In the Sewing Saddle Again

       I'm back!! It's been some time since I fired up my computer and shared my latest sewing adventures. In the past year, I left hospital nursing and began a new career in academia, and I must admit, the transition has been interesting. Each and every day was a new experience for me. When I finally thought I got the first semester activities down, the semester ended. When we went back after the Christmas break, I started the second semester. I found myself starting all over again in unfamiliar territory. Praise God, I got through it, learned a lot from it, and found my newest passion--I LOVE helping develop the next generation of nurses. With only two weeks left before the next semester starts, I'm getting busy sewing again, and so I want to share what I'm up to in hopes that I motivate new sewing enthusiasts to step out of their comfort zone and stitch, stitch, stitch.
   
       Working with a new group of people allows me to work on new projects, and one of my favorites is the Penelope Purse from Michelle Dorsey and www.sewmichelle.com. Twice a year, the faculty meet as a whole for Learning Day. I volunteered to donate a purse for a door prize, having no idea what a furor I would create. Apparently, other women like the purse as much as I do--and I love it!!! Here's a picture of my donated one:

       Then I made one for my youngest daughter's mother-in-law, Nancy:

When I first started making purses, I designed a purse organizer to hold my checkbook, wallet, pens, lipstick, etc. Since God knows I can NEVER waste a single scrap of fabric, I took the leftover pieces and made a matching purse organizer:

So that was my month of July. I'm bag at the machine again, playing around with potential Christmas presents for work and friends. I finished the first rough draft, but it turned out so nice I will be giving it as a gift next week. Since I don't want to spoil anyone's surprise, I'll post pictures only AFTER it has gotten to it's new home.

Until then, enjoy sewing and don't be afraid to venture into new territory.