Wish I was coming to the crop...it is on my bucket list! #28

Anonymous said...

I'm like you - I pin when I know it's a bad idea NOT to, but otherwise am pinless by preference. Already saw the bunting in situ but great to see it up close and withut the distractions of a very cute baby to draw the eye. See you soon!


Happy WOYWW!
Mary Anne (2)

Fiona@Staring at the Sea said...

You already know that I'm a fellow non pinner! I've made all my log cabin blocks for the Friendship Quilt without using them, although I'm thinking I'll have to change my ways, when it comes to assembling the quilt top! Have you ever tried Clover Wonder Clips? I think they would work for the bag lining. All your totes look great. Looking forward to seeing them "in the flesh"!

Neil said...

Hi
It's been a while I know, since I last managed to link up but I'm back now and just popping my head round the door to say hello!
Looks like you are busy, it all looks good though, especially to a non sewer.

Thanks for sharing your creative space and I hope you have a good week too.

Neil #10

Carole said...

It sure looks complicated sewing the lining, but what wonderful totes. I love the black/gray and white one and the dragonfly is lovely. Be well Carole #44

sandra de said...

Gorgeous bags and I wish I could join you all at your crop. Pinning always brings back horrors of blood smears on fabric but I see your using a touch of red so all should be ok! Have a lovely week.
Sandra @52

Julia Dunnit said...

It's not conforming really is it..it's just getting it right. Pinning, sat nav, whatever -if it makes it easier and right, why not...they're just tools.
The bags ARE gorgeous...I should know.

Neet said...

Fabulous totes! Really fabulous! Lovely bunting which I just saw on J's blog and a lovely piece you bought from Morag.
In all a lovely post.
Hugs, Neet 13 xx

Unknown said...

Hi Jan Ooh you have been busy! I love the owl bag! Owls on my blog this week too! Can't wait for next week, hope I won't have to bring my crutches along!
Hugs Lynda B 60

Glenda said...

What a busy girl you have been! I love those bags and think your collage is just gorgeous as well. Have a great rest of the week!
Glenda #58

HeARTworks said...

How amazing that you don't use pins most of the time! But that heart tote bag is soooooooo cute!!! Love it! patsy

HeARTworks said...

How amazing that you don't use pins most of the time! But that heart tote bag is soooooooo cute!!! Love it! patsy

pearshapedcrafting said...

Love those bags! I would definitely have to pin as my sewing skills are a bit iffy - I have tales still to tell about my sewing at college! Beginning to think that I may go back to list making - getting forgetful these days!! Chrisx 79

Twiglet said...

Oh that little bag with the hearts and red gingham is gorgeous - you make such a lovely job of them Jan. As for the collage - well I agree it is a real treasure! x Jo

Unknown said...

Jan, I think these are the best totes ever! If my daughter was at that sale, she'd snap up that owl tote in a heartbeat. Oh, and can you believe that my back went out this past weekend...and I actually thought of you when it happened because I had been worried about your back!! It was so crazy. I think it happened because I have a strain in my right foot that's healing, and I had just gotten off the ole treadmill, was making our bed, turned the wrong way apparently, and then was suddenly in such pain I couldn't move, walk, sit or lay! We immediately iced it and some relief came, but it wasn't until yesterday that I really turned a corner with this thing. I am feeling better each day - but I hope this isn't what you went through, it's awful. So, I had a bag idea--I think I'm going to try and make a scrapbookers tote bag that will open up completely with clear plastic pockets all along the inside and then some fabric pockets on the outside. What do you think? Any tips? Love you soul sister!! Hugs! Happy WOYWW! Sandy Leigh #68

505whimsygirl said...

Hi LLJ,

Oh, I'm lovin' the totes! I imagine you'll sell out at the Crop. How I wish I could be there - it would be so much fun. Since I'm a beginner in the sewing world I think it wise that I use the dreaded pins. I can work up to free handing it -- haaaa

The piece that you bought from Morag is absolutely beautiful! I can see why you were drawn to it.

Thank you for visiting me already!
Happy WOYWW
Hugs, Kay (35)

my cup of tea said...

Great crop bags! I so wish I could be there... The piece you bought is amazing! Fun choice!
Have a great week!
donna #83

Crystal Komara said...

Hi Jan, oh how I love those totes! All those handy pockets on the outside are so useful. I typically order a lot of my totes through this company called "My Thirty-One" not sure if you have those, but they can be kind of similar though a tad pricey. Love the owl one specifically. Owls are so popular these days. Happy WOYWW! SSG #64

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Hi Jan, more lovely bags, you are a clever lady.
Love the collage panel, just my sort of thing.
Happy crafting, Angela x 50

Eliza said...

Hi Jan,

You never cease to surprise me with what you achieve sewing wise and what a treasured piece of art you have there Morag's masterpiece has a wonderful loving home. Enjoy.

Don't work to hard, I wish I was at the crop too

Hugs Eliza & Yoda
Happy WOYWW

Anonymous said...

