Making it Lovely

Category: Filing Cabinet

  • Ashley & Her New Purse

    My sister and I finally finished her purse!

    Ashley's Purse

    It turned out really well. It’s so cute! We followed the instructions for the “Charming Handbag” from Amy Karol’s Bend-the-Rules Sewing.

    (more…)

  • Currently Coveting: ZigZags

    Currently Coveting: ZigZags

    ZigZags

    1. ZigZag Pillow, Design Public
    2. ZigZag Brown & White Rug, Madeline Weinrib
    3. Mimas Wallpaper, Romo

    I’ve ordered a sample of that wallpaper, which is my new favorite. Not too feminine, not too masculine, dark but not overwhelming, no flocking or foil, graphic but timeless… it may just be perfect.

    I have, of course, created a mockup.

    Yet Another Wallpaper Mockup
    It looks even better when you look at the larger version.

    It looks great, doesn’t it? I’m just hoping it will work with the color of the wood trim. If not, then I may just have to comfort myself with the pillow.

  • Archer

    Archer

    “Squeee!!”

    That is the approximate sound I made when I found out that Archer is now available.

    Archer Font

    The font was created for Martha Stewart Living, but their exclusive license has now expired. It’s a versatile and beautiful font. Pricey, but worth it.

    I’ve already purchased my copy.

  • A Lovely Second Purse

    I’ve finished my second purse! It was much more complex than my first, and there was a lot of hand stitching involved.

    My Handmade Purse
    (I’m lovin’ those Deco Remix shoes.)

    I used Indygo Junction’s “Metropolitan” pattern, from purlsoho.com (scroll down a bit – it’s halfway down the page).

    It may not be perfect, but I’m really pleased with the finished project!

    My Second Purse, Detail

  • Purses, in Progress

    Bags, in Progress

    Both are looking better than my first sorry attempt. The one on the left is for my sister (we worked on it together), and the one one the right is mine.

  • Building My Sewing Library

    In the interest of learning how to make non-floppy purses and other goods, I’ve been doing a bit of reading. I’ve been making my way through the archives of the blogs you’ve all suggested (thank you!), and I bought a few books.

    Sewing Books
    Amy Karol’s Bend-the-Rules Sewing, Lotta Jansdotter’s Simple Sewing, Amy Butler’s In Stitches

    And of course, there are flickr groups for each of them.

    I haven’t made anything yet, my favorite of the bunch so far is Bend-the-Rules Sewing by Amy Karol (of Angry Chicken fame). It seems perfect for someone like me that’s just getting started.

    I also ordered a handful of patterns (maybe six or seven?) for purses and skirts. Yes, I want to eventually make skirts too. I’m most excited about the Bag Pattern from the Curiosity Shoppe.

    The Curiosity Shoppe Bag Pattern

    Cute! Six different styles, and I think I might actually be able to make most of them.

    I may have gone a little overboard, eh? Such is my personality. When I decide I want to do something, I throw myself into it full force. Sewing, you’re on notice. I will master you. And then I will slipcover an ugly old bench.

    Reading Recommendations

    For those of you that are of the bookish persuasion, I set up a little bookshop here on the site. Check it out, will you? The sewing books are there, and I’ve added a few of my other favorites under the different categories.

    I also added a link on the far right sidebar – just look for the little stack of books. I’ll be adding new titles to the bookshop now and then, so feel free to check back every so often.