April 14, 2008
Projects
After taking a 15 year hiatus from sewing, I recieved a sewing machine for Christmas from my dear parents. I had the hardest time deciding what to make for my first project. I intended to make a dress, but then I went accross the street to a little fabric shop that has fantastic quilt fabric. Of course, I wasn't going to make a quilt. Do you really think I'm crazy? Not quite that crazy. Instead, I started thinking how all those great quilt fabrics would make adorable purses. So I came back home and started searching for a pattern to make a purse. After a long search, I found this great site and I was determined to make this purse. Unfortunately, I could never find the pattern (not sure if it's published yet) and the fabric she used was vintage and therefore, unobtainable. So I searched for the next best thing, and here's what I found: Amy Butler's Kimberly pattern. I immediately fell in love with Amy Butler's patterns and fabric. Of course the beautiful thing about living in the second largest metro-area in the country is that I can have immediate shopping gratification, instead of ordering online. So I got my pattern and fabric, and got to work.
So taking Amy Butler's pattern and fabric, along with the inspiration from Heather Bailey's fabulous bag, here's my first sewing project in years (and my first zipper installation ever):
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| From Miscellaneous |
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| From Miscellaneous |
My technique definitely needs some improvement, but I have to admit, I'm proud of how it turned out.
I may try to make another one (with some modifications like an interior pocket) out of this old duvet cover that I can't bear to part with, but I can't use in house occupied by a man:
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| From Miscellaneous |
I like the fabric, so I think I'll go all "Fraulein Maria" on it and make it into something more useful.
Posted by christin at April 14, 2008 11:45 PM | TrackBackHey! That turned out great!!!! Good job. The two reds are really cute together.
I haven't gotten brave enough for zippers yet.
Posted by: Jeannette at April 15, 2008 05:48 AMThe purse looks great. Love the lining! I'm a sucker for polka dots. BTW, having a man in the house doesn't necessarily mean the pink has to go. We have a pink floral quilt on our bed and Jon doesn't even flinch :)
Posted by: hollie at April 15, 2008 01:01 PMI love it! I recommend not sewing garments until you're really confident. I've tried four times to make a piece of clothing for myself that fits well and failed every time. Still pretty bitter about it too. :)
Posted by: Emily Hilleke at April 15, 2008 01:03 PMGreat job Sis. You're ahead of me on sewing machine use. I've made a couple of fancy burp cloths for friends, but that's about it (and that doesn't require any skill!)
I need to get some patterns to make some things for the boys...ooh, and a dress like Amy's bridesmaids dress!
That is pretty awesome Christin!! I'm totally impressed. Not only do you get the satisfaction of accomplishing something that detailed, but when people ask you where you got it you can say you made it!! I've really been wanting a sewing machine lately....I guess I should start saving now.
Posted by: Lacey at April 16, 2008 08:00 AMVery impressed! Love the fabric, love the shape...love it all! ;-)
You should sell them. I'd totally buy one!
Christin, the multi-talented. That's my friend. Yeah, I know her. Yeah, she even knows who I am too. I'm so impressed, but not at all surprised, that you would tackle a zipper so soon. I don't at all enjoy them, but that's probably cuz I'm typically making garments for others and I get all perfectionist and they never end up laying right in the fitted dresses I've done for special occasions. so, at least you aren't afraid of the challenge. and it obviously worked for you. Way to go!
Happy Birthday, by the way. Wish I could hug you in person. Did you get my ecard?
Love,
Oriel, Analeasa & Levi