Has anyone ever seen instructions for making your own?

Hmmmm ... well ....

I'm thinking home dec fabric with sturdy lining fabric and that I don't necessarily need a zipper, that a flap over the top front with a button/loop or velcro closure would do the trick, webbing straps all around the front and back with short handles to carry it. That's the main thing - I end up with loose pages inside my sketchpad (14 x 17) and it's awkward to carry along with my pencil case. So ... allowing a couple of inches around all sides for depth of the pad and ease of getting it in and out would dictate size. I don't anticipate EVER buying a sketchpad any larger for carrying around. An outside pocket for my pencil case, which probably doesn't need a zipper either - the case itself zips around all sides - maybe just a button/loop or velcro there. Of course, it would need at least a monogram so we know it's mine . And we know how much time I have to work on this stuff anyway!
Do I .... .... or ... there ... ?

Hem/let out waistband on my son's new dress slacks ...
Take in waistband of a co-worker's new career slacks ...
Fix a tear on the inside leg of a friend's fairly new jeans ... (too much distressing and at 64, he's not into that look!)
Finish that darned pillow that was the 2nd installment of a Christmas gift ...
Finish the dress for myself that I started 2 years ago. (I did finish that nice blouse for myself though, based on the voting here, thanks ladies - I've worn it 3 or 4 times already and get enthusiastic complements - one woman was insistant that I make her one - I was able to just say NO.)

Somewhere I'd love to find time to refresh the decor in my living room -- make new drapes for the window - probably matching throw pillows, and the fabric art wall hanging for behind the couch that is all planned, and fabric purchased.

My art instructor is suggesting a barter/trade of services and keeps coming up with ideas ... I have been able to pay every month, so far I've been able to just say NO there.

I need to meet a man who can support me ... yeah right ... I have a better chance of winning the lottery [and would probably enjoy more sewing time there anyway] so I can retire!

Too funny... go buy a lotto ticket... men cost too much emotionally, unless of course you can find a sweet very mature sugar daddy that isn't looking to be mothered. One that can appreciate you, your talents, and one that will provide you with an endless supply of stitching stuff without infringing on your valuable project time...back to point one... go buy a lotto ticket.

I wish I could learn to say no easier, I have been for two months and I still get people bringing me things to fix for them and never of a hint of paying me anything just a nice thank you. I would rather the energy I have to do something for myself or my family but the jobs keep coming. I have never learned to say NO very easy. Before Christmas I had so many other people jobs that I didn't get all of my things done until I laughed at the last person that asked that I do something.
I hope you find the time to do your work that you want.

... exactly ...

one day, one day maybe when you aren't looking.... in the meantime that lotto ticket might provide a means to endless stitching.

Love that you have been able to do so many projects, I'm inspired. If there was a man around, you likely wouldn't get so much done.

Just had a physio checkup for my thumb and wrist, almost back to normal, just need more strengthening and I should be good to go. It is wonderful to be inspired and stitching again. Managed to release a couple of designs and the overwhelming response was awesome... makes me spend these endless hours at the machines.

Had my favorite embroidery scissors sharpened, new Olisio smart iron, fresh coffee grounds and I'm good to go now, if only I could find the energy you do and actually spend more hours stitching, I would consider my life complete!

Here's what's been taking up some of my sewing time lately ...

How very beautiful... from memory, a picture or model... ? May dad who passed in 1976, did pen and ink and pencil drawings of animals from memory. They are amazing, just like yours are

for sharing your creations with us.

A picture ... combined with a bit of memory for details that were less than clear.

Lynn,

That is so awesome! She looks so happy and like she's gazing at going past.

I am in awe of your talent. You go girl!

Hugs,
Chris

very nice Lynn.... great work, you are very very talented.

Lynn, you are so darned talent; I love the portrait.

WOW - you are so talented! Beautiful picture.

Beautiful, Lynn!

Lynn...thank you for sharing your gorgeous portrait! No wonder you want to pursue additional training with your artistic talents.
If you want to make a portfolio, I don't think it would be all that difficult to draft your own pattern for the size and shape that would be most useful to you.