I took a break from creating for others on the weekend and finished this Saturday night. I stayed up way to late to get it done I was so excited. I intended to sew the handles on Sunday morning and have a lovely new bag. BUT turns out the handles I bought (before I knew what fabric I was going to use) are too small. I won’t be able to put the bag on my shoulder and they’re so small they look a bit silly.

So I’ve rearranged my BFF night out (Thanks BFF!) so I can head to the store tomorrow and pick up a longer set of handles.

Guess I’ll have to just sew another purse for these handles I already have *smile*

It’s all awesomely crocheted and lined with fabric. The little wing circles on the sides are pockets. It’s absolutely incredible quality, she did an amazing job.

I signed up on I Think Sew and then when I was contacted the lovely Sue asked me if I’d make . . . . A TOTE BAG!!!  Yipee!!

I used the vintage fabric that Keyka Lou mentioned, I have a problem buying the cute fabrics she mentions.  For the lining I just grabbed something from my stash.  There’s a little metal clasp on the inside and it’s a really nice big roomy bag.  I’ve been using it since.

I also own this fun pattern and have been carrying around the PDF on my ipad searching for just the right fabric.

Woohoo!!! Months, I’m ashamed to say, after cutting this all out it’s finally done!!

I also shamelessly tracked down the exact fabric Keyka Lou used in her photos, but look how lovely they are paired together!  Can you blame me?

It’s Robert Kaufman’s Dill Blossom and I cheated and just used some red with white polka dot stuff I had lying around.

I had some wonkiness issues when piecing the lining together with the exterior. I fear I’m not a very precise and exact kind of crafter. But a quick email helped clear up the problem and I’m so happy with the finished bag.

It folds right up into practically nothing! Another good feature if I should happen to sell loads of stuff. Then I can put the things back into the large suitcase and only have to wheel 1 thing out. It will also make a great crafting on the go, overnight, or taking a lot of stuff to work bag.

I have 2 craft shows to go to in the next little while and I carry my stock in our large suitcase but I find I’m always scrambling to keep the little things organized, my business cards, tissue paper, bags, signs, cash box . . .  So rather than have to carry in a ton of things I figured I’d be able to wheel in just 2 things and be done.  Oh other than carrying in my 2 display units.

The problem with having a bit of a bag/tote/purse fetish is that each time I make one intending to sell it I really just want to keep it for myself!

So I’ve been working on Keyka Lou‘s bracelet bag in a little sew along with my friend.  We only get to it every second Tuesday when we have our night in at my house and we have the kids.  Needless to say we don’t get much sewing done until about 8pm and by then it’s almost time for her to leave.  So this week I had a bad day and in a grumpy moment I decided to just finish my bag to cheer my myself up.  It worked wonders!

I used this cute little button because it looks like the inside of a tree and I figured it went well with the fabric.  I *think* it’s a Heidi Grace print but I’m not sure, can’t seem to find it to prove that, but I’m pretty sure I got it at Joann’s.  It’s a great size, there’s a inside and outside pocket.  I added a button hole to my outside pocket, which was a fantastically easy thing to do with my Babylock!!  I just may have to post a video of that so everyone can marvel, it was insanely easy.

The bag is also awesome for hanging on your wrist so you can still have 2 hands, hence the name bracelet bag.  I tried to take a photo of that in action but I was alone and dashing outside for a minute away from the kids so it’s not the best shot but you get the idea.

A lovely sewing box from John Lewis. I loved the craft section there and wanted to get more but the first day we went we had the kids and then when we went back it was to a different location and it was also insanely busy with the post Christmas shopping. So I grabbed a sewing box and ran. I would have gotten the slightly bigger one but I was worried about having to pack it.

And of course, any trip for me wouldn’t be complete without the purchase of a bag or some sort. So on our last trip into London I found this little cutie! It was meant to be since the price tag matched exactly with how much money I had left in my wallet. Clearly it was asking to be taken home with me.

I hope to get creating again on the weekend for sure. I’m off to scrapbook on Saturday and Style School starts Sunday so it should help kick start me for 2010!

I’m going to get to work planning a messenger bag or something for my laptop.

I have a bag/tote addiction.  Which is sort of crazy since I hate carrying purses, but since growing up (or at least reaching an age where I *look* grown up) I’ve started carrying something with me.  Well that and having kids, now I’ve got to have things with me even if I have the diaper bag! Etsy was an addiction for a little bit, I absolutely love this lady’s bags.  I own 3 of her bags, 1 was even custom made for me, I feel so special. I try not to check her site too often, I just want it all!!

I’ve become inspired by her style and started to design my own bags.  This is the first one I’ve actually got to sewing.  I’ve got a stash of fabric I’ve been collecting for almost a year. The teal coloured pocket is actually a dishcloth I found on clearance. The strap I have set aside was a thrift store find, currently it’s a belt but that will change. There’s a panel on the back with 2 pockets, lined in a different colour even!   I’m so proud.  Perhaps tonight I’ll have a chance to sew the lining.   Fingers crossed, I might even get to put the strap on and sew it together!