What’s in a bag?
By cute2carry | August 27, 2008
A gift is a gift is a gift… right? A ha! Not so when the bag is part of the gift! I’ve been making gift bags for a year now, making them merely simple, unlined, drawstring bags. I have a stash I’ve been working on for the upcoming holidays, too, to put my kids’ gifts in.
However, I came across a new version from BHG’s Quilts and More and I’m in LOVE! I downloaded the tutorial and made myself the mid-size bag (roughly 12×13x3) last night, despite my desperate need to make kitchen curtains over which I’ve been procrastinating for a good month now. The drawstring on this one is nice and beefy, and the bag is lined with soft muslin. Add some box squares to give it some depth and I was set!
They are multi-purpose, too! I used mine today as a library tote, and it was nice and sturdy. I tested it by cramming a ton of books and videos in it, too! Frankly, I think they are too pretty for Market Bags… I don’t want mine to get dirty, so I won’t be taking mine to the grocery. Call me snooty, I guess.
But here’s my real plan: I’m going to make a bunch to use for holiday gift giving (sure hope my family isn’t seeing this post!) and then fill them with goodies. Hence, the bag becomes the gift as well! Voila! Don’t you love it??!!! Of course, I know this is not a new concept, but I really just love this ‘new-to-me’ style!
I showed my bag off at the gym this morning to a few friends, and they equally loved it, too! To my favorite sewing friend, Jenn, I let her in on my applique secret on the bag —> I literally used scraps of Amy Butler fabrics to make this bag and apparently one of my kids must have snipped a hole about the size of a dime on my scrap because surely I would have never accidentally done that. Ha! I appliqued small circles over the holes to “patch” up the area using a contrasting fabric. It ended up adding to the cuteness factor, I think.
This leads me to our September Flickr Pool theme: BROWN! Post any bags and accessories you make that include brown in them to our “Is yours Cute2Carry? Flickr Pool”! Easy enough? I can’t wait to see your great projects! As always, I’ll post some of my favorites from the pool at the end of the month. I’m going to be sure to post this one over there.
Topics: Flickr Pool, Handbag Projects, Fun Stuff | No Comments »
July’s Flickr Pool highlights…you gals are SO talented!
By cute2carry | August 5, 2008
So many great additions to the “Is Yours Cute2Carry?” Flickr Pool! Thanks to everyone who participated in the very first month’s Pool! I loved drooling over them all! In case you weren’t around, July’s theme was to add to the Flickr Pool some of your favorite Summer Handbag creations. Here are a few that really caught my eye (and click on the photo to learn more about the bag and it’s designer!).
Hip, Chic and Sassy! Love it!
I’m a sucker for aquas and browns combined!
Wow! What an amazing set!
I love how this is chic, simple and very classy for summer (and beyond)!
Don’t forget to check out August’s Back To School Theme for the Flickr Pool!
Topics: Flickr Pool | No Comments »
It’s back to school time!
By cute2carry | August 4, 2008
My boys began school today. I have to admit it was bittersweet. They were getting so bored and antsy the past few weeks. My youngest began Kindergarten this morning, and it was hard to let him go (even though I know he’ll love it!).
I’m also stocking some Back To School items at Artiste Congo on Monday the 5th @ 9pmEST. I have to say ~ and toot my own horn ~ that I love the Messenger School Bag I made for the event. I teamed up with Sam from My Beautiful Girl and she made the great pencil case that matches the bag. I named it the “Camp Rock” set after the Disney Channel movie we watched at least 15 times this summer. That movie was what kept coming to mind when I was sewing with this guitar print. Strangely, I so relate to my kids’ movie preferences. (Don’t even get me started on High School Musical! I love that one!! But that’s an entirely different post, I’m sure, come this October when HSM3 is released.)
Camp Rock! Messenger School Bag & Pencil Case
So, with pencil cases, school book bags and Fall around the corner, I’ve decided that this month’s Flickr Group theme should be “back to school” related. Whether it’s a book bag for your kids, accessories like pencil cases, crayon rolls or iPod cases, or something for the Fall season for yourself, WE WANT TO SEE IT! Comment to this post and then hop over to the Flickr Pool and join us!
Here are a few Back To School items I’m stocking at Artiste 8/5, too! Previews are already up. Of course, I’ll post them up on the August Flickr Pool, too!
School Days Pencil Case & iPod case
If you missed last month’s Flickr ‘Is Yours Cute2Carry? Pool’ of Summer bags, take a peek. As soon as I get a moment, I’m going to post a few of my faves here on my blog.
Topics: Flickr Pool, Artiste | 2 Comments »
It began as a silly thankyou.
By cute2carry | July 19, 2008
…but as I started working on it, I realized I could actually make it kinda classy and cute, in a preppy sort of way!
Here’s the story: My friend’s mom, Cindy, sent over some fabrics for me to add to my stash. She’s a lifer, if you know what I mean: she’s been sewing all her years! Anyway, she also gave me some wooden spools that I’d been wanting to collect, a spool holder, and some vintage sewing photos.
