Tag Archives: laminated fabric bags

Jun4

SNEAK PREVIEW

Posted on June 4, 2014 by Anny

Here is a SNEAK PREVIEW of the THIRTEEN new bags I have been frantically creating for ARTWALK GALVESTON, Saturday, June 7th! I am honored, once again, to be Tina’s on the Strand Featured Artist. Galveston galleries and boutiques put their best foot forward for this event all day long starting around 10 a.m., but the most fun happens from 6 to 9 p.m. when patrons wander from gallery to gallery sipping wine, shopping, and socializing. (Makes a great “girls’ night out!”) I will be presenting all day and evening and the theme will be ST. TROPEZ BOUND, thus the French flair to all the following bags. Drum roll please…

PARTY ON THE YACHT!

BEACH BOUND

SUMMER SOIREE

DANCING ON WATER

MONET’S GARDEN

MAKING WAVES

DREAMING OF PARIS

RENDEZVOUS IN ST. TROPEZ

NIGHTFALL IN ST. TROPEZ

PARIS FLING!

SUNSHINE DANCE!

LADIES’ NIGHT

(Backside of Ladies’ Night)

PARIS FLEA MARKET

And now for something completely different…As you probably noticed,the latter two bags, although charmingly springy, are a total departure from the laminated breezy, beachy vibe. They were created from 100% vintage materials. The outer bag was fashioned from a chenille bed covering from the fifties and the blush floral chintz was a vintage remnant from a friend. To be true to the 100% vintage, I did not add the usual interfacing between layers, nor did I add a magnetic snap. The antique dice button on Ladies Night, which is Bakelite, serves as the closure, along with the loop made from antique velvet French ribbon. Why did I title the bag “Ladies’ Night?” Can’t you just picture the ladylike hands wearing those proper little gloves gently tossing the dice onto the casino table in Monte Carlo on the French Riviera? Oh, yes, we’re still on the French theme! 🙂 Inside I fashioned a pocket from a removed chair covering from a Paris flea market. The floral embellishing came from the millinery section of a department store that closed in the sixties. An unopened box was found in the back room containing the post WWII “Made in Japan” delicate flowers. I’ve tucked inside the glove the little fifties style original brochure that came with the pair describing care, etc., and inside the pocket is the original button card from Costumakers (25 cents!)

I’m really looking forward to Saturday and hope to see many friends there. But I’m REALLY excited to present the summer line so that I may start my fall/winter line! You know, when I used to teach, I would be worn out by May and looking forward to summer. But at the same time, I would be anticipating fall, and my head would already be filled with ideas for my new students! Well, some things never change–my head is spinning with fall/winter ideas and I’m ready to open that armoire containing my lush chenilles, faux fur, leather, and warm fabrics in rich darker hues. Aren’t I lucky that I LOVE my work?!!! 🙂

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! 🙂

Jul23

Dramamine, anyone?

Posted on July 23, 2013 by Anny

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The Madison Visit–We began with sewing and ended with sewing but mucho entertainment in between! Our first mission was to purchase fabric for the cute McCall’s vintage romper pattern we recently ordered. Madison chose a lovely red stripe seersucker. Luckily, we borrowed a tape measure and discovered that the size was wrong. But, after visiting two stores we located an almost identical pattern (also McCall’s) and promptly had it cut out and ready to roll! We woke up to crashing thunder and lightning the following morning which, as you know, is perfect for sewing up a storm. 🙂 That sewing room had never seen so much cutting and stitching! Maddie is a very quick learner, cutting and sewing with minimal guidance from Granny, and soon delighted with her new summery creation. Encouraged by this awesome success, she proceeded to sew with me throughout the evening, fashioning matching hair accessories, belts, and bracelets! Here is the new outfit…

On Sunday we visited with Nannette and Laura, then back to Galveston for evening sewing. This time Madison was itching to try her hand at stitching a bag pattern (with a zipper!) for small travel items. She selected a laminated chevron fabric from my laminated scraps bin and again, with minimal guidance, created a lovely bag. With even less guidance, she produced yet a second bag for pencils etc. to coordinate with her backpack. As I sewed my latest bag, she continued at the Bernina, trying her hand at fabric flowers. Yay! A beautiful turquoise polka dot laminate rose was generated, along with a fabulous shabby chic satiny silver peony.

