Ladybug, Ladybug

I’m very particular in my preferences. My tastes run to what I would term a sort of shabby Victorian, even though I’m more of a jeans and t-shirt kind of a girl with it comes to clothing. (I would totally wear April Cornell stuff everyday if I had the shape and thought I could pull it off.) I’ve also got a soft spot of culturally sensitivity Asian designs (with my husband being Chinese, I often cringe when I see “Asian” things that are just a jumbled mess of stereotypes and misunderstandings).

Anyway, once in a while, something that isn’t my usual tastes just jumps up and says “Take me home! You love me!”

Japanese Handkerchief Bag

How cute is this little bag? Lady bugs are not me, and neither is red, but it was so cheerful and cute that I had to have it. The kit was from Quilt a Bag, and the pattern is Japanese Handkerchief Bag. It was pretty easy to make, but it did require some careful checking of straight lines. But my lovely new iron was a big help.

My Rowenta

Yes, I love my new iron. I’ve wanted to replace my $10 Walmart special for years, and since it was coming up to its 11th birthday and it was marking fabrics, it was time. The new beauty is a mid-range Rowenta, and it is a dream to iron with. (I also love the beautiful ironing board cover I bought off of etsy.)

What’s next in the sewing basket? A couple of more bags from Quilt a Bag (I already sort of messed up one, but I’ll be able to fix it once I’m not mad at myself any more), and maybe a pair or two of kimono shoes. What do you think?