Last time I wrote the roses were just blooming and now coolness of fall appears at the edges of the day. In fact, our almond tree is a little confused and had a single almond blossom amidst the thinning leaves.

Five months ago, my DH was two months post-op from his ninth back/neck surgery, I was taking my first course towards another Masters degree, my daughter brought down our oldest grandson for a summer’s visit and when the semester ended I drove him back north. The visit north felt like a sewist of old because I took my sewing machine with me and sewed alterations for my mother, and then at a sister’s sewing up sidelight curtains. It has been a blur and continues. I will be returning in the next month to help my daughter and will again take my sewing machine.

Yesterday, in an attempt to feel some control, I pulled out a project I started two years ago. This is Letty’s Bag by Robin Gallagher at Robin Quilts, etc. The first one I completed and gave away as a diaper bag.

Letty’s Bag given as a gift for a Diaper Bag

This one I made in red, my favorite color and will probably take with me on long days of shopping or filled with needlework as it is huge. Some things I changed were the Texture Magic on the front pocket; using Pellon 809, a firm but not fleece interfacing and the dimensions. On the front pocket I used Texture Magic just to add more interest to the pocket and I am adding a flower instead of a button as called for in the directions. The interior has a pocket that lines the complete interior of the bag and a cell phone pocket. The the strap instructions are the best I have followed to date.

Letty’s Bag in progress showing the use of Texture Magic on the front pocket, the interior pockets and the strap.

I have actually completed the bag. One thing of which I was again reminded, check to see if there are any corrections before starting a project. My bag is taller than wider, this works for my knitting needles but might not be how you would like to see yours. It is a great bag and I will make it again in the smaller version at a later date. This is a great reminder to see if there are corrections posted for patterns with which you work. I have a taller rather than wider bag, this will be great for knitting but you might want it made differently. So check for errors before starting a pattern.

Letty’s Bag completed.

Speaking of knitting, I am in the process of knitting a lap blanket for a gentlemen who might be challenged by cancer. Although not diagnosed I wanted to do something for him. This is the Lion Brand Yarn (LBY) Traveling Cable Afghan, free pattern L32046 on their site. I have the main portion knitted and am now working on the border. I had enough of LBY Homespun in my stash to make this afghan.

It feels great to get back into needling groove, needle on!

Hope