Bag Lady

I adore bags of all varieties, though it seems of late, I prefer larger bags that I can cram a bunch of stuff (including my knitting!) into - I was really excited to receive a review copy of Simply Sublime Bags (due for release next Tuesday - though you can pre-order it now!)


The book is nicely put together, and includes 30 different projects - some requiring no sewing, others that require just some hand stitching, and others that use simple stitching on your sewing machine. Projects vary from very easy level 1 up on through "Project Runway - here I come" level 5. The stitching and levels are easily identified by small icons on each project page. While a number of the projects use materials and fabrics all found in fabric store (as I would expect in a sewing book) this one also includes some projects showing you how to recycle and re-purpose other goods and turn them into great accessories. Several of the projects use materials I would never have thought of using (like a shiny mylar bubble envelope), and I've found lots of inspiration flipping through the pages.

I should note that several of the projects make creative use out of packing and duct tape - while these may work fine in some regions of the world, I'll have to find some other options if I want to make those projects - simply because the adhesives have a tendency to melt and goo up everything down here in the land of 110+ degree days.

Seeing as there are actually days during the heat of the summer where I can't be bothered with wool, this book will be sure to keep me entertained. From little pouches, to clutches, to purses, to totes and messenger bags, this book has inspiration and instructions for it all. If you're as into crafty bags as I am, I definitely recommend a look-through!

Enjoying the darkness...

Join me this evening, and participate in Earth Hour!

Officially Earth Hour will be observed from 8 to 9pm in your local time zone. I haven't decided what exactly I'll be doing while the lights are off - though I'm sure I'll figure something out - if nothing else, I can head to the local mountain preserve and enjoy the night sky :)

I must be getting old...

because I am wishing I could visit this shop.

Seriously, I've been anxiously waiting for my vacuum cleaner to kick it so I can get a new one :) I keep thinking between the dust bunnies, fur balls and wool bits, it surely should have decided to go to the big vacuum repair shop in the sky....but nooo....

Another thing I covet is the Nature Mill - though what I'd do with all that compost is beyond me. I got interested in it after doing a whole mess of googling on indoor composting as I can't have an outdoor compost heap - the idea of messing around with worms was wigging me out, so I was pretty excited when I stumbled across the Nature Mill - though I will admit, worms would be much more economical....

Happy Earth Day!

Today is Earth Day - it's been good to see and hear the local media talk especially about climate change and particularly about the local air quality (or lack thereof) today, and I only hope that the discussions continue and aren't just because today is Earth Day.

One of the things I have done to try to reduce personal energy consumption was to change over as many lightbulbs as I have personal control over to compact fluorescent bulbs - so far, even after having many of these bulbs installed for years, not a one has burned out or gone dim. I recently found out though, that compact fluorescent bulbs should not be disposed of as normal garbage as they do contain mercury.

It does seem like more and more places are creating Compact Fluorescent Recycling just based on some quick googling.

Check out Earth911 for a comprehensive listing of various recycling facilities by zip code.