Scrappy Crocheted Handbag

I've been receiving compliments on my small, scrappy handbag, so I thought I'd blog about it. I hate carrying a heavy bag with all my important 'stuff.' It hurts my shoulder and I'm sure it is not good for my back. Sometimes I just want a the bare essentials, some cash, a credit card, AAA card, license, lip gloss, keys, sunglasses, and cell phone. So, I made this little handbag out of leftover fabrics.

The photo above shows the lining I used inside.

Here's a closeup of the crocheting.

Below is a new one I'm working on which shows my balls of scraps. I tear the fabric into strips 3/4 inch to an inch wide and do it in double crochet with a size 9 crochet hook. 

 I like the idea of using up my fabric rather than buying something new.

Wool Applique Workshop with Catherine Redford

     Yesterday I attended a very fun and educational workshop on wool applique and embroidery taught by Catherine Redford https://catherineredford.com/  

She gave a great presentation Friday evening called  "Trip Around The World in Folk Stitches,"

 at our monthly Almond Country Quilt Guild Meeting.

 She's very creative, multi-talented, and has a great sense of humor. I learned a lot.

 Check out her website in the link above to learn more about her. 

She also teaches classes online.

She taught us some great tips on how to applique wool and cotton shapes and then how to embellish with a variety of embroidery stitches. I love embroidery, as you might know by now, so was in seventh heaven!  Below is her sampler of what we were trying to emulate.

I haven't finished mine yet. Maybe during the Super Bowl today, I'll get it done. 

Below are more photos of Catherine's exquisite work.

Beautiful Skies

The colors in this morning's sunrise were incredibly dramatic. 

 Had to go out in my jammies and take some photos. The colors and textures of the clouds kept changing every couple of minutes.