There are days when I am sure I need to be cloned. This summer, each of the girls got to pick one camp to go to. It just so happens that Libbie and Emily chose different camps that happened at the same time, but in different locations. It's hard to drop two children off at the same time in different places. With a little effort, we made it work. Look in the photo at last Thursday's pick-up/drop-off schedule! My kids were going in all different directions. Seatbelt-up and hold on, girlfriends! Most days aren't quite this crazy. It does happen, though.
In the busyness of it all, I try to find time to blog and create loveliness both through craft and relationships. It is hard to find the right balance of everything. That said, I want you to know that I have read each one of your comments on my last post. I treasure them. I wanted to get back to each of you. I started to write replies, but threw in the towel. If I spend all my time at the computer, I run out of time to take care of my family and complete the projects I have heaped on my plate. (Lately, as the saying goes, my eyes have been bigger than my tummy! My projects are endless.) What to do? What to do? For now, know that I am reading and enjoying each one of your words. Until the girls head back to school, I have very little time to respond to comments the way I would like to. I will continue to do my best. My apologies, though, if I don't get back to you. (Just so you know--I will always answer a question if you have one.) Thanks for understanding. Perhaps most of you struggle with balance now and again. No?
As I mentioned, I have a lot of projects on my plate. In fact, I have schizophrenic crafting going on. I'm creating a few bags, making a pattern, and writing out directions for the class I am teaching the first week of August. I also have a little chair redo up my sleeve because I don't want my chaise to be lonely or seem aloof up on the deck all alone. I am playing with a button craft for a children's fibre arts workshop that is coming up next week. And, last but not least, I've been working on a project with some binding. Thimbleanna and some other friends have requested a binding tutorial. I'm going to give it a try, people. Most of the time you can pour what I know in a thimble. I hope you are not disappointed. My techniques are always a bit wonky, but they work for me. I will tell you everything I know about binding in my next post.
For now, here's a peek at another reversible bag sample I have made for the class.
I'm not sure what to call this bag. It is not really a purse, but it is the perfect size for carrying things that you might need when you are away from the house. I am forever using a Walmart bag for library books, items I need to return, sunscreen and bathing suits, or stitching that I plan to do while I wait in the car. This is a much spankier option than the plastic bag. Any ideas for a name?
Toodles,
Cassie
Looks like the everything tote. Very cute style and love the fabric combinations. Wish I could take your class!
Posted by: Terri | July 23, 2008 at 06:28 PM
I especially like the green tote. Super nice color combos. Crisp. Just like summer.
Posted by: Dandelion Quilts | July 23, 2008 at 07:13 PM
How 'bout the Beautiful Bag? Or the You Go Girl on the Go Bag? You certainly have a lot on your plate. But then we knew that -- with 5 girls, how could you not? That whole blog/comment/family/craft balance eludes most of us -- I don't know about everyone else, but I just muddle along in a fog sometimes wondering if I'm missing too much of real life. But, I'm hopelessly addicted to the never-ending inspiration!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | July 23, 2008 at 08:16 PM
All I can say is WOW, you are totally my hero, such a Super Mum. How many hours does your day have? I have an only child that sleeps 12 hours and I am still pushed for time LOL.
I can't wait for your binding tutorial, I always have a good geg at your binding, it always looks so perfectly done.
Take care ;-)
Ana
Posted by: Ana | July 24, 2008 at 03:27 AM
What a usy schedule you have!My 11 yr old duaghter thought the bag should be named "Summer tote" for all those summer time errands (library, pool etc). Hope life settles down for you soon...
Posted by: Lisa | July 24, 2008 at 05:26 AM
You are one busy lady - you really are an inspiration to us all! I love the bag and the fact that it's reversible.
PS Something for you over at Dancin' Puffin - hope you haven't already got one
Posted by: Gemma | July 24, 2008 at 06:09 AM
I think the "Go Green Tote" is what I would call it. Love it, truly!
Good luck balancing everything, I don't have kids and it's still hard to get it all done! Thanks in advance for the binding tutorial! I love your machine binding look, too, but have never made it work right for me!
Posted by: Doris at Threads of Conversation | July 24, 2008 at 07:43 AM
I loved your last line, "spankier than a shopping bag". So how about "The Spanky Bag", or the "Spanky Shopping Bag"?
Posted by: John | July 24, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Cassie, I hereby dub you "Wonder Woman"! I am so glad to know that you cannot possibly reply to everyone's comments (and as for me, I wouldn't even expect you to). I'm just happy, happy, happy that we are going to get a tutorial on binding! Thank YOU!!
Love that bag! That's one of those "Go Everywhere" bags that you need for library books, and all the stuff that gets lost in the car when you are on the go. Fashionable and practical!
Jody
Posted by: Gumbo Lily | July 24, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Even though I was a bit late with my begging, I thank you ever so much for the upcoming binding tutorial!
I find your juggling to keep balance in your life an amazing feat - I am truly impressed with all you have on your plate, and all you accomplish. You go girl, indeed!!
The bag is adorable, by the by.
Posted by: Nan | July 24, 2008 at 05:39 PM
cassie,
my kids are a bit older... so those years are gone of the running here, running there, 3 kids on 3 different fields at the same time... i almost bought a bumper sticker one time that said "I'm not a stay-at-home-mom, I stay in my CAR!!!" - but as the years went by, i really started loving those times in the car with my kids. sometimes it was the only one on one time i ever got with them in a day. my last one is getting his license soon and i'm going to miss being in the car with him, driving him and his friends around. enjoy them.. they're gone so fast!
Posted by: brigette | July 25, 2008 at 07:26 PM
Love your blog and bags and your Toodles sign off. Maybe you can call your bag the Toodleloo Bag.
Posted by: Donna | July 30, 2008 at 09:20 AM