I love explaining myself

I love explaining myself.  I must.  Why else would I wait so long to post? Why else would I sew a few purses together in a mad rush?  I don't know. Does inspiration hit me all of sudden?  I day dream about what to sew together.  Sometimes Vera Bradley is in my daydreams.  She looks a lot like Jacob Marley.  But she always critiques my stitches.  Which makes me critique hers when I am out and about. Lo and behold, her stitches aren't perfect - nor are mine.  Then I want to reach out and say to the lady with that bag.  " I could've hooked you up much cheaper." Which, see, then I can explain myself again!  Circle of life baby.

Had a brush with infamy this week.  Two people were in line at the local Chipoltle - each had an edition of my purse.  No one told me if they compared stitches, but I am thinking they didn't.  Neither one of them like explaining themselves and they like me - so they extolled my sewing virtures.  I was just glad to hear they were both carrying one of my bags 3 months later!

Have put together a bag you will see that I totally copied from *mixieblue*.  Had to add those star things so I don't have to pay her infringement penalties.  She doesn't make and sell the bags anymore, but I continually hear there is a need for them so today, I created one and it looks decent.  I need a label.  I just can't committ.  Anyway . . .this may be my fortune. Or at least Christmas money.

Take care, let  me know if you need a new fall bag. I am all in on that one!

Bridal Party Purses

Oh my friends, the summer is drawing to close. Aren't we all a little sad? Not me really. I love the fall! Dark colors look best on me and hide dirt. I don't have to water the plants as much, although many of them get moved inside for the winter. I don't have to wear 4 layers of clothing in the basement while sewing because the air conditioner is on. Oh yeah, this is a sewing blog! So let me fill you in.

I made 6 purses for a friend to give as gifts to her bridal party. Her bridesmaid/matron dresses are eggplant. I found a lovely print - from I believe Anna Maria Horner - and was also able to find many "co-ordinating" fabrics not even from her line! So each one is truly unique! I made two different styles. One a long strapped carry all and one a small wristlet. Let's face it, some ladies will never - ever - ever use a wristlet. They just don't know when would be a good time, or will forget about it because, when would they use it? Anyway, the over the shoulder strap one is for the "functional gift only" friend. It might be a tiny bit fancy and fun, but, still usable. We all know that girl. Darnit.

Back to the wristlet.

It is a pattern from Amy Butler. It is the third pattern from her that I have endeavored to complete, and the third time I have felt unfulfilled. I always feel like it is just shy enough away from the picture to look tacky. I think this time though, the wristlet still looked really nice, but the functional purse looks better. That was the let down, I only did the functional one out of guilt, then it looked better. Oh well, live and learn.

I also recently purchased an Anna Maria Horner pattern I am nervous to undertake. I REALLY like the  possible finished product.   So I bought some cheapie fabric from a large chain that I liked, but wasn't married too, so if I mess up the pattern I won't be overly disappointed and only out a few dollars. I have seen this purse created at a couple different stores Sew To Speak and Quilt Beginnings and it is LOVELY. Point here, if insecure about your capabilities, start cheap, practice and pawn off on family if it doesn't work out. What family member is going to tell you the item looks like he77? Not one you were speaking to anyway. There are reasons you speak to favorite family members!

Can not recall if I told everyone I made myself a wrap around skirt. The work itself was fine. I was actually impressed with my self to tell the truth.  I don't do many pieces of clothing.  But a girl without a definitive waist ought not be sporting a wrap around skirt. Why they make the pattern sizes that high is beyond me. To me, that implies it will look appropriate on a person of the larger sizes. Then again, they make bikinis in my size too. I wouldn't buy one and I wouldn't wear one. Enough said?

So, hopefully with the onset of the fall, I will be sewing more. Sharing more, selling more. Oh I dream.

Til the next time, enjoy the change in seasons!