Art Bag

 Artsy, Crafty, Re-cycled fabrics, my own pattern &  Art Bag Creation.

Remember when I mentioned all those art bags & posted about all the wonderful inspiration? Well I haven't been in the painting mood lately, but I printed out something I painted onto muslin and created an art bag / purse using felt, burlap and fabric scraps I had laying around. I used some decorative machine embroidery. Although far from perfect my daughter Sammie fell in love with it. She asked me to make the straps so she could wear it from shoulder to hip. I thought I would share the results and a few steps I am going to take to make it better next time.

If you have ever printed something from your computer you will notice how sometimes the colors just don't match the image. That is just what happened here. It was pretty light on the muslin that I printed it on. But I used permanent felt tip markers to draw in shapes and color it up. I need to fix color prior to printing!

Well, you know how I hate to stop even where there are mistakes. I decided since I started and this was kind of like a pro to type any way to finish what I started instead of scrapping it. I love figuring out how to create patterns on my own. This image shared is the back where underneath the front flap is sewn in and connected.

Another thing I will change when I create my next one is the strap material. For this I didn't want to go out and purchase anything. I wanted to use felt I had, burlap from a recycled coffee sack, woven burlap scraps I had from the wedding table runner we made, and for the straps I had these great silk pants that were ripped which I cut and created them from. Added a vintage button from one of the grandma's stash & ta da.....

A happy girl modeling her new art bag with gnomes. I promise to share  my next one with you when I make it! & I hope I can even try painting directly on fabric when I get unstuck from my painting slump! Here is the acrylic painting completed which the art bag was made from.

 If you'd like to see my post about the art bag inspiration just click here. Also visit here to see the original post of the gnomes acrylic painting  and if like you can visit my link on the side bar where I have video of  how I finished the painting on You Tube.

Have you ever tried creating and sewing an art bag?  What art or crafts inspiring you right now? 

If you have never sewn a bag & need a pattern and instruction this might be something you would like. Amy Butler's Style Stitches.

Little Things To Sew

I just found out 90% sure my daughter Krissy is having a boy! That means I can find  little sewing projects to suit a boy. Now of course I have come across a few sewing projects that are for down the line like this little vest by Oliver + S. The cool thing about finding this pattern is they have a book full of projects suited for babies & kids. Which means I can sew some projects for baby's older sister too!

 Oliver + S Little Things To Sew

These projects are all wrapped up in one book;  Oliver + S Little Things to Sew: 20 Classic Accessories and Toys for Children is filled with items you will want to make again and again. Projects include a hat with bear ears, a winter scarf with a slip-through closure, an explorer vest, a tutu, an art smock, a penguin backpack, a messenger bag, a red riding hood cape, a travel quilt, and many others.

My favorite project pick for sister is this puppet theater door hanger. It would be a perfect way for her to entertain herself while mom is busy with the baby and give mom a show at the same time. I am swooning over this book right now and to get my hands on some blue fabrics & this book! I am also planning on making a special blanket or quilt, promise to share more on that later.

Do you have a favorite sewing project book or pattern? What is your favorite item that you have sewn for a little one or gifted to a little one? I'd love to know~