kellybee Sewing

"Hooty Bag"

2010-05-02T16:05:00.000-07:00

This is my latest favorite pattern. It is a simple dressed up tote. I can customise it by different open and zippered pockets in the interior. I LOVE this fabric. The owls are so cute! It is a nice canvas, which makes it even better for a bag. I found interior fabric that goes really well, without being "matchy matchy"

National Nurses Week May 6th-12th

2010-05-02T15:43:00.000-07:00

Traci, my manager at work, requested my help in making flax seed body pillows for the ICU nurses, to celebrate National Nurse's Week 2010. We made a total of 77 pillows. Half are scented with lavender, the other half is a sent call Ylang Ylang. I have never smelt that one before. It is really nice. I spent some time sewing all the bags, then Traci and I got together and she mixed the oils into the flax seed and filled them with a funnel as I stitched up the last little hole.

I attached a tag to each bag with the sent name, directions for heating and use, as well as precautions. I hope the nurses really enjoy this treat. It was a very thoughtful gesture from Traci.

Wishing nurses everywhere a wonderful week!

Connie's Yellow

2010-04-07T04:15:00.000-07:00

I was in one of our local fabric stores looking for inspiration. I have never been a real fan of yellow. As I wondered through all the bolts of different colored fabrics, this is the only one that was calling to me. It seemed so bright and very spring looking. Just a couple days after buying a piece, I was chatting with Connie at work. I have always wanted to make her something. When she told me her favorite colors were yellow and red, I knew this fabric was meant for her. I made the interior fire engine red.

Connie is a simple gal, great Mom to her kids and a wonderful caring nurse. I really enjoyed making this tote for her. I hope she enjoys it this spring.

Strip Hobo

2010-04-07T04:10:00.000-07:00

After making my first quilt this Christmas and getting some practice at sewing smaller pieces of fabric together, I decided I would try a bag with strips of fabric.

Homemade Lunch

2010-04-07T03:58:00.000-07:00

Dawn is one of our charge nurses at work. She is funny and everyone enjoys her company. I think she is a great friend. She has a new mission this year to avoid spending endless amounts of money in our cafeteria. I have to say I am very proud of her on being successful this far into the year. Dawn has been bringing a homemade lunch with her every day. When her Birthday came along, I thought the perfect gift would be a homemade lunch tote. I think you are great Dawn! I always wish you the best.

Gretchen's Hat

2010-04-07T03:35:00.000-07:00

I don't really know Gretchen very well. She works in the Surgery department. The scrub hat she likes has elastic at the back. She gave me one to use as a sample to see if I could recreate it. I think my first one came out OK. After making a few scrub hats of different styles, I now find myself looking at every ones heads and how many different styles of scrub hats are out there.

Gretchen, I am sorry it took me so long to get these to you.

Mexican Beauty

2010-04-06T04:21:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine went to Mexico in January. She has been there before and spoke of the great markets that sold handmade items. With my bag collection in mind, I had asked her to look for a bag for me if she had time. This is the bag she brought back. I think it is beautiful. It has really rich and bright colors.

Thanks Dawn, I love it!

Sweet Surprise

2010-04-06T03:50:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy buying old things and making them new again. Just as in my sewing projects I find myself reflecting on the history of the piece or if it is for a gift I think a lot about who it is for. I bought this dresser from a young gal on craigslist. The listing was for "oak dresser". My husband and I have a bit of oak in our home so we thought it would look great in our bedroom. I think the funky retro knobs added a bit of charm to it.

This is the look of the original dresser.

As you can see it had a bit of use.

As we sanded the finish off, to our surprise it was not OAK at all. We are not sure what kind of wood it is though. It is naturally dark. The left side of this drawer is the natural wood.

This is the finished dresser, after 6 hours of sanding, wood conditioner, stain and 4 coats of vanish. It took us a week to finish it. I think it looks amazing! I am so glad with how it turned out. I kept the original knobs, they have a funky center on them that looks like aged copper or oil spill kind of look. Teal and copper color. Sometime a sweet surprise is wonderful.

I'm Back

2010-04-05T03:52:00.000-07:00

Thank you for everyone who has had well wishes for me. It has been really hard without Jake in my life. In his 11 years we were only apart for 11 days, 5 of that I was in the hospital. If there was ever a moment he could be with me, he was. I still miss him so much. I found this poem, I feel every word of it.

GOLDEN HEART

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not ment to be,
So He put his arms around you and whispered "Come to Me". With tearful eyes we watched you, as we saw you pass away. Although we loved you deeply, we could not make you stay. Your Golden Heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, he only takes the best.
Copyright 1997 Therese Williams

I will always love you Jake!

