Thursday 21 January 2010

CK bag and applique.

Helloooo.
Today is a bit of a catch up. I keep checking in on all of my 20 Minuters (there are over 40 of us now!) to see your progress and get some inspiration. So I thought I'd show you what I've been sewing.
As you can see, one of my Christmas presents was the Cath Kidston book, 'Sew'. Inside the front cover of the book there was a packet containing pattern pieces for the projects in the book and fabric pieces to make the bag on the front cover.
I had a little difficulty with the button holes that you make on the strap, but I didn't give up. I got there in the end. All I can say is that it's a good job I practiced on scrap fabric first!

I swapped Caths button fastening for a magnetic fastener. (Don't ever buy these new. Buy cheap toilet bags from charity shops and cut out the magnetic fasteners. It's quite easily removed...and it's recycling.)
I also lined my bag with some pink spotty fabric.

It was very straight forward to make although I was a little disappointed with the finished size. It's quite square but on the front cover of the book I thought it looked more rectangular.
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For one of my daily sewing sessions last week I was at a bit of a loss as what to do. Well it was late at night and I was just trying to fit some sewing in so that I didn't let the side down. lol. I sat at my sewing machine and attached the new darning foot that Santa brought me. The little square below was the result.


Not very exciting in itself, but that then inspired me (remember we talked about this) to experiment a bit more.

Obviously this meant rummaging in nearly every box of fabric I own, and making the biggest mess possible on the spare bed. As my wonderful man says, "You can't make an omelet without breaking eggs!" Very true.

I started to sew. As I turned over my work to trim the end threads I was pleasantly surprised with the reverse.

I used some old embroidered linen that had seen better days.

some ribbon, I love ribbon.

And I cut (after a lot of deliberation) into and old pair of Sanderson curtains that I found in the Charity shop. The base fabric is the softest needle cord with a lovely girly, floral print that I bought at last Novembers Knit and Stitch Show in Harrogate.
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And I have to say...

I'm was very pleased with the end result.
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Next time would you like me to show you what I've made with this piece of free motion, raw edge applique? (Sounds impressive when you use the technical terms doesn't it. Teehee!)
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Happy sewing.
Fi x


30 comments:

Julia said...

Hello!

Well done you on the bag and the button holes, which I really must teach myself how to do this year. I like that you have personalised your bag with that smashing polka dot lining, its gorgeous, as is the almost sketch like effect of your embroidery work (on the 'wrong side' which somehow looks deliciously 'right' to me!)

much love
Julia x x x

Marigold Jam said...

Love your appliqued piece and can't wait to see what you make with it.

Jane

Jennifer said...

Yes please, I would love to see what you've done with it. I've been doing well on my 20 minutes. I'm almost done with my next project (hoping to post tomorrow with a small tutorial as well). This has been so good for me and I now have quite the list in my head of next projects.

Pamela said...

Beautiful! I'm afraid there's not much to see on my blog - still busy organizing all my photos - but there will be more to show soon!

Sue said...

The embroidery looks amazing,I've never tried machine embroidery.The cushion is still progressing,I'm a bit slow at the old crocheting at the moment still at 20 minutes a day I should speed up.

Sue

A Joyful Chaos said...

You are very talented!


Enjoyed seeing all that snow in your previous post. Thanks for sharing.

Serenata said...

The bag looks lovely Fi, so much better lined don't you think, although I agree, the size is a little disappointing.

I tried some of my embroidery stitches out last night. Haven't tried free style embroidery yet though!

VintageVicki said...

Great sucess with todays 20 minutes - have photos and will blog them later ;)

I must make my CK bag up!

KC'sCourt! said...

Sorry I haven't posted much - having been doing extra time, but having to be secretive about it, it is my PIF's (Pass It Forwards) soon be finished and normal service will be resumed.......I hope! I have lots of things planned.

Sal said...

I received the CK book for Christmas but unlike you I have not made the bag... yet!
However,I am trying hard with my 20 mins per day!
;-)

wonderwoman said...

the bag looks lovely - i have never done button holes but must give it a try! your qpplique looks just gorgeous.

xx

The Weaver of Grass said...

The very word "buttonhole" makes me seize up Fiona - I have never made a successful one in my whole life. Do like your finished piece.

Vivienne said...

I have to say the "wrong" side looks so "right". Looking forward to the reveal! Still doing my 20 minutes (at least) every day and my Louisa Harding knitted dress from her "Queen of Hearts" book is coming along nicely. :)

Twiglet said...

The CK bag is lovely and the applique is really clever. As you will see from my "show and tell" I just wasn't feeling very creative this week but managed a few bits. Will look forward to seeing what you do with your applique.

Rosaluz said...

Olá, moro no brasil e adoro seu blog.
Será que você poderia por um tradutor?
Adoraria ler suas postagens.

Lululiz said...

You clever girl, thats quite gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

Thanks to you I finally have direction, just 20 minutes a day, and I have gotten soooooo much done since Monday! I have even found myself going over the 20 minutes, and convinced my girlfriend in Va. (who was complaining she had so many crafts to catch up on!) to do the 20 minutes. She loves it too!
Guess we just need structure!


Joni

MarmaladeRose said...

Dear Joni,
It was my pleasure. This is the firt time (quite accidentally) I've ever inspired others to do anything and it's a lovely feeling, like giving a gift. Thankyou for leaving your comment.

Love Fi x

Lace hearts said...

I keep seeing people's lovely made up CK bags, and mine's still not done. I really must get around to it. Yours looks lovely - I'd be worried about the buttonhole too.
Love your applique work as well.

Devon said...

Very good on the button holes,,I my self have to practice to on them..I dont make them enough to do them good..and the free range appliqued piece is beautiful..cant wait to see the finish product..

Annie said...

Thanks so much for inspiring us all to keep up with out 20 Minuters. It really works and so far I've not failed. Really love your bag and look forward to seeing what you make next. I'm off to blog my week of 20 Minuters so feel free to check it out later :-)
A x

maryannlucy said...

Great job on the CK bag - I have that yet to make, but am not sure I am up to it yet - scrap material practise is a good idea. Love you appliqued work - very inspiring

Autumn Mist said...

The CK bag is beautiful, especially with the lining in. I am so jealous, I can't sew to save my life! I am loving being a 20 minuter and am doing two cross stitch projects simultaneously, one in front of hubby, and one in secret, as it's for him! I need inspiration for a baby girl's Christening, though, any ideas?

Anonymous said...

The bag is beautiful; I love that fabric.

Country Rose said...

I have that very same book on it's way to me right now.. Have to admit, I'm looking forward to giving the bag a go! Although.. I doubt I'll make it look as good as u have..!

(and the sewing rlly looks beautiful) xx

Lynne said...

Yes please. It's looking rather nice and I was wondering what you would use it for.
The 20 minutes a day has really worked for me. It feels as though I have made great progress with my quilt thanks to you.
Happy stitching.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

sorry deleted it! muddled spellings. Love your work and the idea of 20min craft a day.
will be spending time during the day to drop in more and to other 20 min crafters. carol

Szarina said...

very nice bag! i really love seeing your works, so i followed your blog!hope you don't mind :)

Jenny said...

A very useful tutorial, thanks for sharing. I'm joining the 20 minuters.