Tag Archives: It’s Sew Anny

Dec21

Sew, Travel, Sew, Travel, Sew…

Posted on December 21, 2016 by Anny

This month we are fortunate to visit my two favorite cities: L.A. and NYC! Just returned from a short trip to L.A. to celebrate the engagement of our son, Bryan, and his fiancee, Liz. We spent some quality time in Marina Del Ray and saw the wedding and rehearsal dinner venues for June. Looking forward to an awesome event! This week we are having fun with our other son, Eric, and his girlfriend, Jill. Then Friday, it’s off to Austin to visit Jennifer, Tate, and the girls. Loving the holiday family fun times!

While in L.A., I dashed down to the Fashion District for a visit to Michael Levine and Mood. I spotted some brightly colored fabrics, anticipating spring/summer bagmaking. 🙂 We’ll be visiting NYC next week and our boutique hotel will be in the Garment District! Oh, darn–ha ha. Since many of my blog posts are about travel, you probably wonder when I have time to make bags. Well that’s coming up in January, but I did manage to finish a few after the China trip and Quilt Festival, and I’ll share those with you now…

Loretta Loves Leopard

Rumor has it that Loretta Loves Leopard was purchased by a lady named Loretta. I’m so happy! This faux fur textured bag’s pattern had extra room on the sides where you see I added two pockets. Fancied the top with a little gold fringe and a cute doll accessory, then added leather gold handles. Voila!

Beyond the Nest

Beyond the Nest was one of those purses that I secretly hoped wouldn’t sell–but it did. I love this bag! It is my own Jenny pattern design, created from a fur/feathery fabric from Michael Levine. The band is vintage crushed velour and I placed a beautiful brooch from Trims on Wheels. The handle is an easy-to-apply and fashionable clip-on that I love from Studio Mio.

Cowabunga!

Cowabunga is a snazzy little Western bag that will be perfect for Texas Hill Country. The faux cow-hide is from Cowgirls and Lace, and I simply added black and red fringe, dripping Western beads, and a few flowers to give it a chic yet country vibe. 🙂

London Flat again makes use of the crushed velour, plus a furry leopard, and beautifully textured golden upholstery fabric. A large flower and clip on handles complete the look. This is actually a pattern designed by Stephanie Prescott of A Quilter’s Dream that I had noticed at Quilt Festival where it was fashioned from cotton. I decided to use denser fabric and create a fall/winter look using the same pieces, and adding more interior pockets.

After returning from China, I couldn’t wait to finish Shades of Shanghai. This is also from the quilt world, a pattern from Pink Sand Beach called the Mahattan Handbag. I like to fancy it up and since this had an Asian vibe, I added bamboo handles and a frog closure just for decoration. The fabrics were a fat quarter bundle from long ago. This is why you purchase fabric that grabs you. I bought this not knowing what in the world I would use it for and it has become a stylish purse. 🙂

Now this is the same pattern, using another fat quarter bundle purchased long ago, but I added delicate dripping black beads, crushed velour gusset and handles, and sewed a purchased flower to one I made from faux leather. I named her Vintage Victorian.

Boho Chic is created from a Cindy Taylor Oates pattern called the Lakehouse Bag. I used a mod design fabric that has a denim feel and added a large boho style flower. I knew when I saw these beautiful Hippie look beads that they would accessorize it perfectly, with a little braid sewn on top in the same shade of green. A very fun bag!

We have a newborn in the family now from my nephew and his wife, and since she’s a gorgeous little girl, I had to make her a “first purse,” right? Fashioned from vintage chenille, this simple bag has cording for a handle and a ribbon closure. Of course it has a pocket and an “It’s Sew Anny” label inside. 🙂 Something tells me she’ll be receiving many more over the years…

Okay, don’t faint…this bag is for me! I had a very similar one I had sewn over four years ago and used every winter. A few beads had fallen by the wayside and it had some fading, so I whipped up a new version and enjoy it so much! This is from the same Cindy Taylor Oates book, but a style called “Caroline’s Bag.”

And that’s it for now–off to find more fabric in the Big Apple! Happy Holidays, Everyone!

Sep14

Business is Booming!