Important Lesson

2010-04-05T03:15:00.000-07:00

Here are some recovered pictures from my crashed computer. I now "back up" anything that is of value to me. These are things I made late 2008 and early 2009.

Jacob's Light

2010-02-11T19:06:00.000-08:00

Jacob passed away on Monday.

Jacob's Serenity

2009-12-29T13:30:00.000-08:00

I am inspired by my golden retriever every day. He is almost 11years old. In the last month we have learned he has cancer, a large tumor on his rear leg/groin. The location of the tumor would make biopsy surgery really risky. We have chosen not to proceed with anything invasive.

God grant me serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

I love you Jacob.

Door For a Desk

2009-12-29T13:22:00.000-08:00

I found an old door at the Home Resource Center here in Missoula. I Love that place. You can find some really neat stuff if you want to up-cycle. I refinished the door and had a piece of glass cut to fill in the recessed section. I placed some fabric pieces under the glass. It is now my new desk in my craft room.

Chocolate Loaded Hobo

2009-12-29T13:16:00.000-08:00

Ann at work ordered a loaded hobo in a small chocolate corduroy. She told me to pick the interior. I found a lovely batik fabric that looked amazing with the chocolate. I think the colors turned out great!

Hope you enjoy your bag Ann.

Quilts for Christmas

2009-12-29T13:07:00.000-08:00

I found a really simple lap quilt pattern and decided it was perfect for my FIRST quilt.
I chose these colors for Randy's sister and her husband.

I did another quilt for Randy's brother and his wife.

Surgical scrub caps

2009-12-29T12:58:00.000-08:00

A gal at work had her two little girls pick out fabric and had me sew surgical caps, a Christmas gift for their dad. I think it was a really cute idea.

Merry Christmas Maxwell family.

I shall wear Red and Purple

2009-12-29T12:31:00.001-08:00

I made this tote for Rhonda's Mother Becky. She gave me some fabric when moving to Montana. She loves red and purple. Thanks Rhonda and Becky, I am grateful for your gift.

Creative Inspiration

2009-11-22T20:08:00.001-08:00

I have not posted any sewing items recently because they are Holiday gifts...shhh, I am busy in the workshop these days. I will be posting some as soon as I can.

I love all bags. The ones I've made as well as the purchased ones. This summer I was in Dillards for what seemed like forever...looking at bags. I had a birthday gift card burning a hole in my pocket. I was examining them the way a detective looks over a crime scene. Trying to figure out how each one is put together and making a picture in my mind of what the pieces looked like before being assembled into the fine baggage they are. I am sure the sales lady thought I was up to something fishy....the number of times she came by asking if I needed any assistance.

Sometimes I wonder what appeals to us and why? This is a mystery that much bigger than this entry.

All I know is I am inspired to create, it really doesn't matter what I am trying to do....

God Bless

2009-11-11T20:19:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for our veterans.

Season of Giving

2009-11-09T14:34:00.000-08:00

You can't go anywhere without seeing the evidence that the Christmas holiday is just around the corner. Besides the oodles and oodles of gifts to be bought and stuffed under the tree this year, there is the glitter and glamor of all the holiday decorations.

A few years ago my husband and I decided we had to make each others Christmas gift. We could only spend a maximum of $50.00 in supplies. It turned out to be one of the best ever. My husband who is great at woodworking made me a marble board. I made him a huge Christmas stocking. The lesson this taught me is this....

I think the time and effort that goes into handmade gifts is always rewarded. Sometimes I think we should struggle and think of what that person would like...rather than caving to the readily available gift card or picking a random gift, because you can check a name off a list as done. It forces us to be connected to the ones we love and to pay attention to them and really listen. To me Christmas is a time to stop and slow down and really evaluate what is important. If you don't have time to make everyone a gift then maybe, your list of names is to big. A simple "Merry Christmas" goes a long way.

Custom bags

2009-11-09T14:00:00.000-08:00

If you are interested in ordering a custom bag, you can view most of my bag styles on my first post. I will be updating them soon and including more details about each one. I do not include prices because alot of the cost is in your choice of fabric. I will say the prices range from $10.00-$15.00 for accessory bags and $40.00-$80.00 for larger bags. In the section to the right you will see "fantastic fabrics" click on anyone of the designer names and it will link you to their website. You can also find fabric on your own. Surf the internet for all kinds of choices. When you find fabric you like just email me the link to kellybee@q.com, along with your request or questions. I will get back to you with a price and we can discuss any details or questions you have.

