Blue patchwork bags

After all kids started school beginning of the month and the moms had some hard weeks to organise life around school schedules and afternoon activities, we finally had the time last week to restart the sewing group and even got a new member. So much fun to talk sewing again!

One of the ladies wanted to try on easy patchwork, but not a whole blanket! So I proposed making only one block and integrate it into a bag or pouch. They all agreed, ouff!

Of course I have to make an example first. Somehow the outcome of my first idea are three pieces:

First I made one log-cabin block, but it was much too big to turn it into a pouch. So I made a smaller one and made this little pouch (about 19x22cm and on the base 5cm wide). There is no zip and for making it more unlikely that something fells out, I closed the opening on every side for 1,5cm. I liked the blue/bordeaux patchwork, but with the blue pouch it looked a little boring, so I added some quilted flowers.

I doubled the left over block and put it for a modern touch on a transparent bag. Had some stiff transparent material left ;-) The patchwork block is not only decoration but a pocket. The size of the bag is 38x33cm and 10cm wide. For now the side seams are still turning a bit inside, but it will change in time when using it.

And finally with the scraps of the patchwork fabrics I made a key chain.

This is a nice set and will become a Christmas present :-)

I still have some more patchwork bag ideas that I will try out. And also I'll see what the sewing-girls want to do! Curious too?

A bientôt,
Jane

Autumn flowers garden

I took a little time for sketching and made a really nice drawing with autumnal flowers. I am really happy how it turned out! 

I thought it might look nice in color too, so I scanned it and printed it and colored with color-pencils.

But in the end I think I like the black and white version better. There I really have the impression to see (with my inner eyes) the sun that is shining so much lower now and all the warm golden colors. Probably I am just not skilled enough to bring those colors on paper. If you like to try, you can download the picture here (only for non-professional use), print it and have fun coloring!

Hope you enjoy a wonderful autumn too!

A bientôt,
Jane

Twitchy bird photo-shooting

Have a look at this funny guy!

My latest crafting and the first project for art classes that started beginning of the month after the long summer break. Unfortunately we had been so busy in class that I forgot to take photos of the brothers and sisters of my new friend. 

Today I took him outside for a photo-shooting. Even with the help of younger-son it wasn't easy. Birdy is so very nervous and twitchy and always looking in other directions ... probably curious to explore his new world!

Before reaching the flower beds he also had to survive a cat attack!

What a morning, for a young bird that can't fly! 

He now is exhausted and sleeping on my desk. Finally calm ;-)

A bientôt,
Jane