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Anny

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How happy I am to announce that Business is Booming! A HUGE shout-out to the Texas Quilt Museum in La Grange, Texas, who will now be displaying and selling my bags! I am supremely honored to be a part of their fabulous organization. Julie, the Museum Director, shares my love of lush fabric and we had a marvelous time deciding which of my bags would complement upcoming museum exhibits. The museum is comprised of several galleries showcasing masterpiece quilts. Leaders in the international quilt community display and lecture in the historic buildings from 1890. Exhibits from all over the world change every three months. For gardeners and garden lovers, Grandmother’s Flower Garden is adjacent to the museum which is a period garden that would be typical of Central Texas flower gardens around 1890. A 13 x 85 foot mural, depicting 15 traditional 19th century quilts, adorns the outdoor garden wall of the museum. Not to mention, there is a wonderful quilt shop right next door to the museum. What more could you want? If you need more information, just visit texasquiltmuseum.org.

And now let me show you the latest bags from It’s Sew Anny Designs.

You just can’t beat a lovely clutch. Based on an Ali Foster design, I paired a royal blue crushed velvet with a lime green suede to create “Sapphire and Diamonds.” The interior is Dupioni silk from SoHo Fabrics. Adorned with a faux mother of pearl and rhinestone broach, she’s ready to party! Yes, she was difficult to part with, but she’s already been adopted. 🙂

Velvet Gold was fashioned from an olive/golden velvety fabric I discovered at the Round Top Antique Festival. Complementing the floral paisley is a velvet green bow formed from Mood Fabric that I purchased in L.A. (More about that trip later…) The handles had been in my stash for a time, waiting for just the right bag. The pattern was from Charlie’s Aunt called “The Brief Encounter” bag. It was the first time I’d used this pattern and I know it won’t be the last. Love it!

You see two views of the bag called “Inside Out” which is completely reversible. I even added a pocket on each side. One handle simply loops through the other for easy access, and you have a lightweight functional bag that offers two colors and designs for a versatile accessory. Fabrics from Cowgirls and Lace, Dripping Springs.

Welcome Fall with Autumn Gold! She’s a marriage of golden hues from Michael Levine (Los Angeles) and Cowgirls and Lace. The Chemisette Handbag is a pattern from Craftapple Designs and is a delight to sew! I had the perfect flower to enhance autumn tones so I simply added a broach pin to the back and the bag was complete. The perfect size for those daytime jaunts.

“Chocolate Luxe” is a plush bag made from a watercolor chocolate velvet from Mood Fabrics. Dripping beads, a jeweled emblem, and a lush faux fur collar all combine to make this one of my all-time favorites. This is my personal design, “The Jenny Bag.”

An Amy Barickman pattern, the Rachel Bag, is one that uniquely opens from a zipper in the back.

I chose to call her “Lucy Goes to Town” and a close-up of the zipper pull reveals a little lady with her purse and heels on just ready to Go To Town. 🙂

I created another version called “Chasing Sunny” with a red suede handle and a zipper pull that adds a bit of bling with a rhinestone key. The red faux crocodile fabric was discovered at Fabric Decor in Houston. I used a golden faux leather to design the flower with a center button from Tender Buttons on New York’s Upper East Side. This is why you must purchase items you fall in love with when you travel. #l) You’ll eventually use them and/or fondly recall the happy memory of said travels, and, #2) If you don’t bring them home, you may be longingly recalling the “one that got away.” Some things just bring you joy. 🙂

Oh, my, oh my… I should have kept this bag. The fabric is another version of that silky velvet, only this time it is a teal blue from High Fashion Fabrics in Houston. The band is a velvet suede-like fabric from Michael Levine, L.A. The leather flower was also purchased at Michael Levine. I happened to have the perfect shade of blue beads in my stash. Happy Day!

A while back I discovered this magnificent fabric just rolled up on a table at High Fashion like someone forgot it. No one claimed it and I happily snapped it up. I have enjoyed making two purses from the textured medallion embroidery. This one is named “Tribal Fibers” and I enhanced it with a fringed leather key fob. The handles looked appropriately rustic to me so I fashioned loops to accommodate them. The faux ostrich is another Michael Levine purchase from our L.A. trip.

This time the medallion fabric was paired with a faux embossed leather from Cowgirls and Lace in Dripping Springs. The leather handles were from Shirley in Switzerland purchased on the internet. Adorning the bag with a little lady swinging from repurposed jewelry gave it a whole different vibe. I named it “Maddie Medallion.” Both bags were created from a pattern by ithinksew.com.

