First of the year

I've been feeling a lot of pressure, what with all of the "first completed project of the year" posts around the blogisphere (and second, and third). I finally made it on the board!

Yes, my photo styling includes taping the bag to the chair. What of it?

I was inspired by that pattern from grandma's purse, but itching to make some more changes. I also wanted to break into the scraps my sister got me for Christmas, and I wanted to start sewing -- no waiting for fabric orders or trips to the store. I coordinated some of the scraps, used a gold-tone magnetic closure, but only had silver tone strap hardware (and I really wanted to add some bling, as plain as it is, on the strap), and used a charcoal gray zipper on the interior pocket. But it's what I had on hand! I did have to purchase some fabric for the lining -- the only thing I had that was even close to matching was unbleached muslin. I just ran in to JoAnn's and got the first thing that matched. I like this whole impetuous sewing thing -- so unlike me! I also like that this is such a different look for me, not my usual at all.


Here is my dilemma -- while I love the shape and size of the bag, and the strap length -- I have nothing that matches this bag, and I don't really need another purse. What do I do with it? Because of my impulsive sewing on this one I don't want to sell it (and the topstitching is wonky -- I cannot get used to not having a free arm). Ideas?

I survived the first two days of school. I'm glad Wednesdays are my day home with Jaxon -- this is what it looks like from our back door.