Need an excuse to go shopping? We have 10!

Last week we filled a custom made order for a bag. The realisation didn't hit me until after I received their thanks back for the gift. I knew the gift was for a present and that there was a particular date it was required by. I knew that cotton was perfect as was the preference for recycled fabric. I thought it was a birthday gift from husband to wife.
Instead I found out it was a 2nd Wedding Anniversary Gift. The traditional gift for 2nd Anniversaries is cotton. A bag was perfect. Our client looked at the styles of bags available and then the fabrics - choosing a bold retro print in a Grandma's tote style with bamboo handles:

The retro print came from a 70's cicular linen tablecloth. The fabric was cut with the grain so the design differs from the front and back of the bag. It was great to have had some recycled handles in my stash - ready to go.

Co-ordinating tan stripe on white sheeting (also recycled) was chosen for the lining - along with 3 pockets: pen/iphone/wallet, rickrack keyloop (the only new component) and vintage button trim. We called it the Burnt Retro Grandma's Tote.

Of course Bessie bags are perfect for 2nd anniversaries (as are our homewares and other ranges), especially for discerning consumers trying to reduce their eco-footprint. We also have some gorgeous contemporary cottons.
Even better news - Bessie bags are perfect for more anniversary presents:
3rd (Traditional)  Leather - we can source recycled handles for your fabric bag.
4th (Traditional)  Fruit and Flowers - why not buy something longlasting? A floral handbag (check out our vintage fabrics - there are loads of florals to chose from.)
5th (Traditional) Wood - we have some beautiful wooden handles sourced from op shops.
6th (Modern) Wood
7th (Traditional) Wool - some of our vintage fabrics are wool. Go for tweed or plaid.
8th (Modern) Linen and Lace - plenty of linen in stock as well as lace lined doilies (an example of how lace is incorporated in one of our latest designs.
9th (Modern) Leather
12th (Traditional) Silk/Linen - lots of silks too!
13th (Traditional) - Lace
So, 10 reasons to purchase a vintage fabric bag. On the otherhand,  because they can be eco-friendly and gorgeous - do you really need a reason?

Discovered this beautiful gaudy barkcloth pillowcase this week. In such good condition......
I am not sure I can part with it. Perhaps I will pop in a pillow and just admire it for a while, and consider which style of bag to use.

I wonder what year it was created?

I am tickled that I found it in an opshop all forlorn. Much more fun and less pricey, as it's vibrancy would have snapped up by a dealer.

Mum's hand-me-down vintage

All these lovelies are from Mum and Dad. Embroidered spotted blue on white gingham tablecloths, on of my favourite tea towels. The cat. My eldest sister was given the Octopus, the next sister a Peacock - I carried home Mum's embroidered, beaded and sequined pussycat. This Cheshire grin overlooks my sewing space. The cocktail tray, how I love it. But not as much as I love watching bubbly bubble up and down the hollow stems of these glorious champagne saucers, perhaps more than I enjoyed drinking soft drink in them as a child. Thanks Dad and Mum!

Thrifted vintage floral extravaganza

Latest thrift finds from local op shops. This happy navy, red and white floral is cotton based yet has distinctive lines in the fabric weave reminiscent of older times.

There was plenty of yardage in this material- so the options are limitless for the use. It has to be a bag, and then we'll see about the leftovers.

I love the colours in this pretty cotton paisley. A lucky score.

Lastly, spots and florals in polyester. I am looking forward to see what becomes of this and what other fabrics it is teamed with. The pile of fabrics keeps growing....time to sew.

My latest vintage buttons (and bows)

There is something about buttons. Old ones. Odd ones.

Perhaps it is those distinctive colours.

Or detail?

Is it the rewards in finding them?

My favourites of these finds.

A shame there were only a pair of these.

These photos today were thrifted from at least 5 op shops.

I would love to be able to place a date on each set.

Aren't they lovely? I guess they are not eveyone's cup of tea but I still love looking through my Grandma's (Bessie) buttons (as do my children- not just looking: sorting by colour or size, or playing). I remember the diamante ones I used for a felt frog pincushion - one of my first handsewn projects. And the tiny fragile button- not half a centimetre wide - now lost! After my last visit to Paddington and seeing the gorgeous bakelite beauties proudly displayed, I knew I was not the only besotted one.

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.

Anzac treasures- and a tote for Mothers

First published April 26, 2010
With emotion I watched the Parade and ceremony this year - proud to see my  4 marching, and knowing that our Diggers wanted them there. A beautiful spot to commemorate Anzac Day- overlooking the Pacific.

The extra day helped me complete 5 bags this weekend. Here is a preview before I load them on the sites. Firstly, two gorgeous vintage fabric bags made into dainty and detailed shabby chics- pictured with our Magic. The tricolour is from Marchioness fabric - I would love to know more about it. The mint slice is acrylic floral with a recycled stripe lining.

Then two new princess bags -

both  are from contemporary fabrics with recycled buttons. The navy grograin ribbon handles really suit the gingham and the very last of my orange and white striped ribbon was made for the handles of Mademoiselle Butterfly. Both have sweet contrasting pockets (I have included more detailed images for their listings).

Lastly - my first Mother's Day custom made bag.

I was really pleased with the outcome of the lotus ruched tote. I love the peekaboo navy ticking lining - and as a first have included a bottle holder - so the water doesn't topple over in the bag. Tomorrow I will pop it in the mail - hoping the recipient enjoys looking at it as much as I!

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!