“Vintage Autumn” is such a sweet bag. I feel like the handles have a vintage vibe, as well as the jeweled flower. I believe the beautifully textured fabric was from Britex in San Francisco. Beadwork is from Interior Fabrics in Houston. And the pattern is another Ali Foster, called the Lucy Tote.

I chose to name this bag “Royal Velvet.” It is a mini Jenny bag, fashioned from a rich velvety fabric from Mood in L.A. The Greek coin button was found at International Quilt Festival, as well as the handles from Studio Mio. The tassel trim is from Interior Fabrics. An ensemble from many “in search of fabric” trips. 🙂

So, as you see, I’ve been mega busy. But, another very happy aspect to my growing business is Cheryl. Cheryl is a friend who has joined in my venture and is not new to the sewing world. She is a former entrepreneur in the custom dress shop field. You should have seen us last week as she cut and pressed and I designed and sewed. We are an awesome team!

Cheryl is a lady of many talents. She will live here and pet sit for us while we are in China. China? you say. Yes, I need silk. Just joking–it was on our bucket list to stand on the Great Wall. But will I cast glances in hope of fabric for sale? You betcha!

Until the next adventure tales,

Love, Anny

Mar31

Flowers and Beyond!

Posted on March 31, 2014 by Anny

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Spring has sorta sprung here in Texas and my thoughts have turned to flowers–fabric flowers that is!

Fun to Wear Fabric Flowers by Elizabeth Helene Searle is a wonderful resource that guided me through crafting all the flowers above. A 96 page book with fabulous photos and examples.

Four of the five flowers you see above were sewn from kits I purchased at International Quilt Festival. The top left flower, though, was made from a pattern by Heather Bailey that’s attached to her purse pattern, “Marlo Bloom Handbag.” This decorative flower is easily constructed following her well-written instructions and adding a vintage button. Here is a closer look:

And here we have the same flower styled with laminated fabrics and a hand-painted button from Mood.

Sometimes, as with the Heather Bailey project, the flower is a bonus from a purse pattern. The same happy circumstance occurred with Carina Gardner’s “Dainty Blossoms Sling” which sports a lovely lush flower that I created for our Springer Spaniel, Kate, from laminated pink floral. She wears it proudly and everyone can see just how feminine she is! 🙂

For Kate

From that very sling pattern I actually fashioned a laminated bag with a casual vintage vibe that I titled “Welcome Back, June”! in honor of summer approaching and a nod to June Cleaver. 🙂 “Now, Ward, don’t you think you were a little hard on Beaver?” Oh, geez, showing my age again… But it does just channel the fifties, don’t you think?

Welcome Back, June!

In addition to my journey into flowers, I also sidestepped into headbands. And where did I find those patterns? Just Google “how to make a reversible headband” and YouTube, of course, will have you stitching headbands before you know it! Here are a few of about a dozen reversible headbands I created. Such fun! Easy and quick! Now at Tina’s!

During Spring Break, my adorable Gracie, The Fashionista, visited and here is a picture of her latest creation–a purse, and of course, it’s in animal print! Girl after my own heart!

My return to actual purse making came in the form of an Anny Clutch from a beautifully vibrant laminated Kaffe Fassett print. Behold “Cheshire Garden.”

Cheshire Garden

One of my favorite Etsy shops, Laminates, provided the fabric (Who’s That Girl? from Robert Kaufman) for this awesome Parisian bag which I deem “Shopping on the Seine.” And the genuine leather handle is from another favorite I’ve mentioned before, Cindy’s Button Company.

Shopping on the Seine

Wanting to experiment with laminated fabric using one of my favorite patterns by Cindy Taylor Oates, I stitched a bag with elements from the sixties. The flower child print is from Stella Dear Stella Designs which I discovered at an awesome Austin shop called Stitch Lab. Dripping with tassels, fringe, and a large leather flower, I coined a new word for this lovely bag– “Fringeship.” 🙂

Fringeship

In the spring/summer season, it’s too easy for me to get caught up in the laminates. (Although, that seems to be what the customers like.) AND I was ready for a pattern that was completely new and different to me. I chose a pattern called Laguna from The Quilter’s Dream. When I saw the sample ready-made at Quilt Festival, it was sewn from all cotton. Instead, I chose to fashion it from a teal floral heavy linen, then machine appliqued the large flower from a fuchsia chenille. I placed a purchased light pink fabric hibiscus in the center, then topped the rim with a sage green ball fringe. I’m delighted with the outcome and titled it “Floral Magic.”

