varying results

This is going to take a while, but I can't wait to see it complete. This project came to mind as soon as I saw this lamp that Holly bought for her new apartment. I'm going to make a paper version. I'll be cutting a small section at a time, between breaks from my other projects. I figure I'll be done by the end of the week. So far so good.



The lamp idea came about on Saturday, after I tried my hand at sewing a tote of sorts. It didn't work out the way I planned it so I've already pulled it apart. The only evidence it existed are these photos. I still had pins in the bag and I already knew it wasn't working. I wanted a tote but I wanted one that didn't exactly look like one - if that makes sense. The straps were all wrong and the actual bag was too long (it's much wider than appears in the photo - the sides are tucked in). So that was that.

Even though I don't like the bag, I decided to show it here to hopefully show a progression (improvement!) of my sewing projects as I make my sewing machine my friend. But I'll freely admit that it makes me uncomfortable to show something I'm not happy with. No taking it back now.



The good thing here, is that the idea is out of my head and I can move on to something different. I had to spend a couple of minutes explaining this to my lovely engineer husband (the part where I didn't consider it a waste of time... lol). I'm trying to decide what to make next. For some reason I think this pattern is better suited for something home related like a pillow, coasters or place mats. Maybe that's just me. It'd be interesting to see what someone else would make with fabric I've designed. Any suggestions on what to make? Not that I'll be sewing any time soon.

I'm going to have a very busy week ahead of me. I'll be editing the manuscript for my book, maybe for the last time, and I need to take more photos. So I've decided that there will be no internet for me. I'm going to my little corner of the world and sticking my head in my work for several days.

Have a great week and good luck to the kiddos that are starting school in the next few days. We're starting our second full week and everything is going great so far. I hope your weekend was as relaxed as our was.

8 comments:

  1. I'd love to see that fabric used for coasters; it seems like the perfect sized pattern for it.

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  2. So, can I assume, that like myself, you just plunge into sewing projects without doing any sort of test, using your best fabric? Thankfully you were able to salvage it.

    I actually think this fabric looks nice as a tote, but possibly a shorter and more rigid/structured one. Housewares is a natural.

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  3. Courtney - You're right. I have a thing for coasters anyway so they've definitely been on my mind.

    Michelle - You're assumption is completely accurate. I'm terrible about just jumping in! Test fabric? I've never done that... lol.

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  4. The fabric looks great. I like the tote. I like to mix in solid prints when I make bags. So I would do a solid print for the handles. The fabric would look good in the bedroom ... sheets and pillows.

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  5. i think it would still be great on a tote if you paired it with another solid colored fabric, like yellow or orange or green. i see solid on bottom, print on top, solid handles, print pocket inside.
    of course, coasters are always nice!

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  6. I love the lamp idea. I too have been trying out ideas for lamp shade in fabric.

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  7. love the meticulous detail on the lamp project. can't wait to see it. and good for you posting on your unfinished bag. i admire your courage and totally relate to your hesitation. i never feel like things are complete! and am so fearful of diving into my best fabric until i'm sure. a slow process as you can imagine! warmest wishes for a peaceful and productive time in your 'little corner of the world'.

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  8. Thanks everyone! You're all too sweet.

    Tyler - Trust me I still cringe every time I look at the photo of the bag. I guess it's just more honest to show failures as well as good projects.

    Ana - Welcome and thank you so much for visiting!

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