Oh Canada!

Happy Birthday, Canada! We sure do have plenty to celebrate on this, our 147th birthday. We are certainly a young country by any standard, but I think that fact serves to emphasizes all of the amazing accomplishments our country has achieved in such a short time. I am a very proud Canadian, and I have always maintained that we live in the best country in the world. Here are a few reasons why I am so happy to celebrate Canada today:

1. We live in a peaceful nation. For example, in Ontario, we recently had an election. On that day, I was able to drive to an accessible location and cast my ballot for the candidate of my own choosing. I was in and out of the poll location in about 10 minutes. I exercised my democratic privilege without fear for my safety. That is something not all countries can claim! Additionally, as a woman, I am counted as an equal voter amongst all others in my nation. Shockingly, this is still not the case the world over. Even in Quebec, women did not have the right to vote until 1940. My own grandmothers were born in a time when they didn't have the right to vote. Now that makes history real!

2. We take education seriously. I know there are problems, especially at the moment. But let's just look at the journey as a whole for a minute. All children, every single one, has access to education here in Canada. As a mother of daughters, I know that they will have every opportunity to achieve their own academic goals and that they will be of their choosing. Not once have I been asked, "Mom, can I do that job if I am a girl?" by my children. In 1867, Emily Howard Stowe became the first woman to practice medicine in Canada. For her it was a hard won battle, but not her first! Did you know that she was also the first woman to be a principal of a public school in Upper Canada? Talk about a trail blazer!

3. A little snow and ice won't stop us! As mentioned earlier, we are a young nation. Add to that the challenges many parts of our country face with weather, it is astonishing that we have created the reliable and functional infrastructure that we depend upon. Ever driven down the highway only to see a convoy of enormous snow plows heading in the opposite direction? Like behemoths they maneuver along, leaving a trail of slush, salt, sand and snow. They go through sleet, snow, freezing rain, ice and anything else that is thrown at us so that we can continue on our own journey. Once, I had a friend visiting who had never seen these snow plows converge on the highway. She was terrified! I guess another thing that makes us Canadian is the fact that the plows actually make us feel safe.  So, despite some nasty weather, and our dependence upon immense trucks to clear a path several months of the year, we have accomplished some pretty great stuff!

4. We are gorgeous, Darling! Look around you - our country is a stunner! We are diverse in our beauty, which makes it that much more unique. For example, I am from Northern Ontario. As we drive up to visit, the landscape changes. As we get closer, there are enormous rock cuts that signal to me that I am home. I sit with my family and enjoy dinner overlooking a wonderful lake, and my children have spent hours playing in the rocks and trees that surround the house. We watch sunsets together that begin with such brightness, and morph into a swirling mass of oranges, reds, and yellows. I live in Southern Ontario now, where we enjoy the walking trails, and farmers fields that surround our outskirts. But it is different from my home, and that's OK! Aren't we lucky we have so much diversity to enjoy. What beauty defines your Canadian home?

5. Coffee Crisp, Crispy Crunch, and Smarties. Need I say more? Well, I guess we can add ketchup and dill pickle chips to the list as well. Yup! These are all uniquely Canadian treats. Maybe you should enjoy a sampling of them today, just to celebrate! Unless of course, you have already stuffed your Canadian face full of Timbits. Party on, friends!

6. Last, but not least, the Ganaraskan dog. This is our Rosie. She is the BEST dog anyone could ask for. She rarely barks, and is non-shedding. She loves to play, and snuggle, but mostly she loves her family to bits. She is the BEST dog anyone could ask for.

Bred originally as therapy dogs, the Ganaraskan originated near Port Hope, Ontario and are named after the Ganaraska River. Sweet tempered, intelligent, loyal, and devoted, the Ganny is the perfect Canadian dog!

As you know, all things in my life come back around to tote bags. Did you really think you were getting a tote bag free post? Come on, now.  So, in closing, I share with you a bright red tote bag in honour of our fabulous country. Wear red today, carry a red tote bag, and sing "O Canada" at the top of your lungs - but please finish your Timbits first. That could get messy.

So Many Teachers Toting Bryer Patch Tote Bags!

 Isn't this a lovely collection of colours and patterns? So pretty, and reminiscent of summer flowers, making them a perfect gift for this time of year. These tote bags were ordered for the end of the school year, as gifts to a group of teachers who work together. I was given their favourite colours and then I got to work designing and sewing. I especially enjoyed working with batik fabrics for the "A" bag and the "P" bag. I just love the depth of colour and texture in the batik, and I plan to work with it more often in the future.

Size wise, these are the large tote bags. They will come in handy for the teachers while they are carting books and school supplies back and forth. A layer of soft interfacing provides structure and durability. I have made so many of these cheery initial totes. These are just a few, but I never get tired of creating them. I will leave you with lots of pictures - hope you enjoy them!

Wordless Wednesday

Yippee! School's Out!

