Diary No. 33

Back with another round up of iPhone snaps over the past few weeks!

This was such a fun sewing project. I’ve had this tote for years. (I can’t find the exact style, but this is super close, just bigger.) I sewed a gingham liner for it and it feels like a whole new bag. I want to make a few more… it was such a quick and satisfying project. Because every bag is a different shape, I couldn’t just exactly copy a tutorial online, but the liner is essentially just a mini tote. So I followed this pattern/tutorial for instructions. I changed the measurements based on the size of my tote and instead of doing the tote straps, I added eight ties (four per handle) and truly it just sparks all the joy.

(These are not Dragon Diffusion, but this bag which ships directly from India looks nearly identical and has the same name… and way cheaper.)

I set up a little sewing station in our sunroom and Hamilton has been a big fan of it. I love having this smaller desk with my sewing machine and then around the corner I use the dining table to cut and pin the fabric.

Mike bought a Peloton early in the quarantine. I thought he was crazy. I did not love spin classes that I’ve taken in the past. I always felt lost trying to get the rhythm and figure out the resistance so I went into the Peloton with low expectations. I like it so much more than I was expecting. It tells you exactly what to do speed and resistance wise and the instructors are great. My only issue is that I can only ride on “hair wash days” because I get so sweaty it’s not even funny.

All about the patterns I used here!

I overcame my fear of sewing zippers… and honestly making little baby dresses has been a blast. And now that I’ve made a few it’s been fun to inspect clothes and know how they’re constructed. Like, I had never considered how sleeves were done until I sewed some sleeves!

I also took an online floral arranging class with a local florist (Kerry Patel). It was so much fun. I will stick to my day job, for sure, but it was a great way to learn about floral arranging.

My little library is open again!! I hadn’t officially closed her down, but when shutdowns started happening, I stopped “servicing” it. Now that things are slowly opening up again, I ordered a bunch of books to restock it. Not pictured: some anti-bacterial wipes to go!

I can’t believe we’ve been in our house for almost a year!! I’m going to do a more detailed photo tour to show you what we’ve done so far. I just hung those Inslee prints up after searching for a long time for something to fill that wall! I didn’t want something too big or too distracting… or too trendy. And it had to make sense for a kitchen and a family room. Loved how it turned out!

I’ve been trying to get outside every day around 5pm to catch the last bit of sun when it isn’t too intense. I’ve been listening to audiobooks while I needlepoint and it’s very, very lovely.

I ordered this sunglasses chain months ago and they finally arrived. I’m obsessed. It’s so convenient to always have your sunglasses there… and grandma chic!

My order from The Tiny Tassel came in!!! How cute is everything???

The dogs have an invisible fence so we let them stay outside for as long as they want. Lately if I pull into the driveway and they’re outside, I open my door and let them hitch a ride with me to the garage. I don’t know why but it makes me laugh every time and the dogs know exactly what to do.