A tale of Three Totes

As I looked around my house, I realized that my knitting and crochet projects were taking over!  They seem to be reproducing at a remarkable rate - yet none were completed!  How does that happen?  Anyway - I decided it was time to start making project totes to reign in the chaos!

Here is the First of three I made:

Bag Front

 You may notice that some of the flowers are double. I cut them out of a floral fabric, used my fave no fray spray and added them to create a three dimension look.

Bag Back

 This is a close up of the front flower.  I added tiny petersham to the center of the flower and a little dream pin.

Close up of the inside.  

I used clear plastic from Jo Ann's, made bias tape to cover the top and sides to create a pocket that  holds notions. 

Close up of the side. 

This 'flower' is a hard plastic button.

Close up of the top trim and beads.  The trim is vintage and so are the beads.

Close up of the magnetic snap

Happy Sewing,

Michele P

Happy Easter

I went a little crazy for Easter and made several decorations.  This particular one is very special to me as the little bubble was worn by my kiddo for her first Easter.  She was terrified of the bunny but look so cute in her outfit.

                            Here she is in all her glory. 

                       She carries a backpack of flowers.

                                  Close up of the smocking.

                                The two smocked eggs she holds.

                                  She loves the little Robin's nests.

Happy Easter and Happy Sewing,
Michele P

Travel Tuesday

My kiddo, now 24, travels frequently for her work.  She is a tea drinker and is finicky about her tea.  So, when I was checking out other blogs, I came across a tutorial to make a travel tea holder.   She is fond of all things Asian so this fabric was the perfect choice.  I used a Chinese coin in lieu of a button and used red petersham to tie it to the pouch.  I also took a short cut and used a pony tail holder for the loop. 


Closed and ready for packing

 

Open and ready for use



Showing how to fold in thirds






Showing pony tail holder as loop




I wish I could say this was my idea, but I saw it on a blog and for the life of me I am not able to find it again.  If you know the blog site - please let me know so I can give her credit.

Happy Sewing,
Michele P


Back to the blog

I have returned from my blog hiatus.  I have been in somewhat of a funk.  Nothing I was working on seemed blog worthy - so what does one do when one is in the funk?  Go shopping.  I always find a book or two that gets my mojo back and true to form I found one.  Here it is:

There is so much eye candy in this issue that I can hardly stand it.




I thought this bag was so interesting - this form or type of smocking is popping up everywhere.

Esther and Estella

They do fantastic embroidery and amazing things with sea shells - this bouquet is a sample of their work.
 http://star-of-the-east.blogspot.com/ check her out.




Take a look at Donna Downey Studios


She calls this her arm candy tote.



Last but least my VERY FAVE is from the unbelievable talent of Deb Allen.

 

 

Her 'pods' are what got me to purchase the book.  They are made from wool roving and then embellished with beads and flowers.  What more could a girl want?

Happy Sewing
Michele P

My Fave new Notion

I am such a lover of all things notions.  Just when I think I have them all - a new one appears!  I say Yeah! I found this little jem in a quaint little quilt shop in Tulsa, OK.  Why was I in Tulsa you ask?  I was with Dr. P at a conference.

The notion that has become my new best friend is this Fiskars fingertip rotary cutter. 

Here is the ad verbatim:

This is most control you could have with a rotary cutter! Simply point your finger and push, and you'll have a smooth, clean cut through any thin material without the bunching the larger cutters can cause. Fabulous control when cutting silk, tulle, vellum, lace, and much more.






I just love this little thing.  Check out Nancy' Notions Here and you can love it too!

Happy Sewing,
Michele P

in Lieu of T-Shirt Tuesday

Today in Lieu of T-shirt Tuesday, I am posting this Tuesday Trend report!  Last Friday, one of my BFFs and I went on an inspirational journey to Neimans.  We found so many awe-inspiring things that we challenged ourselves to make at least one thing from an inspirational piece.

Here are the garments I fell in LOVE with:

Red Valentino - this look is huge - lots of ribbon and trims laced through fabric.



Sheer with knit




I must have a pair of these shoes!



This sleeve treatment



Vests and asymetrical hems



loved this sheer blouse - I would make the sleeves slightly smaller



This top is just too cute!  I plan to make it in navy



This back bow treatment is EVERYWHERE!




Check out the detail on this simple jacket.  Petersham trim on the front, shoulders and covered snaps.  Amazing what a few details can do to shuze up a plain jacket.  This was a knit fabric with denim and petersham trim.

These are just a few of the things we loved.  If I showed you all of the garments we wanted this blog would take up most of the internet!

Happy Sewing,
Michele P