Those totes are fantastic, you better make more because you're bound to sell out. Let's hope it doesn't degenerate into a punch up, lol!! I think you're a pretty free form kinda gal, possibly that's why that lovely collage piece appealed to you. Thanks for the anniversary wishes.

Hugs
Brenda 70

Unknown said...

I just love your totes so much! Karen #33

Emily said...

Love the totes and the grey has to be my favourite x

Emily #61

glitterandglue said...

I'm a rebel, too, Jan - hence the wedding dress without a pattern. I do pin things - but very rarely tack them. I'd be with you, though, and pin all round that lining so it stayed where I wanted it.
Great bags, lovely bunting, and, as usual, a busy week ahead. It's good not to have the word "boredom" in the dictionary, isn't it??
Thanks for visiting, and for the comments. Yes, I think we are winning with John's health. We praise God for that - it is a long haul! Wish I was coming to the crop - your lunches sound a delicious addition to the day!!
Take care.
Margaret #46

JoZart Designs said...

Super totes for the crop and I wish so much I could be there. Hey, ho!
I too belong to the non pinner/tacker brigade. I always wing it and rarely does it fail for me.
I'll get DD to bring some extra chandeliers from Tiger, for you me, when she comes in August. They don't appear on the website and their range of goods changes so often. I think your nearest uk store is Cheltenham.... a bit far for you. None at all up North for me but I go to their stores in Germany and Brighton.
Jo x

Elizabeth said...

Hi Jan, oh, I do love your totes - they are just so wish I could be at the crop to grab one for myself. I'm a pinner ... it's a confidence thing; I've got none! I'm one sewer who hovers over a piece of fabric, scissors in hand, for simply aaaaages before I can bring myself to cut - sad, I know :( The bunting for Jackie's new granddaughter is just so pretty - it will lovely in the nursery. And Morag's piece is just gorgeous - beautiful colours and you can see the workmanship that has gone into it. Have a great week, hope everything goes well for the crop ... now breathe, just breath in, breath out, and relax ... Hugs, Elizabeth x #78

fairy thoughts said...

HI LLJ
Ah! to pin or not to pin.... that's a tricky question ... I hate pins but I love those lips little wonder clips. one of those little totes is next on my list of things ( post wedding) to make ... if I can bear to cut into that gorgeous elephant fabric I brought. I am getting much more into the sewing too.... to the detriment of my paper crafting, but hey can't do everything.
have a good week
janet #5

Robyn Oliver said...

Hi Jan happy WOYWW, You are such a busy lady and your totes are awesome, bet it'll be like a made rush to buy one at the crop....pity I can't go:-) Yes I must say I'm not all for pinning but I do use them as I hate unpicking. Cheers and have a super week RobynO#73

Lisa-Jane said...

Wow, that collage from Morag is stunning! I'm off to have a look at what she makes her pieces from. Love the fabric on that first tote - how are people supposed to choose! #65

famfa said...

Your bags are so lovely. One day I will make them.............. Good luck with your shopping and cropping
Famfa 71

Caro said...

I love your cropping bags...they are fantastic. The collage that you bought is simply stunning. Thanks for sharing and agreeing to swap an ATC with me. Can you email me please (details on my blog). Happy belated WOYWW. Caro x (#92)

Robyn said...

Lots to Love here. Thanks for your kind words.
non-pinners HA!
robyn 40

JoZart Designs said...

If you can ever make it up North to see our Steampunk library and all the rest of our treasures there's a double and a single room spare here with a good welcome,
Jo x

shazsilverwolf said...

Hiya Jan, rofl'd at you- breaking two rules, pins AND lists! And isn't it irritating when it helps? Love that owl tote, I bought an owl covered fabric backpack on holiday ( what- too much stuff to go in the case home? never). Gorgeous artwork you bought too.
Is it ok for us to come down on Friday again? All excited now, lol.Hugs. Shaz xxx

Lunch Lady Jan said...

Cheers, Jo - I really want to make up there one day, Gordon does too! Thanks for the offer :-) xxxx

Hettie said...

I think I will have to report you to the Non Pinners Society! You will need to go to the closet and confess your pins - sins!!
I do love those totes. I may have to bring one home!
Hugs
xx

Darnell said...

Fantastic totes, LLJ, you rebel, you! Didn't someone say haste makes waste or a stitch in time saves nine. Now, seriously, what the heck does that even mean? How do you put a stitch in time? Do they mean rhythm? That must be it. You stitch in time with music! Ah ha!! Thanks for sharing your bunting and Morag's collage art, both of which are fantastic. Good to see you again! Don't forget to breathe now and again! Happy WOWYW Hugs! Darnell #24

Kyla said...

Fabulous totes...I look forward to seeing them for real at the weekend!
I love your dragon fly....I had a look at some of her work earlier, lovely dragon flies and mermaids too.

Looking forward to Saturday, just remember....after three......breath!
kyla

WOYWW 769

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