Pastels are for big girls too!

New towel: present for a new baby girl. Pink broderie anglaise applique.



New patchwork tote. Old and New fabrics called Big girls like pastels too. I considered selling it before it was made, but when Kate loved it too, I realised we had to have it. It will be mother - daughter shared.



Salvaged wooden rings from an op shop. Bias trim is brand new.



Corduroy sides and handles -my recycled cord jeans that I wore to bits. I love it that I can still wear it.



Old and new - salvaged embroidery, contemporary floral prints, plains from my stash and a gorgeous vintage "midcentury" pastel plastered tablecloth.



Kate plans to use it as an overnighter (It's big) and it will be perfect for work and play for me ;).

Deadlines and a Kokka Charmer

I work much better under a deadline. Birthday parties are a mother of all deadlines because it meant I finished this bag in time. Called a charmer, it is a smaller sized bag not designed for carting a couple of heavy dictionaries, more inclined to service ponies, littlest pets, and some hair gear and lipgloss. Of course, it will eventually graduate to makeup, wallets, iphones and ID. This version has slightly longer straps, which means it will sit well over the shoulder for women and not just girls.




Custom made for a brand new 10 year old , the fabric included a purple and black floral cotton interior, wadding for interfacing and a contemporary Japanese Kokka fabric. Purchased months ago,  and called Teal apartment scenes in purples, lime and blue on white, I could no longer find it available.




With a coordinated tag with a little bag story printed after this photo, we were a bit reluctant to let it leave our hands. Lucky  I still have as much fabric again, next time I wonder which style I will fashion it with?

Princess Ruby - recycled fabric bag

I had forgotten where I had stored this photo. Having had (accidentally) destroyed  my memory card, I used the camera itself to store the image of my latest creation, how lovely to find it since it has been my only venture to the sewing machine (excepting tedious mending) in the last few weeks:


Modeled on a smaller version of the shabby chic bags - it is just big enough for little hands. Recycled pink rosebud dress exterior (perhaps I am a mangler?)  with salvaged sage corduroy lining - just enough to give it form without a stiff interfacing it was completed with a bright rickrack handle. Perfect for a Ruby who loves pink and green.

Vintage pattern and recycled finds

I have just posted a handmade tiered long skirt and matching dolly bag for my six year old niece’s birthday.

The vintage pattern, bias binding trim and recycled beads and bag lining was sourced from an op shop, and was very easy to make up. The bias looked very sweet at the bottom of the skirt.

The red floral fabric was purchased 10 years ago for my then infant daughter, so it was great to find a home for it.

I thought the beads made a nice touch- but also useful- to keep the handles outside the casing. My pile of vintage fabric is ready to go – waiting for inspiring projects!

Next project: bathrobe/dressing gown for my daughter in huge multicoloured spots.

Retro and contemporary fabric bags to brighten our winter

Here is the little number I wrote about in the last blog. Salvaged retro teal curtain fabric from our vintage fabric hoard -  made up brilliantly into an art deco style bag. The new owner kindly brought it back to me for a photo. It is just a mini sized purse - for sunnies, keys and wallet. The fabric is just right for bags- furnishing weight so durable and easy to manage.

Another princess handmade fabric bag left my hands for its new owner recently. In contemporary Ballet fabric, we lined it with recycled stripes and added a contrasting pocket. Just for little girls, it has been designed in a mini whimsy style.  With a recycled yellow button for the clasp- a perfect Princess Hannah!

Another long weekend is here - I am looking forward to completing a few more totes!