Bag Serendipity

Photo U-handblog

In a bit of bag serendipity, Gertie talked about making a children handbag yesterday and gave this fantastic link to U-Handbag, which had the immediate effect of making me want to make more elaborate bags because they sell everything you need AND tell you how to on their U-handblog.

Pfew! This is too much excitement for me, Thanks Gertie!

Crafting : The Year Of The Bag

My ::verypurpleperson:: handbag

I haven't been sewing, I've been crafting. 

Dragées bags

Though I sew to craft, in my mind, it's not the same thing. There are no fitting issues, construction is moot,  fabric is easier to work with, it doesn't involve much thinking and I can really knock'em off. It can also be very boring as far as problem solving goes, but they do make nice affordable gifts which is my intention here. 

Another t-shirt re-fashion!

One year, I made Martha Stewart aprons, last year I made faux fur muffs and this is the "Year of The Bag". I started by copying a shopping bag I had with moderate success. I so wanted to copy the original, I French seam curved jean. Don't try this at home as the results will disapoint!

So I started looking for a bag I like and would use, which, took me some time. Here are a few free patterns I found which I might eventually make to break the monotony of making the same thing over and over again. 

Both Butterick Retro Tie Bag and Wrist Bag look cool, all you have to do is give them your e-mail address and you'll be able to download it, Martha's Reversible Purse looks promising...

But for now, my fave of fave and the only one I have been making is verypurpleperson's which I have tested and love. I tweeked the construction method for the bigger bag to ease the pulling part because I added pockets and zippers inside for my phone, wallet and keys. So here is my first tutorial! Basically, I'm bagging the bag if you know what I mean, if you don't, write, I'll try to help.

Pattern Giveaway : Bronzer and Teeth Whitening Nightmare

I am a big fan of Pattern Junkie, it's very funny plus she has a nice shop. I think this pattern is right up her alley, but I couldn't come up with a funny enough line to describe this bronzer and teeth whitening nightmare. Come up with a good line, write it in the comments and I'll send you the pattern. It's a size 12 dated 1977 so it's got the mandatory Charlie's Angel vibe. You can comment on that too if you are so inclined.

Me-Made-May

May 25th - Self-drafted skirt

Me-Made-May is over, thank you Zoe, it was a lot of fun. If you don't mind, I'd like to share a few quick thoughts with you.

May 29th - T-shirt refashion

• You should go see the Flickr Pool for inspiration. The stylishness, creativity and craftmanship is amazing.
• I haven't made many comments for lack of time, but I really loved everything.
• I need to go on a World Tour to trace back all the wonderful fabric I saw.
• I should take another look at Burda Patterns, some of the girls have made wonderful garments with them.
• I don't plan on planning, SWAP is not for me, but I should plan on making a few tops other than cut up t-shirts.
• My pant making skills need a lot of work.
• I have to take better pictures, iPhone pictures are a bare minimum.
• I need to do something with my hair!

May 28th - Another Nicole Miller with boats

Thank you so much for your kind comments, it was really nice to rumage through my sewing history. Now on to some new stuff.

May 30th - BWOF pants