African Tote Bag/Purse

I loved these fabrics the first moment I saw them. They came in a kit to make this purse and I had to have it. The sample purse in the store had matching "pictures" on both ends of the purse, meaning you had to use two panels for one purse, and then have a bunch of leftover "pictures". I changed the pockets on the outside of the purse in order to use all the pictures on a panel of fabric. I also wanted different sizes of pockets on the outside.




One of those pockets was wider than the given measurements for the "ends" of the purse, so that meant making a wider bottom. That ended up changing the measurements for the inside lining pockets too, AFTER I had already sewn them. It turned out to be a happy mistake though, as I then had four skinny slots on the inside corners that are perfect for storing pens in the purse. No hunting for them.

Here is the back of the purse.


Anyway, I just love how it turned out...I am so organized with all these pockets. And this is my favorite thing on the purse...the chicken button.

My Lucky Day

Yesterday, I went to my local quilt shop's anniversary sale. They offer some great deals at their sale and to make it even more fun, they have "cake walks" through out the day, where prizes are given away. Quilt designs are printed on paper and taped to the floor. Music is played and when the caller hollers "Stop!" you step on the nearest "quilt". Since I shopped for two and a half hours, I participated in several and won two prizes, this little fabric wallet and a Primary Colors fat quarters fabric roll of 14 fabrics Woohoo!.

Strange Conversation

I wanted to find out how the Calculus final went for Number Three Son this morning...so I called him after I picked up today's mail.

Me: You got some money in the mail, your tax refund.

Number Three Son: Cool! (pause) Whoa...I have to go 'cause I might fall off a cliff. (click)

Me to Myself: I guess "now" is not a good time to ask about the Calculus final. (And what are you DOING? You're afraid of heights!)

Lemon Zesties Cookies

If you like lemon, you will LOVE these cookies with their intense flavor. They are gluten-free of course...this is my modified version of a recipe from "Bake Deliciously" Gluten and Dairy Free Baking by Jean Duane



Lemon Zesties



Wet Ingredients



1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup agave nectar

4 tsp. vanilla extract

2 tsp. liquid lecithin

1 tsp lemon oil



Dry Ingredients



1 cup whole grain sorghum flour

1/2 cup whole grain amaranth or rice flour

4 TBS arrowroot powder

2 TBS lemon zest

1/4 tsp baking powder

pinch of salt

Optional: Sprinkle tops of cookies with turbinado raw cane suger before baking.



Mix wet ingredients in small mixing bowl by hand, making sure the mixture is well combined. Add dry ingredients.

Drop one teaspoon of dough per cookie onto parchment paper. Leave room for cookies to spread. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 9 to 12 minutes, til edges of cookies are just barely browned. Let cookies cool for a few minutes after removing from oven before removing from the parchment so they won't crumble.

Delicious served with fruit.