My "babies" completed grade 9 today. The last exam was written this morning, and we celebrated with a trip to the mall to purchase a few needs, and a couple of wants as the icing on the cake. Outfitted with a several new goodies from their favourite stores, the girls happily headed home to begin their much anticipated summer holidays. It was a busy year, one that flew by impossibly fast. It has been a year of change for the twins, but one that they were more than ready to face. They navigated their first year of high school, juggled two sets of exams, and made countless new friends along the way. My husband and I are so proud of them! Along with all the academic accomplishments, there are also many other changes. Independence is a huge one. My husband and I often find ourselves sitting alone over dinner or on a Friday evening. And it's quiet - imagine that! The chaos that surrounds a life with small children has abated, much to our surprise. And, while we revel in this new found time to spend together, the edges of this new reality are bittersweet. That is one of the many oddities of raising multiples - all stages go by in blur, as though you have been on perpetual fast forward for the past 15 years. My husband and I play the game of "Remember When" all the time. Remember when the girls climbed the baby gate and met you at the front door? Remember when they learned to climb out of their cribs and we would find them sleeping curled up together on the floor? Remember when they said dog and it came out like "gog" ? We could go on for hours with this game,  and it comforts the transition for us as our girls make their way into young adulthood. They are great girls, and it is such fun to watch their personalities take hold.

Today, one of the best things about being a stay-at-home/work-at-home mom happened. After our return from the mall, I lay down to read my book for a little bit (anyone else obsessed with Diana Gabaldon's new book?? Ummmm, I can't get anything done...too busy reading). My youngest (by 30 seconds!) curled up beside me and began to fill me in on all the goings-on in her life of late. We talked friends, makeup, clothing, books and her desire to learn photography from her Grampy, for at least half an hour.  It is in these rare times that harken back to their baby days, when ironically I catch a glimpse of the adults they will become. Cuddled up next to me, this girl shares a bit about her dreams and aspirations with me. I see in her a depth of maturity,  a sense humour, and a desire to pursue nascent interests. The stress and demands of exams catch up to her and she falls asleep, still snuggled up like a bug in a rug. I should be getting dinner, but I don't. We stay right where we were, and I soak up the extraordinary that was presenting itself on this ordinary day.

So, all that to say my kids are getting BIG! They don't really want to take gifts to their teachers at the end of the year any longer. That doesn't mean that the culmination of the school year has been quiet around here though! I have been churning out tote bags as teacher gifts like a mad sewing woman. Recently, I found a beautiful piece of bright red fabric. It was large enough to make a couple of bags so I set right to work after I got the fabric into my sewing room. I am so thrilled with the results! What do you think? This tote is sturdy and durable, and really, how can you not smile when you see all those polka dots and flowers? I'll have another red tote to share soon.  I hope your kids had a great year at school too! Happy summer to us all!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Popsicles and Babies - Both Messy Propositions!

I hope you all had a great weekend! I was really supposed to be sewing but I was rather busy doing something else that kept my attention away from fabric. I wasn't sure that was possible, but here is the proof!

Lukey loves a snuggle - and I do too!

My brother and his wife brought the kids over for a swim, and I spent as much time as possible snuggling my little bug of a nephew, Lucas. He is still so tiny, with legs and arms that appear almost delicate. I know how this works.  In the blink of an eye, he will be big, and being the last baby of the family, I must soak it all up. It gave me time to fully investigate the impossibly tiny toes, and slender hands that resemble miniature starfish. I was unapologetic about sitting with him all afternoon. After all, I take my responsibilities very seriously. It wasn't a difficult task, and he just adores being curled up and swaddled.  So, yes. I was "busy" that day. We went for a walk with the new stroller, and I paraded him around the neighbourhood with pride. Diapers were changed, cries were soothed, and tiny eyes opened occasionally to survey the new surroundings. Someone had to do it! Auntie Shan to the rescue! And then I gave him back and had a full night's sleep. Perfect!

Back to the tote bag! Summer seems to have finally arrived here in Ontario. Today has been hot, hazy and humid. During the warmer months, my husband and I enjoy having our tea outside by the swimming pool after dinner. We have a bird feeder, and it is really fun to watch all the birds come by for a visit. Our yard is full of lovely flowers, and we are surrounded by many mature trees. It is such a nice way to pass an evening after a long day. This hot weather has both of us thinking we should replace our tea with something more refreshing and seasonally appropriate. How about popsicles? Everyone loves popsicles, and we might even manage to lure our teenage twins out to sit with us if we promise a sweet treat. So, onto today's tote bag. Guess what theme it is!!! That's right, popsicles.

This medium sized tote bag was ordered as a birthday present for a 10 year old. The bag had to be colourful, and pinks and greens were requested. When I saw this lining fabric, I knew instantly what design I wanted to use. Isn't that lining fabric fabulous? It is so vibrant and just screams, "SUMMER!" at the top of its lungs. I was instantly taken back to that place and time in my life when summer meant long days spent on Lake Nipissing, and sandy toes that I rubbed together when I crawled into bed (sorry about that, Mom!), and trying to sleep when the sun was still up at my bedtime. Does anyone remember the ice cream trucks on wheels called Dickie Dee? I loved the tri-coloured popsicles just like that red, white and blue one you can see on the left.  I never was able to eat the entire thing without it dripping its neon colours all over my face, hands, hair and clothing. By the time I was done, there was usually sand mixed in with the sticky residue. Those Dickie Dee bikes were the first thing that came to mind when I saw this fabric, and I could almost hear the jingling bell the driver would ring as they cycled along the sidewalk. The only problem was that I grew up in a house that has a very long driveway. My young ears certainly could pick up the bells, but retrieving money, and subsequently running all the way out the driveway in time was usually an unsuccessful venture. Oh well. It made the times I actually enjoyed the popsicle that much sweeter. At least that's what I'm going with. 