Thanks, Kelly

My Dad

2009-10-18T16:30:00.000-07:00

As I go to the Griz football games, I watch the skydivers come into the stadium and I think of my Dad. He has skydived for many years. A few years ago he received his professional license. This would allow him to jump into the Washington Grizzly stadium. It was to late that season so he planned for the next fall, however in early January 2008 he was injured skiing, a C-2 cervical fracture, which landed him into a cervical collar for 6 months! He has since been told by his physicians he should not jump anymore, this could be very dangerous.

This past summer, he jumped few times, the first since his accident. I think it would be to risky for him to maintain the amount of jumping it would take for him to get back to being ready. I know that growing older has been difficult for him, he doesn't like limitations. I have this picture of him from a few years ago. It is one of my favorites. I will always know he would have hit the bear!

I love you Dad.

Things Change

2009-10-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

I have been to busy to post lately. I LOVE the fall, although this Montana weather has been a little more erratic than normal. We went from 85 degrees to 35 and back to 65 in a matter of 3 weeks!! I don't think I have ever been pealing from a sunburn and have frost bitten fingers in the same month. My plans are changing right along with the weather and just about as unpredictable.

I recently went to the store to buy a few zippers I needed for a bag I was going to make myself. I made a mistake of going down the fabric isle.....and came home with new fabric for a bag! We will save the other stuff for a cold winter day, as I know that's just around the corner. This is the NEW fabric....and the bag I made from it. It is a small corduroy, soft and is screaming autumn/winter at me.

Teddy Bear Picnic

2009-09-13T05:55:00.000-07:00

Our last camping trip of the season had a few unexpected guests. We were told there are 4 bears in the area. I think we saw 3 of the 4 bears.

This one (approx. 100lbs) was meandering down the road, it saw us and jumped onto a nearby tree. He decided to ditch the tree idea and disappeared into the bushes. He was only about 10 feet away!

A few moments after this, we returned to our campsite. I was looking in the camera to see if I got the shot....I glanced up and saw Mama bear (approx. 300lbs.) walking right through the campground!!

This is her below. She is as tall as the picnic table!

I love being in the woods and looking up at the tall tall trees. There is something so peaceful in watching the trees sway in the wind. I can relax into the moment, all the stress of daily life..go down with the sun. Tomorrow is a new day.

Any who know me can surely say I do not go very far without my camera. My husband planned this camping trip destination with the knowledge of my love of waterfalls, combined with my fascination in trying to capture a blurred water shot. It's were all is still and in focus but the flowing water is blurred. This is my shot of Lost Creek Falls.

"Green" Griz Fan

2009-09-05T19:05:00.000-07:00

I found this TIMBUK2 bag at the Goodwill for $2 bucks. It is in really good shape...only needed a little cleaning. I attached this Griz patch I had laying around and now I can haul my stadium crap in true Grizzly fashion.

A bag for baby Beyla

2009-09-05T18:44:00.000-07:00

Traci bought this bag for a baby shower gift for a friend.

Pictures on the fly

2009-08-22T16:13:00.000-07:00

On Friday, my Mom and I set out for a fun filled day in Philipsburg, Mt. On the way we saw these two eagles perching high above the river. I am sure they posed just for my photo. What an amazing site!

I have been to Gem Mountain and the Sapphire Gallery a few times now. This is my total collection.

Once we where done playing in the dirt, we ate lunch at a wonderful soda shop in P-Burg. The building had really old features. A few brick walls and an old wood floor.

We also visited the named so appropriately, "Sweet Palace". As you walk in the door you are hit by the sweet aroma of all the candy and chocolate. The choices are endless.

On our way home I told my Mom about my "pictures on the fly", the challenge of taking great photos at 70 mph. I handed my Mom my camera, gave her very little camera info and said "Start snapping" she heisted for a bit, then she started getting the hang of it. Most pictures on the fly do not turn out, but sometimes you get one that is really amazing.

Below is my Moms. I thinks it sums up our day pretty well. We had a great day together.

I love you Mom.

My Little Engine

2009-08-09T14:49:00.000-07:00

I LOVE my little machine!

Generations of Generosity

2009-08-09T13:26:00.000-07:00

I have spoke with Rhonda about my new found fascination with sewing. She surprised me with boxes of fabric, she weeded out of her mother's belongings from Spokane, during her attempt to move her parents closer. I am grateful for this amazing gift. Not only do I find myself thinking of the fabulous things I can make with them, but about the woman they belonged to. This is not a story about a few boxes of fabric. It is about the woman and family that gave them to me. The reality that your parents have gotten older and need more care is undoubtedly difficult. The beginning of a new chapter.

