Bags and Pillows

Had to take a break from the lavender sachets.  I've been wanting a smaller purse for a while now since I don't carry around that much stuff anymore.  I could never find anything in my bag.  So, I decided to prowl the various craft sites on the Internet to see if I could find something easy to do.  Through clicking links, I ended up on the So Sew Easy blog and found the "Make it Yours" one piece clutch bag.  How much easier can you get? The pattern comes in a small and a larger size. I first made the smaller bag using dragonfly designs From the Needle of Ann.  Decided I needed just a little larger, so made the next size up using designs from Mountain Thread Art.  The pattern calls for magnetic clasps, but I didn't have any so Velcro came in handy.  I also used key rings for the strap and tabs and used fabric scraps from my stash. I've since ordered some magnetic clasps, so the next bags I make will be finished a little nicer.  I think I will also alter this pattern some by making the flap a little longer with more rounded corners. I will be making some for sale in our local gift gallery. 

This is the front of the dragonfly clutch I made with some scrap home decorator fabric.

And the back of the clutch.

I added a little pocket and the lining was also a piece of scrap material.

This is the larger size made with denim from my scrap stash.  Front.

Back

Well, I didn't want you to see the purse contents.....the lining is nice flower design.  Forgot to add the inside pocket on this one.

Then I was going through all my completed counted cross stitch designs and found some pansies I stitched several years ago.  Just happened to have some coordinating material on hand and decided to make a small tote bag.   This pattern is  Kwik Sew pattern 3133.  (These patterns are available in fabric stores and I believe in Walmart, too.)  Another easy pattern.  Couldn't make just one, so another one came after using Carolyn Shores Wright graphic designs from Betty's Original Embroideries.  I kind of like the simplicity of these bags as the embroidery is not obscured by highly patterned fabric.  However, I might embellish the upper bands if I use plain fabric with some coordinating designs and include more pockets and maybe a hanging key chain with charms.

Carolyn Shores Wright graphic artwork.  Designs by Betty's Original Embroideries.  Front of bag.

Back of bag.

Inside with some pockets. Nice to have articles with no unsightly seams showing. 

My counted cross stitch design.  No pockets on the inside of this one.  Just a plain carry tote.

Well, a couple small pockets on the outside.  I do like embroidery on both sides, though.

Have I told you yet that I really like the designs from Betty's Original Embroideries?   She makes some really cute designs and always includes a project or two to highlight the designs.  Each month Betty provides a complimentary set of designs for a monthly contest.  I entered her contests a couple times several years ago, and have not been following her on the Yahoo Group until this month.  For her June contest she created a "Smallest Things" set of designs.  I decided to try my hand at making a pieced pillow top using the designs.  I might make something else for the contest as the pillow top includes strawberry lace designs from Sonia Showalter Designs.  Don't think it would be appropriate to submit a project in a contest that also features another digitizer's designs. I might make another pillow cover in my heirloom style.  At any rate, I like this cheery little pillow and those strawberries look very delicious.

Front of the pillow.  This is an 18 inch pillow form.  I used fabric scraps from my stash to make this pillow.

Back of the pillow.  I added some velcro tabs to tack down the top flap.

Next on my agenda is to make some small coin purses.  Am in the process of ordering the decorative top clasps.  Hopefully, by the end of the year holidays, I will have an assorted inventory of gift items for our local gallery. 

Until the next time....

Best Regards,
Jan

Lavender Sachets and More

Well, I had meant to post something new before now, but work in my studio and yard occupied available time.  I did manage to complete a sachet set and get it posted on my Heirloom Expressions Etsy site.  I am still waiting for a shipment arrival in order to complete a few other sets for posting.

So, on with the pictures.....

This set is from the Cardinal Country Design Petit Violet collection.  I originally purchased these designs from Oregon Patchworks, but this digitizer no longer sells through the mall.  She may have gone out of business as I cannot find her designs on the web.  The designs are very pretty and I may make a pillow or table runner.  These designs would look nice on some clothing, too.  But, first I am having fun with the sachets.  In this set, all the articles are travel size.  

Cardinal Country Design Violet Petit.  This set includes a personal tissue holder, four pillow sachets, and a little case with a removable sachet.  The case could be used as a jewelry pouch.

Here is a close-up of one of the sachets.  The material is a sparkly yellow.  The little butterfly is a lace design from  Criswell Embroidery..

Here is a close-up of another of the sachets.  The heart pendant is from Sonia Showalter Designs.

These three sachets are embroidered on an off-white Dupioni Silk.  The designs are from Louisa Meyer Originals, Something Pretty Collection of designs.

Most of my sachets are pillow type sachets with a muslin insert filled with a polyester fiberfill and a generous amount of lavender.  I have switched to the culinary lavender which is the lavender buds devoid of stem and leaf pieces. 

