The "Curse" is a Hit!

Ok, so I finished the "Curse" prototype last weekend.  Basically it is an iPad pocket attached to the inside of a messenger bag.  The first Curse, or prototype (not shown), I made to fit the wearer vertically.  The wearer, my friend and hairdresser, Dana, said the size was perfect and she liked all the pockets, but she felt this vertical style hung a bit too long on her.  So, I tweaked a few of my measurements and turned the bag onto it's side.  Inside the Curse is the iPad pocket, which is secured with a flap and magnetic snap.  Opposite this pocket are two additional large pockets.    

Inside iPad Pocket

2 Pockets Opposite the iPad Pocket

Inside Curse

Here is Dana's feedback email:

     "Okey dokey, the maiden voyage with the curse was a huge success! The weight distributes nicely, the pouch keeps the iPad from moving around and that's great for keeping the bag from swinging around or moving while I'm walking. I was literally able to forget i was even carrying it. I like the space behind the pouch for the cords and the flap that closes the curse keeps anything from falling out so I wouldn't fix what isn't broken and tack or close it. The purse section is perfect. I go to Houston next week so I'm going to use it on the trip. I'll let you know how it travels but I can't imagine that it won't be perfect for what I need. You're a genius!"

Sent from my iPad

Dana said she loves bright colors and it turns out is crazy for polka dots!  What do you think?  I'm pleased with how it turned out...guess I need an iPad now!  If you are interested, let me know.  I will post the dimensions, etc. in case you want to make your own Curse! 

In case you were wondering about the change on my profile picture...that's actually my mom.  I was going through old photos and came across this one.  I think it's an awesome photo.  The 7th anniversary (I hate that word) of her death is in a few days.  I miss her everyday.

Tootles!

P.S. I made another Kitten Party zipper bag and added it to my Etsy Shop!  I'm really please with the image transfer on this one!

What Makes Sewing Your Own Stuff Great?

Is it hot enough for you?  Honestly, if one more person asks me that, I might scream!  Yes, as a matter of fact, it is hot enough for me!  It is day 3 or 4 (I've lost track) of  being under an "excessive heat warning."  While earlier this summer I proved my theory that tan fat is definitely more attractive than ultra white fat, excessive sweating is not attractive in either hue!  Enough whining.  I am thankful it is summer and not winter!  

Since my last post, I've made a zippy bag using the Owl and Pussycat embroidery I completed.  I used an owl fabric for the back of the bag and a multicolored polka dot fabric for the lining.  I attached a super cute owl charm to use as a zipper pull.  I think the bag turned out pretty cute!  

Amid the cool conditioned air inside my studio, I also made up a quick bag using the fabrics I bought on vacation a few weeks ago.  I really like how the fabrics go together.  Overall I like the pattern, too.  However, I think I made the strap too long.  I do like to carry my purse across my body, like a messenger bag, but I don't think that a longer strap is suited for this particular style of bag.  So, I am going to shorten the strap and carry it just on my shoulder.  That's what so great about sewing your own bags, clothes, etc.  If you don't like it, you can alter it any which way you want!

I'm still working on my embroidery skills.  I really enjoy that actual sewing part of the projects, but I am NOT a fan of separating floss!  I guess that's part of the process!

Tootles!

Happy Saturday!

Whew! I made it through the week in one peice! Well, mostly. It was a crazy week and I really thought exhaustion was setting in. I stuck to my promise of spending at least 15 minutes in my lair everyday and because of this, I have staved off the aforementioned state of mind and completed a new bag I made using the Anna Maria Horner fabric I bought a few weeks ago! I made it about the same size and in the same way as the bird appliqued black messenger bag I posted about previously. I made the strap differently, however. I made it a bit shorter and a little more narrow. I also used heavier interfacing as this fabric needed a bit more weight. I used duck canvas when I made the black bag. I applied a magnetic snap to the flap on this bag as well as an inside pocket. Neither of which I had implemented on the black bag. So, I am pretty pleased with this new bag. Oh, I wish you could feel the fabric. There is a slight sheen to it and it is just delicious. I love it!

Messenger Bag Complete!

I managed to complete the appliqued messenger bag I started the other night. I feel like it turned out pretty nice considering I have never made one before and I really didn't have a pattern to go by. I kept the single, non-adjustable (sorry Nancy), strap. I didn't feel like ripping it out and starting over...or cutting a new strip. I do solemnly swear that the next bag I make, I will attempt the adjustable straps. I promise.