It was a beautiful weekend. We fished, we flew kites, we ate yummy foods at Popos, we worked puzzles, we learned that the Little Man floats!

He was just back from a boat ride around the lake. Standing on the dock, he tried to toss his life vest back into the boat and then SPLASH!!! The longest half-second of my life! Then he surfaced and tread water until my hubby and my dad pulled him out.

I am so grateful that God protected his little 3-year-old head. With only about 24 inches between the dock and the boat, it is only God’s grace that he didn’t bust his head!

As for the swimming, well, thank you Justin and Leah!!! The folks at the Swim School are worth their weight in gold!

And in only his special way, he offered this: “I didn’t get to feel any fish.” I think he was disappointed.

As for my Big Girl: she learned to fly a kite!

You can always count on the Little Man for a bit of perspective. The conversation went something like this:

“I wish I were a frog.”
“You do. What would you do if you were a frog?”
“I’d catch waterbugs with my tongue.”
“That’s sounds yucky.”
“But you wouldn’t have to fix me breakfast anymore.”

What can I say to that?

Yeah! I’ve finished 4 pieces! I have 7 to go!

Here’s my purse:

I had originally planned to make Simplicity 4178, but…I decided I wanted something with a little sparkle. I told myself I would only create this wardrobe from fabrics and patterns I already owned. Unfortunately, I only have 2 handbag patterns in my huge pattern collection. So, I broke my own rule!

This is McCall’s 5340. I haven’t decided if I like it yet or not.

The purse is made in a silvery-gray linen. It calls for hair canvas as interfacing. Since I don’t have that in my stash (not really sure what it is actually), I used some left-over light weight denim. I really like the drape of the linen when interfaced with the denim, but the facings are almost too thick. It is lined with the teal satin that I also used on my jacket and one of my tops.

The pattern calls for 17 mm beads. This might of worked with wooden craft beads, but I wanted something a bit “blingier”. These are 14 mm beads.

The beads also cause another problem. The patterns instructs you to thread 3 strands of 1/16-inch cord through the beads to create the handle. Even 1 strand wouldn’t fit through these beads. I wound up stringing the beads of the handle on microfilament and knotting the microfilament to the cord.

And another problem. Even braided, 3 strands of 1/16-inch cord makes a very skinny strap. I’m afraid the purse will cut into my shoulder.

All that said–I think this is a really cute purse. It coordinates nicely with my wardrobe plan and I think I’ll enjoy using it this summer.

Just to keep track, that’s another 1 1/2 yards out of my stash. That means 8 1/2 total!

Every once and a while you can throw things in a pot, turn on the the heat, and hope for the best–and get it!

Here’s how we created our Yummy Potato Soup last night.

2 pounds baked potatoes (we had tiny Yukon golds that we scrubbed, poked, and microwaved)
1 can cream of chicken soup
milk
cheese
bacon
sour cream

Stir together the cream of chicken soup and 2 cans worth of milk over medium heat. Add peeled potatoes and stir/mash until the potatoes are the consistency you want. Heat thoroughly and you’re done! We served ours with shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon and sour cream.

I finished my little black dress today. The whole thing took about 2 hours–which is easily accomplished when you are home with yet another sick child! Yep, the LM has a stomach bug. Lovely.

In case you’re following along: I made the Hot Patterns No Sweat Easy Sew Triple T-Shirt Dress. I made a low-scooped bodice, short sleeves and straight skirt. I cut and sewed a 6 out of a beautiful solid black knit. (I think the knit is cotton, but as I’m stash shopping, I really have no idea.)

My review on PR and pictures tomorrow. Promise.