20 February 2007
Remember the little patchwork pouch I made a while back? Now I've got a complete set:
I made the purse several days ago now, but I held off posting about it, because I knew it had to grow on me. I wasn't quite sure I liked it at first -- it wasn't *exactly* as I'd seen it in my mind's eye. But now that I'm used to it, I've decided it's nice.
I've been using the girly little purse for a while now, and I liked that I could tuck it under my arm and not worry about it getting in the way, but it was just a little bit too small. This new purse is a bit taller, but more or less the same size, otherwise. Perfect.
But really, I'm most excited about the little notebook/organizer! I first discovered binder rings in a little stationery shop in Edinburgh (sigh). They're nothing spectacular and are available at most office stores, but I was very excited when I found them, because it meant I could create a notebook that I could add pages and pockets to as I wanted. I'll have to take a photo of the notebook I used in Edinburgh, as I did take it everywhere with me. That one was pretty basic, but this is clearly a step up! Inside the front cover, there are pockets for all my extra cards:
I've got so many membership cards or cards that I almost never use (NOT credit cards, I should say -- I've only got two of those), so this'll keep them out of my wallet (wallet! Must make a matchy wallet next!). I made custom little dividers, although they're not really dividing anything of importance yet:
And the back has a zip pocket as well as another little pocket, for checkbooks and receipts and things. And yes, I really do clip coupons! That's part of my Sunday ritual. It's not so much about the 55 cents I save, it's the spirit of the thing! And the 55 cents.
You can see in the very top picture that it closes with a fabric and elastic band. That didn't work at first, because I had elastic at only one end. I grumbled about that for quite a while until I realized I could just tear out the stitches and add elastic on the other side as well. What am I, too good for seam ripping? Puh!
Such talent...I love your bag and the matching organiser. Great styling with the photos, too!
posted by Jade at February 21, 2007 12:05 AM
I love the notebook...what a great use of those rings. I use them for so many things. I could so use one of those!
posted by Becca at February 21, 2007 12:33 AM
you should sell those. I would definately buy them because I collect notebooks and organizers. ehehehe
posted by feli at February 21, 2007 12:54 AM
I love them they are so cute. The binder rings are a great idea. I found some colored ones and I might just have to make me one. Thanks for the great idea.
posted by kate at February 21, 2007 01:04 AM
Nice?!! My heck... they're so much more than NICE!! These are incredible. Really.
posted by at February 21, 2007 03:04 AM
Me again. Really, really incredible.I hate when I leave comments anonymously...
posted by Amy at February 21, 2007 03:05 AM
I love the little organizer - so cute!
posted by Ellen at February 21, 2007 03:36 AM
Amazing workmanship!
posted by Mariko at February 21, 2007 03:37 AM
I love what you did with those rings. I have lots of simple notebooks made with them, possibly from the same shop in which you discovered them, but I haven't made anything so nice and polished.
posted by ysolda at February 21, 2007 11:38 AM
What a lovely thing to do with all your favorite bits of fabric. Beautifully done too, so neat! Must be nice to know, when you're out and about, that all your bits coordinate...:)
posted by Daphne at February 21, 2007 05:39 PM
So beautiful!! That zippered pocket/flap for your coupons is genius!
posted by Laura at February 22, 2007 05:41 PM
L-O-V-E the bag and the organizer!! You don't by any chance have a pattern you would share. Please, please. :o)
posted by Lisa at February 22, 2007 09:22 PM
Lisa -- Thank you! (And thank you to everybody else, too!) I'm afraid I don't have a pattern -- I just make things up as I go. I keep saying I'm going to put together a book of my patterns, but I suppose I have to start writing things down first!
posted by Anna at February 22, 2007 09:52 PM
Anna, can you remember the name of the shop in Edinburgh or whereabouts it was? (We live there/here!)
I love the things you make.
posted by Karen at February 23, 2007 10:51 AM
I love the notebook/organizer. I've been meaning to make something like that since I'm always scribbling little notes to myself on old receipts and scraps of paper. But I can never find them again when I need them.
posted by sara at February 23, 2007 03:13 PM
Karen -- It was just some little shop on the east side of Nicolson/Clerk Street. I can picture it in my mind. . . maybe across from Nicolson Square? It was a very little shop, but burned into my memory because of the binder rings!
posted by Anna at February 23, 2007 03:45 PM
all your work and photos are very beautiful!!!
posted by julie at February 23, 2007 06:33 PM
your zippers are absolutely inspiring..tried your tutorial and I guess practice makes perfect 'cause i am not there yet! But oh your zippers.............................!
posted by celaine at February 24, 2007 02:17 PM
Anna, thankyou for the Edinburgh shop information - I think I know the one you mean. When were you here and did you like the city? (Hope you don't mind my asking).
posted by Karen at February 24, 2007 08:25 PM
Karen -- I studied there during the spring of 2003. I love Edinburgh -- it's still my favourite city!
posted by Anna at February 24, 2007 09:27 PM
So glad you like Edinburgh, Anna - we think it's pretty good, too!
posted by Karen at February 25, 2007 04:17 PM
that notebook ROCKS! I want to see see more pictures of it! how is the paper held in?
posted by soren at February 26, 2007 12:30 PM
Great color choice and the blue zipper is the best!!! It really seems to bring it all together.
You have inspired me to dress up my ring binder. They say make it pretty and you will enjoy it better, right?
Thanks for sharing. Love it all.
posted by Gina at February 27, 2007 08:36 PM
These are all just gorgeous. Such attention to detail, they're wonderful to look at.
posted by BrownPants at March 15, 2007 09:45 AM
nice organiser!
posted by Irene at January 14, 2008 03:39 AM