This is my very small binder that I use for my password holder. It is about four years old or I should say since I bought it. I think that it is far older than that because the plastic has begun to tear. I put duck tape on the binder but it sure made it look ugly. And I don't like to look at things that I can do something about.
And this is what I did. I covered it with a sample fabric and the decorations are excess in my Sewing Box. I did put a magnetic snap on it because with the duct tape drew it open slightly.
Now, I can look at my little book and be pleased with it.
Right now, I have been working on small offerings for Christmas. These are for cosmetics or whatever one finds important to carry in a purse. These measures about 6" x 7". I trimmed them with my precious "Gold" woven trim. I hand sewed the trim on the bags. They each have the small magnetic snaps that I ordered on Etsy. There are days that hand sewing is very soothing and I allow my self to think. I believe that I will be making more. Each bag is lined with a different fabric.
I do have a lot of enjoyment from making purses. But since I always make a challenge for myself, they sometimes take longer than I expect. This one did. As I go along the path of constructing a purse, I find that I don't have all the supplies that I think I need. This time, I found that I did not have the small magnetic snaps that I wanted (and needed) to use for the petit point pockets (there is one on each side of the purse). So I had to order them. While I waited, I made the Gypsy purse. And then, I needed to make a Halloween cloak. Then I couldn't find the chartreuse zipper for the opening and I had to dye that. Of course, since I enjoy all these interruptions, it fits in with the master plan. Well, it is now altogether and I am happy with the outcome. This is the last of the petit point fabric that I stumbled upon. I have lined inside with chartreuse Satin and there is a small petit point pocket, as well as two Satin pockets. The straps are braided fabric cording. It measure 14" across and 11" high.
When I was a child, the Sunday comics held immense fascination for me. One of my favorites was Lil' Abner and his flock of characters. I was way to young to enjoy the off brand humor that Al Capp had but as the years progressed, I remembered situations from the strip and found it very funny. I must have been about 8 when Lil' Abner and Daisy Mae finally married. They had a baby that they named Sparkle Plenty. The name and the likeness were soon commercialized into a doll. Oh, how I wanted that doll. She was pretty and had lots of wavy blond hair. I coveted that doll. But, alas, I did not get that doll for Christmas.
All is corrected, I now have my very own Sparkle Plenty. She is sassy and beautiful , just like the real Sparkle Plenty. The difference is that this Sparkle Plenty lives with me.
In order to clear my mind, I wanted to make something small but attractive and useful. This is a make-up bag. I liked the selvage and the colors that show, so I included it into the bag. A while back I ordered so zipper pulls from Etsy. This one came from Israel but I don't believe that they were made there. They are brass and smooth. They feel old and well treasured. The fabric is rather unique. It is a Cotton and synthetic combo. The hand of the fabric is quite soft and smooth. But what is so special is the weaving of the fabric. One side has only a manila and black stripe and the other side had a thread of red in it to make a tattersall pattern. It measures 7 x 7. Not big but not small. I thought that making this that I would be happy to get back to the one that had been put on hold a while back.
This is my Gypsy Bag. I have always thought that I either channeled Gypsy blood or I was really part Gypsy. It must be that I only channel because I can "fix" my relatives and their blood lines. When I wear a necklace, I have to restrain my self to wear only two at a time. I have been known to wear up to five. And the rings at one point were on quite a few fingers. As I was waiting for parts for the purse that I have already posted about, I thought I needed to fill my imagination with another project. While I was walking a saw a poster and the colors charged me to make a colorful purse. Two blocks later, I found a small pile of fabric (the purple lavender confection). I think that I live where people have a business making clothes. It seemed like a challenge to my previous idea of Gypsy thoughts. I picked up the pile of fabric and almost ran home. And that is what started my journey into Gypsy purse adventure. The strap is what I imagine would be if I were really wanted to color up my life. I purchased the cording and I had the gold toned chain. I wove the cords and chain and sewed it all together. I attached all the gaudy cord and embroidered ribbons I had in my stock. There is also Turquoise beads as well. This is the back of the purse and you can see a few pieces of Turquoise. I also included the hoops that I bought at the Alameda Flea Market.
I have always totally enjoyed making purses and I don't claim very many as mine. With this purse, I want to announce that I now have a store. I hope that you will take a look at this project of mine. Please look at my store.
I just received the Halloween photos. I am very pleased to see my darlings in their choice of costumes. Lucy is Michael Jackson as seen in the Zombie version of "Thriller". She has skinny pants and penny loafers, just like Michael Jackson's video.
Since I did not want to make the complicated jacket that Michael Jackson wore, Grandma went on line and found the perfect jacket.
But I did make the Harry Potter "cloak". I even sacrificed some amazing Plum Taffeta to the project. I was constantly on line checking to make sure that it was just like Harry Potter. I thought that I would collect payment last weekend but I will get my just rewards of kisses and hugs this weekend. The make-up was provided by their father, who has as much fun with Halloween as the children.
I received this wonderful drawing from my Great Niece Annie, who is the daughter of my darling niece. Annie is very creative. My house seems decorated by "Art by Annie". I have a clay cup that is totally perfect for my cutting table. I have a wonderful cat drawing, inspired by the many cats that I have had in my life. I have this amazing figure out of clay that was inspired by Project Runway. Annie uses her life to inspire her art. It is always fun to see what she does but sometimes it brings tears.
I've been a Daughter, Mother, Wife, Sister, Aunt, Granddaughter and friend. I've been the student, an employee, a designer, a caregiver and for the last thirty years, the owner and operator of a business.
This is my very small binder that I use for my password holder. It is about four years old or I should say since I bought it. I think that it is far older than that because the plastic has begun to tear. I put duck tape on the binder but it sure made it look ugly. And I don't like to look at things that I can do something about.
And this is what I did. I covered it with a sample fabric and the decorations are excess in my Sewing Box. I did put a magnetic snap on it because with the duct tape drew it open slightly.
