Friday, July 21, 2017

A bag for a friend.......and a bag for me

My friend, Anne's (you know......my lovely stitching friend) daughter, Trudy (who is also my friend) will celebrate her birthday in a couple of days, so I decided to fashion her a  Kim Sharman design, one-of-a-kind bag that she can sling over her shoulder when out and about town. Now.....what can I whip up?? What pretties can I unearth to create a one-of-a-kind, divine little bag that will set the streets a-buzzing??

I dived headlong into my many suitcases brimming over with ribbons, laces, buttons, doilies et cetera, et cetera, pulling out what I thought might work. Trudy loves the colour red so I decided upon a little number with oodles of red popping up here and there, oh and some black; after all red and black are best of friends.

I unearthed a remnant of charcoal grey, nubby-type fabric and a piece of grey leather which would be perfect for the bottom.

With my fabrics and a little bit of this and a whole lot of that gathered together, I began playing.



The main attraction is a needlepoint of red poppies I acquired a little while ago. Whenever I spot a needlepoint, either in a frame or as a remnant in an op shop, I always take it home with me as they can be refashioned in oh-so-many ways.


I thought a french wired ribbon cinched here and there around the needlepoint would be an excellent idea. Of course if there is a cinched ribbon, there has to be a pretty bow.


I ruched a red satin ribbon shaping a flower as I stitched and with the addition of a cute-as-cute button, I think it looks perfect. Doesn't 'she' look ravishing nestled among the ruffles of the satin ribbon. With the addition of some black, guipure lace leaves and a grey and black brooch, plus a doily, I stitched merrily away.





I found this pretty red and white vintage ribbon trim from my favourite vintage shop here in Tassie?? The teeny little flowers and the square pattern are in a red flock fabric. It really is very pretty.


The back is simple with just the vintage trim making an appearance. The lining is a cotton, red and white, floral print from my stash.



NOW.....let's chat about the cross-over-the-body bag I stitched  recently for me, myself and I. I was in need of a bag with brown tonings to team with a pair of boots. Never being a gal where one bag fits all occasions, I like to have matching bags and shoes for different outfits. My matching bag/shoe predilection harks back to the days when as a slip of a girl I worked as a general management secretary in a large insurance company, meeting and greeting and rubbing shoulders with the wheeler dealers who exist in the higher echelon of the business world. Though, if I am truthful, my shoe and bag fettish and love for fashion started well before those heady days.


Just a few books pertaining to the subject of fashion that I have acquired and have been gifted over the years. As I have already intimated, I have always been a gal who has been interested in fashion. What can I say?? I am but a shallow gal. ;)


Just a little aside, the book with the brilliant title "Women I Have Undressed" is a memoir of the Australian costumer designer, Orry-Kelly who went to Hollywood in the 1930's and designed the wardrobes of all the biggest stars, from Bette Davis to Marilyn Monroe. He won three Oscars for his costume design. It is a fascinating read as I both love movies from the Golden Years of Hollywood, the stars and those exquisite sets and costume design. Orry-Kelly's take on Hollywood in those days is a delightful read.

These days of course, living in this far rural outpost, I can count on one hand the pretty shoes or boots that sit in the wardrobe. These days my oft-worn pair of footwear seems to be a floral-covered pair of gumboots. No, no.....not standard black issue gumboots for me. My gumboots, though so faded that one can hardly distinguish the bright pink flowers anymore, are mandatory around these parts. Walking around the paddocks and garden, one never quite knows what one's clod hoppers will step in.

BUT.......I digress yet again........so sorry! One of these days I will stick to the topic at hand! Without further ado, my little brown bag that I conjured up late one night. Again I used ruched ribbons (of course), a doily, fringing, brooches, a lovely floral upholstery fabric, and leathers and suedes.







Mmm.....so happy with my little bag. It teams perfectly with my brown boots  and remember that op shop jacket I tarted up a few moons ago???? My little bag kinda looks spiffy with that, too.


Designing and stitching bags is always fun for me. I am so thankful that I need only step into my sunny, sewing room and unearth pretty fabric, trims and bits and bobs in the designing and stitching of my bags, or anything else for that matter. I am so very thankful I have been hoarding collecting a little bit of this and a whole lot of that for years and years. I truly have a seriously, amazing stash of pretties which would cost a small fortune if I were to purchase all the pretties today. I don't think I have purchased a bag from a store for a very, very long time; years in fact. With just a little imagination and an 'Aladdin's cave' of gorgeous pretties, one can whip up anything....well almost.


So happy with Trudy's pretty, red and black bag and so happy with my brown and black number. Fingers crossed Trudy is equally enamored with her pretty. This coming week it's back to a li'l hexie stitching for me.......the light down the QAYG hexie tunnel is shining a little brighter.



It's almost the weekend down here at the bottom of the world. Wishing all you lovelies a fabulous weekend. Until the  next time....................

56 comments:

  1. Gorgeous bags! I love how you have reused the poppy needlepoint - stunning! I am sure Trudy will love it.

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  2. Dearest Kim, you are truly amazing and your creations are breathtakingly beautiful! Oh, how I have missed you and your charming posts while I've been away for the past month. You are a breath of fresh air.

