Mere & her Birdie Sling

Four months later, and Meredith is finally receiving her birthday present. It looks like it was worth the wait, though!

When I first started my fabric stash a couple of years ago, I remember seeing this fabric at Quiltology in Chicago and immediately thinking of my sister-in-law, Meredith. There was something about the color and pattern that reminded me of my very artistic, very unique, very sweet sister and friend. Needless to say, I snatched some of this fabric up that very day—not sure exactly what it would be used for and if Meredith would ever see it because I also loved it and wanted it for myself.

So, when the time came this past January to let Meredith browse my fabrics and patterns and pick a combination for her birthday gift, she picked the exact fabric that I'd selected for her so long ago! I was shocked, excited, happy...and a little intimidated by Meredith's pattern-of-choice—Amy Butler's Birdie Sling.

I took a drive over to My Eclectic Mess to take a peek at her finished Birdie Sling sample before I started...just to see what I was in for and I ended up purchasing another couple yards of this fabric for myself! Yes, I have a material obsession. I guess there are worse things to be addicted to, right? So, I left the store with a fresh purchase and some inspiration to get moving on Meredith's bag. (However, the day wasn't all happy. I discovered that the treasure of a shop was shutting its doors and moving solely to an online presence.)

Well, the bag construction wasn't as tough as I thought it would be. I'm pretty happy with the result—a few crooked seams and a bit of rippling from where the fusible fleece was attached to the lining. But, all in all, it came out great and Meredith loves it...which makes me so happy!

Oh, yeah, I forgot to post these photos of the bag, too! I think we found America's Next Top (Male) Model. Better stay away from the wine next time my camera's out, Jeff!