Yummy!

I think this is the perfect gift for a summer birthday, don't you? I hope the new owner of this tote bag has a summer full of days spent creating her own popsicle memories.  Last night (and this is the truth!) I had a dream I was sewing up a new design . So today I got to work and made up a prototype based upon said dream. I've often dreamt about making things but never woken up to design it! I am just adding the finishing touches so check back soon. Have a happy day - and go create something. You'll be so glad you did!

Wordless Wednesday

Colourful Totes for Two Brothers

These two brothers are all set for summer activities with their brand new tote bags! Great for toting books at the library, or hauling toys to the beach, these durable denim bags will come in handy. They would also be great for a weekend trip to visit Grandma, as they can be stuffed full of goodies for a car ride, or used for holding pyjamas and a special blankie and toy.

I decided to use panels of different colours of denim for added detail, and created the names with filled stitch as opposed to appliqué. The back of the tote bags is different from the front, with only two coloured panels.

The bright colours are just perfect for two little boys. Lately I have been having a love affair with the colour orange, and I happened to have just enough of the perfect fabric to use for the lining of Charlie's tote bag. I kept the names matching in terms of colours and added a whimsical star lining to Nolan's tote.

I really had fun working with all this colour! Just this afternoon, during an absolute downpour, I finished up the last of four tote bags that are going to be teacher gifts at the end of the school year. When the sun finally came out again, I got organized and took plenty of photos to share with you. I have three more end of school year totes to get finished up, so that is the goal for this week. Stay tuned for more photos when I have them all done. Hope the sun is shining where you are! The only advantage to our odd rain/sun days so far this week, is that I haven't needed to water my newly planted flowers in the evening. They are growing beautifully, and I finally feel that summer is almost here! Have a great day!

Wordless Wednesday

Grammie Flower Bag

Well, hello! I have a pretty bag to share with you today. What I love most about it is the wonderful exterior fabric. Not long ago, my husband and I took a little jaunt into downtown Toronto. It is only a short drive from where we live, but we don't venture that way often. That particular day, we decided to visit a few of our favourite downtown haunts. One of my happy places is King Textiles on Spadina.   It is two levels of delicious fabrics, notions, and all things sewing. My brain goes into overdrive, and I begin to envision all of the marvellous things I need to create! My find that day was some great denim in a soft, washed grey. Up close, it almost has a linen like appearance, however, it is firmer and more durable. It has made the perfect backdrop for a few embroidery designs.

The inside of this tote bag was lined with another of my favourite fabric patterns, toile. I love the whimsy of toile,and how every design is different, but somehow the same! Usually pastoral in nature, and very delicate in its overall design, toile is classic and fresh. I paired it with a vivid red for this project, and added a silver thread to the center of the flower for emphasis. The result is a crisp and sophisticated bag for a special grandma.

I am working on a couple of end of school year tote bags, and a really fun birthday bag. I just have to get back into my sewing room instead of hanging out in my garden! 

Mason Jars and Flowers

Anyone else love mason jars? I sure do, and I especially love the Ball glass turquoise ones. They are so pretty, and I prefer the true vintage ones. I actually have one that I found at a thrift shop in Arizona a couple of years ago while visiting my mom and dad. I made my parents drive it all the way back to Ontario - I'm pretty sure my dad couldn't see the meaning in that! It's just a jar after all. But I just couldn't see taking this precious cargo on the airplane in my carry-on bag. It made a safe journey north and it sure looks nice sitting in my sewing room full of buttons. So thanks, Mom and Dad, for hauling it home for me! Here it is, full of yummy vintage buttons, so pretty. 

That brings me to the design of this next Mother's Day bag. A sweet mason jar with a couple of happy looking flowers peeking out. I had the perfect turquoise fabric for the jar, and I added some purple and green to really make it pop. A purple and green polka dot lining finishes off this cheery tote. Mason jars and flowers. What could be better? 

Have a great day!

Spring Flowers

Spring flowers to share today! This tote is on its way to a Mother's Day celebration this weekend. The  woman who will be receiving the tote has three grandchildren so the three flowers are the perfect thing. 

It's hard to see in the photos, but the flowers on this bag are finished with "raggy" edges. It is one of my favourite ways to add some depth to an embroidery design, and is especially nice with flowers and leaves. Once the fabric is tacked down, I cut the edges (carefully! I speak from experience) with about 1/4 inch outside of the design. Then the fun part - ragging the edges! You just run your finger along the edges of the fabric and it becomes soft and ruffly. This replaces a satin stitch border and adds a little bit of shabby chic to the design. Here are a couple of close ups, and I hope you can see it a bit better.

Have a lovely evening!