A new bag and a tarted up jacket

Oh I do love to stitch a bag or two! It's another favourite pastime of mine. So much so that I can't remember the last time I purchased a bag. When my favourite bag of the moment is looking a li'l worse for wear, I just design and stitch another. I'm a bit of a boho gal.....did you guess?? When the occasion calls for a new bag in which to carry everything but the kitchen sink, I love to design and stitch another, often embellishing with lace, beads, ribbon, different trims, pretty tassels and all manner of doodads. I don't think I have ever fashioned a bag without the odd adornment!

These are a few bags that I have stitched in the past. A few of these carriers of curiosities have found their way into the custody of my friends. Though I have made 'hand' bags and clutches, I prefer to design and stitch shoulder bags that are slung across my shoulder and body. And....they have to be able to curtail all manner of things. It's amazing what curiosities find their way into my bag! My bag is a magnet for some very strange trifles. When out and about I love to keep my hands free and accessible....especially when shopping in op shops, where it is mandatory to have all hands on deck to dive in and rummage around the barrels and boxes, and crawl under oodles of clothes racks!

With my bag of the moment looking a li'l "how's your mother", I stitched a new one. I found this gorgeous soft as soft leatherette a while ago. It is cream with pretty white flowers and plain cream patchwork squares. Of course, I decided that the odd doily or two and a little ruched flower with some unique leaf buttons, would be required to add a li'l pizzaz to my bag.

Do you remember Glomesh purses of old? They just keep on keeping on. I have a few that I love to use from time to time. They are very old, but still beautiful. My mum always seemed to have had a lovely Glomesh purse in her bag.

Here 'tis, perfectly accessorising my tarted up jacket.

This jacket is an old Kerry McGee design that I bought quite a few years ago. Long, long ago in my youth I loved Kerry McGee's designs. Unfortunately it seems she has disappeared from my horizon. This rather worn jacket is a favourite of mine and was in need of some tarting up which I did a li'l while ago.

Upcycling garments is really the best fun. I am always on the lookout for some lovely jacket or cardie, or some other garment in an op shop or at a market to upcycle. With the addition of doilies for pockets, trailing ribbon, upholstery fringing and tassels, a pretty crocheted lace remnant and a hint of decorative suede leather, my jacket will be seen out and about for many more outings. That's the thing, if a piece of lace or ribbon becomes worn I just replace it with another pretty.

Me thinks I will be wearing my favourite jacket for a very long time yet. It does seem to initiate a lot of conversation when I am out and about. I always get asked "did you make that?".....(can't imagine why). I often think that I must look like a home made Annie. People never enquire as to whether or not  I bought whatever garment I am wearing from some high end store. I suppose my jacket is  a li'l different, a li'l distinctive......but then I suppose I am a quirky kinda gal.

No I didn't buy the chair, though it would look rather spiffy upholstered in a pretty fabric and painted a bright colour....I am kicking myself now.....and yes......the cute as cute picnic basket came home with me! 'Tis a gorgeous shape and though it is small, it is the perfect size to hold a thermos of tea and a home baked treat when me and my good husband go gallivanting around the countryside in our tin lizzie!

I am off to the market again this weekend.....perhaps there will be a "must have" jacket, waiting for me, clamoring to be tarted up!

Toodles for now.....have a great weekend everyone.