And ONLY two until I get to the shop for more stiff batting...

My daughter has laid claim on the blue one, so the rest will wait. 

On to the machine...and look what fell out?  The watermelon wonder. 

This tote bag is one of my favourite beginner's classes.  Students learn all sorts of useful cutting and sewing techniques then have a finished product when the class is over.  

Just for fun, I've added an interior pocket. 
Okee dokee..now onto the purple and blue bag. 

While orderings a new fusible fabric from Stitchbird in Wellington, I ran across a product that I had never seen before.  

All those commercially made bags that have magnetic clasps seemed so...so...out of reach.  Well Stitchbird's shop had those same magnetic clasps in their online boutique!  

Now that I've used them (on my new totes) and see how simple they are to install, they are sure to become a regular item in my class!  Cute and OH so strong.  Must remember to keep them away from my computer...

My beginner bag class needs a new sample and I can't decide which colour combo appeals most?

After playing with several options the choice is to make them all!

Samples from this class don't stick around long because they make such handy gifts.  Time to sharpen my blades and get cutting!

Beth and I flew (again) to the North Island to meet up with Jeff and the new van...then straight onto the ferry to the South Island for a wedding.  

The bride was beautiful, the garden gorgeous and all-in-all the couple shared a very romantic day for the memory books.  

One of the party let me know that the brides' mother had made her first quilt.. for the young couple.  My guess from the comments made that another quilter has been hooked!  

We enjoyed catching up with our friends in Blenheim, and from all over who came to the wedding.   The drive home along the stunning South Island coast was idilic - but hopefully there will be no more travel for a while and I can get back to the business of being at home! (and quilting)

Congrats Josh and Anna.

SO.  This week's goal?  Catch up on loading class photos and quilts from Manuatu!  Did you want to see my terrific students and their work?  Loading now.