The new look Shoulder Bag

After umming and ahhing about how to go forth with this bag in much more subdued colours and embellishments than I prefer, I happily hit upon the idea to go forth with an elegant natural look...with some pretty but subtle embellishments...like the wooden heart shaped button on the pocket and hand sewn embroidery stitches.

The hard wearing black drill may be reversed to the very soft brown side which has quite a dressed up look , two bags in one. The client wanted long shoulder straps, so with such long straps I decided to make a feature out of them and was really happy with the result..

Here are the materials, whats next...

My next challenge...to make a shoulder bag (Carry All) in black & brown, nothing too fussy or pretty for a lovely lady to wear whilst shopping for goodies for her collectables store.

Here are the materials I bought, a hard-wearing black cotton drill, to give the bag some weight, and a soft brown linen...It will add a really nice texture and it will fray well! I do love to fray...Add a cute little button and we are on our way...

Stay tuned over the next couple of days to see what these goodies turn into : -)

See you all and thanks for reading. Its nice to hear from you and I'd welcome you joining me for my updates on my handmade adventures (you can automatically join my updates through clicking on the 'Follow' with Google Friend Connect button ). I am having fun, learning lots and enjoying meeting others with interests in the handmade world...

Another in the Vintage meets Retro range, Carry All bag

I so loved the fabrics I made the cushion from (see previous post ) I made a Carry All (Mamma's Bag) with the same fabrics. One of the inspirations for this bag came from a beautiful handbag I purchased a few years back, from Laze of Melbourne. Many people comment how nice it is and it appeals to my like of things shabby chic ...

As a mum I am always carrying lots of bits & pieces. Know what I mean? So I designed a good size bag that could carry lots of stuff.

This bag may be rolled up into a small size and tucked into my handbag. Its soft, yet it may also be used as a handbag...So its pretty versatile. Its like a stylish version of the green bag (you know the ones you get from the supermarket). I got tired of carry them around and thought, " why don't I make my own 'green bag' for all my kids stuff (spare clothes, snacks, drink bottles, favourite toy, hat, washer etc etc).

This bag may also be used as a nappy bag, and has lots of useful pockets - a bigger one inside for a purse/wallet / anti-nappy rash cream / wipes and two outside (one on top of the other) for a mobile phone, lipstick, sunnies / dummy etc. Its also reversible. The picture shown has the red carnation print to the outside, however it can be turned inside out to reveal the warm retro brown fabric on the outside and the pretty red carnation as a suprise inside the bag. Two bags in one.

Retro meets Vintage Home-ware Cushion

This vibrant, fun cushion is part of my Home-Ware range. I am really happy with the way it turned out.

So what was my inspiration? I needed to Tame the Beast...my overlocker (serger) that is. For those of you that have them, you will know what I mean...

I was over cowering and saying prayers of hope as I approached the beast. So I decided the day had come. After some searching I found a teacher who showed no fear at all, and promptly booked into her class...The result, this beautiful cushion - completely created by way of my overlocker. I am thrilled with the disovery of its capabilities and my new found skills...

The cushion is of a warm brown 100% cotton fabric with a retro style circle patern. It is teamed with a stunning, cheerful vintage style print of red carnations. A feature of the cushion is the flat-locked stitches that embellish the front, giving it a unique appeal. I have made the covers removable for ease of cleaning, important with littlies. They can be custom made, or personalized.

Vintage Style Fabric Flowers

I was keen to learn how to make pretty fabric flowers to add to my creations, inspired by the 1940's style dresses which often had beautiful big flowers adorning them.

My search for a teacher was rewarded thru the generosity of a very talented woman called Lachnichoy. She is Thai and makes her beautiful flowers for the royal family there. I found this right here in the drapery (where I love to shop) of my little neighbouring township of Cooroy. Lots of hidden, and not so hidden talents...

This piccie is one I made to a little pre-loved handbag.

So now I am hooked and am really happy with the new skill I have learnt...

Isabel 1930's vintage style girls skirt

I have just finished making this sweet little skirt and blouse set. Inspired by my beautiful, vibrant little niece...Happy Birthday Isabel.

The fabric is a 1930's style of 100% cotton. I love the way this fabric drapes. It hold its shape so well. The fabric is pink with sweet little white and yellow and daisies.
The skirt has an adjustable elastic waist, and I added pretty little gathered pockets trimmed in broderie anglaise, to match the trim on the hem. To add a bit of glam I added sparkly little vintage-style glass look buttons. Don't little kids just love pockets and buttons!

The matching blouse has sweet little flowers appliqued to the front to match the skirt.

The spotti-dotti twirling skirt

I love this little skirt - it's made out of a soft poly cotton, with bright coloured spots (or is that dots) in pink and red hues. It is created as a full circle skirt, so perfect twirling capabilities for little girls who love to twirl, and don't they all.

My girls love this skirt - in fact the youngest has two it's such a fave, she got sick of waiting for it to come out of the wash!

I added a sweet little 'lettuce leaf' edging on the hem, so it waves and ruffles. The elasticized waistband is adjustable as the little one grows. I aim to make the skirts (clothes) so kids get at least two seasons wear out of them...It looks pretty dressed up in vintage wears, or as a modern skirt...dressy or casual...A big thanks to the ladies at ODDZanENDZ of Noosa (fabric shop) for their continuing generous advice on technique : - ). They are very accomplished sewers and provide a range of dressmaking services as well as fabric sales.