Corsage Revival

In the 18th century pinning posies, or any other cluster of buds, on your bodice, between your cleavage was quite the chic thing to do.  Back then they also called the bodice a corsage, and somehow, corsage came to mean the cluster of flowers pinned to a prom date or mother of the bride/groom.  Hmm, seems like there should be more corsage occasions in between those two rights of passage.  

In my favorite classic old movies cocktails at a club meant white dinner jackets, dresses with tulle underskirts and a corsage pinned to a satin clutch.  In homage to that look I've been playing with fabric flowers on bags.   

This one's exclusively at 1000markets.com

Winter Gardening

My first foray into fabric yoyo flowers.  I think I'm addicted.

My oh so "perfect" bag!

Why so perfect?  Lovely yes, but perfection is another matter entirely you may say.

front

back  

Well, first off the fabrics, (of course Anna Maria Horner)--can any color combination be more perfect this fall?

Secondly, this is the first handbag I've made that I didn't have to rip even one stitch.  (My neurosis with uneven stitches--I think causes them!)

Third the size is perfect.  The one I have for myself I can carry like a tote in hand, or over the shoulder and tucked under my arm.   This will be on Etsy as soon as I get the picture's file size correct for uploading......

The Cuteness of Kawaii

My daughter has had me driving through mountains, over rivers, and major construction traffic to a little boutique she "discovered" called Kawaii gifts.  I am enraptured by the unabashed, unapologetic cuteness of it all.  So I had to make something as a result of this new discovery.  (I wonder, does this mean that its no longer cool now that I've gotten into this Kawaii thing?)

Beatrice's Bag

Slightly ruffled, generous but attractive proportions, a bright joy to have around--this is the Beatrice Bag.  

Very fun to make with these fabrics from Heather Bailey's Pop Garden.

 

Newest Patchwork Handbag--Amy Butler's Midwestern Modern

A patchwork purse with Amy Butler's newest designs in the Midwestern Modern line!


It's always a startling surprise to find a fabric that I ALREADY own that works with my new fabrics. Which happened here with one of Amy's patterns from Belle and a Sis Boom design.



Tried something a bit different with the quilting. Instead of my usual structured lineal quilting patterns, this time I just freehand machine stitched curvy lines to quilt the bag. That was immensely therapeutic as opposed to following the lines of a chalk grid.

Once a potential customer asked me to provide closure for my bags--here a pretty little vintage button with a rhinestone closes things up. (Personally I like my bags to have easy access--can't fiddle with zippers and buttons.)


Lined in heavy duty canvas this bag is standing on its own. A generous pocket divided into two compartements for cellphone, keys and cash--helps to be somewhat organized.


The colors are very fresh and light for spring into summer.