Bag in progress

About five years ago, when Hot Patterns first introduced themselves, they made available a free bag pattern. The Nairobi bag pattern was inspired by a classic YSL bag, the Mombassa, and several who sew have made variations of this gorgeous piece.

My first version was made shortly after the pattern was released. I was inspired to adapt the beaded and embroidered version of the Mobassa for my own use; I was even able to purchase a comparable horn handle. That bag has received a lot of attention. I love, love, love carrying it, as the shape and size are perfect for me, and the horn handle sits perfectly on my shoulder.

But five years is a long life for any bag, even a custom-made version. So it was time to make a new version of the bag. I have tons of black bags in my collection, and I need something that can work with the browns and eggplants in my closet. There was already another horn handle in my stash, this one in ivory with a wrapped cord detail.

Yesterday, at a local thrift shop, I found exactly the right mix of materials. I found a pair of khaki green leather jeans and a suede skirt in the same exact color! These came home to be cannibalized for my new bag.

Here are the carcasses:



The only possibly usable piece of leather remaining is the patch pockets from the jeans. I used every square inch, even cutting off the belt loops to use along the edge of the purse.

Here is the purse in progress:



And the lining, in progress as well:



I made a couple of changes to the pattern, as you can see. A strip of leather is stitched to the top of the lining to act as a facing. This will also provide some strength for the closure I'm planning, a magnetic snap to be positioned in the point of the facing. I'm also planning a key hook, which I'll stitch to the inside of the side of the purse.

And wouldn't you know it? I have findings in gold and in bronze, but no silver. The opening in the horn handl is silver...so I need to get a magnetic snap, large O-rings from the hobby store, and some punched fleece or batting for the interior of the purse. Ah, well....off to the store I go:)

Happy anniversary, to the love of my life!

Twenty-nine years, and counting:)

Plans thwarted

Sometimes you make great plans, and then nature throws a curve ball.


The stomach flu is no fun.

Shannon

Ladies, your help is needed

If you have been reading many of the sewing and craft blogs and websites, you may already be aware of a new law to be enacted in February of next year. This law will require that anything used in production of a product to be used by children under the age of 12 MUST be tested for safety, and bear a label stating that it has passed these tests.
This law will effectively put small manufacturers out of business, as the testing is cost-prohibitive. What you may not realize is that grandmas and home sewers who make items as GIFTS will also be liable to comply with the law.
This legislation could have a negative effect on the sewing industry as a whole. Fabric suppliers, threads suppliers, notions suppliers and sewing machine vendors will all be held liable for testing. The law will also have an effect on any business or entity that deals with any children under the age of 12: schools, daycare institutions, churches, even children's gymnasiums or after-school activity classes such as recreational sports.
Please read Kathleen Fassanella's excellent blog, www.fashion-incubator.com , for further updates and information. And please, contact your congressman and let them know of our concerns.

On my cutting board today

A HUGE pile of things to cut is waiting for me to join the fun.
First, I have a custom draft to complete.
Then, I'll choose one of the following....more, if there is time.
HotPatterns CN Great White Shirt, sans collar and cuffs, to be made from a baby-wale cord and faced with silk velvet. I saw something like this at JJill, and am adapting the idea for my own use.
A dress for an upcoming wedding. I'm torn between using a pattern from the December Burda WOF, or using a Neue Mode OOP. Still no decision on the fabric. I had considered a cocoa brown silk velvet, but the temperature will be hovering around freezing Saturday night. Maybe something more substantial is in order. Yes, you read right. Saturday night.
A gorgeous piece of knit from EOS that has been staring at me for a month, begging to be addressed. I'm thinking about either a wrap dress or a twin set. In either case, the print will need to be broken up with a solid to be more restful to the eye. I keep telling myself that choosing the contrast piece is what has kept me from cutting into the fabric. In reality, I just like looking at it! It's beautiful.
There are still nine animals to be embroidered for the gs. DS#2 and I are making the Noah's Ark from www.embroiderylibrary.com for gs as a gift. We're plugging along nicely. DS loves working the emb machine, and I don't mind the company while I work on other things.
I'd like to finish all of these this week. In fact, before Wednesday, if possible....think it will happen?

something fun

This has become a minor tradition at our house. We watch each new episode at the beginning of the day. Be sure to start at the 1st day, and work your way through!

http://www.garfield.com/fungames/12Days/12Days.html

Just had to say....

Yes, I am a sporadic blogger. No, this is not my first priority.

But I had to report this one....
I was at Joann's the other day to purchase some machine needles. As I was walking through the notions aisle, I noticed a rotary cutter on the endcap. The cutter was decorated with a floral design, quite pretty, and looked interesting. I picked up the box to take a look..........


SEVENTY FIVE dollars.

Now, my question is this: Where is the platinum blade that should be attached?
Shannon