Yet Another Project

Guess I am on a roll, for me anyway. I started this Little Lulu bag Saturday and tonight I got an idea for a different way to close it than the directions. I seem to always have to change things. The first change I made was to use different fabrics and quilt the outside. Then I added a snap and whipped up a fabric flower that I had printed instructions for several months ago from another blog. I love that bloggers share ideas and sometimes tutorials on projects. I'm not sure I could ever write a tutorial, but never say never maybe in time I will feel comfortable enough to give it a try. I couldn't even follow directions for the flower with out making some changes of my own. I made it with 3 different fabrics and got creative with the folding in order to make sure they all showed a little. The directions had you add a pin back, but I just sewed it to my flap with a magnet under neath for the clasp. I think I had first seen a link to the flower directions on Allsorts blog. Jenny had made a long scrunchie with a string of lights and used the flower to poke the lights through...adorable! So much blog inspiration!

It's really kind of funny that I am making all this purses because anyone who knows me very well knows that I usually only use one purse for years until it falls apart and I have to get a new one. I am enjoying making these purses with fun fabrics and working at making them sturdy enough to maybe last a few years.

I have to give credit to my new sewing machine...she is in the picture at the top of this post. I think it feels like a she to me so far though the way she sews through multiple layers of fabric without any hesitation I would have to say that she is a hard working, strong young lady. I only hope that in the years to come I will be able to keep up with her! I will have to name her after I have a chance to get to know her better.

Finished a Project!

It has been so hot it is hard to concentrate on anything for too long. It doesn't look like it will be cooling off anytime soon, but I did manage to focus for brief periods of time on sewing this little purse. It has all kinds of compartments for things so it was a little involved. It is called a Presto Purse. The flap on the outside has compartments for all your credit cards and ID. It is from the Bags with Panache Collection by Studio Kat designs. Studio Kat has some free patterns on the website for a luggage tag and a little purse with compartments for your passport and tickets. I ordered the pattern from Henrietta's Handbags along with a few other patterns. I haven't sewn them all yet, but am really looking forward to getting to them soon. I ordered some from the Monica Poole collection. (This is a collection not to be missed if you like to sew...the directions are fairly simple and sooo stylish.) There were so many that looked fun it was hard to pick so my sister helped me choose and now I think I will be sewing for both of us. I think I need some toile fabric to use on the Paris bag.

With winter weather around the corner I look forward to getting to know my new machine better. Maybe once I feel like I know her I will be able to give her a name...for now though there is so much to still discover and I'm sure she will never cease to amaze me. I got a Janome DC3050. It has a lot of computerized stitches though no alphabet...I might have to upgrade to that one day, but for now I am happy with the one touch button hole! I have been seeing lots of blog posts with wonderful pictures of studios all set up with cupboards and tables making everything within reach...I am dreaming of what I would do with just one room for all my sewing stuff. I did finally buy a little stacking drawer unit to keep things sorted and easier to find. My sewing space is at the kitchen table and I have a stack of everything nearby and extra fabrics in boxes under the bed. I am definitely filing some of those great ideas away for future use, but for now I am successfully working around the obstacles and managing to crank out a few fun things! The purse will be a gift for a special new friend. I'll have to get it to her soon.