Have you been to Portland, Oregon? Well, if not, then visit. It’s weird, wonderful, and wacky. Not to mention it’s only a few hours drive from Seattle, Washington. Oh, and the area has some beautiful areas to hike. Here we’re exploring the downtown core. Check out some of our photos below.
Downtown Portland
The river walk – such great views.
Pioneer Square and Powell’s Book Store are both located in downtown Portland. This huge book store spans a whole city block. It’s massive and full of so many books. Be sure you put enough money in your parking meter, especially if you plan on curling up in a corner with a good book. We visited on a day it was raining – the perfect book reading weather.
The Pioneer Court House is across the street from a great park to eat some take away in. The streets are full of energy and the city makes you feel in sync with yourself.
If you’re in the area, visit Portland. It’s one of the top 10 greenest cities in the United States.
We are so happy we made it to this place. The best part? The zoo – that post is up next. Oh, and the food is pretty good, too.
Thanks for visiting – and I’ll see you again soon.
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After visiting Vancouver and Seattle we headed to Portland, Oregon in March of 2017. Our very first VRBO experience was Queen Anne Flats. It was awesome. This Beautiful Bungalow is a tad different. It’s a private basement in someone’s home. We knew this when booking, yet since we had never experienced a VRBO like this, we were willing to give it a try. All in all our experience was pleasant, yet in the future we’d for sure like more privacy.
Beautiful Bungalow
This quaint basement suite is located about 20 minutes from downtown. Private entry and room for 3.
The TV has basic cable, yet there is wifi. The second bed acts like a couch is although it does the job, it’s not overly comfortable.
The main room is quite large and lets in a lot of light.
Carpet in the kitchen? Seems odd, yet at least they have a fridge and microwave. It was nice to make tea and toast in the morning, that’s for sure.
A decent sized bathroom. The only compliant here – we both wanted to have a bath after visiting the zoo in the rain, yet we ran out of hot water. Total bummer.
Overall, this basement suite did the trick. We spent most of our time out and about in Portland and slept here. The bed is comfortable, which is the most important (oh, after being clean – this place is clean!).
Stay tuned for our adventures around Portland. Thanks for visiting – see you soon!
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This little owl bag is perfect for travelling as a make-up bag, carrying books, or even housing pottery tools! Have you seen the pottery Bryce and I made? Check it out if you haven’t yet. Okay, back to this bright and cheery bag. I made it similar to the make-up bag I made back in 2015, but I did a bit more detail with it. I incorporated what I did with the clutch and added in some topstitching. Time to get started!
What You Need
- 2 pieces of fabric that measure:
- 7 inches by 14 inches for the outside top
- 2 inches by 14 inches for the outside middle
- 7 inches by 14 inches for the outside bottom
- 14 inches by 14 inches for the inside
- 1 piece of fabric that measures 6 inches by 5 inches for the pocket
- 2 pieces of fabric cut 3 inches by 4 inches for the zipper ends
- 1 piece of fabric that measures 4 inches by 7 inches for the pull
- piece of ribbon that is 8 inches long.
- 14 inch zipper
- matching thread
- iron
- ironing board
- serger
- machine
First, gather all of your fabric that’s been pre-washed and cut.
Then, it’s time for the pocket. I’m putting a little pocket with a tag on the inside. Serge all edges of your pocket to reinforce it. Then, turn each side inward and pin. Topstitch all around – all you’re doing is stitching the folded underpart to itself so it stays in place. After that, pin it in place on the right side of the inside fabric, add your label and topstitch all around except the top – the pocket opening.
Up next, use your serger to stitch the outside top to the outside middle. Then, stitch the the outside middle to the outside bottom. Double top stitch along those two seams. Press with a hot iron. Add the two zipper ends to the end of the zipper. The make-up bag tutorial explains that part well.
Zipper Time
Time to sandwich the zipper. Place the inside fabric right side up. Then, lay down the zipper, right side up, and match the top of the zipper with the top of the lining. Sandwich the zipper by placing the outside fabric, right side down, lining it up with the top of the zipper. The tab you made for the zipper ends, they will stick out. Don’t worry, we’ll take care of those later. Use your zipper foot and stitch. Then flip and do the same on the opposite side.
Once the zipper is on, open the zipper. Lay the two inside pieces right sides together and the two outside pieces right sides together. Press. Now serge along all 4 sides, yet leave a 4 inch opening on the two inside bottom pieces. This will allow you to turn the bag right side out. Using the zipper ends is key here, since you’ll serge through those and not your zipper. That’s why it’s important to clip off the excess zipper ends.
Now, before you turn the bag right side out, box off all 4 corners. I used a boxed corner of 4 inches. Press and turn right side out. Press again. Topstitch the opening on the inside fabric together.
Take your time – see how clean the zipper ends are and the boxed corners? Ensure you press your work and line it up well.
Finishing Touch
String your ribbon through the zipper. Fold the piece of fabric that measures 7×4 in half like a hot dog. Press. Now open and fold each side inward to the marked line. You piece will now measure 1 inch wide. Press. Open fully and press each end inward 1/2 and inch. Keep the end fold intact and fold back to 1 inch wide. Press again. Fold in half lengthwise and press. With the ribbon strung through the zipper put the ends inside the open short end of the zipper pull. Top stitch all around.
Done!
This bag is fun and energetic. I just love the brightness of the fabric. Happy sewing and thanks for visiting!
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