The Long Weekend before Back to School

I hope everyone had a great long weekend. I know I did! It was fun and busy and even a little bit sad. It was the last long weekend before school started today. I don't know where the summer went, but it seems like it just started because we are finally starting to get some really hot weather which we have been waiting for all summer long!

On Thursday, I went to see Celine Dion in concert. She was amazing! Her voice is incredible. Whether you like her or not you have to admit she has a voice and talent like no other. I wanted so badly to see her in Las Vegas, but unfortunately that never happened so when her tickets went on sale last winter, Hubby got them for Christmas for me. I was so excited to go and the seats where great.
(picture from this site:http://music.aol.com/picture/celine-dion/singer-celine-dion-poses-for-photos-at/07-958-5403)

Friday was an amusement park day and a birthday party all rolled into one. That was a lot of fun, but tiring.

We did a few other fun things that we usually do to end the summer vacation and we also got ready for another school year which started today. It was so surreal walking the girls to school. It felt like I just did it yesterday. It's a gorgeous day - hot and sunny and promises to be like that all week - FIGURES! Anyhoo, the house is quite and boy did I ever get a lot done this morning when you don't have to chase and entertain kids all day.

I also got some sewing in. Sweetpea got some new coloured pencils and markers for school and I thought it was the perfect opportunity to make one of these.Both pencils and markers fit in each pocket
I let Sweetpea pick out the fabric she wanted. She chose a Laura Ashley plaid print together with a pink gingham and I had white linen to make the pockets.I had the perfect ribbon to go with the fabric. Don't you just love when that happens...I do!
Since she will be taking it to school, I thought to embroider her name and what's inside (pencils and markers, of course!) on a tag I made and sewed it on the outside.It rolls up larger than usual 12 pencil case. There are 26 pencils and 20 markers. I have to say I am really loving how this turned out. The fabrics together are perfect and so girly.

Sweetpea wasn't sure what I was up to and didn't know exactly what I was going to make so when she saw the finished product she squealed in delight. Needless to say once Sunshine saw it- she wanted one two. So I will be making another one. Plus I see a few more in my future as Christmas presents and if any birthdays come along I think this will make a perfect gift.
If anyone is interested, I could do a tutorial on it. It is really fast and easy to whip one of these up once you figure out the size you want. Just let me know in the comments. If I get enough interest I will do one in the next couple of days or so.