Tuesday, April 1, 2014

It's a wrap!

One thing about crummy weather, it forces you to stay inside and sew!

But who needs an excuse, right?

Not twenty minutes ago, the last stitch was sewn on my wool crazy Autumn-themed purse.  

I'm really thrilled with the way it turned out!
I am an artist and that was my job for twenty-five years until I retired in 2006. 

I have always loved to work and create with my hands and that's when I'm happiest.  Having said that, the only subject I failed while in school, including four years of university, was home economics in my junior year of high school. Mercifully, I wasn't forced to take it in my senior year.

So this whole quilting/sewing thing is relatively new to me.
I don't have a problem creating and coming up with new designs because that's a part of who I am.  Sewing is not.  But I've always loved quilts and virtually anything and everything that is created with love by someone's hands.  

When I retired, I was bound and determined to teach myself how to quilt and sew...and this is where I am today.
As an artist, I love detail...the more the better.  I find that this same "obsession" has transferred itself to my new canvas of choice...fabric and wool...a perfect marriage!

I struggle sometimes with the logistics of sewing but I persist and try to think through the steps...like with this purse, for instance.

I knew that I wanted to make a wool crazy purse so I drew out the shape I had in my mind on paper and constructed one from newsprint.  Once I knew that it would work, I drew the elements that I wanted to appear on the face of the purse.  I used some of them and will use the others in another project some day.
It just evolved as I progressed.  

I had no idea until this morning as to how I was going to finish the top outside edge.  Then it dawned on me that I could bind it in a similar fashion to finishing a quilt.  So I applied the "binding" in the exact same way only I used wool instead.  

It worked up beautifully and with very little effort.
I can now consider it a FINISH and the best thing is that I L-O-V-E it!  It is sooooo me!


So...

Should I write up a pattern for it?

Should I offer it for sale?

What do you think?


Happy stitching!

47 comments:

janeks said...

Love love love!!!! Beautiful work

Teresa S. said...

I love it and think a pattern on etsy is a wonderful idea!

Jacqueline said...

Beautiful !

Sheila said...

Oh it is gorgeous and I can't believe you didn't pass home economics , you are a master of what you do . Definitely make up a pattern ! Gorgeous bag !!

Colleen said...

Once again, another beautiful creation! I am so glad to read your post today as it satisfies my curiosity about your switch from paint to fabric. I am going to say it's wonderful that you would share your creativity with the world but sometimes, do you ever want to keep it just special for yourself? I think I might every so often.

Lesley said...

What's a great bag! You did a super job and it was great to hear your story about that infamous Home Ec experience! Yay you for finding your niche and creating new treasures using fabric and wool!

Sharon said...

For all those wool crazy crafters, I'd say write a pattern, I think it's fabulous and that you should keep it for yourself. You deserve it!

Susan said...

Pattern pretty please with sugar or Splenda, as you wish!

Radka said...

Wow! Keep it, live with it, enjoy it! :-)
xx

Mrs. Sew and Sew - Karen said...

Gotta say I love it. Similar thing with my home economics class. They put me in woodworking class before I failed! Your work is always so beautiful. I certainly think a pattern would sale. Look how many could be blessed by that beautiful design.

Unknown said...

Well I must say you have achieved your goal in sewing and quilting...That is awesome.... You do wonderful work....Lisa

linny said...

Your purse is absolutely beautiful.
Definitely keep it for yourself & please a pattern would be great, so that we artistically challenged people could make one as well.
lyn.robyn.smith@gmail.com

Patti L. said...

Oh….another pattern would be wonderful! I would definitely purchase one! Thanks for another beautiful idea :)

KMSC said...

Yes!!

Janet O. said...

I've only been following your blog for a couple of years, but I would never have guessed that you are relatively new to the craft. You do amazing work--and your purse is so fun. How can you part with it? : )

tink's mom said...

It is wonderful, beautiful and a great canvas for your talent.

Sandi said...

Lovely job Kaaren, I think you have your answer from what I can read in your comments. Congratulations One suggestion is to offer a option of some sort of closure so it would be either a tote or more of a handbag.

gracie said...

Love it, love it.

