boosting my confidence
This weekend I started working on my fiesta dress. Oh boy, this is turning out to be way more complicated that what I wanted. I had to stop working on it because I didn't have a zipper (and was just plain frustrated). I didn't even realize that the dress needed a zipper! That's what I get for using a pattern I bought 4 years ago and not consulting the back of the envelope before diving in. I'm gonna plow through it, and hopefully have a dress at the end of the week.
After working on that dress I needed to work on something to build my confidence back up (a tricky pattern will do that to ya). I decided to go with a simple zippered pouch. Easy peasy. I think I was trying to build up a good rapport with my zipper foot before I attempt the 22" zipper on that dress. I think it turned out cute - I'm so easily pleased!
Because I was still in the mood to sew, I decided to tackle a new bag design I came up with last week. It's a pleated pocket tote. I still need to do some tweaking of the pattern, but for a prototype I think it turned out great. The fabrics totally make it. This bag makes me want to sip a tall glass of lemonade. I'm so tempted to start carrying this around, but I just made myself a new bag last week. I plan to list it in the shop, but I have a feeling I'll be making myself one soon...I'm such an addict!!
That pleated pocket tote is awesome!!! Are you going to be selling the pattern for that?
Posted by:Tine | April 07, 2008 at 03:15 PM
LOVE the tote!! the fabric is perfect.
Posted by:carrie | April 07, 2008 at 03:28 PM
That tote is so sweet. It is totally screaming picnic to me.
Posted by:kerri | April 07, 2008 at 03:28 PM
Good luck with the dress! I have so many pattern/fabric combos I've gotten that haven't gotten made... I'm so scared of clothes!
Posted by:Sarah | April 07, 2008 at 03:37 PM
Both bags are wonderful!
Posted by:Jody | April 07, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Such cute booster projects! I still can't wait to see the dress!!!
Posted by:Missy | April 07, 2008 at 03:57 PM
I think of all the bags I've seen (and MADE!!) lately that is my very favorite. Just beautiful.
I used the same dotty fabric for the lining of a bag I made as a gift. The ouside was a lovely Martha Stewart embroidered dishtowel. So pretty and sassy with that great red lining.
Posted by:Becky | April 07, 2008 at 04:13 PM
LOVE the tote. May I join you for some lemonade?
The dress is going to be great, you talented thing. xo
Posted by:miss chris | April 07, 2008 at 04:24 PM
love the fabrics you used. So happy looking :)
I'm quite sure your dress will come out terrific.
Posted by:kat | April 07, 2008 at 04:34 PM
once again love the bags! Keep going on your dress! If anyone can do it, you can!
Posted by:Jess | April 07, 2008 at 05:04 PM
Beki, love the bag. Please, please tell the name of the red dotted fabric. I love it.
Posted by:Alicia | April 07, 2008 at 05:07 PM
Wow, that bag really looks sharp. And you're right, I think you need an iced tea or a mojito or something, and head off to a picnic! Nice job.
Posted by:Michelle | April 07, 2008 at 05:09 PM
I'm in love with that urban chicks fabric - just bought myself some to make a quilt...but your bag looks gorgeous!
Posted by:lina | April 07, 2008 at 05:14 PM
Very cute!! Can't wait to see your dress!!
Posted by:Regina | April 07, 2008 at 05:23 PM
And what's wrong with having a new bag this week and every week? LOL! I love the new tote bag and the zippered pouch!
Posted by:Mary Sarah | April 07, 2008 at 06:17 PM
that new tote is swell! :)
Posted by:kathryn | April 07, 2008 at 06:38 PM
Such gorgeous-ness! Both fabric and design are great - congratulations...
Posted by:Marina | April 07, 2008 at 07:34 PM
I love the fabric choice for the pouch!
Posted by:chris | April 07, 2008 at 08:27 PM
Wait... I thought that pattern was for a wrap dress. There's a zipper involved?!? Yikes.
Posted by:sulu-design | April 07, 2008 at 08:51 PM
That bag is so cheerful! I love it. Red with white polka dots always gets me going!
Posted by:kristena | April 07, 2008 at 09:43 PM
Do you buy the Martha Stewart dish cloths online or is there a K-mart near you? Those fabric colors make me think of Cath Kidson (not sure if I'm spelling her name right--British home stuff designer).
