I could spend hours and maybe even days going through fabrics at the stores or online. There is something very therapeutic about it all. The feel, the colors, the prints. It’s very exciting, yet still very calming.
I tend to like to touch a material before buying, but as I’ve become more experienced in sewing and textiles, just by a description, I can sense what something will feel like. Which is why online shopping has worked out well for me. There’s still tons of selection and I can get things that I wouldn’t be able to find at my local Joann’s or G Street. Though both are great stores.
Two of my favorite online shops for purchasing unique, quality fabrics are j. caroline and Repro Depot.
My latest acquisitions.
Repro Depot sent me this little packet of small samples of some misc. cotton prints. My favorite? The western-y one. Is that Dale Evans and Roy Rodgers? Do I even know what I’m talking about?
I think I’ll use it to make a lining for a small change purse. Cute.
Wasn’t that fun? Now, presto-change-o, let’s turn it all into bags and purses and accessories! I’m on it.
June 30th, 2006 ★ No Comments »
Despite the fact that I was accepted into the Arlington County Fair, which is like a huge-ass 4-day event, I’m still dragging when it comes to making more stuff. Arrggh. Last year’s approx. attendance of the fair was 40,000 people and here I’ve made like 3 bags in the last 4 days. And one of them I’m using for myself.
I have a plan though, and that’s a start.
And Mike is taking some time off in July so I can focus on my sewing machine while he takes care of Little Face.
Here are the (measly) threesly.
First, mine.
More necco print. This time with an olive green twill.
This one is a change sorta. I added “tortoise” d-rings and functional exterior pockets. There is one on each side.
And now my polly pocket purse. It’s so cute and friendly.
Materials used:
twill
stretch wool blend
interfacing
cotton
canvas
nickel swivel clip
plastic tortoise d-rings
nickel magnetic snaps
Now I’m going to go through my fabrics. That’ll inspire and motivate me!
June 29th, 2006 ★ No Comments »
These were on backorder for a long-ass time.
I finally received them a few weeks ago.
Though I still have no idea what I’m going to do with them.
They’re so wee and adorable!
I purchased them from the very cool (and huge), Fire Mountain Gems. Their full color catalog is always a treat to browse through, though I don’t typically buy a lot of stuff.
These little guys were kinda fun to photograph. I love that they stand up!
I just may use them as zipper pulls on make-up bags or change purses. Sweet.
June 28th, 2006 ★ No Comments »
I’ve always called them pins. But what I’ve seen is that most label ‘em buttons. In any event, I’ve been kinda like into them lately. And I don’t know why. I don’t wear ‘em. I’m just pretty much collecting them. Not sure what I’ll do with them either. But they’re fun and cute. And if I’m going to collect anything, at least it’s something dirt cheap!
Indeed I’ve gone so far as to join thimble’s button-of-the-month club. I’ve gotten 2 months so far:
I got these on Etsy, my home away from home. I fell in love with them as soon as I saw them. Little birdies!!
They’re from sassyartgoddess and are even sweeter in real life.
Not long after I received them, I got an email from her asking me if I’d do a trade. She made some new birdie buttons and thought I might be interested. Yes! One pair of my cherries earrings for these lovelies:
Lastly, Emmaleigh from emmcreations, another friend I met on craftgrrl had me ship her something from one of my favorite online shops, j. caroline. Apparently j. caroline, for as awesome as they be, does not ship to our friends up north. So I helped her out with the transaction and as a thank you, she sent me these buttons made from scrapbooking paper.
I like these ’cause they’re a little bigger than the standard 1 inch buttons.
June 27th, 2006 ★ No Comments »
My first foray into something completely different.
Satin and taffeta.
And ribbon.
And fancy-schmancy buttons.
It was a lot harder than I anticipated, but I’m pretty pleased with the outcome.
They look cute and sweet and all bridally.
Big enough for wedding day essentials.
Small enough to not be a focal point of traditional wedding day attire.
Materials used:
satin ribbon
duchesse satin fabric
taffeta (lining)
rhinestone button
rhinestone and shell button
interfacing
silk thread
nickel magnetic snaps
Oh and I made that flower by hand! Woo!
June 27th, 2006 ★ No Comments »
So flowery!
So summery!
So preetty!
Soon as I ordered this fabric, I knew I would fall in love with it.
Materials used:
cotton
bamboo handles
interfacing
square button
June 23rd, 2006 ★ 2 Comments »
For Shar too. But no bones.
Black and blue, er, turquoise.
Kind of a modified messenger.
Pretty.
Materials used:
twill
cotton
interfacing
magnetic snap
June 22nd, 2006 ★ No Comments »
I’ve met a lot of wonderful people through craftgrrl. I take a lot of inspiration from their cool craftiness. Finding that community is actually what first introduced me to sewing bags and purses.
One of my pals, lauralita44 has bought a wristlet from me and so generously made me some cool little straight pins. She made them using shrinkable plastic, Shrinky Dinks!! Remember those? I think we did them like once when we were kids. But nothing quite like this. She packed ‘em up real nice too.
She made me little birdies, a tree, a heart, even a cupcake and a hearing aid! Very sweet. I love it that they are cute and functional and totally fun.
June 22nd, 2006 ★ No Comments »
Another one!
‘M’ is for Madison, Jill’s niece.
She turns 7 in a few weeks.
Materials used:
denim
printed twill
zippers
interfacing
felt
dmc thread
June 20th, 2006 ★ 1 Comment »
Custom just for Shar and Juno.
Pockets and bones and a clip-on treat pouch!
What’s not to love?
This little guy deserves a fabulous bag too, no?
Materials used:
cotton canvas
interfacing
silver nylon
zipper
button
nickel swivel clip and keyring
June 20th, 2006 ★ No Comments »
