2016…time to get serious about finishing some lost-in-the-closet UFOs!  The first one I pulled out to work on was a half-completed “Urban Cabin”, pattern by Terry Atkinson.

It didn’t take me long to figure out why it has been languishing on a shelf for three or four years…I sewed half the blocks wrong!  (NOT the fault of the pattern-maker — Terry’s patterns are always awesome — but rather because I sewed them at a retreat with lots of visiting and maybe a glass of vino…)

After a little thought, I figured out how I could get a similar look to the pattern without spending days with ripper in hand.  Here is a photo of the blocks done (I am making it a bit wider).  I have some white border strips to sew on, then a 6″ border goes on all four sides.

I came across the Bionic Gear Bag somewhere, and knew it would serve my needs perfectly.  I have several “tool bags” for sewing, but this one is designed for more than storage — it opens up to be situated by your sewing machine, keeping everything you need at your fingertips.  Since I often sew places other than my sewing room, I can just zip it up and take everything with me easily.  Here it is zipped up.  (Excuse the lumpiness, as I really have it overstuffed.)

As much as I love the bag, I have nothing good to say about the instructions.  Nothing.  If you decide, like me, that you absolutely need this bag, search for the tutorial a third party made, and load your printer with lots of paper.

Okay, back to the bag.  It holds a ton…I have four pairs of scissors, several spools of thread with bobbins, screwdrivers and other tools, marking pens, ripper, pins, all kinds of needles, sewing machine feet, Clover Wonder Clips…and I know that’s not all.

My favorite part is how it stays open and the front flap makes a tray to keep all your working bits and bobbles reined in.

And thanks to my friend Arlene, I was introduced to the Diva Wallet!   I don’t know how I missed this one.  The pattern is crystal clear, and the results are beautiful.  A quick sew, as well.

When I bought the pattern on line, I ordered a couple of the frames right away as well.  This is with the 7 1/2″ frame.  Inside…

This makes a lovely, slim wallet that would make a special gift.

On the photography front, here’s my favorite bird shot from this week:  a tri-colored heron.  He has long legs but is standing in deeper water.  Taken at the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center in Port Aransas, TX.

Linking to Judy Laquidara’s Patchwork Times.