    Your friend's daughter will love, love, LOVE the bag you have fashioned for her and indeed, it is one-of-a-kind. And the bag you made for yourself is truly lovely.

    Hugs to you, my friend!

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  3. Your stitchery is amazing!! I don't know which bag I like best. Your friend will be tickled with her red and black beauty and you will look smashing bedecked in your gorgeous ensemble!!

    Some friends and I went to an antique market yesterday and we saw a tablerunner made of EPP hexies. I thought of you. As we talked about its construction, my friends thought anyone who would be willing to tackle a project such as this, was one to be admired. I heartily agree!

    Happy weekend, Kim!

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  4. Oh my goodness your friend is going to be totally thrilled with this bag, such a lucky lady to have one of your beautiful originals that's for sure. You certainly do have an amazing stash and how great to be able to shop in your room for these little treasures to embellish your bags with. You have such a wonderful eye for design, just amazing and creative, beautiful work you do!!

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  5. Both bags are exquisite. Wow! You are so creative. I love both color combinations. I wish you a very enjoyable weekend.

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  6. I love both of these! The red is stunning, but the brown is so pretty in a subtle way. Beautiful work.

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  7. Wonderful, wonderful, WONDERFUL!! Both bags are art. I love to make bags, but admittedly have not done so in a few years. I keep 'em til they die. The jacket is superb. I have saved denim jackets to dude up, but honestly I like a jacket that is a bit longer and have never worked on them. Think I'll make a trip to the resale shop.
    xx, Carol

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    1. Thank you, Carol. Perhaps you could lengthen your denim jackets with a piece of fabric or perhaps leather or.............. BUT.....of course a trip to the resale shop is an excellent idea! I can't tell you how many jackets I have brought home and tarted up. 'Tis one of my favourite things to do. The best thing about making bags is that when they do die, one just whips up another. So lovely to have you visit, Carol, thank you. Kim Xx

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  8. Your bags are really amazing!!!
    Love the brooch and the pretty button, how you used the lovely embellishments, you are so very talented. Both bags are so beautifully made, your friend will be so surprised.
    I like all your pretty crafts.
    Hugs,
    Loes

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    1. Thank you so much, Loes. Your sweet comments have put a smile in my day. Kim Xx

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  9. Dear Kim,
    you have created the most beautiful bags! Just like lady above - I cannot tell which one is more beautiful than the other! I love how you have matched everything together especially the embroidered piece. Ruched ribbons give everything the most appealing and romantic looks :)
    And yes. Your bag is the perfect match to your jacket and the boots :)

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  10. OMG, Kim! Trudy is such a lucky girl, the bag is amazing. No, you are amazing. OK, both. Can you tell that I really really like both bags?
    Amalia
    xo

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  11. So beautiful, the little button is the cutest I have seen. Another amazing talent you have xx

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    1. Isn't that little button sweet. She really does adds a pretty touch to my little bag. Thank you for visiting, lovely Cheryl. Kim Xx

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  12. Kim, you have the gifts of design and handicraft. I am in awe of your work. Simply gorgeous! Your bags are beautiful! Thank you for sharing your gifts with us.

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  13. What beautiful bags! You are so talented and artistic. What a wonderful gift to have.

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    1. Thank you, lovely Ann. Hope you are having a lovely weekend. Kim Xx

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  14. As always Kim, your work is amazing! You have a definite gift for creating!

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  15. Kim, those 2 bags are absolutely gorgeous; you are so clever! 💕

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  16. Gorgeous `talk of the town´ bags Kim, love the red one best - perfect.

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  17. Gorgeous bags !
    I named the red&black, the Flamenco bag
    And the brown&black, the walk into the wood
    Have a great weekend !
    Hug
    Anna

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  18. Love, love, love your work! I too hoard pretty bits of lace, ribbons and trim and am inspired to see what I can come up with. I love your current EPP project too.
    Barbie

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    1. Thank you so much, Barbie. It is truly one of the best things in life to see what one whips up from one's imagination using all those pretty laces, ribbons and trims and other lovelies that those, such as you and I hoard away. It is a delight to have you visit my little place. Kim Xx

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  19. I am absolutely in love with both bags!!! If you sold them on Etsy or online somewhere I would surely buy one, if I could get my hands on one! They are both so one of a kind and just plain gorgeous. You are a true designer and I just love seeing what your hands can fashion.

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  20. Trudy is going to go wild over her tarted up bag, Kim! Your bag turned out ever so beautiful, too. Your creativity truly astounds me. You have hit while stitching, and it shows! xx

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  21. Your creations are absolutely divine!! These bags are truly works of art.

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  22. you are soon creative kim, i adore the bags!!!

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  23. How beautiful! I am always amazed (and humbled) by all the talented people that I find online! You have done an amazing job with both bags.