Floral Magic

And now for the Anny Bags–all laminated. The first is a wild Brother/Sister Designs fabric, alternating with a Michael Miller polka dot, which I named “Psychedelic Gardens.”

Psychedelic Gardens

Then I reverted to my four ruffle Anny Bag pattern. I am continually tweaking (not twerking–although that would be exercise) my Anny Bag pattern, usually fiddling with dimensions. I always think, “Ah, this is perfect!” Then, I adjust it again. What’s that about?? Anyway, the following are three that I have delivered to Tina’s in the last week or so.

Black and White and Red All Over

Garden Party

Flirty Flowers

And there you have it, folks! The fruits of my labor! This week I plan to produce three more Anny Bags. Yikes! Actually, Tina’s on the Strand has chosen me to be the featured artist at Artwalk on June 6th, and fear of inadequate inventory drives me! I text pics of the completed bags to my daughter who last night inquired, “Do you ever leave your sewing room?!” Well, yes. I go to Curves, Bunko, Mah Jongg, Lunch with the teachers, friends, and family, mani/pedi, etc. But the REST of the time, I’m sewing. Happily Sew! 🙂

Jul19

Be Careful What You Wish For!

Posted on July 19, 2013 by Anny

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They say, “Be Careful What You Wish For!” Well, I’ve always wished to be a featured artist on one of Galveston’s Artwalk Evenings. AND…my wish has been granted! On October 5th, I will be the featured artist at Tina’s on the Strand on Artwalk night! However…by that time fifteen bags must be ready for my “trunk show.” Whew! Yes, I can do this, I tell myself. It’s been a few days since my “wish was granted” and I have spent those days basically taking inventory of all my exquisite fall/winter fabrics, trims, and potential patterns. You know that’s my favorite part! It’s true, I need to get in gear and churn out those bags, but planning is a very necessary step for me. It is psychologically energizing! Last night my mind was whirling with possibilities until 4:30 a.m. (Yes, I’m also a night person. Too bad most of the world is not in this mode. 🙂 But I digress.)

I have been sewing, though, since we last met. Creating a Victorian style bag was a goal that I can now check off the list. Below you see a sumptuous exterior upholstery fabric trimmed with richly colored tassels and silk ribbon fringe. Lined with Dupioni Silk, this bag has a pocket and zipper top closure. Now for sale in my Etsy Shop–ItsSewAnny! Yay! Progress!

Next, I tackled another goal of fashioning a gypsy/hobo/chic bag, which is now at Tina’s on the Strand. Extensively embellished with silk ribbon loop fringe, beautiful beading and large tassels on the back, this bag is definitely one of a kind! Again, it is thickly woven upholstery fabric but very lightweight and the lining features three dimensional bees–yes, bees. My friend, Pattie, suggested we name her Honey, Bee Chic! Take a look!

My sister, Nannette, had a birthday last week which gave me the opportunity to stitch a bag from a kit I purchased from Cactus Quilts in Texas City, Texas. Fabrics and pattern provided transformed into the sewing tote bag that you see here. Hmm, wouldn’t mind having one of those myself! Lots of pockets both inside and out!

Speaking of my sister, she and her husband, daughter, son, and daughter-in-law invited us to join them at their ranch house in LaGrange (Texas Hill Country.) We had a blast despite 104 degree heat! We pitched in for a mock Thanksgiving Dinner to pretend it was fall! 🙂 In the evening, it was cool enough to go down by the river in a grove of trees, sip some wine, and enjoy the most striking sunset ever!

But a fabulously fun feature of this awesome weekend was everyone’s dog was also invited! Yay! There were seven adults and eight dogs! Here is a sample of a few trying to share a bed that actually belonged to Natalie and Adam. 🙂 P.S. Kate, our bird dog, seen here, was the smallest dog there…

Everyone had a grand time but had to say good-bye on Sunday, so we loaded up Buddy, the Golden, and Kate, and, like a typical kid, Kate seemed to be saying, “Are we there yet?”

BUT, the fun continues! My darling granddaughter, Madison, selected a vintage romper pattern (really vintage–the price on the pattern envelope is $2.50!) Those were the days! Anyway, she arrives this evening when we will visit the fabric store and see if we can fashion a new chic outfit! (Been a long time since I’ve sewn a garment.) Perhaps in my next post, you will see a pic of Madison modeling that adorable romper! Until then…Happy Sewing!

Jul2

Oh! The Sparkle of it All!

