for my friend
This weekend was my friend's birthday. I had planned to buy her something while out in CA, but when I mentioned this to her she seemed disappointed that she wasn't getting a "Beki creation", as she put it. I told her that I didn't have the time, with being away from home and all. I didn't find anything for her in CA. Then I shopped around home. I still didn't find anything that seemed appropriate. So Sunday evening, I whipped this up. Well, whipped up is sort of an understatement. I'm not good at whipping up anything. And honestly, I didn't want to just whip something up, I wanted to give her something that she'd like. I knew she liked fleur de lis, so that's where I started.
I thought about trying something totally new, but after my last fiasco, I decided to go with something I knew I could do. I used my pleated tote pattern, but modified it a bit (of course). I actually made it a few inches shorter than the pattern, and added the band at the top for something a little different. I'm pleased at how this turned out, though I wasn't too happy when Matt said "oh look, a Saints purse". NO, it's not a Saints purse, it's an appliqued fleur de lis purse!! Eh, it does kind of look like the Saints. Oh well, that wasn't the intention when I made it! Happy Birthday Renee! I love you lots!!!
Lovely, Beki. Renee will love it.
Posted by: lera | October 30, 2007 at 06:47 PM
Love it! And I like the shape and the very top portion really well too. I am sure she was thrilled with it.
Posted by: amy | October 30, 2007 at 07:32 PM
It's beautiful! I am sure your friend loves it.
Posted by: erin | October 30, 2007 at 07:51 PM
Beautiful! I am sure she will love it!
Posted by: Stephanie | October 30, 2007 at 07:51 PM
It's gorgeous! Who wouldn't love it?
Posted by: Sarah Jackson | October 30, 2007 at 08:10 PM
Beautiful bag Beki. The colors are so pretty and the fleur de lis is sewn on perfectly. It take a lot of careful patience to sew around curves in zi-zag stitch.
Posted by: Regina | October 30, 2007 at 08:36 PM
so love the bag...my favorite is the fleur d'lis...will you make me one????? I'm moving to france in 1 year and that would be a great thing to take with me. You are quite talented, very envious, throwing pottery is nothing compared to sewing.
Posted by: Alisa | October 30, 2007 at 09:40 PM
it's really lovely! your friend is a lucky girl.
Posted by: carrie | October 30, 2007 at 09:57 PM
Your husband is nuts. I knew what it was right off! Looks great!
Posted by: Missy | October 30, 2007 at 10:09 PM
I'm sure that the state of California does have some pretty cool things - but I'm with Renee - a Beki creation tops all!
You've done it again, the Saints, I mean fleur d'lis bag is gorgeous!
Posted by: lla | October 31, 2007 at 04:08 AM
Fantastic bag...It will be a hit for sure! Happy Day ((HUGS))
Posted by: Tracy | October 31, 2007 at 06:06 AM
What a great friend! She's gonna love it. The band at the top really adds alot to it and your fleur de lis is flawless.
Posted by: cindy | October 31, 2007 at 08:09 AM
So cute! I love the tweedy brown fabric. And placing the straps right above the pleats is very eye-pleasing.
Posted by: jona | October 31, 2007 at 09:24 AM
It's lovely. What a lucky friend she is.
Posted by: Anina | October 31, 2007 at 09:24 AM
Sounds like you've set a precedent with all of your gorgeous gifts :) Great bag - I am sure your friend will love it!!!
Posted by: Kirsten | October 31, 2007 at 09:37 AM
Gorgeous bag Beki - what a lucky birthday girl!!
Posted by: Lesley | October 31, 2007 at 09:45 AM
Yeah, "whipped up" is what I do with eggs...it would take me many mornings of breakfast to make that! She is a lucky friend!
Posted by: Rebecca | October 31, 2007 at 09:54 AM
Hey, where did my comment go?
Anyway, that is a lovely bag, lucky friend for having such a thoughtful friend, you!
Posted by: Rebecca | October 31, 2007 at 09:56 AM
I didn't think "Saints" at all. It's a beautiful purse and she will love it.
I'm amazed at your anniversary trip. I'm glad you had fun! How are you doing on you 667 bloglines?? Ha! That sounds overwhelming!
Posted by: Linda | October 31, 2007 at 10:19 AM
oh she is going to flip over it....
i would have been upset to if i didn't have a beki creation...but i have 2 so i am happy as punch....eeeekkkk!!!!
Posted by: greta adams | October 31, 2007 at 10:21 AM
beautiful! What a friend you are!
Posted by: Stefani | October 31, 2007 at 10:23 AM
Wow, my bag is famous now! I love it. Thanks, Beki. I love you back.
Posted by: Renee | October 31, 2007 at 10:25 AM
great bag! Lucky girl!!
Posted by: Katie | October 31, 2007 at 12:30 PM
Thats a beautiful bag - such nice fabrics!
Posted by: dee | October 31, 2007 at 07:12 PM
The most meaningful gifts are hand made. I would prefer something hand made from a friend any time. I imagine Renee will be glad you couldn't find anything in CA or around home. ;-)
I enjoy your blog.
Posted by: Becky | October 31, 2007 at 08:39 PM
I am sure your friend will love it. that pink and orange paisley fabric is wonderful.
Posted by: amandajean | October 31, 2007 at 09:43 PM
I think it turned out beautifully! And I love the texture and color.
Posted by: Robyn | November 01, 2007 at 09:34 PM
thanks so much for posting your pleated bag pattern... I made one last night for a friend of mine. And it will not be the last one I make.
Your instructions are beautifully easy to follow. You have a gift for communication.
Posted by: april | November 30, 2007 at 12:49 PM