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    1. How lovely to have you visit my little place, Margie; it is a delight to welcome you. Thank you so much for your sweet comments. Kim Xx

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  24. Kim, both bags are simply darling! You could sell them for some big bucks my friend. Your imagination is amazing and I love all the fabulous supplies you have on hand!! Your friend is going to love it!
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Oh, if only I lived in the USofA. I could become a bag lady and flog my wares. ;) Your sweet comments are a delight, lovely Jann. Kim Xx

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  25. Of COURSE you need pretty boots - even whilst stepping in 'interesting' things! And pretty bags (must admit my heart did go a trifle bit pitter-pat over the beautiful red poppies!!).

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  26. I'm sure Trudy will be overjoyed with her handbag!!! They are both adorable! Your outfit is fantastic!
    Have a wonderful week :)

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    1. Fingers crossed Trudy is a wee bit happy when she opens her gift. =) Thank you for your lovely comments, sweet Prunella. Kim Xx

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  27. Dear Kim, you truly are an Artiste of the highest order. These creations are works of art in themselves. Beautiful. Just beautiful. Mimi xxx

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    1. Thank you so much, lovely Mimi. I have seen some of the gorgeous creations you have stitched, so I am honoured that you should think so. Kim Xx

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  28. What a joy to be directed to your blog from Magpie's Mumblings. I love your outlook on art, gathering stash and using it.
    I have to agree with Anna's spot-on names for the bags- my favourite is the red/black and the set of jacket, shoes and bag are a fabulous fashion statement. Love them all.

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  29. Gosh Kim, both your bags are just stunning !!!! What gorgeous detailed work & love you stitch into each one. I am sure the recipient of the poppy bag was just delighted. I often admire customers bags in my little cottage & I always love it when they tell me "Oh I made it myself". Your jacket, boots & new bag combo will be wonderful(& stylish) to wear. Happy Week my friend Xxx

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  30. Fantastic!!! I love how wonderfully yours matches your jacket. You'll have such fun wearing these. ENJOY!

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  31. So many beautiful details you added to the bags, each a little treasure. So much personality. Both of you will be styling around town! Why would you ever purchase a bag?! They just won’t have the special Kim Sharman touch! Enjoy!

    -Soma

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  32. Oh my!! Both bags are stunning - and the jacket's pretty nice also!

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  33. You are such a WONDER WOMAN dear Kim!


    these bag just took my heart away!
    How lovely to make such beautiful gift with your own hands for you friend dear!

    Loved the both but brown one i found more elegant ,

    Jacket is so pretty too.

    Thank you for sharing your fashion memories with us

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  34. You have left me breathless, again my friend. What a gift you have!

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  35. Love your two different versions of the special bags you made. You have created quite the outfit to wear... with your jacket, bag and shoes! So creative!

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  36. Such a cute outfit with the jacket & boots. These are both so adorable! So much time and effort - it must have been fun to make each of them.

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    1. Both bags were so much fun to make, Linda. Thank you for your sweet comments. Kim xx

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  37. These are glorious bags. The one for your friend will make a wonderful gift and your one is gorgeous and goes perfectly with your outfit :)

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  38. Oh, Kim, your friends are so very fortunate to have such a talented friend to gift them with such beautiful creations! The bags are wonderful and so is your outfit. I'm sure your bag will be treasured, always. xo Karen

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    1. Thank you so much, lovely Karen for your kind comments. You are so very kind. Trudy loved her bag; so relieved she did. Kim Xx

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  39. Wow... your friend is one lucky gal! The gorgeous handiwork you put together for her is incredible! I love how you used the needlework as your focal point and created the bag from there.. indeed, she will set the streets a'fire going out on the town with that lovely bag! And I do love the gorgeous brown bag you crafted for yourself too and what a great match-up with the jacket you redid too, you are one amazing gal! It is hot as the dickens here... and I imagine you are feeling quite the chill in the air and will enjoy that lovely jacket you created :) Hugs to you today dear friend, you are always an inspiration to visit!

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  40. O my, I want one too, they indeed are so pretty Kim.. you always do such amazing things.. love them.. Happy August its so good to visit you. With love Janice

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    1. Thank you so much, Janice for your lovely comments. It is a delight to have you visit. Kim Xx

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  41. Good Morning Kim! I'm sitting on my sunny back patio with laptop and small brown 'n white furry friend (and tea!) and have been enjoying your photos and tales of the two lovely bags you have created. Wow!! I'm sure Trudy loved her beautiful poppy bag with all those gorgeous embellishments. You are a good friend. Your brown bag is wonderful too, and I'm sure you've enjoyed wearing the whole ensemble into town. You have such a gift with the creative embellishments, and never cease to amaze me. I always wonder what that secret stash of yours looks like, as you pull amazing things together! Have a wonderful weekend coming up, and I hope all is well with you, hubby and Maisie ;)
    Wendy xox

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  42. Oh lovely toys and lovely results! I would proudly wear either bag! Anna x

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  43. Kim,
    These are stunning works of art! I love them both! Yours really does look great with that jacket and boots! Your very lucky friend will be ecstatic with her one-of-a-kind bag! Who wouldn't be?? You do such beautiful work! Happy weekend! Linda

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