Posted on July 2, 2013 by Anny

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Release me! That’s what my new Anny Clutch Pattern kept saying, but I kept editing and testing and editing and testing and getting help from my computer guru (aka Hubby) until finally today (Yes! Today!) I was able to put the new pattern on my Etsy Shoppe for sale! Hallelujah! Like birthin’ a baby! 🙂 I added more pictures with the directions this time and a template for the main part of the bag. This new creation has a choice of button/loop closure or magnetic snap, three pockets, and is actually a generous size for a clutch. Width – 11 inches, height 8 inches, and depth at the bottom 3-1/2 inches. Here’s a pic of the new Anny Clutch and my sweet, granddaughter, Madison, who modeled it for me:

Fashioned from Michael Miller quilting weight cotton, this bag will be calling my closet home because I always keep the prototype for my pattern in case there are any questions from customers. (That’s what I tell myself. Could it be that I have separation anxiety and/or would love to use this clutch? Moi?) Since this was the prototype, it features both a magnetic closure and a loop closure with a button I covered from my stash.

However, my second test of the pattern will be for sale on my Etsy Shoppe (remember, Its Sew Anny–no apostrophe) and here is a picture. Hard to part with…uh-oh. No, this baby’s already listed, and I’m sure it will find a great home. Styled from Anna Maria Horner’s Field Study Collection (and a little Moda thrown in for good measure), this clutch is sturdy enough to stand alone because these beautiful fabrics are actually linen! I chose a floral removable pin with distressed ribbon for embellishing, and there is a magnetic snap and three pockets. Someday soon I’m going to experiment with creating my own fabric flowers. Here is a pic. Too bad Madison’s not here to model for me…

Along with fabric floral experiments, my near future plans include a foray into Victorian type purses and perhaps some gypsy upholstered boho/chic type bags. These lend themselves to the fall season, and although we haven’t seen Independence Day yet, with temps in the 100+ range, I fantasize about fall everyday! Speaking of Fourth of July, here is a pic of my current redwork. I had visions of it becoming a pillow before the Fourth of July but I guess we’re looking at 2014. 🙂 I had forgotten what a stress reliever redwork is! Love it!

In other news, we had a quick trip to Austin last week, with a stop along the way to visit the LaGrange property so that Rick could introduce me to his pride and joy–the new Kubota tractor (and all its many attachments.) He coaxed me up into the seat and took my picture which I should probably publish before he does…but here is the proud new owner and operator himself. The mean machine has actually cleared quite a lot of land already!

Also along the way, he showed me an old farmhouse that we may move from a nearby town to our property. Stay tuned…

Once we finally made it to Austin, we had a super visit! The first evening we headed out to a fabulous Italian restaurant (with gelato!) and threw an early birthday party for Gracie. Grandpa put together the awesome dollhouse that is bigger than she is! That was a lot of work, Grandpa!

The next day I snagged a chance to visit my ultimate home dec fabric shop, Cowgirls and Lace, in Dripping Springs, Texas. You should see the exquisite fabrics I gathered, and trims! Actually, you’ll spy quite a few in the fall season bags I’m planning. A quick trip but such fun! Shortly after we arrived home, I felt something stuck under my shoe. A rock? A tack? No… Now where were we the last few days? Oh yeah, with our crafty, artsy granddaughters!

But of course! It’s a lovely fuchsia stick-on craft jewel! Oh, the sparkle of it all…:) And speaking of sparkles, I hope you all have a fabulous Fourth of July with plenty of Fireworks Sparkles!

Jun7

These Boots Are Made for Walkin’

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Anny

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Oh, Happy Day! Imagine my surprise when I delivered a new bag to Tina’s on the Strand and Fiery Fiesta was part of the window display!

Fiery Fiesta is the large version of the pattern I designed and now sell in my Etsy shop, Its Sew Anny. It’s called “The Anny Bag Pattern” (a PDF pattern) and the idea originated with a glance at an apron from Pier 1 that had been cast upon the back of my sewing chair. I had been dreaming of a pattern with ruffles but everything I searched to buy had too small and tightly gathered ruffles. There was the perfect configuration in that ruffled apron, and thus, the birth of The Anny Bag. The summery Fiery Fiesta bag was made from Kaffe Fassett laminated cotton. The bag I delivered was Tropinkal Chic. Fashioned from hot pink and tropical laminated cotton, with a flirty pink polka dot lining, this bag is the medium size version of the Anny Bag Pattern.

