Frenchy Bags

Last week, I got the urge to tick one of the things off my to-do list, I sewed up an Amy Butler Frenchy Bag. Ooh-la-la! It's so cute!

Check out the cuteness.

This is the only Amy Butler pattern I have sewn, but if all of her patterns are this user-friendly...I'll be back for more. The directions were so clear and straightforward. I am used to sewing the patterns from big companies like Simplicity or Butterick. While I love them, they can be a little confusing and unnecessarily complicated. Amy keeps it simple and straightforward. Love it.

Love you Frenchy Bag pattern!

The pattern includes directions for a handbag and a large tote. I chose the large tote (because I need a mom purse). I did not deviate from the pattern except for leaving off the magnetic closure because I didn't feel like I needed it.


When I was sewing my bag it occurred to me what a great advanced beginner project this would be. You learn about interfacing, simple pleats, handle joining, and laying in a lining with pockets. If you have never followed a garment pattern before, this is a great place to start.

Detail of pleats and handle join.

When I told Alex that I was writing this post today, she asked me why she has not seen me wearing my new bag. Well, let me tell ya...I love it, I really do. I'm just afraid it might be a little loud. Maybe I will feel differently when the summer hits us and I am wearing different clothes, but right now the fabric seems too bold. (Speaking of fabric, the blue floral pattern is from last year's Amy Butler collection and the mustard is something in my stash by Moda from a few years ago.) I might have to make another in more subtle tones.

It's another love fest, I'm giving this pattern a thumbs up. I encourage everyone to make one....then we will all match! We can call ourselves the Frenchy Bag club. I'm so lame... ;)

–Cassandra

I'm a Sensible Girl?

I am a person who tries to pay attention to what the universe is saying to them. I take note of my dreams, the things that seem to catch my eye on TV or online, and the stuff that comes up in basic conversation. Sometimes a trend develops, and that's when I have to delve deeper into that subject. Right now I am being drawn to the idea of simplicity.

I know, I know...simplicity is one of those buzzwords like creativity that inspire people to the navel-gazing that leads to a grand proclamation about sweeping life changes... and in the end you just stay the same. Trust me, I'm tired of the hype too. So, instead of saying that I'm simplifying, I am being sensible.

This is what a sensible person's pantry looks like.

If I'm being honest, living more simply means being more like my Great-Grandmother. And she was wonderfully sensible. Her home was warm and inviting with useful handmade items everywhere. It was neat as a pin (from basement to walk-up attic) because there was a place for everything. Cleaning for her must have been a snap because there was no time spent on clutter-clearing. She had beautiful things that you could really appreciate because there weren't distractions everywhere. That house had the vibe I'm striving to manifest in my own home.

Putting stuff in bins is not cleaning.

Sensible Home = Peaceful Mind

Much like the addict who hits rock bottom and never touches their vice again, I think I've had enough of the clutter in my world. Literally and mentally. First and foremost, I need to pare down. Shed things that are no longer useful and make a sensible place for everything I do need. This is quite a task! My first step is to fill my car with items to be donated. Then I can start to evaluate my space and find sensible places for sensible items.

The donation box is one of my best friends.

Once I get a handle on my environment, then I can turn my attention to the other parts of my life that need this treatment. Sensible foods, sensible gardening, sensible yada yada... happily turning back the clock 75 years and sharing the wins and losses with you.

–Cassandra