for pleats sake....

I'll let you into a secret - I feel that I'm a bit of a try-hard.  I mean, I tend to try too hard to get people to like me and it can be kind of off-putting, to me at least.  I know it's because I am a little shy and need to push myself so that I'm not a wallflower but I can really annoy myself by sounding too ingratiating.  Recently, I have used my sewing hobby as a way to get people to like me - dumb huh? If someone admires something I've made, I offer to make them one in almost a Pavlovian response!  It's mostly cos I like making stuff, but I worry that people find it a bit pushy so I think I need to control myself a bit more.  The wee man and I were out with friends a few weeks ago and one mentioned that it was her sister's birthday the next day and she needed to get a present but hated shopping. I jumped in and offered to make a bag for her.  The offer was accepted but I couldn't shake the feeling that I had pushed this onto her and made it difficult to say no.  I made the bag (the same as this one), dropped it off the next day and fretted about being pushy for the rest of the weekend.  Her sister loved the bag though so perhaps I should stop over thinking it all.

Anyway, another friend asked if I could make a bag for her sister's birthday.  I jumped at the chance (obviously!) and showed her some of the bags I'd made for myself so she could choose a style.  I just love the pattern she chose - I think this is the fourth time I've used it - so it was a joy to knock this up....

Melody Miller Viewmaster fabric - sigh!

lovely pleats

lined with Jessica Levitt (Timber)

The lining fabric was originally bought 2 years ago to back the quilt I submitted for this years Bloggers Quilt Festival so I was pleased to finally used it and I think it works well.  I'm delivering this to Mrs W on Thursday and am hoping she likes it.  I've given her an opt out, just in case!

Lonking up with Jenna's Manic Monday Linky party....