No, we didn’t spend four days just sewing. 🙂 We experienced the Duck Tour, visited Moody Gardens Aquarium and The Texas Seaport Museum, learned to Segway along the Seawall, took a carriage ride in the historic district, and rode the Ferris Wheel (Galaxy Wheel) and Log Ride (Pirate’s Plunge) at the new Pleasure Pier over the water. Wow! I am a little lacking in sleep but happy as a clam that we had such fun together! Except for the sewing, Grandpa was a great sport at escorting us and being the bank. 🙂 We dined at our favorite places and sampled some new ones. If you’re in Galveston, we highly recommend the following: Mosquito Cafe, Farley Girls Cafe, Hey Mikey!’s Ice Cream, Mario’s, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt, Olympia Grill (umm, the blue lump crab cakes are divine), and Galvez Bar and Grille (try the bacon wrapped shrimp.) We also sneaked in a little shopping here and there at Tina’s on the Strand, Colonel Bubbies, Flea by the Sea (Maddie picked up a cute nautical bag), and Modern Vintage on Post Office Street, where I snapped up a beautifully embroidered silk pillow and an antique bird feeder for Grandpa’s wildlife preserve on the Hill Country property!

I mentioned we also ended our visit with sewing. Last night I helped Madison start some embroidery and she took to it like a duck to water, stitching a tea towel with a pear design–a foray into hand stitching.

You must be thinking, “But I thought Madison just arrived Thursday evening?” Yes, she did, and sadly bid us farewell today. But anyone who has traveled with me knows that I do like to pack in the fun until you drop. Grandpa told Madison the story of our honeymoon and how I planned a fantastic agenda but forgot to include little things like travel time and sleep. On the fifth day, he fell asleep in his plate at Trader Vic’s in San Francisco! I stayed up that night reading magazines and viewed more action out the window of our downtown hotel. When I traveled with the teachers, they learned a little secret–I get sleepy if I’m taking Dramamine. Now they threaten to sprinkle it in my food! 🙂 Well, Warren Zevon had a song in the 70’s called, “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead.” Anyone remember that? Somehow it resonates with me…

Just need to restore a tiny bit of shut-eye to prepare for our upcoming trip to L.A., followed by a Gracie visit! Hmm, Dramamine anyone? Zzzzzz

Jun20

Gone Fishing!

Posted on June 20, 2013 by Anny

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Last weekend we attended the most fabulous rehearsal dinner and wedding! My nephew, Adam, married his beautiful, sweet bride, Natalie. The whole weekend was just a magical fairy tale from the rehearsal dinner’s Corinthian columns and musicians from the Houston Symphony Orchestra strolling through the setting to the awesome wedding at the lovely church with reception at the Omni Hotel ballroom in Houston.

How does this relate to sewing? The night before we left, I decided to sew a little bag to accessorize the dress I wore on Sunday. I fashioned it from upholstery fabric! Don’t know if I mentioned it, but just as Rick and I were leaving for our cruise in April, my good friend, Jeff, knocks on the door and presents me with a large bag of terrific upholstery fabric which he scored from a friend because he knows I sew purses. What a guy! This fabric is very heavy duty, as you might imagine, and I created a small clutch wristlet with a fine corduroy lining and red magnetic snap. Although this purse turned out perfect for the occasion, I would use a lighter fabric for such a small bag in the future.

The day after the wedding I planned to sew, but the upstairs air conditioner’s thermostat broke and it was 90+ degrees. I brought lots of fabric and patterns and cutting utensils downstairs to the air conditioned dining room and spent all day and evening cutting. (I’ve decided to pick up one of those cushiony kitchen mats to stand on for future cutting sessions.) I used the same fabric you see here to cut a hobo style bag which will be so perfect if I find the ivory loop trim I want to embellish it. I cut four other bags that await me in the sewing room. (Oh, yes, Rick fixed the thermostat! I have such a handsome handy man!)

One of the bags I cut was the Knotted Bag, all day style, from Craft Apple patterns. You know I love this design, and when I saw the Brandon Mably fabric called Gone Fishing, I knew I had to use this pattern to accommodate the large fish swimming by. I used the Gone Fishing laminated cotton for the exterior and the Gone Fishing regular cotton for the interior. I paired it with a plain slick red laminate for contrast on the bow, etc. This is the perfect bright, happy, beachy fabric for Galveston and it is now at Tina’s for sale. P.S. That bag in Tina’s window from my last blog sold that very day I posted it!