Moreover, she’s a flamingo fanatic! My friend (her daughter) Jenn is always picking up little flamingo themed items to send to her mom. It’s a riot! Last week, I stumbled upon some flamingo fabric at JoAnn’s when I was rummaging through the remnant bin (one of my very favorite things to do!). Take a peek at what I did with it! Not too shabby, eh? At first I expected it to lean toward the tacky, but I think it ended up just the opposite! Quite classy! I worked up the piping myself (another favorite thing of mine to do lately, too).
Cindy’s Flamingo Wristlet & Key Fob Set
Thanks so much for all the goodies, Cindy! I know I still owe you a little something with that chocolate fabric~I haven’t forgotten!
And I think I still have a tidbit of fabric left…I just might make another set and offer it in my shop!
Topics: Shop Cute2Carry, Handbag Projects | 2 Comments »
Enough about me… what have YOU created this summer?!!
By cute2carry | July 19, 2008
So I’ve been thinking: I’m always showing off my latest projects, and for a change I’d like to see some of yours! I’ve started a Flickr Group (this weekend, in fact) to give you a chance to show off some of your favorite summer handbag creations. Don’t you love this idea?!
I certainly know the labor of love that goes into creating handmade handbags, and I think we all deserve a bit of recognition! Plus I sure love to drool over great projects and I know you have them out there!
For July, get your favorite Summer bags ~ whether you made it for yourself or for another ~ uploaded to the Flickr group by July 31st. Then I’ll pick a few to showcase here on my blog! Yay!
PS. Leave a comment here to let me know you are joining in on the fun!
Topics: Fun Stuff | 2 Comments »
Now she’s ready for vacation!
By cute2carry | July 16, 2008
My good friend Teri is heading out to the East Coast for a family vacation. She called me and told me about a bag she purchased for the trip, but it had some issues. It wasn’t big enough to carry her purse, personals, books and mags, and her laptop. She also didn’t like the exterior pockets because they didn’t close securely, nor did she care for how the zipper was placed at the top of the bag. It was kind of funky, too: the way the zipper was installed left just a very small opening at the top of the bag. Poor design in our opinion.
Her brilliant idea (heh heh) was for me to make a bag for her with her desired “tweaks”. What was even more brilliant was our “arrangement” –> I’d work on her bag all day today to get it done in time for her flight out of town, and she agreed to watch my kiddos for the day. We met up for an early dinner when I was done sewing and she loved the result!
The bag is a roomy 15 x 13.5 x 5 with a zippered top closure, and lots of secured velcro pockets. I just love the combinations of blues in these fabrics. The camel fabric I used for the trim and some of the interior gave it a bit of pop, too. Have a great vacation Teri! But hurry home soon!!
Topics: Handbag Projects | 1 Comment »
Fore!…for her!
By cute2carry | July 13, 2008
My two girlfriends, Jenn and Teri, and I are just the perfect combination of friends. Never do I laugh as hard as when the three of us are together. Last night we celebrated Teri’s birthday with a lovely night out to dinner at a restaurant that does not include a drive thru. We dressed up in our “non-mom” clothes and put a little lipstick on…. and off we went!
Here is the wristlet I made for her. She’s a golfer, so Jenn and I wanted something cute for her that she can carry as a small handbag or use for her golf tees while out on the course.
Teri’s Golf Wristlet
Feminine yet sporty! I love the combination. Just like Teri, now that I think about it! Happy Birthday Teri!
I’ve got a few of these wristlets available in my Cute2Carry boutique this week if there’s a golfer in your life who deserves a little something special.
Topics: Shop Cute2Carry, Handbag Projects, Fun Stuff | 1 Comment »
What are friends for…pillowcases, of course!
By cute2carry | July 10, 2008
My super amazing web designer (and great friend) , Cicily, does so much work for me (you have no idea), and usually at the drop of a hat despite her heavy client load. I can only repay her and say “thank you” with so many handbags y’know, so sometimes she lets me do some other sewing projects for her.
This week, it was a treat to work on some toddler pillowcases for her son’s bedroom. Knit is always a challenge for me to work with. Honestly, I don’t know how some of you seamstresses use it so often! I’m in awe. I think I spent 30 minutes just laying it out nice and evenly before cutting it. GAH!!! The stress!
Toddler Knit Pillowcases
Nevertheless, they are so cute and will be nice, soft and comfy for her little 3 year old’s sweet head.
Topics: Fun Stuff | 2 Comments »
A gift set in Retro Floral
By cute2carry | July 8, 2008
Here’s a cute set that I made for a custom order this week. It’ll be a gift set. She was after a girlie pink fabric and chose this from my stash. What a sweet friend!
Retro Floral Wristlet and Key Fob Set
And, of course, who can go wrong with shades of pink and green?
I hope to stock more wristlets in my shop soon. I’ll keep you posted and send a Newsletter Update when they are ready. If you don’t already receive my Newsletter, you can subscribe to it by clicking here!
Topics: Handbag Projects | 1 Comment »
I’m still loving this Vintage Beach Scene fabric
By cute2carry | July 4, 2008
…and this Slouchy Tote has been my vision for it for weeks now. It’s big ~ it’s roomy ~ and it’s just really fun for the summer! And I love, love, love the swivel hook and O-ring closure!!
Vintage Beach Slouchy Tote
Available tomorrow, July 5th, over at Artiste Congo (9pm). Click here to learn more about it!
Topics: Artiste, Shop Cute2Carry, Handbag Projects | 1 Comment »
