Last July was a rough one for me. A bad case of poison ivy left my hands immobilized for much of the month, and the extreme heat... well, it's not my favorite. I made a promise to myself that I'd plan ahead for this July, heading outside into the heat only before 8am and after 5pm, whenever possible. So, what to do with the rest of my time?
Well, I decided to have a little Christmas in July crafting party. Not to lump myself with a consumer culture that puts up holiday decorations in October, I'm just thinking of this as a month of making, if you will. Small gifts, mostly sewn, that can be tucked away into my slowly developing gift closet. Maybe some tote bags, coaster sets, potholders, lap quilts, table runners, fabric gift bags (more for using than gifting - and now is the time of year to find wintry fabric patterns on clearance), prayer flag sets, jammies and a few skirts. Okay, the skirts are for me. And there will be knitting too, because if we're going to have a couple of big knitted projects under the tree then I best get to it during these quiet summer afternoons.
One thing I have going for me is that I'm the slowest person to make it through a tv series (still on season 2 of Lark Rise to Candleford), so I envision knitting while catching up on some shows. As for sewing, that is a perfect activity to do while perched in front of a fan, and so I will.
In Summer Soul Camp I'll be teaching a tutorial for making what I have come to love as the perfect market tote. It's a design I came up with a few years ago and has proven to be my go to bag for groceries. Handles that slip over the shoulder (am I the only one that tries to get all the groceries into the house in one trip?), and a nice boxy shape make it the exact style I prefer.
Yesterday, on the first of the month, I kicked off Christmas in July by sewing up a market bag and a stack of fabric gift bags for the holidays. (I like to fold the gift bags over and tie with a ribbon, as seen in this post.)
I thought it would be fun to send these first creations out into the world as a gift to you! How does that sound? I'll draw two names on Friday and announce the winners here... if you'd like a chance to win just go ahead and leave a comment.
Happy July, friends!
* * * * *
Comments are now closed! And the winners are...
Sarah said:
Aack! Too much prettiness in one post....love your fabrics :)
Jeanne Teed said:
I love the idea of these bags and especially like the Christmas in July theme! Last year my children held a surprise birthday party for me in July and made it a Christmas in July party with all things Christmas. This year we are doing it again but for no other occasion than to celebrate Christmas in July!!!
Congratulations! Check your email for a note form me. :)
Thanks everyone, that was fun!