I really, really, really, wish I had someone to sew the bags for me. Not that I don’t like to sew! It’s very satisfying and therapeutic. But I have a zillion and one ideas for bags–I have the fabric, I have the patterns, everything. I already have many, many bags pulled together, in this way, already for next winter. The fabrics, patterns, buttons, trims, etc. are neatly grouped together and ready to cut and sew. Here’s a tip: When I do this, I go ahead and take a picture of these items so I don’t have to rely on my fantastic 🙂 memory when the time comes. But when I see these projects, I feel frustrated by something called TIME! I just want to use my time pulling together the fabrics, patterns and embellishing to create one-of-a-kind bags. Each bag takes so long. Tim Gunn has said that one of the criteria for Project Runway is speed. I would never make it! My favorite part, by far, is the creativity that comes with the initial decision-making process. If I win the lottery (oh yeah, I keep forgetting to buy a ticket…) I will start a business where I provide the sewing machines and everything necessary for seamstresses to make the bags. They will be STYLED by It’s Sew Anny Designs! Does anyone else feel this way??

Until then, I’m not Going Fishing–I’m sewing, and happily sew! 🙂

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

Mar29

Tradition Lives On!

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Anny

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Spring has sprung! At least here in Texas… And what color says spring like the color of sunshine? My beautifully laminated yellow, gray, black, and white floral cotton was calling to me. My first Anny Bag of the year, Daisy Dots, is complete! I used a yellow polka dot for the lining and just happened to have that cute little black and white dot flower for embellishment. The black polka dot ruffles are a Michael Miller laminated fabric that goes so well with many combinations. Thank you, Michael! Three pockets and a magnetic closure make it perfect for traveling and shopping. The day I completed it I was watching The View and there were models dressed for spring in black and yellow:

Another laminated Michael Miller fabric, Secret Garden was perfect for my next bag as well–both lining and exterior. A popular Amy Butler pattern was used but with a twist. I multiplied the inner pockets and adorned it with blush colored beading. Speaking of blush, this bag was called Wine on the Vine. The beading would have been simple to apply (and was) but the effect looked a little skimpy to me so I added a row of burgundy velvet trim to enhance the effect. A Jennifer Paganelli design called Queen Street lined the interior.

Every year I donate a bag to the Salvation Army Benefit Gala’s silent auction. This year I created Springtime in Paris from a Craftapple pattern called Tailored Bags, and yet another Michael Miller fabric along with his black polka dot. The main fabric features vintage style scenes of ladies shopping in Paris. The interior is a cotton called Barefoot Roses from Tanya Whelan. This was the first time I’ve applied a swivel clasp closure which couldn’t have been easier. The bag’s nice wide bottom and multiple pockets, including a large pocket on the exterior, would, indeed, be perfect for shopping along the ChampsElysees! But, seeing as how the bag fits file folders perfectly, it could even be a tote for working at the office.

We are taking a cruise next week to celebrate Rick’s retirement from Shell. So exchanging summer for winter clothing in the closet occupied a day or two since there was a lot of trying on, making packing lists, etc. But I’ve really been enjoying the posts on The Renegade Seamstress’s blog and took a note from her to modify an item I found left from last summer. I had purchased a white linen J.Jill dress with a hood online and although I really liked the look, I was not comfortable with the length–too short. So I cut off about 8-10 inches, leaving enough for a generous hem, and created a top! Even used the cut off fabric to make pockets–yay! Add a pair of capris and you’ve got a new outfit! 🙂 I forgot to take a “before” pic but here is the new top:

We’re having another Open House tomorrow, so Rick and I will take the doggies beachcombing for a bit while our trusty realtor does her thing. Yes, I still need to keep the sewing room spiffed up and tidy! Oh–last week the doorbell rang and this lady told me she used to live in our house. So I gave her and her daughter the tour and she was SO happy to see that I was using the lightfilled upstairs bedroom for my sewing room as that was what she had done when she lived here. And SEW…the tradition lives on!

Here’s hopping, er hoping, your Easter is fabulous!

P.S. Had my first Etsy sale last week–a lady from Australia purchased The Anny Bag pattern!

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!!

Jan27

Celebrate with Bags!

Posted on January 27, 2013 by Anny

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Galveston’s Mardi Gras celebration is the third largest in the country averaging more than 300,000 people each year. Lavish parades are held in the historic downtown and beachfront. What does this have to do with my bags? Since the boutique that sells the bags is right in the heart of all the merry-making and parading downtown, I try to add a little purple, green and gold to the bags I offer.

