Bartering for The Wire

My incredibly generous co-worker offered to lend me all four seasons of The Wire on DVD when I couldn't rent them from my local video store or Netflix. (I will discuss that travesty in a later post. ) It was an incredible offer because she didn't know me that well and sharing a favorite DVD with an acquaintance is always a little risky.

I felt compelled to reward such a lovely act of generosity with a surprise purse. It also gave me the chance to try out a new style. I haven't named it yet but it is a cross between the Handbag and the City Bag. It is wider than the Handbag but not quite as deep as the City Bag. It is also perfect. My co-worker now knows it is coming, but I can't say I didn't seriously consider keeping it for myself.

Here are some pictures of it next to the City Bag for a better comparison. Aren't they so cute together?

Simple Totes, or The Cobbler's Wife Goes Barefoot

These simple, unlined totes were a huge hit at the Bust Craftacular, so successful in fact, I sold the one I made for myself as well. Seriously, I sold the purse off my shoulder. I have been without a Lunden Designs bag ever since, so I figured that it was about time I started carrying one of my own creations. The fabric is from Reprodepot and is a medium weight canvas, perfect for these totes. The straps are made of chocolate brown microfiber and provide a nice contrast to the dark gray background and gold accents.

I went ahead and made three at once; one is spoken for, one I am keeping for myself and the last little one is looking for a home. So if you are interested in purchasing this little beauty, shoot me an email. We'll talk.

Sneak Peak

When the OLDM (original lunden designs model) saw The Quilt For A Big Girl, she made it pretty clear that if Charlie didn't want it, she would take it, no problem. As a gesture of appreciation, I figured the OLDM should get her own quilt and not embarrass herself fighting a three year-old. So we picked out the fabric together at Purl Soho on a cold winter's day and magic happened. Just take a look at the fabric and you will see for yourself.

As for design inspiration, I came across a picture of Provence tiles and was immediately smitten. I loved the idea of recreating tiles in the quilt blocks. There were some skeptics (Mom) but I held fast to my vision and it is coming together better than I could ever imagine. So, without further ado, here are some pictures.

Pretty In Pink

This is a little something I made for a friend's birthday. It was a collaboration with her husband - he provided the material and I put it together. It is so cute and provides that perfect splash of color for going out.

Wait A Minute Mr. Postman

There was a fabric delivery from Reprodepot waiting for me when I got home last night. Thank you Mr. Postman and Reprodepot. I placed my order with them on Wednesday and it arrived on Friday. Now that is some great customer service.

I picked up some new medium weight broadcloth and canvas that will be perfect for tote bags. The dark blue material with the sweet gold accents and the colorful flower print are perfect for totes. If I get my act together this weekend, I might just have a new work tote for Monday.

I also started collecting material for a quilt for my husband (okay, it's for the both of us but it just seems weird to wrap it up and give it to myself). Even though we are already married, I figure it is never too late for a dowry. The little blue birds and the red mosiac pattern had me at hello. I have no idea what the quilt will look like but it is so far down in the project queue that I will have plenty of time to work it out.

Quilt Action Shots - Part II

Charlotte's amazing mother found the time in her crazy schedule to arrange this little photo shoot, and I am awfully glad she did. Will you just look at that little body! I can't stand it, she is so cute. I would like to think that the quilt compliments her cheeks, but they don't really need any help from me.