Clutch II

I liked it so much, I made it, again.
This time in Amy Butler Nigella -- home dec weight. Lined it with a 30s reproduction that I've had in the stash since.... well... since the 30s. Just kidding.


I have a friend with a birthday coming up. My next project will be for her... something for her yoga mat... and something in this fabric.

Clutch Deconstructed, Laurie Smith Fabric

OK... there's only about 8" left of my favorite Laurie Smith fabric. I've used it in so many projects, I simply love it. I love it paired with green, blue, and brown. Now that it is out of print, I will be sad to let it go.


I tackled the Amy Butler clutch, again. This time completely changing the pattern and making it more of a gigantic wristlet. I used a wood button for the closure and like the organic look it gives the fabric.

Over the Shoulder: Little Quilted Bag, Amy Butler with Modifications

I salivate every time I see an Amy Butler fabric. Even when I'm feeling like breaking up with her fabrics, I'm drawn to them. It's like that bad boyfriend you know you shouldn't talk to anymore, but you do. So... When I needed a gift for the babysitter I decided to turn to my stash of Amy Butler fabrics and a pattern in In Stitches -- her best pattern book for adults.

I've always wanted to try the quilted bag, but knew the size was a little awkward. I also knew the process of pieces a quilted bag was not interesting to me -- time sucker. But then I decided to make it without piecing. This wasn't pretty easy to do. But I struggled with the corners and I strayed from the pattern to make a lining.

Here's how it turned out. Hopefully the Vera Bradley fan who is our babysitter will be satisfied with it.


I think next time I'll use piping around the side panels. It would help stiffen the edges.

Custom Order: Ambiguous Superhero

It feels like Santa's workshop around here. I'm putting the finishing touches on quite a few gifts for my own family and friends. And I've had a few orders. One in particular was fun for me because I have boys... and it is for a smart little boy. The request -- a superhero cape, not any one in particular, but in his favorite color: blue. Now that, I can do.

It's reversible and has a simple tie at the neck. The gathering is pretty tight to allow a full wingspan effect. It's just longer than fingertip length. Could double as a magician's cape.

I predict the superhero this cape will adorn will wear it 13 years from now as he is crowned Mr. Skyline. (Inside joke for those of us that graduated from Skyline High School.)

Seasonally Appropriate: Christmas Stockings

I just finished a custom order for Christmas stockings. They'll be heading to Texas tomorrow. But I think I'm going to miss them. This unique project required that I use existing needlepoint stockings -- much like you might buy from Land's End or Horchow. They were rather small, so I needed to extend them while still making the needlepoint look like a natural part of the stockings. Or rather, make the addition look like part of the original stocking.

I also knew the client wanted to class up her stockings. Needlepoint stockings are classic, but I knew she wanted something with pow. Hope these are what she had in mind...







Notable notions:
vintage buckle
interior design trim that was priced $8/yard. (that's much more expensive, higher-quality than I am accustomed working with)
handmade button "believe"
stretch velvet -- to accommodate big stocking stuffers
microfiber suede, leather look