Your Next Project Could Unleash a New Crafting Passion

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