This wasn't the post I had planned for today. We had a great weekend, which is what I was going to post about, but then last night I didn't feel like going though all my photos so I sewed something for myself instead. You know how I get when I make myself a new bag...
LOVE!! Ever since I made the first appliqued phoebe, I wanted one for myself, but larger. I probably should learn to carry a smaller bag, but I'm a big bag girl, especially now that I carry around some knitting or hand sewing with me. Not wanting to draft a large size phoebe, I put the idea off until something came to me. It hit me yesterday that I could use the pleated pocket pattern that I'm currently working on, but instead of using the pleated pocket piece, I could use the pocket lining piece to make a plain pocket, perfect for adorning with my "leaves".
I was actually going for a random leaf pattern, but once I had them laid out I decided to make distinct stems. This gave me a chance to draw with the thread, which was fun. I've never done anything like that. I had to do a bit of seam ripping here and there, but I think it turned out okay.
Unlike my other versions of this bag, I chose to make the exterior out of one fabric. I think mixing up patterns would have been too much with the applique. I love this woven fabric and used every single bit I had left of it. This fabric has been in my stash forever, at least 13 years (sometimes being a pack-rat is a good thing). I got it back when I worked at a fabric store. The store had a settee slipcovered in this fabric and I got to take home the scraps. I also bought some yardage and still have some floor pillows covered with it. I'd call that a pretty good fabric, don't you think? Because the exterior fabric was so sturdy, I did add a fun printed lining.
*you'll have the excuse the wonkiness of it - it's already full of my stuff! Now that I've made this version, I'm motivated to finish up this pattern.
Good call to make the distinctive stems. It makes the various leave patterns work together well.
I went to M&J Trimming in Midtown yesterday (they have an online store, have you visited that?) to buy new buttons for a tired jacket. I sat myself down and swapped out all the old buttons for new ones. I cannot believe what a button can do to change the look of a sad garment. It's magical!
Posted by: TheCluelessCrafter | November 16, 2009 at 08:57 AM
I love this :-)
Posted by: Isa | November 16, 2009 at 09:12 AM
Beautiful work, as always, Beki! It has been so long since I've made a purse. I actually bought one (gasp!!) at TJ Maxx yesterday. It's not nearly as great as yours though.
Posted by: Autum | November 16, 2009 at 09:20 AM
Fantastic - I love this!
Posted by: Shelby Logsdon | November 16, 2009 at 09:22 AM
I really love that version. I love it with the stems. I would use that bag every day.
Posted by: Sarah Jackson | November 16, 2009 at 09:23 AM
Super-neat stem idea! And I agree that using multiple fabrics would have distracted focus from the applique. Great bag!
Posted by: Courtney | November 16, 2009 at 09:42 AM
Awesome bag!! I want one!
Posted by: Tisha | November 16, 2009 at 09:43 AM
Gorgeous, especially for the season!
Posted by: Brianna | November 16, 2009 at 09:45 AM
I'm with you on the joy of a bigger bag. I like being able to pack a lot into my bag! Lovely work... I adore the leaves.
Posted by: Stacy | November 16, 2009 at 09:47 AM
My favorite! I LOVE the shape and the leaves! And the fabric! I am anxiously awaiting this pattern...
Posted by: valerie | November 16, 2009 at 09:47 AM
Please, please make the pattern available. Your bag is gorgeous and I would love to sew one myself!
Posted by: Sara | November 16, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Wow - beautiful bag. I love the stems - great idea. It's bright and colorful without being too much and the larger size is pretty much what all women need!! LOL Especially MOMS!!! Thanks for sharing. I love seeing what you come up with - very inspiring!
Posted by: Susan MC | November 16, 2009 at 11:05 AM
This is my favorite bag of yours so far! I love the subdued outside fabric with the fun variety of prints. And the configuration looks good too!
Posted by: Vicki K | November 16, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Beki, this is adorable! I love those wonderful colorful leaves! But I gotta ask, did you apply something to the leaves so they won't fray? I can't tell, or did you do a turn under applique?
Posted by: Eden | November 16, 2009 at 11:43 AM
now that is a great purse! i love the shape!
Posted by: katie | November 16, 2009 at 12:42 PM
so cute! how do you get it so the fabric doesn't fray?
Posted by: Lois | November 16, 2009 at 12:51 PM
I love the look of this bag. Great work on the stems!
xxxx
Posted by: Kar | November 16, 2009 at 01:06 PM
Another fantastic bag!!!! How cool to have found a fabric that works for a lot of projects that you love!
Posted by: Laurel | November 16, 2009 at 01:25 PM
The appliqued phoebe was my old favorite -- now this is my new one!
Posted by: amy h | November 16, 2009 at 01:35 PM
i'm in love with this design!
you deserve to treat yourself to one of your own beautiful bags!! :)
Posted by: kristin | November 16, 2009 at 01:42 PM