Tropinkal Chic

Recently I created another one of my favorite patterns (CraftApple’s Knotted Bag–“Afternoon” size) that I call Paisley Polka. The laminated fabric is a Riley Blake design called Sugar & Spice by the Quilted Fish. And the whimsical turquoise polka dot bow and bib is from Michael Miller. Available in my Etsy shop.

That same pattern from CraftApple’s Knotted Bag also offers an “All Day” size which I styled from an Amy Butler fabric from her Alchemy Collection, called Sketchbook Rose. I named this bag Blue Skies and Roses. The quilted weight cotton lining had been in my closet for some time while I searched for the same print in a laminate. I finally discovered it at the online shop called Laminates–a very fun store with a huge selection of laminates, as well as quilted weight cottons. This bag is large enough to even carry a laptop! There is a generous pocket inside but a huge exterior section that they call a “magazine pocket.”

And now for something completely different, last night I went back to using non-laminated fabric and created a design by Sue Kim that she calls Hobo Chic. I call it Just Plain Mod! The fabric I chose is straight out of the sixties! It is a durable canvas weight and I lined it with yellow polka dot with two pockets. (This bag is also available in my Etsy Shop. ) As a finishing touch, I added a tan leather button right in the middle of one of the giant flowers. All you need to complete this look is a pair of GoGo Boots! Oh, I’m showing my age… These boots are made for walkin’, right Nancy? Well, that’s just what they’ll do–right up the stairs to my sewin’ room!

Apr22

So What’s the Drink of the Day?

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Anny

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Our first day back on shore I turn to Rick and ask, “So what’s the Drink of the Day?” Oh yeah, back to REALITY!! No more Mango Mungo Madness! Back to selling the house, readying house for Homes Tour, Rick starting on Hill Country land, putting Spring items on Etsy, sewing for Tina’s, having the flu… Yep, the first week back from the cruise I think I’m dizzy just getting used to land again but no! Very sick, but just for a few days. Now I’m good as new!

So, about the cruise… If you know Flat Stanley, you know that since Gracie is in second grade, Rick and I were in charge of photographing this nicely dressed flat boy doing various activities in settings that prove he has visited countries outside the U.S. so Gracie could share with her class. Duly noted! As the pics portray, Stanley went to the On Deck Sailaway Party, Belize zip lining, marketing in Cozumel, enjoying the Atrium, and even getting his hair styled (his hair always did look nice…) in the ship salon. He’s a dandy!

Docked in Cozumel.

Sail Away Party. See those deck chairs? Drink of the Day setting. Non-alcoholic for Stanley. :)

Sail Away Party setting. See those deck chairs? Drink of the Day setting. Non-alcoholic for Stanley. 🙂

My Cabana Boy

Waving to Roatan, Honduras. Too choppy for ship to dock. 😦

Stan dances the night away.

Zip lining in Belize.

Market visit in Cozumel.

Salon visit for Formal Night.

Although Stanley zip lined in Belize, he passed on the Cave Tubing expedition, and on the Helmet Diving in Cozumel. He prefers dry activities. A great time was had by all and it was amazing how many people recognized Stanley. When taking that Market pic, a policeman says, “So…how many countries has he been to?” 🙂 The one place I planned to buy fabric was Roatan since we had friends there who actually knew where to take us. So no new fabric. (Although I did place an order today from QuiltHome.com. 🙂 And I plan to order soon from another fav, Laminates.)

So…still keeping the sewing room tidy for house showings (an open house yesterday) but before we vacationed I took time to finish a few items for Its Sew Anny on Etsy and a few evening bags for the cruise. (P.S. If you visit my store on Etsy, please don’t place an apostrophe in the “Its” or you will visit someone else’s shop. Yes, I’m a teacher and this just drives me crazy…)

These bags are a wonderful design by CraftApple. I can’t say enough about their patterns. Very clear, attractive, easy to follow instructions. I carry a fall upholstery version of this bag and love it because it’s just the right size. It’s shoulder style, holds more than you realize, and I’ve added three pockets inside. They offer two versions. The magenta and gold bag is the gathered style and while pulling the fabrics I found this embroidered ribbon in my stash that matched perfectly and was a nice little embellishment. When the straps seemed too lightweight (even with interfacing) I decided to add lines of stitching which gave a quilted effect and a much sturdier strap. I opted to use the non-gathered pattern on the blue bag since I didn’t want to interrupt the beautiful floral design. Blue beads called to me from my embellishment stash, so voila! I don’t remember where I purchased these fabrics–it’s been a while–but I have been waiting for a project worthy of these beautiful colors and designs. I do know that the magenta fabric is from Timeless Treasures called “Darling Clementine.” The lining is Garden Pindot. The blue lining is from Moda, and probably the floral also. The polka dot is from Marcus Fabrics, “Authentic 1930’s from the collection by Judie Rothermel.”

