a little inspiration

Last year at the sewing retreat I had a colossal fail  (but look how tiny she was!!) when I tried to make a bag.  I will admit, it was good for me.  This had never happened to me before.  And in the time in between I don't think I made any bags at all (except perhaps a library tote for E?)  This was a little odd for me because I have made quite a lot of bags and really got sewing as an adult because of them.  I've used patterns and made up things, done simple and embellished. Anyway, last year was a disaster and I wanted to redeem myself (okay, maybe it was sub-conscious...) and when I came across the Cooper from Colette Patterns I knew I had just the right thing. I spent a lot of time online looking at what others had done to figure out what kinds of fabric combinations I really loved and then I spent a few more hours looking at fabric online to pick just the right combination for me.  I searched around quite a bit for the hardware. ...

This is a skirt I am sure I never wrote about because it turned out way to big.  I just took the elastic in 5 inches though and now it is as dreamy as I envisioned.  A double layer of vintage voile with vintage lace trim. I did the side seams french even though they have a slight curve.  It is loosely from the pattern in Simple Modern Sewing. The bag is from this post , which is always pretty high up on the hit list.  I was looking around at all the items still in rotation that I've made in the last five or six years.   This bag , one of the first (the first??) gets used daily at the gym.   These towels are looking pretty bad but still are holding up. (I miss that kitty.)  This pillow case is often on E's bed.  There are other things floating around, clothes and linens and quilts.  I love that so much, being surrounded by lovely handmade items full of effort and mistakes.

First up were the shorts for E.  I started them as soon as I arrived on Friday night.  I had edited all the ridiculous pockets and made simple patch pockets instead.  E can hardly get into a regular pants pocket anyway.  This way he can gather treasures without extra frustration.  I used the size 4 pattern and was so surprised when they fit him.  They look huge!! I got this adorable print knowing he would love every creature on it.  I want to add a strip of it to a t shirt as well.  So cute!  I hadn't measured his waist so I had to wait until I was home to finish them.  He is planning to wear them to gymnastics tomorrow even though it is only supposed to be in the 50's. That makes them a success in my book.   Next came the bag.  This turned out to be a total fail.  Giant, way too stiff to work with, nightmarish.  I think I managed to get through it with out any swearing.  I have no idea where that restraint ...

Another OAD bag ready to go out! My friend Kim bought a couple of these as Christmas gifts and then ordered another one for herself. Since it was also her birthday last week I decided this one should be a gift as well! So- Happy Birthday Kim! I'll see you Wednesday. I appreciate the support so much! (Click on the picture to see more views.)

I made a from a pattern (I always think "recipe") in Stitch Magazine . My sweet neighbor Jill asked me if I could use some old pants that needed to be retired and of course I said yes. When she was dropping them off she also asked if I could make a small bag for her out of them. I immediately thought of this pattern (recipe). I had in mind to make myself one as well and almost cut out my fabric at the same time but didn't for whatever reason. And now I am glad. I like this bag, but it isn't the kind I would carry (I need far more room for diapers and rice puffs) and though my bag would be made of different fabric I would have cut it to line up the same (since I was going to use some retired corduroys as well) and I feel like the effect isn't the same as the picture in the magazine where the sides are different from each other. Though it may just be the denim that is throwing me. I tend to keep denim in jeans and the occasion skirt and away from everything e...

I have been slacking on putting up photos. So much has been going on and I always have to wait for the camera to come home with Senor at the end of the day so sometimes I forget to take pictures... So here we go with things I have been making: 1) this bag I have had this fabric for years. Maybe since B.H. (before husband!) I gave it to my mom with the idea that we would come up with the perfect bag to make out of it but we never got around to it. I found the cranberry colorway in a remnants bin (my favorite way to shop) and suddenly I could see it... 2) this tank from this tutorial . I think it is going to turn into a skirt pattern... I don't think it looks good but it is super comfortable and would be a great summer tank if you were pregnant... I didn't even follow her numbers exactly, I went slimmer right from the start. I do love the fabric which reminds me of the Sea of Izabell in the books I am re-reading... 3)Henna! You can just see it still on my feet (with my ...

So last night I raced home from work so I could finish the project I started this week. I didn't want it languishing upstairs while I was working on my paper and distracting me. This is the last step to banishing the distraction. After this I should be able to go get started on the paper. (I have even already vacuumed... It is only 9:30 though, I have plenty of time....) This one I made for me. I have a new wallet coming which needed a new bag. Click on either picture to go to my flikr page and see more.... Have a great weekend!

Here it is. The yellow bag that has been taking up all my extra mind bits. What do you guys think (other than that I should be better with the iron....)? It has four pockets; one big one out side, three small inside. I took apart an old belt for the findings.

So tonight something very cool happened. I sold my first bag to Katie from One World Cafe . Thank you Katie! You totally rock!

I was out for a late night snack with Seńor last night after class and the waitress looked at my bag and said, "Cool bag!" And I said, "Thanks, I made it!" "NuUh! That is too cool! Do you sell them?" She replied. "I don't, but I plan to." "You should make some and come back by, I would buy one, it is the perfect size! And then I could tell everyone where I got it." "Really?" I beamed. Then we talked about color and things like that. So I am making it my mission this weekend to put a few bags together. Yay!