Posted by:Elizabeth | April 07, 2008 at 09:57 PM
If you're an addict, so am I!!! And now the bag is mine, bwhahahahaha!!!
That dress doesn't look like it would have a zipper!! It's a cute pattern, I look forward to seeing the finished product!
Posted by:rohanknitter | April 07, 2008 at 10:34 PM
Oh my gosh, so pretty! It's perfect! My eyes popped out when I saw it - WOW.
Posted by:skinimini | April 07, 2008 at 10:39 PM
love. that. bag. seriously, I'm drooling.
Posted by:amandajean | April 08, 2008 at 06:48 AM
I WANT THIS BAG!!!!!!!! It's PERFECT!
Posted by:Holly at magnoliasandsunshine.blogspot.com | April 08, 2008 at 07:02 AM
Beki, I love the fabrics you used in the pouch!
Posted by:Lisa {milkshake} | April 08, 2008 at 07:38 AM
Love that bag!!! Great fabric choices!
Posted by:Persimmonsgal | April 08, 2008 at 07:43 AM
I guess it's all in what you're used to.
I sew lots of clothes so the idea of a dress with a garment zipper doesn't faze me... but a purse? With a zipper!? And pleated pockets bound with bias and handles and... oh my...!!!!
Your bag sewing amazes me. It's something that is foreign to me and scary. But it looks so good, your bags look so good, it's also inspiring.
Posted by:Kathleen C. | April 08, 2008 at 08:51 AM
Oohhhh la la! That red flowered bag is so fab!!!! Can't wait to check out the dress!
Posted by:Stacey | April 08, 2008 at 08:57 AM
that bag looks like a good size! what a great pocket!
Posted by:kirsten | April 08, 2008 at 09:03 AM
Hmmmm, I wouldn't have thought that dress needed a zipper either. You were right to step away from the dress, when you are that frustrated you make BIG mistakes, I know this from experience LOL
I really love that bag, I love anything with pleats and those pleats look really cool!
Posted by:Tonya Richard | April 08, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Well, the bag definitely is a confidence booster. It's lovely. (BTW did you write "bootsing" in the title on purpose?)
Posted by:Anina | April 08, 2008 at 10:16 AM
that bag is awesome! i love the blue and red colors together and that front pocket is perfect!
Posted by:katie | April 08, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Oooo...I love them! Yes, that blue and red is the perfect summer picnic fabric. So cheery!
Posted by:elliebelle | April 08, 2008 at 01:30 PM
You are on fire with these designs. My goodness! I am loving your work. (And really wishing I lived closer and could come over for a lesson.)
Posted by:kelli | April 08, 2008 at 01:45 PM
LOVE the bag!
your design is perfect, love the beautiful colors and yes, it does make one feel like drinking some lemonade :)
Posted by:claudia | April 08, 2008 at 02:01 PM
That is a great bag!! Great shape and great fabrics!
Posted by:lera | April 08, 2008 at 04:13 PM
i love that tote! i am making quilts for kate out of the swell fabrics....i love them!
Posted by:erin | April 08, 2008 at 07:29 PM
Hi Beki, your tall bag with polka dots and roses is the best! I really am infatuated with it!
Posted by:Penny | April 08, 2008 at 08:11 PM
Both bags are super cute! The pleat is such a nice addition- I love it!
Posted by:Emily | April 08, 2008 at 08:31 PM
That bag is flipping adorable.
Posted by:Caitlin | April 09, 2008 at 12:58 AM
Ouch, that bag is painfully cute!!!! Totally lovely Beki!
Posted by:Tanya Whelan | April 09, 2008 at 08:15 AM
Love, Love the bag. That red polka dot with the blue/red flowered fabric is a wonderful combo. The pocket is brilliant! Well done!
Posted by:Marcia | April 09, 2008 at 09:36 AM
so cute!
Posted by:Dacia | April 09, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Oh my, I'm in love with that pleated bag! You should totally make and sell your patterns, I would definately buy them!
Posted by:sarahk | April 11, 2008 at 07:43 AM
i absolutely love the color combination and fabric for this bag!
Posted by:amy | April 12, 2008 at 08:08 AM
lovely tote bag! lovely fabrics!
Posted by:nicolette | April 12, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Oooh, that is gorgeous - I have had THAT exact fabric sitting staring at me for the past two weeks - I am too scared to cut it incase I make a complete mess off it!
Posted by:Ursula | April 16, 2008 at 05:43 PM