Thursday, July 11, 2013

simple little bags

 
I stayed up last night into the early hours of the morning. Sewing.  Which will probably not surprise you. Not tackling a project I needed to do (There's certainly plenty of them.) Of course not. But sometimes you need to break away from the invisible crafting list and just create a little something for the sake of it.

In the back of my mind I had been meaning to make a little bag for Julia to take her (always small) projects to and from sewing classes. So last night, after Offspring had finished, after the kids were in bed, I plugged in the sewing machine and set to work. It was good to be back! I'd been finding it hard to get any sort of motivation going in the way of sewing lately, and I think a small project like this was just the thing I needed. While I was at it I thought Violet may like a slightly smaller similar version.


 

I love the chance to mix and match old fabrics, and so I teamed a strong old linen tea towel with a mix of scrap florals, all (except the grey lining) originally from the op shop. I cut two squares for each bag, adding a pocket to the front and some lining. I used to be scared of lining. Until I discovered that it can actually be easier to line than to zig zag all the unfinished edges. Besides being a perfect excuse to add another fabric into the mix.





To finish off I quickly embroidered an initial on each. No too carefully because I was getting quite tired by this stage. Such is the way of late night sewing. In my experience late night sewing is really only suited to those free style projects with room for error. It was good that this project was one of those.




It turns out the girls are happy and ended up wearing them most of the morning. Stuffed with an assortment of books and small toys. The only problem was getting a decent picture amongst the school holiday chaos and dim lighting, and I didn't quite succeed with that. But not to worry, I think those simple little bags are just what we all needed.





Because we all know it's not just about the sewing.




18 comments:

  1. Oh I love them. Love how you used old linen tea towels and scraps of fabric. I bet Violet loves having one all to herself like big sister Julia xo

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  2. Beautiful bags...love how you have made 'old', new again.

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  3. The little bags look great and judging by the kids wearing them they are a bit hit which is appreciation for your late night sewing efforts. Great job. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia

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  4. How beautiful! And what a pleasure to make something that your children love so much.

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  5. I love, not just the beautiful bags, but the inspiration you give by sharing your sewing life with us. I'm sitting here thinking, "I could do that!" Late night sewing is MUCH more productive than TV, yes?
    Using the towels was such a creative idea!

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  6. They're perfect!!! I love the patches on your oldest girls jeans too... :) I'm in the process of mending all of my girls jeans at the moment and heart patches are an awesome idea...

    Jodie :)

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  7. I think you've successfully made two girls very happy! Great idea with the teatowels..takes away that 'brand new' look too..much more suitable for going out with. Happy weekending!

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  8. I think you've successfully made two girls very happy! Great idea with the teatowels..takes away that 'brand new' look too..much more suitable for going out with. Happy weekending!

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  9. Hi Tania, I think those two will get plenty of use from these bags. I bet you enjoyed your sew. I was up last night finishing off a little dress for a birthday present today for a friend. It doesn't matter how late it is does it, I find it such a peaceful and productive time. Just you and your machine and NO distractions! I invested in an 4 thread overlocker recently and it has seriously changed my world, no more tedious zigzaging for me and I use it to edge and seam sew at the same time. I can whip things up in no time. If your serious about the whole zig zag thing then I would so recommend an over locker, I can't believe I never had one sooner. Now I just need a computer I can talk to so I can save time typing!! :) Hope your keeping well. Karen xo

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  10. I made a little calico bag for my daughter when she was about Violet's age. She still has it and is almost 22. These little projects, made with love, really are valued by our gorgeous children.

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  11. The little bags turned out very pretty.
    and how cute your two are modelling their new bags.x

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  12. these are so sweet and i love the little details you added x

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  13. Oh, the cuteness! The bags and your girls. How it must have made your Mama heart sing to see them worn all day. Made with love indeed. xx

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  14. Tania what size is Violet now. I have a couple things I'd be happy to gift on if they fit. Leax

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  15. So sweet! What a gorgeous mix of fabrics, LOVE the embroidered initials.

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  16. Wonderful! I love the look of them and they seems to suit your girls just perfectly! Well done.

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  17. In the back of my mind I had been meaning to make a little bag for Julia to take her (always small) projects to and from sewing classes. So last night, after Offspring had finished, drawstring carrier bags

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