Skating party

I know, I've been very quiet here over the last couple of weeks. I'm just a bit overwhelmed and stressed.

At the end of November, my sister's older stepdaughter turned seven, and she had the funnest little ice skating party.

I made the Simple Tote from Bend the Rules Sewing for her, using some adorable Superbuzzy fabric from my stash. The tote turned out a lot smaller than I imagined it would (I think just because I am lame at picturing measurements in my head), but it was just the right size for three new chapter books for this little girl who loves to hear a good yarn. (The photo only pictures two because Elisabeth was looking at the other one at the time!)

I think Seven sounds Stupendous.

PS: The books we included were The Wheel on the School by Meindert DeJong, which was a favorite of my sister's as a girl, The Borrowers by Mary Norton, which Elisabeth and I selected because we love miniature people and things, and The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, another childhood favorite of my sister's ... with illustrations by Tasha Tudor -- lovely. (Since my sister will likely be doing the reading, they might as well be books she already loves, right?)

Comments

[Myshell]

I should be receiving this book (_Bend the Rules Sewing_) in the mail any day now...I can't wait! That and a cookbook that has been on my list for a while,_Apples for Jam_. I bought some fabric I have been eyeing too. I have a new apron in mind to go with my new cookbook. Merry Christmas to me! Anyways -love the photos, thanks for sharing the fun...Cheers!

[Myshell]

Oh and, I love how both girls are missing their two front teeth...Can they sing..."All I want for Christmas"?

[Mama Urchin]

Such a cute fun gift and it seems just perfect for a seven year old.

[Jessica Chapman]

Cute photos!!! Love the tote... awesome job!

[Mohda]

I hope your stresses go away. This can be a stressful season but it doesn't have to be. Remember the true reason for the season :)! God bless!

[Bluebirdbaby]

Yay! A post!! I love the bag. It's lovely and I think it's the perfect size :) Great job Grace!

[Stacey]

I just got the same fabric in the mail the other day, I love the walking toast. Glad to see you back.

[patience]

Glorious photos, adorable bag, great book (The Wheel on The School) ... so nothing new here. Your posts usually contain something glorious, adorable, great. ;-)

[Dawn]

What a perfect little book bag and a skating party, what a good idea for a winter birthday.

[shukr]

Aww, beautiful smiles all round.

I want, want, want to sew like you!!!

x

[amy]

I've been making these bags too. One for my son's piano music and a few to hold colored pencils and sketchbooks for gifts. Is that "The Wheel on the School?" Excellent choice!
Amy in CA

[cypress1c]

Ahhh....skating in the evening among all the twinkling lights at an outdoor rink...it is right out my childhood dreams! (Another is to live where it snows so much, one can travel by horse drawn sleigh.)
The bag is just right...and books are the best present! So glad to hear from you again...Happy, happy advent season :)

[cypress]

PS) Hey, I like the comments for the books I see over here on the side bar, too.

[erin]

the bag is really cute grace! love the fabric you used.

[Jessie Bryson]

What a lovely gift! Books and bags are my favorite!

[mary]

The colors in this post have me returning to it simply to soak in the atmosphere. The lights, the skating, all the pink and cozy happiness are just lovely. Thank-you for sharing this.

[Chelsea D.]

I love it Grace-I bought some very similar scrapbook paper a while back and looovvveee it-I need the fabric now!

[Lina]

Hope you're not too stressed Grace. Take care.

Lina x

[Caren]

I'm a lurker who had to come out of the shadows to say that you've inspired in me a deeper appreciation of the Advent season this year, so I am sending you no-stress vibes! :) I really love your blog and insights. Also, the bag is super cute!

[Kim]

Grace, I've been lurking on your site for ages, but had to comment this time. Yesterday I was feeling tired and uninspired, but have been wanting to try that same tote bag from Bend the Rules. As soon as I saw your photos, I was re-energized and cranked out a really cute version for a cute little neighbor boy.

[Ram in the Thicket]

What a cute little book tote, and a great gift idea ;o)

[Mae]

You've possibly been quiet (I just came on for the first time in over two weeks!) but your life has not. You are a calm and graceful presence in this community Grace. We will gladly wait here quietly while you live your real life. No stress - enjoy.

[kate]

so cute! LOVE that fabric!!!! beautiful! and fun to have the perfect little tote for her books!

[Gina]

Looks like such a fun time! And what cuties! Love the bag too...

[Amber]

I love this idea---a bag for chapter books. Yes, seven is a magical number. Sigh, my kids are past it...though they still love those chapter books.

[Carol]

The gift to your niece looks beautiful. I was wondering what the titles were for the other 2 books in the bag. Thanks for everything.
Carol