Three of the four bags completed this month have had just that color scheme. The most Mardi Gras of them all I call “French Quarter.”

French Quarter

This is a laminated Jenny style bag with velvety black straps, sparkling feather trim, and a black rose with tassels dangling.

Next is Beaded Bliss created in the original Anny Bag fashion. Of course it sports multiple pockets and a beautiful purple floral Kaffe Fassett lining. Don’t know if you can tell by the picture but the print on the laminate consists of a variety of strands of colorful beads. Mardi Gras–hello! I purchased a large lilac polka dot flower to which I added a big purple jewel in the middle and backed it with layers of lavender netting. It was fun doing the Anny Bag pattern again which had been on the back burner since warmer weather late last summer because I like to use it with laminates and softer cotton fabrics that drape well.

Beaded Bliss

Purpleicious was aptly named by my granddaughter, Gracie, who was visiting as I finished this bag. (She told me her sister said she was “really good at naming” and she was!) This elegant little clutch (pattern by Abbey Lane) has a feathery purchased purple flower centered on the Tencel pleats. I believe this was the first bag that I lined with the same fabric as the exterior. This time it just seemed perfect–not plain since I spiffed it up with three Kaffe Fassett floral pockets. Another neat item, new to me, that was very appropriate for this interior was a purple magnetic snap. I was surprised and happy to find these snaps in many colors at Joanne Fabrics. You’ll notice that the interior also has a hand-sewn black floral embroidered trim which I found at Trims on Wheels at the Quilt Show this year. I’d like to give a shout out to these folks. They have every trim you could imagine, including jewels, buckles, etc. Three visits to their booth at the show served me well in the embellishing department! Great booth for my sister, as well, since she’ll be sewing some crazy quilts this year, right Nannette?

Purpleicious Interior

Purpleicious

The latest addition to the inventory of bags at Tina’s is called Midnight Rose! It is fashioned from a fabulously chic textured floral on black. What fun it was to embellish this shoulder bag from a Cindy Taylor Oates pattern. Scarlet beading adorns the exterior pocket, a golden and black fringe trim outlines the entire body, and a hand-made zebra fabric button adds to the fun! The handle consists of two pieces tied together (hence adjustable) and they’re made of sumptuous black velvet on one side and a very soft, thick golden textured fabric on the other. I actually have a bag very similar to this and kept getting requests for it. I have used it for over a year now and it has certainly served me well–from New York, to Indiana, to L.A.– that bag has been through many airport security checks, wild open jeep rides, pedicabs, carriage rides, crowded subways, you name it, and that baby has held up so well. My favorite comment was from a Very Stylish gentleman rushing through the fashion district in SOHO who looked back and called, “Your Bag Rocks!” Ahhh, the supreme compliment!! I finally broke down and made one for Tina’s after I was paying for an item at their checkout counter and a customer really wanted my bag. I took her over to show her some of my other bags there and she said, “No, I want one black with flowers, just like yours.” And so it is. Midnight Rose.

Midnight Rose

Until next time, Happy Sewing!

Mar5

SCRAPBOOK: It’s Sew Anny Designs

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Anny

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Recently I compiled a digital scrapbook to showcase some of my creations and give a little background for It’s Sew Anny Designs. Take a look…

Customize a free digital scrapbooking design

Oct19

Laminated Fabric

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Anny

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WHY IT’S A GOOD CHOICE

Easy to clean; wipe off surface.
Great for bags, aprons, hats, etc.
No edging or hemming required; no fraying.

CAUTIONS

Be very careful if you are pinning. When you make a pinhole, it stays! I have been using the little doll clothespins instead of pins. Or you could use tiny binder clips.
Use a longer stitch length. Too small stitches could cause a perforation effect.
Be sure to always press on the wrong side! Breaking this rule will turn your fabric into a sticky mess as well as your iron!
Your project will go infinitely smoother if you use a Teflon presser foot or at least a Walking Foot.

Check It Out

I read a great article about laminated fabric before starting my laminated Anny Bag and it really helped. It was called “Stashworthy” in the Feb./Mar. 2011 issue of Quilter’s Home.

It's Sew Anny!

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

Tag Archives: laminated fabric bags

SNEAK PREVIEW

Flowers and Beyond!

Dramamine, anyone?

Gone Fishing!

So What’s the Drink of the Day?

Tradition Lives On!

SCRAP HAPPY!

Celebrate with Bags!

SCRAPBOOK: It’s Sew Anny Designs

Laminated Fabric

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