Thursday, March 18, 2010

New Totes


Let your art guide you ........this is my 3rd week in the challenge.


It's Thursday again! That was fast!! I was just saying last night: the weeks seem to go by in what feels like 2 days.
This week I did get a few things done~still not the
Matryoshka pouch-
I've been focusing on totes:

uploading and editing photos for an hour!


This one was is made with
Grand Revival fabric. It's about the size of a magazine~sorry, I don't have it with me now (I've been up and down the studio stairs one time too many today, lol) or I'd measure it...it's just big enough to bring the essentials while scouring a flea market or antiques shop ; )
In fact that was what I had in mind when I made these....

The rosy one is also my first attempt at making an adjustable strap and it was mu
ch easier than anticipated. Unfortunately the hardware came from a shop in California that has since closed, and these things are not easy to find- I searched everywhere locally and online and managed to order some. I really like this feature. The bag's strap can go from shoulder bag length to across the body.

Since this was my first attempt~ I didn't think things through and stitched the little squares to the strap. It is still functional and I'd leave them if I were keeping the bag for myself but...I plan on adding them to the shop soon and think it'll be easier to adjust the strap without the little squares.
This next one is the first bag I made and it's slightly bigger.



The fabric is Japanese, and one I've been hoarding for awhile. I love how it feels. The lining and tab are chartreuse. Some of the buttons here are vintage as well as those on the Rosy one.

This strap is not adjustable, but it has the little stitched squares. They all have a divided inside pocket.

Last, but won't be the least, since they're are so fun to whip up....
The French
Brocante Bag:

It's about the same size and has some trim, a vintage button and vintage lace across the top.

This adjustable strap I made from wrenching the little metal middle part off of a vintage buckle and using it as a slide(!) I might do this to some of the future bags with the buckles I got on this trip.
The fabric is Fig Tree Quilts. I just love the butterscotch shades.

The button is vintage and closes by winding some yellow trim around it.

I'll post more photos on flickr because I think this post is getting a little photo heavy.

Have a Happy Crafty Day : )

P.S~if you still need a project for Easter check out the prior post, or click on the link on the right hand side for a tutorial!

13 comments:

Emily Anne Leyland said...

Wow- each thing you create I want to snatch up. I love them all sooooo much. What a fun bag for the summer. I'm so inspired by all you sewers this morning I am going to make something this week and a painting ;-) Not too much pressure right? LOL

robinbenito said...

These are gorgeous! Just the right size.I love Grand Revival designs! Had a special about Tanya Wheelan in the last edition of my mag KidsLife - with a tutorial for a ruffle skirt, you would like it. The landscape print is very pretty too.

Martina said...

Great bags, a good size and nice details. I love Grand Revival and published a special about Tanya in the last edition of KidsLife. These fabrics make me want to sew, but i'm just not talented that way!

The Haley Family said...

Those totes are awesome! I love the attention to every detail and the combination of colors!

Kim Caro said...

very awesome fabric choices :)

Mme. Kara said...

Totes with buckles. I'm in love!

VeganCraftastic said...

Great bags, I love your pics too, very cool!

Deedra said...

Love the totes!! I've been itching to make myself a few, and once again, have been inspired by someone in Let your art guide you week 6!!!

Heather said...

These purses are the sweetest! LOVE the one with the blue flowers! They are so funky and fun :)

andrea creates said...

Thank you all for your kind words regarding my new totes!!
~this motivates me to make more :)

ricebabies said...

Great bags. I like your chocolate bunnies too. I just made something similar for a craft show I am doing. Mine are much larger. I wanted to give my kids something that wouldnt melt. ha ha Yours are very pretty.

Shona Cole said...

wow, these are beautiful, really well made & i love how you processed your photos of them too. hey, thanks for the blog visit :)

Shona

cabin + cub said...

Cute totes! Love the fabrics you picked.... great for spring! ;)

ps. I am having a giveaway...come check it out!

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