The machine embroidery on these sachets are also done on Dupioni silk.  The designs are from the Martha Pullen Collection from Zundt Designs, the leader in the fine art of Swiss embroidery. 

I added a bit of lace on the back. 

Here are three fun little owl designs from Ace Points available at the Oregon Patchworks Mall.

These three sachets have embroidery from the Weddings and Romance collection of designs from Elsa's Designs available at the Oregon Patchworks Mall. 

These are such beautiful designs.  They are from the Mini Blossoms design set available From the Needle of Anne at her website and also available at the Oregon Patchworks Mall.  I just love the little heart pendant from Sonia Showlater Designs, so I made one in coordinated thread colors for this sachet. 

Another sachet.  I have been adding some pintucking to my sachets.  Adds just a little heirloom quality. 

I made this design as a hang-up pouch with some lavender buds. 

Here are the three sachets in the collection. 

This inspirational design is also From the Needle of Anne in the Mini Blossoms design set.  The pillow is 14 inches x 14 inches. 

For the back of the pillow, I added a Mini Blossom Border. 

As I continue making the sachets and pillows, I am adding more embellishments to give them more of what I consider an "heirloom" quality.  I like the touch of a few rhinestones, lace and ribbons.  I have in mind to make some fabric ruffles, too.  But, my next run of sachets will have more lace or beads for the edgings. 

Hope you enjoyed viewing and perhaps became a little inspired.

Jan

Hats for Loss of Hair or Chemo Hats

I was asked if I could knit 2 "fun" hats....one for a little 3 year old girl who lost her hair due to chemo and one for her 6 year old sister who is showing support. After hearing where the request originated, I thought it would be more in line with an Easter celebration. This is what I came up with for my customer, who likes the product. So, I guess I was not too far off base. Nice pastel colors for the holiday with a little furry fringe and very soft yarns and a chenille edged flower with bead center.

Seems the mainstream department stores have taken the knit and crochet hats off the shelves until next Fall.   Now I think I will make a few more for my Etsy shop that are more appropriate for Spring and Summer.  I like the ones with the brims.

Wishing you a fun day.
Jan

My Etsy Shop

Well, March is almost over and I have been busy both in my shop and working outside preparing for the hot Summer season.  I don't think we had a Winter, we are going from one Summer 2013 to another 2014, forget about Fall and Winter.  California is in a deep drought.  Mother Nature is presenting us with teaser rain episodes.  Not enough to end the drought and not enough to fill the water reservoirs.  I think this crazy weather is just going to get worse.

Anyway, since I cannot change the weather, I am enjoying my new studio.  Finally, after a couple years, my Etsy shop is open.  I have a few items for sale.  In between restocking our local artist and gift gallery and the Etsy shop, I am busy building my inventory.

Here are some items you will find in the Heirloom Expressions Etsy shop.

For the tweens to adults I have for sale a green crochet bobble coverlet in an overall diamond pattern.  It has a very nice textured fabric.  The back is smooth.  It is approximately 52 inches by 69.5 inches.   You can see the listing here:  Diamond pattern bobble coverlet.

Here is a closer view of the front and back.

All folded.

For the little infant and toddle people I have another green coverlet.  This one is just the right size as a cuddle blanket or a carry along in the car or stroller.  You can this coverlet here:  Knit Baby Coverlet.

All folded.

For this coverlet I incorporated four counted cross stitch woodland babies.  This one, too, is just the right size to use as a cuddle blanket, or carry along in the car or stroller.  I have it listed on Etsy here:  Woodland Babies Quilted Coverlet.

A close-up of the kit fox and the fawn.

Close-up of the squirrel and bunny.

Can't forget the back.  I kept it simple.

I also have in my shop something for the sewing enthusiast.  A couple sewing caddy sets and some small machine embroidered pin cushions.

This is my green sewing set.  It comes with all the items pictured and can be seen here:  Green Sewing Caddy Set.

This is the yellow sewing set.  It also comes with all the items pictured and can be seen here:  Yellow Sewing Caddy Set.

Then, I have a small selection of pincushions which are listed here:  Heirloom Expressions Etsy Shop.

So, now it is back to the cutting, piecing and sewing.  I have some custom quilted blanket orders to complete.

Hope you enjoyed viewing these little cuties.  Until the next post, have some wonderful fun-filled days.

Jan

Chair Caddy Sewing Set

With the sewing enthusiast in mind......

This set includes a Chair Caddy to hold sewing supplies, a Biscornu pincushion, a Scissor Fob, a Needle Keep, and a Scissor Case.  The set will also include a pair of stork scissors and a needle set.  These items I am waiting on delivery. 

This set will be available in my Etsy store in the near future. 

Chair Caddy Sewing Set.  The embroidery designs are from Monica's Miscellany.  I don't believe they are available anymore as her website is no longer in existence. 

Front of Needle Keep

Front and Back of Needle Keep

Inside of Needle Keep.