2.16.14

So. We had a few days where we could not go anywhere because I refuse to drive up and down hills and on sharp curves when the roads have snow and ice on them. Luckily, this is not a problem for me because I always have something I like to do.

I made my version of Madame Samm's Tammy Bag pattern I which showed you yesterday. I decided that my 6" frame, while a half-inch larger than the one required, might just work. If not, I would have the bag shell all finished for the time my intended frame arrived.

I started with the black and white gingham I had planned on using and searched until I found fabric to go with it. I actually ended up NOT using the gingham but instead, I had this weird blue and black faux woven burlap looking  plaid. 

I picked some teapot fabric as a feature, but I didn't want to waste it underneath pockets where it couldn't be seen, so I picked a partner fabric--batik "solid" red.

Then I chose a madras plaid I had lying around for lining. It shares a lot of the same colors as the teapots and has broad stripes of the batik color.

I learned a lot on my first Tammy Bag.

Pretty Pockets--useless because I did not follow instructions the first time.

 

2.15.14

I have another project going--this is called The Tammy Bag and is designed by Madame Samm of Sew We Quilt. You can buy the pattern at Craftsy.com, where she says, "All proceeds 100% goes to purchasing new machines for those in need."

Love this bag, but WHERE DID SHE GET THAT MUG? I NEED IT!

The sample photo she let me share with you features GINGHAM! It has pockets all over the place and if you look closely, a covered button! I printed the templates, and I have read the pattern twice. I ordered my frame so I could be sure to have the correct size. My vendor says it will take 10 to 25 days to arrive so I might try it out on another frame that is close in size if not exactly the same shape...I will have to see...I plan to start my stash search with some gingham I have been saving. I have lovely tiny black and white, but it is in small pieces, probably fat quarters. I will want one, maybe two more feature fabrics for the outside. I will be looking for some buttons to add, too.

I haven't decided how to handle the handle. My frames have loops as part of the mechanism, and I have a stockpile of possibilities in the hardware department. My issue with handles is ALWAYS this. How does the recipient prefer to carry a bag? How long should the handle be? Should it have a shoulder strap choice? 

Maybe I should make the first one for me.

2.24.13

See this? This is what happens when I go to bed with quilts on my mind. The Southern Appalachian Modern Quilt Guild, of which I am proud to be a charter member, issued a challenge for the March meeting. Green. Yes, just one word. Green. I fell awake one morning last week and instead of doing my homework for my Audrey class, I just HAD TO HAD TO HAD TO make this little project that was forcing its way out of my brain into my hands. I don't even think it qualifies as a "Modern Quilt Movement" object. Contemporary? Maybe. What in the world am I to do with it? What was I thinking? I am unlikely to carry it as a purse. Well, maybe I would. Once.

First, I had to invent the purse part. That was tricky. As I awakened, I thought about putting in a little girth with the elastic side panels. Decided NOT to add batting between the layers so the elastic would contract more easily. Good idea. My original draft was for a purse double this size but I was too cheap to use up that much fabric on a whim.  The elastic side panels made a lot of sense when the project sized down to half.

I thought about an outside pocket but didn't want to use more than a fat quarter for the main part of the bag so I raided my stash and found this pretty pink and orange fabric. When I was finished, the pocket looked better with the wrong side public. Why not. I just happened to have a running quarter yard of this GREAT stripe. I LOVE stripe as binding.

The wiener dog was easy. I have a lot of fabric in HAPPY green. I did not know how much I liked green because my green tolerance is fairly narrow. Apparently it runs quite deep. Anyway, after inventing the purse, drafting the dachshund was EASY. HomeSon saw the project and called it a Wiener-melon. I think he is right.

Quilty Friend (the Original) says I could put tools in it like rotary cutters and Frixion Pens. I think she is right. Guess I will keep it.

2.17.12

Are you feeling crafty today? If I had a couple of soda bottles, a zipper, a heavy duty needle and some heavy duty thread, I might make this PET-purse. I found the directions HERE but they originally came from HERE, (Zitta Schnitt, Industrial Design) where you can get a PDF showing you how to make one for yourself.