Just the bear facts

Mr. O had an unexpected oral surgery performed this week and was in need of some very "soft" nourishment, so I made a quick run to the local Co-op grocery store at around 5 p.m. As would be expected, I saw the usual "rush hour traffic" . It took a few seconds to register what else I was seeing along our country hi-way...

I'm convinced she was looking for her young because she stood and looked all around and then tore across the road despite the traffic. I have been saying that I am a bit nervous walking alone, early in the morning, because of the possibility of encountering a bear even though we are in a small community, and this does nothing to ease my mind. Mr O tells me that I need to carry bear spray, but I would need to be rather close for it to do any good and that doesn't make feel very comfortable either. Going to have to find a different way to get a bit of exercise...

How about this?

Yup! Mr. O finally convinced to me to get a kayak; never thought I'd see the day. He was buying one to replace his stolen kayak from last summer and convinced me that I would really love it. I have taken his old one out for a little toddle around in the water out in front of the cottage, but sure never considered myself a kayaker...number one reason being that I swim like a rock. I am working on the assumption that I will spend my time paddling, NOT swimming, but have purchased a very good life jacket just in case. Stay tuned for further updates...

The little community we "summer" at has a Strawberry Tea and Social every July as one of the fundraisers for their little library/museum. They also do a monthly breakfast at the Farmers Market, and in December a Victorian Christmas supper. I love the little manse turned schoolhouse turned library, so it is always fun for me to volunteer to help out. Last summer I made a summer tote to sell tickets on at the door to help boost profits. I was asked to work at the door again this summer, so I thought I would whip up another bag...that's what I did yesterday.

I was limited to what I had here with me in my summer sewing studio, and this is what I came up with...

STEP ONE

STEP TWO

THE FINISHED PRODUCT.

It was an easy project and the pattern which is from an old issue of BHG American Patchwork is a good one. I did make several changes, but I have made enough bags by now that I knew It needed pockets, and batting to make it more serviceable. I added a floating strip along the pieced section (the pattern called for covered cording) and a floating border was much quicker and gave the same effect. I also made the strap a little narrower than the original, because I thought it was too wide. Over all, a pretty good pattern, however the next time I make it, I will add a little in the length, may just 2 or 3 inches which when folded will only add half that to the depth of the bag. Except for the straps, all you need are scraps and fat quarters, and I have been known to make scrappy handles too.

I had to set aside my rag quilt to work on my tote bag, and it is't likely I will get much time to work on it his weekend, so hopefully I can finish it up by the end of next week and get on to the next UFO.

*** I have decided to add borders to my rag quilt. It was 70 x 80 so a 6 inch border all around will make it more of a bed sized quilt. It actually started out as a throw, but I must have accidentally splashed some of that fertilizer on it the other day while watering because it seems to have taken a growth spurt!

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Note to Carol H. who commented in the last post.
I was not able to reply personally to your questions because your settings are no reply, but yes I like the fertilizer. It is my first time using that particular one although I do buy the little bottle of their brand with the eye dropper, for my houseplants.
As far as posting a photo of the finished rag quilt with "borders" ...you certainly caught me off guard with that question, because at that point I was only considering the borders and had not fully decided yet.... I think you might have been referring to the binding I spoke about.
I will post photos of the finished product...hopefully next week.