When is the moment that parents and children switch roles?

Years ago I once had someone tell me they wanted to have a second child to give their current son a sibling...so when they grew older all the burden wouldn't be on one child. At the time I thought it was a odd reason to have another child. Is there an unwritten rule that children will become the care takers of their parents? When I think of this statement now, as my parents are aging....not dependent yet, but you start thinking in those terms...of future plans. I can say I am very grateful to have a sibling!

I think of the ICU patient we had not to long ago. She was on pressures to keep her blood pressure up after having a heart attack. She made the decision she did not want to continue treatment. She asked the medications be stopped. She was in her hospital room awake and alert waiting to die. Her son, well aware of this was coming to plan her funeral. She died with only the nursing staff at her side. It makes me think of her family dynamics and how can ANYONE die alone?

I respect ANYONE who cares for their elderly family members. The connection between different generations is amazing. I can say without a doubt that Rhonda's mother will be in my thoughts as I am sewing her fabric into creations.

Thank you for this wonderful gift.

Making bags

2009-07-15T20:44:00.000-07:00

As I have been finishing the bag orders from the purse party, I am amazed at all that goes into making each one. No matter what bag I am working on...it always takes me longer than I anticipate.

This is the cycle of sewing:

1. Order fabric

2. Wash and dry fabric
3. Trace pattern on fabric
4. Cut fabric
5. Trace pattern on interfacing
6. Cut interfacing
7. Iron on interfacing
8. Cut Zipper holes
9. Sew in zippers
10. Sew on pockets
11. Place magnetic snap closures
12. Sew bag panels together
13. Finish stitch
This is the moment that makes it all worth it. The bag
hopefully bring lots of joy to it's new owner.

Nicolio

2009-07-15T19:56:00.000-07:00

Nicole's reversible tote

Nicole, who handles the many education emergencies in the ICU with ease...she's the best! I enjoy every moment of her company and she inspires me daily. As I was sewing her bag I found myself thinking of great moments with Nicole....each one made me smile. I thought of her little student desk, the afghan she's been knitting for almost a year now, and the "WTF" stamp we've had talks of. I hope she enjoys her bag, I really enjoyed making it for her.

You are fantastic Nicole.

Little bit of sunshine

2009-07-15T19:18:00.000-07:00

I still remember Liz sitting in the corner at the purse party, with her papers over her head saying "There are to many choices."

I don't know Liz all that well, but I think she is very much like myself. Making a decision is difficult, not for fear of disliking the choice, but rather wanting them all!! I must say her selection of fabric is beautiful. More important than my thoughts, it's what Liz said when receiving her bag. "I love it. This really is my little bit of sunshine today."

Liz, I hope your bag continues to bring you joy.

God Bless America!

2009-07-05T17:40:00.002-07:00

Took time away from sewing for Southgate mall firework show.

Thank You Traci

2009-07-02T08:23:00.001-07:00

The Button bag with pleats really does fit Traci's personality! She is much more than my manager at work. She is my friend "Vanna", aspiring to walk the catwalk. I owe her many thanks. Not only did she come up with the "kellybee" (note my new bee label in her bag), she hosted the fabulous "Purse Party". I am amazed daily with what she can get accomplished. I envy her organizational skills and on some level I feel I am an OCD sister of hers...

I will forever be grateful!

Meagan's Hobo

2009-07-02T07:24:00.000-07:00

I love seeing the style of a bag and different fabrics people will choose. How sometimes it seems to fit my perception of them perfectly, and how other times I am really surprised by their choice. It makes we wonder more about them...and what inspires them.

I work with Meagan. This is one of the two bags she ordered. She comes in midway through my day..bringing a bit of newness to the repetitive cycle of my job. I enjoy her stories of Connor, Liam and Simon daily. Through them I can see how dedicated to her family she is. Her Little expressions and short statements always make me smile. "what's the trouble bubble?"and "What"s a happen'n hot stuff?"

I adore her.

Bag Designs

2009-06-26T19:34:00.000-07:00

Tall/Small Messenger Bag

Kellybee Green

Hobo bag made from recycled materials

Cross-body Bag with Pleats

Barbee

Itsy Bitsy Bag

Hobo Bag

Classic Reversible Tote

Cinched Bag with Pleats

Drawstring Tote

Loaded Hobo Bag

Belted Bag with Pleats

Short & Sweet