Your Next Project Could Unleash a New Crafting Passion
by admin — 16 Comments » Lazies, Sometimes all it takes is one project to unleash a new passion. For Patricia Wachowiak, an operating room RN by day and prolific crafter by night, that project was our Claire Handbag pattern. For months now, I’ve been enjoying the pics Patti posts of her creations at our Facebook page, and I always enjoy her dynamic fabric choices and beautiful construction.
Here are two gorgeous Margo Handbag (LGD127) zip top purses in scrumptious
teal and black Andrea Victoria line from Riley Blake.
Patti might have to send these to me for closer inspection!
Lately, Patti has been enjoying our Margo Handbag pattern. I asked Patti to tell us a little about herself and share some of her creations.
Here’s Lazy Girl Patti
It is an honor to be asked to share a little about myself with you! I enjoy shopping for fabrics and putting them together – yes, I’m Patti, and I’m a Fabriholic! I had sewn off and on for 28-29 years, making little projects and tons of aprons for gifts.
I didn’t attempt a purse pattern until your Claire Handbag (LGD125) pattern came out. I quickly caught the bug and went nuts with that!
Patricia and two of her grandchildren.
I am a single (divorced) mother of 3 grown daughters, and the grandmother of 4, with 1 on the way (I just found out). I have lived in Mid Michigan all my life and worked at the local hospital on and off for 34 years. The last stint for 16 as a Registered Nurse. The first year was a co-op when I was a high school student.
I went to Mid Michigan Community College and graduated in 1994 with my RN degree (with 3 children, a business to run and a marriage that fell apart soon after). I work in the operating room as a Circulator, PACU nurse, and a Scrub. I love my job and the people I work with.
Beautiful Margo Handbags made with ‘Cherish’ line by Deb Strain for Moda.
My first sewing machine purchase was a Viking when I was pregnant with my middle daughter. She caught the bug for sewing from me and has her own website and business, “Snuggle Monkeys”. She makes wraps, slings, and other baby items. (She’s on facebook here).
Simply gorgeous!
My kids are all spread out throughout the US and I only get to see them occasionally. I have a big “empty” house and a boyfriend who is still raising his own children in another town, so I have time for my crafts. In addition to sewing, I also knit, scrap, rubber stamp, do paper piecing and soon want to learn to make quilts!
I spoiled myself recently with a Bernina 630E with BSR and have been taking classes from pattern designer, professional quilt appraiser and seamstress, Margaret Rouleau, at Fabric Fair in Bay City MI. Wow, I thought I knew how to sew until I attended my Bernina classes! By the way, I had to have a machine with embroidery after seeing your feature on those black personalized makeup bags. Here’s a link to that post.
On the job. I’m 51 and have never felt younger!
Thanks Patti for sharing your story and beautiful creations with us! I was bowled over by the Claire Handbag pattern, too. I’ve lost track of how many I’ve made, but it’s closing in on three dozen. And Margo is screaming to be made in more fabric combinations than I think I have time for.
Join Patti along with nearly 8,000 Lazies and post pics of your Lazy creations at our Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/lazygirl
Try something new when you have a chance, it may lead to an obsession! A colorful, expensive, wonderful, creative obsession.
We’re trying out the Facebook ‘Like’ button below my name. Give it a click if you like the post or leave a comment with a note for Patti below.
Enjoy!
Joan
I’ve got a “playdate” this Friday to make Margo with a good friend coming over from Tampa. We both purchased the pattern and have been waiting to get together so we can make them. I can’t wait, especially after seeing these!
Hi Barb! I hope you’ll keep us posted and share pics. Have a great time.
Patti, Your work is beautiful. I love your selection of fabrics. I am also an RN of 34 years and enjoy creating things. My Christmas presents to friends last year were from my Lazy Girl’s pattern collection.
Thank you also Joan for this nice write up on Patti. Jean, in Maryland
I absolutely love this bag. I am going to order it today. Would someone kindly tell me what I need to make this bag. Zipper length, fusibles, interfacing etc. I am going through chemo treatments and I cannot go out shopping so I’d like to order what I will need online.
TIA
Sylvia
Hi Sylvia, You can see the supply list on the back of the pattern here at Sew Thankful: http://www.sewthankful.com/LazyGirlMargoHandbagPattern.html Take care!
I love all your Lazy energy!!! The Margo bags are fantastic and you have such an eye for putting those colors together….
I still don’t have my Margo pattern yet. I was waiting until I get a few projects behind me before I order the pattern…. but I’m breaking down fast. I think I’ll get the pattern now and that will be my reward for getting my projects finished…
Thanks Patricia for all the inspiration.
Yes, GailM – That’s what I said – and then I bought the pattern — held off for a bit, and finally just couldn’t wait any longer so it went to the top of the list — I love it! Can’t wait to make another. What a fun and productive way to spend an afternoon.
Great bags, Patti! Margo is on my list of things to make. There just doesn’t seem to be enough time for all the things I want to do!
Loved your story Patti and your Margo bags are just beautiful! You sure have an eye for fabric combinations! I have the Margo pattern and fabrics lying on my cutting table ready to cout out and make tomorrow. Working on two other purses today.
I just looked up Margo’s “vital statistics” and I’m thrilled to see that it will fit me!! I’m only 4’11” and need something within the 12 x 10 dimensions, otherwise I look like I’m carrying luggage and need wheels on it!
As for fabric, oh how I need to reduce my stash.
By the way, Patti, you say you want to try quilting as well – better retire now, it’s a bug that will REALLY bite you, especially with grandchildren to make lots of quilts for. Have fun!
those are beautiful Patti, you love all the things I love, you will love quilting too but your purses are extraordinary.
Thank You all for the wonderful compliments and comments. None of this would have been possible without the inspiration of Joan’s Lazy Girl Designs and encouragement from the Yahoo Group Gang! Thanks Joan and Thanks everyone who stopped by to have a peek into my life!
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I enjoyed reading your story and viewing your beautiful bags. I am an RN, of 30 years, and I love to sew, quilt, and make handbags. I have made Mirandas, but now I’m excited to make a Margo. Your choice of fabrics is inspired! Thanks for the inspiration!
As always, great photos and great fabric choices. I want this pattern! Are they available now?
Joan, I really love your passion and your teaching ability that you share with us Lazies. I know you must be very busy to do all the things you do.
If you ever consider giving seminars, PLEASE let us Lazies know first. It would be such a thrill for us all………………………….