Kate/Massachusetts said...

Yes! I would definitely buy the pattern for your bag but I also like what Sandi said about having a closure variation to be able to use it as a tote. That is how I would use the finished bag...it would hold a knitting or embroidery project since I no longer carry a purse. That's the joy of retirement for me...I live in jeans and carry any "essentials" in my pockets! lol

sandi s said...

I love your purse! I think you should sell a pattern for it. Hugs

Pam in IL said...

I love it too! Loved hearing about your sewing experience. You do beautiful work!

Julie said...

That is absolutely beautiful & stunning - I just adore it. I am loving wool felt work lately too & have found during this long hot summer all I have wanted to do is to sit inside working with wintery colours :-) You are so very, very clever.

Sew Quilt Designs said...

fantastic...love that bag

margaret said...

this is a real beauty, not sure I think if you sell it you might regret it, maybe a pattern would be the best of both worlds we can make it but you keep the original. mind you the purchaser will love it if you do decide to sell, you have so much attached it really is wonderful.

Candee said...

That is for sure a work of art. Spectacular! Keep it!

Elizabeth said...

Go for it, create a pattern, do whatever makes your heart sing - life is too short not to. Happy planning and stitching.

Three Sheep Studio said...

Beautiful bag, Kaaren !
I am all for a pattern.
Rose

Trace4J said...

yes yes yes!
Love it..
Beautiful work.
Woolie Blessings :)

Shari - a prim and (not so) proper quilter said...

It's fabulous--and I think a pattern would be great. I had to laugh when you talked about the home ec class--I experienced the same thing! I had to take it in 7th and 8th grades and both classes were horrible, but it didn't stop me from sewing!

EL RINCON DE CHELO said...

Un bolso precioso y muy alegre, besos

Ronda said...

Kaaren It is beautiful and by the way an artist never really retires. Its in her blood. You will create the rest of your life!

philopat said...

J'adore...
Il est magnifique...
Il faut en faire un patron et mettre ce patron à la vente.
Bravo.
Belle fin de journée.

Needled Mom said...

It really looks great, Kaaren. I can't believe a teacher would fail you in Home Ec.

suz said...

What a lovely bag - you are most definitely a wonderful artist!

Sandy said...

So beautiful. A real showstopper! I so admire someone that can design and have the color elements to go with it. I can just about follow a pattern.

Calicojoan said...

I think it's fabulous, and I am so jealous of people who have artistic talent. I can quilt, but can't draw to save my soul! Funny how that works huh! ;-)

Nancy Page said...

Gorgeous!! I think a pattern would be a good thing!

Have a super great sewing and stitching day!

laurel said...

Hi Kaaren...
I was lucky to have found the joy of sewing when I was around 14 years old - 53 years ago!....warlier I made all my clothes including suits, coats, everything as well as model garments for a local fabric store..after that I moved on to original "rag" type dolls...I avoided quilting because I knew it would be addictive for me....but I did give in about 10 years ago and was right - I am addicted now! I'm happy to see someone discover the pleasure of feeling different fabrics and turning a flat piece into a 3 domensional object....
For me...it has always been a miracle! Enjoy....enjoy.....enjoy!

Sydney said...

Pattern please! I love it! It is gorgeous!

Sydney120@aol.com

Denise said...

Wonderful!!

Barb said...

your bag turned out beautifully. it has been fun watching you make it.
I'm sure a pattern would be well received!

cityquilter grace said...

i wouldn't be interested in a pattern as i don't work in wool but it is very chic and adorable!

Prairie Queen said...

The purse is gorgeous. I just started blogging and it is amazing how many talented people are out in the blog world.
I think a pattern on Etsy, as someone suggested would be great.

Helen said...

Please do write up a pattern and continue to design in wool. Its lovely to work with and offers many design possibilities.

Helen

Kim said...

Write up a pattern? Why not? You have so much to offer and selling your designs will help you continue to feed your stash for the next beautiful idea that comes along...and there will be many more! Beautiful bag.

Anonymous said...

How utterly cute!!
I'm sure many will buy it from you.

Karin på Ösäter said...

It is so totaly adorable! I love it!!

Karin på Ösäter