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July 11, 2006
Craft time
My very first sewing project since... 9th grade? Perhaps my mom will stop by the site and remind me. She doesn't comment, but sometimes she sends me email asking me if a particular knitting project is for her!
Anyway, I bought two coordinating upholstery fabrics to make this bag. I like the color combo of purple and green, and they were on super closeout at Hancock Fabrics. The purse is completely reversible, but I like this one best so we'll call it the outside.
I didn't use a pattern, but I did roughly follow this tutorial. (Thanks to whipup for the link.) However, I had a hard time following the instructions and I didn't want two handles (although I would have preferred one that ran the other direction) so it threw the instructions off a bit.
Anyway, here's the other side, nice for those days when you're feeling stripey.
This was a fun first project, but I am looking forward to trying something with a pattern next time. Hopefully the girls over at Sew? I Knit! will pick a good project that I can try out.
Also, for anyone else out there interested in learning more about sewing, Mistress Stash Enhancer recommended a book called Kwik Sew Easy Sewing, which is apparently quite good but also totally 80's. I'm going to keep a lookout at my local bookstores. I can certainly use the help, and it looks like the 80's are coming back into style.... eek. (Step away from the leggings and shoulder pads. They are bad news!)
Posted by zarah at July 11, 2006 6:45 AM
Comments
What a nice first project! The fabric is lovely, two of my fave colors, and I love that it's reversable (two for the price of one, YES PLEASE!). Please don't let the eightys come back. NO!!!!!!!! The yarn I got Saturday that you dyed is SO pretty! I'm almost done with the last increase repeat of the clapotis it's becoming:D
Posted by: Lana at July 11, 2006 7:13 AM
my mom lurks too, and is bold enough to say over the phone, "how's my shawl coming along?". i have another recommendation for a sewing book .... reader's digest _complete guide to sewing_, isbn 0-88850-247-8. it's very comprehensive. your fabrics for your bags are very cool!
Posted by: gray la gran at July 11, 2006 8:24 AM
What a cute bag! Nicely sewn!
If the 80's are coming back, does that mean neon is coming back? Neon didn't look good on anyone.
Posted by: Jennifer at July 11, 2006 8:49 AM
Your purse is totally cute, I especially like the flower fabric. After all that time, it looks like you've still got the skills for sewing.
Oh man, I see people wearing the leggings all the time here, it's scary. Makes me wonder how old I am.
Posted by: Jenna at July 11, 2006 9:45 AM
Ooh, your bag looks great in those fabric! I'm sorry you had a hard time with my notes. It's my first time writting those up.
Posted by: Siow Chin at July 11, 2006 9:58 AM
Very cute. As you practice you'll get the hang of it and it will get easier and easier.
Posted by: Stephanie at July 11, 2006 12:50 PM
Cute!!!
Posted by: Jeanie at July 11, 2006 4:39 PM
Ok, that's adorable and it looks fairly simple. I really want a sewing machine. Maybe i'll just come over and use yours and we can sew and drink wine. Wait....maybe that dosen't sound so safe. I have actually sewn a time or three though!
Posted by: Bethany Coffey at July 12, 2006 6:12 PM
Hey I guess it's time I added a comment since I was mentioned so many times!! It does my heart good to know that the torture you put me through trying to teach you to sew (& like it) is paying off. Actually you did sew some articles of clothing that required a lot of machine work but I don't recall that you were too interested in figuring out how to make the pieces go together. We would make a great team - you are so good at reading directions now and I am still not! Keep up the good work. Grandma Wilma would be proud!!
Blessings, MOM
Posted by: Momma at July 14, 2006 8:50 AM
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