Wow! It has been quite a while...Lots has been happening, some blog-worthy, most not, but it seems that my status as the world's spottiest blogger is still intact.
A big thank you to the organizers and attendees of the Outdoor Craft Store in Swarthmore, PA. Yesterday was a beautiful day in a lovely town filled with happy handcraft shoppers. It was a pleasure to be at an event where the shoppers could really connect to the people who made the items they purchased. The crafts were beautiful, unusual and clearly created with passion. The shoppers were delightful and appreciative. Well done, everyone!
Next up: Skippack Days in Skippack, PA October 2-3. Not quite the same vibe, but it's always a well attended event with music, food and lots of things to buy. It takes a bit of an effort to seek out the handcrafts, but it is well worth it. Some very talented people participate in this event and have for years. Hope to see you there!

Whew! All sewn, packaged, sent and (almost) exchanged! Last evening while standing over my iron I realized that for the last few years I have been sewing furiously for the days leading up to Christmas. I guess I really like a deadline. I admire those who plan way ahead and glide blissfully into the holidays with a cocktail and a smile. I am not those folks. Tell me when something needs to be done and I will wait and wait (procrastinate is such an ugly word) and find a zillion things to do first, but I will manage to do it on time. What is it about the challenge that's so exciting? Maybe the thrill of not getting it done? Surely there are better ways to cop a thrill. I hope to find them in the New Year.
Have a Merry Christmas (I can say that, it's my blog) and a wonderful, happy and healthy New Year.

Hello Again!

Today is Cyber Monday! And to celebrate, PattiBags is offering 20% off all medium and large totes in the shop - just enter "cyber" into the code box at checkout!

And, hello again! It has been a while since I've chatted on cyberspace and I've missed it. I have certainly done my share of reading, believe me, but sharing my own thoughts, well, we've already discussed my deficiencies in that area. Plenty has been going on, though, not the least of which was several craft shows (some successful, some not so much) and lots of sewing new and exciting things. One of my favorites is the notepad:

This particularly handy item holds a 5x7 notepad and a pen (both are included) and has two inside pockets, one of which is made from the accent fabric:

All in all it's a useful thing to have around, especially if you're a list maker. It makes an excellent gift for a wide range of folks and is reasonably priced, too. Check out the shop for more patterns!

Hello Again!

Workbench Wednesday! Going Green!

I had some really cool cotton/linen prints that I couldn't quite figure out what to do with, and as I was cleaning up the old workspace and removing white plastic bags by the handful, I realized that fabric would be perfect sewn up into little reusable shopping totes. Here are some in progress and a few in the front rolled up into little tubes and secured by an attached elastic loop. Throw one into the bottom of your purse (a PattiBag would be especially nice...) and you can save the planet from those awful white plastic bags. These will be available at my booth at Skippack Days (October 3 & 4) or by special request if you leave a comment.

Workbench Wednesday

Ok, so now I understand why I was never really into keeping a diary. I am truly awful at it, even in computer form. To hopefully mend this situation I am starting a Workbench Wednesday post. Whatever's on the table that morning will end up on the blog. Even if it's a steaming cup of tea and the newspaper. Today, this is what we have:





And yes, I really do use all those scissors. These bits of fabric will soon become this:





A dandy little notepad holder. If you are a list maker, like me, this will be just the thing to throw into your bag and hold your list(s), coupons, cards and a pen. It will make an excellent gift and with some luck (and the arrival of my zipper shipment) there should be little zippered pouches to match. Stay tuned.

Not a Fanny Pack

A new bag in the family - the un-fanny pack. Well, it certainly needs a new name, but for now that describes its function perfectly. The usefullness of a fanny pack cannot be denied, but frankly my fanny is big enough without a big pouch sticking out on top of it. This little bag is designed to sit on your hip, in the front or on the back, and won't stick out any further than the things you've put into it. Your cell phone, some cash and cards (or a thin wallet), some lip balm and you're good to go. The waistband is fully adjustable and attaches with a snap hook. There are two slim pockets on the front and one wider one on the back. It will be outfitted with two snap closures at the top to keep everything safe and sound, but my snap attacher needs a good cleaning before I go at anything with it. Best of all, it's unisex so my dad can use one! If one of these little cuties interests you, send me an email! (I can't make any promises about updating the shop with them until we get the photo situation straightened out!)