This evening bag is a Studio Mio design with the clever slide magnetic clasp. Fashioned from the most opulent copper plush fabric I own, and embellished with a feathery accent. The strap was enhanced by a rhinestone buckle found in my trimmings drawer.

Recuperating from the flu I decided to try this Katie’s Draw-string Bag pattern from Amelie Scott Designs. This is a gem of a pattern that I plan to use again. I had some Michael Miller laminated cotton that begged to be used and I was able to whip this drawstring/backpack style bag up in no time. The pattern comes with flower embellishment instructions which I plan to create from a coordinating fabric. Next time I would add pockets. What was I thinking? Hmm, coming off the flu I guess. But you know how I love pockets!!

In other news:

My hubby retired right before the cruise and is anxious to get started clearing property in the Texas Hill Country where he wants to build a vacation home for us. He is there today which means that I will probably sew until late tonight. 🙂

We have been asked to participate in the Galveston Historical Homes Tour 2013 which happens the first and second weekend in May. Very honored, we are, and very excited to be sharing our home built in 1886. Wednesday the docents arrive for the orientation meeting. On those two weekends, we will stay at the Marriott Hotel Galvez on the Seawall–an historical landmark as well and host to classic celebrities as Frank Sinatra and past presidents. During the day, we will probably spend half our time touring the other homes and half the time on our own deck answering any questions from tourists. We are blessed.

So happy to be home and back with Buddy and Kate! Our teacher friend, Amy, did a terrific job of house/pet sitting for us! She did say that if she gets to return to earth as an animal, she wants to come back as a Heiberg dog! 🙂

With that I bid you farewell and I’m taking those Heiberg dogs up to sew!

Love,

Anny

Mar3

SCRAP HAPPY!

Posted on March 3, 2013 by Anny

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In February I took a little break from sewing to revisit a lost love–scrapbooking! When my daughter and granddaughters were here recently, they had so much fun trying to draw from a cute little book I have called “Doodling in French: How to Draw with Joie de Vivre!” Easy to follow steps lead you to create drawings of the Eiffel Tower, etc. So for Valentine’s Day, I sent the book to Jen and the girls along with drawing pads. But when I purchased the drawing pads they had covers that were not very attractive and rather juvenile. I bought three, though, and for each one I completely scrapbooked over the original cover with photos that pertained to each girl, along with embellishments like ribbon, flowers, and other 3-dimensional items. It took longer than I thought but it was really fun and now they each have a unique sketch pad for fun! Here is a picture of each one:

Another side step from sewing in February was the opening of my new Etsy shop called, of course, It’s Sew Anny! While I was in Austin, my daughter graciously agreed to model the bags in her beautiful backyard and that was the final step to photographing and posting my items on Etsy. Three bags are currently listed which you will see below:

MIDNIGHT ROSE

REGAL ELEGANCE

MINK ME TONIGHT

I realize that these bags are from my winter style, but when I heard about the recent blizzard up north I decided that perhaps it wasn’t too late to offer a creation that was warm and cozy! I did, however, manage to sew one spring time bag recently. I call it Pretty in Pink since it’s dripping in pink beaded glamour and a precious pink peony. Here are a few pics:

This bag will make a lady very happy since it’s fashioned from laminated cotton and is super lightweight and easy to clean. Perfect for shopping, traveling, and everyday wear.

I may have mentioned in a previous post that we are selling our house and seeking another historical home here in the East End of Galveston Island. Today our realtor held an open house. What does that mean to a seamstress? It means that my sewing room is beautifully tidy right now. What else does that mean? Oh yeah… Where in the world did I stash certain items to tidy up? The next month or so just might consist of more than a few games of hide ‘n seek with me searching for essential tools, embellishments and project items that I’ve so very neatly tucked away! Until next time…wish me luck!!

It's Sew Anny!

Do what makes your heart sing! A blog about Sewing and Traveling

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Be Careful What You Wish For!

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