10 June 2006
Hooray, I made a new bag!
I actually made this as a gift (no, not for you), and now I can't decide if it's too girly for its intended recipient. These things tend to get away from me; just a bit of lace here, and a flower there, and suddenly everybody is turning up their noses. This one is pretty restrained, but it still might be too much for some people.
The exterior fabric is a Cath Kidston design I picked up on sale months and months ago. It's lined with white linen that my mom sent me -- this isn't what I had in mind for it (this only used a small bit, of course), but the texture was just right. It's 'interfaced' with some fleecy white material (I don't have any white felt). I'm liking the feel of padding a bag instead of using standard iron-on interfacing. It gives the bag a bit of structure without making it stiff, and mainly, it gives some 'oomph' and volume to the fabric.
I made this bag with a zip, which is fairly unusual for me. Zips and I are natural enemies. I've figured out little tricks here and there, and this one went in with no problem. But I'm still a bit wary. I'm keeping my eye on you, zips.
Obligatory action shot. It's just right for tucking under your arm like this, or it can dangle daintily from your hand as you prance around in your new summer dress. Bonus boobs in that photo. And see how pointy my elbow is. . . . okay, stop looking at me now.
Phew, it feels good to actually finish a substantial project (without it going horribly wrong along the way!).
I dont think it's too girly (and I'm not a very girly girl) - I think the blue tones it down somewhat :)
posted by Cate at June 10, 2006 12:33 PM
your bag is lovely. the shape and (i agree with Cate) the blue grounds it somehow. and while i'm here i want to say i love your blog; i've just found it and now you are on my "list" of ones to visit everyday! i really related to your concern about not having one style in your studio. i am taken by so many different styles too and wish i could figure myself out. or at least put it all together as beautifully as you do!
posted by catherine at June 10, 2006 02:58 PM
Oh don't worry it is not to girly for me. I love it and I have lots of great things to wear with it! Oh wait a minute ... it's not for me? Oh darn *wink*
It is lovely though. I feel assured that the recipient will love it. It is not so much "over girly" as it is simply "filled with charm"! Beautiful work.
Lastly, nothing to worry about in that photo. You could be a torso model. (I would have said model, but well... I have only seen the torso.)
posted by vegasandvenice at June 10, 2006 05:22 PM
I think the purse is adorable!
posted by caitlyn at June 10, 2006 05:59 PM
First:sorry for my bad english...
Second:I think the bag is really nice and the shape is right to use it at night when you need just few things with you.
Third: could you tell us the tricks you have found about zips? They are my enemis too.. and I cannot found anything helpfull for me.
last but not least: I enjoy your blog very much and I didnt found the courage to write to you because of my english...but after all I cannot resist any more and here I am!!!
ciao
Sabina
posted by sabina at June 10, 2006 11:36 PM
First: Sabina's English is as good or better than most Americans.
Second: If I buy that purse will it make my tummy look as skinny as yours or does that require all that running stuff?
.d
posted by .d at June 11, 2006 02:38 AM
If a purse could rock, that one does. I'm not saying nuthin' 'bout the elbows.
posted by Megan at June 11, 2006 04:29 AM
That bag is gorgeous and just the perfect amount of girly :)
posted by Lindsey (Yankee Girl Designs) at June 12, 2006 03:07 PM
I was just going to say it looks like you did an awesome job on the zipper before I saw that you have a troubled relationship with them. Doesn't look like it a bit. Oh, and your pointy elbow and boobs look great too.
posted by Alicia P. at June 12, 2006 03:22 PM
Love your new bag. So cute!
posted by vanessa at June 12, 2006 08:25 PM
That bag is nothing short of fabulous!
posted by Leisl at June 13, 2006 01:56 AM
Oh, that bag is gorgeous. GORGEOUS.
posted by Kitty at June 13, 2006 09:48 AM
I think it's adorable, for what it's worth. I'm not all that girly. :) Very cute, I love the pattern on the fabric and the little button-medal thing. And I want your sweater (well, not actually the one you have, but one like it. 3/4 sleeves rock my world).
Also, I was just going to tell you in case I'm not the last person to know, that Steve is engaged, and getting married in September. Whee, weddings.
posted by Jessie at June 15, 2006 04:24 AM