...is that your weekend is full of all sorts of delicious things.

I have mentioned this before - I know it.  But someone emailed me this week asking about the labels and said they couldn't find the info on the blog so here it is:

I buy my labels from Namemaker.

Namemaker has a blog filled with great ideas for their products.  Not only do they have labels, they also have personalized ribbon, wrapping paper and more.  Check it out - you can even read a little bit about me.

I'm loving a little yellow with my green these days.

The bag is from Anthropologie and the sunflowers are courtesy of the great outdoors.

I really love fall.  It's my favorite time of the year.  There are apples to eat and pumpkins to buy, bread to bake and costumes to make.  Plus, I can finally wear my scarf that Martha made.  Just another great reason to enjoy cooler days.  And as of last night, my crazy travel month has come to an end and I couldn't be more thrilled to find myself at home for a decent length of time.  I have all sorts of projects I want to get going and others that need finishing up.  I'm going to step away from the blog for a few days to get back in the swing of things.  See you here sometime soon - maybe even later this week.

Also, Typepad seems to have the hiccups as I am not receiving email notification of any comments that are posted.  I will read the comments here, but can't reply via email.  So, if you have a question or need some more info, email me.  OK?

Ta ta for now.

My nephew Declan turned two years old last Friday.  My sister-in-law Georgia told me that he'd be really happy to have a backpack of his own.  I planned to order him one from L.L. Bean until I saw this pattern from Made by Rae.  It looked a little difficult with piping and zipper and straps, etc.  I wasn't sure that I was up for the kind of concentration I thought making this project would need in the limited crafting time I had this last month.  So I hesitated buying the pattern for a few days, but then I figured, what the hell and clicked the purchase button.

And guess what?  It was not swear inducing.  It actually went together easily with little issues.  The pattern is very well written with lots of photos - super easy to follow.  I had everything on hand with the exception of the piping and the webbing for the straps.  The canvas is Japanese and it may have come from Superbuzzy - I am not sure.  The pattern is sized for toddlers  - the finished backpack will not fit a letter sized folder - but there are guidelines included for upsizing the pattern.  If you go that route, buy two packages of the pre-made piping.  I followed directions for the smaller size and had about 1" left.

Here's a photo for scale.  Like I said, it's small.  For a toddler, though, it's perfect.  Apparently, Declan likes it.  He told me so on the phone.

I hope you all have a great weekend.  Ours began a couple days ago.  More on our most recent adventure next week.  Take care.

My local craft swap was last night.  I made my little scrappy blocks into potholders.  They were all sashed in muslin with muslin on the back as well.  Inside is one layer of cotton batting and one layer of insul-bright.  The fabric for the loops also came out of the scrap bags.  This batch was crosshatch quilted with a zig zag using a walking foot.  I made six other ones last week that I quilted with a straight stitch and concentric squares.  Those turned out great, too.  I wish I could show you a photo - I gave them away to a wonderful group of ladies I met last Friday while stopping over in Minneapolis/St. Paul on my way to a family wedding.  Yes, another wedding.

A couple things I am excited about:

- Betz White's Felt and Stitch online workshop.  I've already signed up.

- Denyse Schmidt is offering a free downloadable tote pattern and a great deal on the patchwork promenade to make them.  Easy and cute holiday gift idea right there.

- STC Craft posted some free downloadable patterns from their books.  All are great for holiday gift giving.  Sorry I didn't post this before the giveaway....I meant to, but time got away from me.  Still, check out the patterns.  There are some good ones there.

Off to do laundry.  Back soon.

Just dropping by to say hello.

Hello.

Outside the leaves are rustling, the sun is shining and the sky is clear.  It's been in the 60's all day - yay for fall!  I have mums and kale to plant and even a few leaves to rake.  Each time I look down I smile.  Green boots will do that to a girl.

Now I am off to make applesauce and hunt down a 4th grade math textbook.  Just thought I'd throw that little nugget of disorganization to let you know that while today is mighty good, it's not perfect.  No day ever is.  And that is fine with me.  I'll take what I can get.

Happy Monday.  I hope your day is more than good enough, too.

Six more little patchwork blocks.  That brings the total to 16 for the week.  All are made from scraps which I find very satisfying.  I do like some of the squares better than others.  The first few I made are my favorites - I think it is because I didn't really think about what I was sewing together, I just sewed.  As time went on, I found myself looking at colors and trying to balance the squares more - that whole over-thinking thing I tend to do.  I think you can see that in these.  I guess old habits die hard.

I started making these just because.  I had no plans for them when I started.  But I now know what I am going to do with them - I'll fill you in on that next week after my local craft swap.  Can't ruin the surprise, you know.

Off I go.  Have a fantastic weekend.