KENDRA'S KINDLE CASE

I was going to call it Kendra's Kindle Kase, but then I realized the initials were rather offensive, though Kendra is decidedly not.  Nevermind.

I have cobbled my pattern together from a bunch of different sources.  The main one is John's iPad Sleeve at the Moda Bake Shop.  I am doing things a bit differently, however, and using 10-inch squares from my stash of Swiss Chocolate by Amanda Murphy, won on Cluck. Cluck. Sew.  Like me, Kendra loves pink, so I thought this would be perfect, especially since it's totally hot cocoa season in the Northwest.

Fun little projects like this are why I love having Regina Bernina.  She's so creative and smart.  I alternated between stitch No. 60, length at two; and my running stitch, or stitch No. 4, length at three.  Worked out perfectly when done in dark brown Mettler cotton.

And here's what it looks like from the right side.

The second side is a darker pattern with the same sort of gorgeous flower designs.  The stitching will fade into the background on that side, but it'll still look lovely.  I'll post again with more details!

FIRST CRAFT RETREAT!

So, for the first time in my life, I'm headed for a craft retreat!  My dear friend Elena is celebrating her birthday by hosting an all-day crafting bonanza at our friend Robin's great big house.  I work till five, and the crafting/movie watching begins at six.  And because I'm riding with Elena, I had to give her all my stuff last night, including the new sewing machine, which I have now christened Regina Bernina.  Because pretty much anything that costs over $1000 needs a name.  Anyway, I have to say I was a little sad to let Regina go with Elena.  It was kinda like letting a kid leave on his first over-nighter.  'Course, I don't have kids, but . . .

I can't wait to get crafting!  I'm hoping that Robin has a table that's taller than mine, and I can get a TON of cutting done.  That's the part that kills me -- I'm 5'10", and I cut on a really small wooden table.  Can you say, "backache?"  And while I can't afford a new table, I need to get a new cutting mat.  Mine's getting a little brittle.  Hee, hee!  I have honeybun strips to sew into bargello tubes; I have to create a stitch sampler for my machine class (that's project numero uno).  I have fat quarters to cut for this pattern: http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/10/vintage-ribbons-table-runner.html.  I have charm squares to quarter for tiny baby blocks.  Lots to do!  We're spending the night tonight, then crafting all day tomorrow!  I'm quite excited.  I will post pictures when I come back!