Better Late Than Never

It's been a month or so since I got back from Africa and I am happy to say that I can take a little break from sewing. This time I had a grand idea for gifts for friends. Actually, I had the idea 2 years ago, but never did then, so I decided to have that grand idea again.

Africa is known for having fantastic fabric at a really good price. Anyone that has been to Chimala knows that Kangas hold this secret addictive power. You are forced to buy more than you could ever possibly use. After 5 trips to Chimala, this has resulted in a huge bin of kangas that I have never done anything with. Enter my great idea...

Sling bags seem to be all the rage. My crafty sister Alisha has made several. She even made one with my adorable niece, so I felt I could give it a try. I decided to put that big bin to good use and after many weeks of a sweatshop looking living room, they are finally finished and delivered (mostly...it takes awhile to get to Texas and Vienna...especially if it hasn't made it to the post office yet).

Thanks Alisha for the pattern idea. I love how the bags turned out with the African fabric on one side

and corduroy on the other side.

I made 9 bags total. You can see 6 of them here:
I was so happy to be able to deliver these bags. Mostly because it meant they weren't on my dining room floor, but also because it was nice to see the smiles on the recipients faces. Stay tuned for other crafting projects soon...