Mama's Snakeskin Sling Bag

Lemon Squeezy Home is hosting Purse Week.  I had intended to make two bags but have only finished one...The Snakeskin Sling Bag.

This is an original Mama Lusco Handmade design, a big sling bag that measures 16"w x 18"h x 5"d - lots of room for my planner, wallet, books, sippy cup and snacks!  I also included  a zippered pocket, phone pocket, key ring, magnetic snap and decorative flap closure.  I tried to write down my measurements as I cut so I can reproduce this pattern again.   

The outer fabric was a remnant from my talented friend, Jill Williamson,'s collection from her fashion design days.  Red is my favorite color and I just couldn't resist this flashy red spandex.  I tried iron-on interfacing but it ruined the shiny treatment, so I chose a beefy lining - stretch black denim with fusible fleece interfacing.  The bag has great shape and I'm thrilled with the results. 

Check out the other beautiful, inspirational bags in the Purse Week Flickr pool.  Entries accepted through Oct 8.

Up For Another Challenge?

Elsie Marley will be hosting another Kids Clothing Week Sept 20-26.  Get the details here.

LBB/ Dharma Trading Finalist!!!

I almost fell out of my chair when I saw I was a finalist in the LBB/ Dharma Trading Challenge!  The Supergirl Dress is my favorite - and Mallory's too!  Visit Ashley at Lil Blue Boo here to vote for your favorite.  So excited!

Finally Sewing Again!

I have a mile-long list of projects to do and finally crossed a few off my list today!  I want to share them with you but will have to pace myself :)

I finally replaced my green & gold pillow covers with ones to match my new home's decor.  I had purchased the fabric months ago and the red makes me so happy!  They are just a simple cover with overlapping flaps in the back for washing and easy changes.  There are many tutorials on the web for making pillowcases and I still want to try this one for a Gathered Pillow from Make It and Love It from a satin sheet we're using as Drew's room divider.  Here's what I ended up with...they make me smile.

 

Next, I finished another Lil Blue Boo dress using the 'Sienna' and 'Hoodie' patterns using recycled t-shirts.  I call this one the Supergirl Dress.  It has a removable cape on the back, which attaches with two buttons.  I am a novice at sewing stretch knits and forgot to add interfacing where I wanted the button holes, so they are not very pretty but functional.  I added freezer-paper stenciled stripes to the bottom of the cape and a star in the middle of the cape.  It's an shiny blue paint and looks great!  I'm thrilled with how the hoodie part turned out, too.  It came together easily and I think this is my new favorite dress.  Mallory loves it, too, but was has not been in the mood for modeling lately.  Here's the lastest of my entries into the Lil Blue Boo/Dharma Trading Co. Challenge!

Handmade Olympics 2010

Enter your favorite handmade creation in 8 different categories to win $2000 in prizes!  Visit the Rikrak Studio for more info.

Granny Square Love

Photo from Meet Me At Mikes

Meet Me At Mikes is hosting a Granny a Day Challenge.  I absolutely love granny squares!  I made a tote bag last year using them and have collected many patterns.  This will also help with my efforts to de-stash in 2010. Click the button below to learn more about the De-Stash.   I have a trunk full of yarn in storage and am looking forward to having access to it again after we move in February!  I'm hoping to make a granny afgan this year.