My New Year’s Gift – A New Bag For Myself!
Hi everyone! Well… here we are in 2009, and I already have a new bag made. I’ve decided that this one is going to be my New Year’s gift. I had fun picking out all of the hardware and leather and the lining, and really love the way it ended up coming together. I think I’m going to make a matching coin purse to carry with it.
Here are some pictures:
Wristlet Love
I have made some wristlets that I will be offering at the Appel & Frank Show. I need to make a few more, but really like how they are turning out. they have zipper top, a gusset bottom, A D-Ring and a hook with a fabric loop to put around the wrist.
I love working with hardware… it always makes me smile. I just love how hardware can change the entire look of a bag. I’ve ordered some very big O rings, and can’t wait to design with them. I think I’ll come up with some fun stuff!
After the show in a couple weeks, I’m going to sit down and write out a couple patterns so I can share them here. There will be pictures and instructions, and I will definitely welcome feedback so I can make them better as I go.
Hope everyone is having a good Thanksgiving Week. The weather is finally cooperating around here… I actually feel like the holiday season is here for the first time.
Now for pictures:
Silk Clutch
This clutch may be my new favorite creation. I love the look of the flap and the hardware and the fabric and… 
. This one will be hard to part with. I love it!
The thing I’m loving the most about getting back into creating is the thought I need to put into creating a pattern and making all the pieces come together. The first rev of this particular bag went horribly wrong. It was one of those moments when I just had to get up and walk away and have a breather. But, when I came back, I cut new fabric and started over, and I must say, I think the finished product is better than what I had originally planned. So, I’m convinced again that failure leads to success.
But believe me, the failure is at the bottom of the garbage can, I can’t even look at it.
Butterfly Tote
I made this tonight, wiht inspiration coming from the new orange handles I had in my stash. I love these handles and the fabric, and am very pleased with how the bag came out. It’s a ‘simple’ tote with no real closure at the top. Why is it I always want to keep and use my new creations!? One day I’ll let myself. But not now… I’m getting ready for my first show (very excited and nervous) so need every piece I am making.
Here is the new creation:
Butterfly and Orchid Metal Frame Bag
I love this bag/pouch. I love love love it! Again, I’m so torn because I’m going to sell it, but want to keep it. The fabric is 100% cotton and is nice and heavy. Add some interfacing and voila, a nice sturdy frame purse! Where I live the butterflies are starting to come in droves which makes me think this bag came at the right time.
Thanks to a great tutorial at u-handblog I have learned how to make great metal frame bags. It turns out that it’s not as hard as I thought, and is actually quite fun! I especially like looking for fun frames.
I also made a make-up bag using the same fabric and a zipper. I like the fall colors (since I don’t really have them much here) and the look of the orange zipper with the fabric. It’s nice and roomy… I think I’ll be making one of these for each member in my family for Christmas… perfect little pouch for packing the little things in your overnight bag.
Happy Sunday!
New Purses, Etsy, and Hello!
I have started my Etsy shop and will have more items available each week. I’m very excited to be bringing the items I like to create to this online store. I’m also going to be soliciting local boutiques and stores, but Etsy is a great online area for my goods. I like the community and so far people have been very nice and helpful.
I’m specializing in totes but will also offer up clutches, pouches and actual purses. I love to create and bags are something I’ve always loved. I like all sorts of bags for all sorts of occasions and now have a place to justify my desire to make new totes all of the time.
I will be using this blog to talk more about the projects I’m working on and things I hope to learn (or can share to help others learn!).
Would love to hear some of your stories as they relate to creating bags, selling online (Etsy or otherwise) and sewing in general.