It's the Mail Sack! The pattern is by Kathy of Pink Chalk Studio. I love this bag, I've carried it around lots already. It's great for some light grocery shopping on the way home from picking Annette up from preschool (there's always something or other that I forget on my big weekly shopping), as it leaves my hands free to hold her hand while walking. The photo might not show the scale, but let me tell you this bag is roomy! It's 16 inches wide (I made the adult version — the pattern also include a kid-sized version) and I can fit lots of things in it.

And another feature that I like is this zippered pocket on the inside, which currently holds a sock in progress.

First time I sewed in a zipper, that one! Sewing with zippers had been one of those "I'll look it up someday" kind of thing for me, which I never got around to doing. Don't know why I didn't do it earlier, really, it was pretty simple. And Kathy's instructions in this pattern are great, that even the zipper part was painless. Very pleased with how this turned out!

Then my sewing machine decided to take a break all of a sudden. Not sure if it's really broken or what. It's making a disturbing grinding noise instead of the usual smooth whirl. It can still sew, but I'm worried that if I keep using it something inside would break. I might need to take it for maintenance. Sigh. Oh well at least I'll have more time to knit now. Which I'm not complaining about, as some relaxing time with my knitting is probably just what I need right now.

On a happier note, I managed to finish a few things before all this happened. First, a Frenchy bag for my mum.

I made the shoulder bag version, using some home-dec fabric that I got at Spotlight. The most stylish bag I've made so far I think! Also most involved. I used the sew-in heavyweight interfacing, magnetic snaps for closure, and some extra snaps for closing the inner pockets. I decided not to use a contrast fabric for the top section of the bag, I just used the same fabric. I think it looks great this way too.

This is the first Amy Butler pattern that I made. Can't believe I haven't made one of her patterns earlier. The pattern was quite well written. It has a lot of steps involved, but each step was explained clearly, often with diagrams, so that it doesn't overwhelm. And I love the bag! It's stylish and it's a good size. Will have to make one for myself later I think.

Then I finished these coasters for a custom order (although, I can't take custom orders anymore at the moment, not until my sewing machine is fixed!)

I've also finished Annette's socks, but more on that later. I've got some knitting and a cup of tea waiting for me for now :)

Softies and tote bags for Kirribilli Markets tomorrow.

And look what Corrie brought back from Japan for me!

Some japanese craft books…

On the left is Lotta Jansdotter's new book, Handmade Project. In the middle is a very cute embroidery book ISBN 4834724212. And on the right is Design collection for kids ISBN 4529042049, another cute embroidery and felt book. I looooove these books!! Will post more detailed photos later when I get a chance.

And some cute japanese fabrics…

Thank you so much, Corrie!! You can also get these fabrics from Corrie's new shop, www.retromummy.com, which is bringing lovely japanese fabrics, linens, tapes, craft books, etc, to Australian shores! Gorgeous, gorgeous stuff!

Anyway, hope the weather's good for the market tomorrow. Wish us luck!

Sewing up some book bags / totes for a stall at Kirribilli markets this Saturday (28 July). If you happen to be in the area, come and say hi! Belinda and Jade will be minding the stall in the morning, while Corrie and I will be there in the afternoon.

The photos above were taken sometime last week, so I've made some progress since then. However progress has slowed somewhat since the arrival of the new Harry Potter book. I haven't finished yet, so no spoilers here!

Knitting hasn't been abandoned completely, because I still need my knitting. One Jaywalker sock is done, and another is on its way.

Then I won some yarn and DPNs from Yarn magazine's Winter Warm-up Competition! Thanks, Barbara! I feel very lucky indeed. The yarn is Rare Yarns 'Rare Fire' yarn (alpaca/mohair/merino combo). I'll probably make these bed socks with them.

And earlier this month I had another meetup with Belinda and Corrie, and I also got to meet Danni from Pyglet Whispers. As usual we had a lucky dip, and I was the recipient of Belinda's package, which contained a skein of sock yarn and the lovely birdie fabric. And Danni gave us some of her lovely handmade cards. Thanks, girls!

For the lucky dip I made this tote bag, which went to Corrie. I think she likes it :)

I love that skipping girl print from Sprout Designs, and the Mollybirds print by Kristen Doran. Close up of the detail here.

Also, I made these coasters for a friend's housewarming.

It's nothing original though, I've seen quite a few of these lovely patchwork coasters around the blogs and I just love the little patchwork. (There's also a tutorial here.)