Friday, March 18, 2016

I'm just an ole bag lady......

No, no......not a homeless lady who carries her worldly possessions around with her in a bag.....but one who every six months or so, seems to feel the need to fashion a new bag. Though I admit, it is as if I lug around what seems to be all my worldly possessions in my bag, because when my hand burrows deep into the cavernous depths of my carryall, I never seem to be able to find what it is I am searching for. Am I the only gal who seems to tip my bag upside down with all the contents plunging out into a disarray mess, so I can find that one thing. I have a sneaky suspicion I am not the only one.

With the idea of saving this little over the shoulder number that I fashioned last year from becoming tattered and threadbare, I wanted to stitch a new bag.  I decided to whip up a new bag, with just a few pretties embellished on it.


But...before I reveal my new bag, let me first show you all the pretties from which I fashioned it.


I bought a teal coloured (it doesn't look at all teal here, but it really is) upholstery fabric and decided to use this sweet, butterfly  needlepoint piece, I found a few years ago at a market. Isn't the butterfly pretty? Amazing that someone tossed this out! Oh well....someone's trash....my treasure!!

I then plucked out a few doilies, ribbons and other fripperies from my treasure trove to audition them with the tapestry; and  then began to play.


Although doily overkill warms the cockles of my heart, after placing a doily here and a doily there, I decided to actually not use many at all. I know, unbelievable that I should show a little restraint; to not weigh down my bag with pretty overload; but there you go.


Somehow I like this arrangement better. I pinned down a lovely, royal blue, French wired ribbon which I  scrunched here and there, cinching it at close intervals; and added a brass belt buckle, a few pretty, crochet flowers and some ribbon leaves. Mmmm....yes....for this bag I much prefer a  more pared down aesthetic. Who would have thought that me, the doyenne of all things embellishment would only adorn sparingly. I really don't quite know what has come over me!! I suppose for once, I just wanted a quick project. Everything I have fashioned of late has taken an age to complete. =)

With a stitch here and a stitch or two there, before I knew it all the embellishing was finished. Yay...didn't take long at all.


After sewing the bag together I lined it with this funky fabric. Isn't it fabulous.....sooooo 1960's! For a gal whose favourite hue is blue, this fabric truly makes me dance!








I love my new bag. The pretty butterfly can now fly free. Much, much better to be seen around about town slung over the shoulder of an ole bag lady, than sitting in the said bag lady's armoire, hidden from the world.

Until the next time, have the most wonderful weekend, everyone. 'Tis toodles from me.



48 comments:

  1. OOO! Superb Bag! I absolutely love this bag. Creative, Unique and Useful. All criteria for a great bag.

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    1. Aww.....thank you so very much, Carol. Kim Xx

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  2. {{{squealing with delight}} Oh I loveeeeeeeeeeee this bag...and I had to giggle over,

    "because when my hand burrows deep into the cavernous depths of my carryall, I never seem to be able to find what it is I am searching for."

    ---I have "little bags" (makeup bag) for my bag, lololol. Thank you for the smiles on this dark and dreary day from western NY.

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    1. Oh, I love the idea of little bags within the big bag!! You are a genius!! It looks like I will have to fashion a few little bags now. =)Thank you for your lovely comments, Linda. Kim Xx

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  3. Om my Gosh! It is spectacular! I love it! The doilies make a special detail :)

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  4. You really made that butterfly special, and I totally agree to let it be admired rather than stored away in a cabinet. You did a wonderful job on that bag.

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  5. How lovely. I do like that butterfly too. Such a pretty bag. I'd almost be afraid to use it! Have a blessed day.

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  6. Truly amazing. I would be honoured to have either one of your gorgeous bags draped from my shoulder.
    Yes we all carry far too much in our bags and then panic when we cann't find what we're looking for!
    I agree with Sandra, I'm sure you will have a lot of people wondering where your colourful bag came from.
    Have a wonderful weekend :)

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    1. So you too, are a gal who carries the world in their bag. There have been many a time I have been in a state of panic because I can't find my wallet or keys. Thank you for your sweet comments. Have a lovely day. Kim Xx

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  7. ooooh - what a clever DropNHunt bag!!! Of course I love the colours (also being a lover of blue) and so nice to let the butterfly fly free once more. Love it! (and, btw, DropNHunt is what I call a bag that you drop things into and then have to hunt for them).

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  8. Kim, your bag is a delight! It shouts Hooray for Spring! Love it!

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  9. Very pretty and girlish !!!
    Have a creative weekend !
    Anna

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  10. your needlework and work bag are gorgeous, so many beautiful details that are not to be missed!!! i am a bag lady, i never travel light....purse, camera bag, knitting bag, it takes forever to get me out the door. i have always been this way, i doubt i will ever change!!!

    love the butterfly, such a pretty focal point!!!!

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  11. It looks wonderful, Kim! The butterfly is definitely much happier now. Oh, I think Mary Poppins has been an inspiration for all of us. That's why we carry everything "needed" in our hand bags :)

    -Soma

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  12. How cheerful and precious your bags are, my loving Kim, you truly put your heart in every art-work of yours !

    With much gratitude I wish you a most wonderful weekend ever, sweetie,
    sending blessings of joy to you

    Dany

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  13. Very pretty bag. You are so talented.

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  14. The butterfly is so pretty now and you sure did a wonderful job. I love the bag!

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  15. My lovely Kim, what a charming and oh-so-sweet bag! It's incredibly whimsical and beautiful, my friend. You always add such wonderful details.

    Have a blessed weekend! Hugs and joy!

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  16. L.o.v.e. your revamped bag! You make me laugh with your talk of restraint, but you really did rein it all in this time. The interior is just as pretty ... reversible! You'd be shocked and probably disappointed to learn that I have 1 bag. Yep, just 1 and there is no embellishment anywhere on it (leather). But it has many pockets for everything from pens to lip balm to wallet and glasses. I really need a new one, but would hate to lose all my pockets! I see you don't have any pockets in your bag, and maybe that's what could help you locate what you need ;) Have a wonderful weekend Kim!
    Wendy

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  17. Your talents are endless, dear Kim! I love how you have taken all of these lovely elements and created a truly unique bag that I'm sure will become quite a conversation piece as well! Absolutely beautiful!

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  18. Ahhhh!! Such a lovely way to return to the blogging world after a couple of months break - have been having a catch up read and as usual your posts have brightened my day - gorgeous photos and beautiful words. LOVE your new bag (no you aren't alone in having a ''bag full'!). ave a beautiful weekend sweet lady!

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  19. Another piece of art. I love how you used different things on it. The pink really shows off the other pieces too and the butterfly is so cute on it.

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  20. Love your adorable bag !!!!
    You have made such a spectacular and beautiful bag, on your own way.

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    1. Thank you, Loes. Me and my bag have been out and about town quite a bit of late. =) Kim Xx

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  21. A wonderful bag, Kim. I love the material on the inside, too. O, those beautiful blues.

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  22. Hi Kim, I simply love, love, LoVe your new bag. I am sure you will get lots of comments from folks who stop to admire it & ask "where did you get your gorgeous bag from??" ... thinking perhaps you got it from some trendy, wonderful shop. You will be able to smile & say "I whipped it up myself" :-)

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  23. You put together the most clever things - wonderful combinations. I usually am searching in my bag - especially for my keys - until one day I realized that the little snap hook on one side was for attaching my keys - now they never get to the bottom of the bag - but that's not saying much for the rest of creation that I seem to carry around with me. Happy spring!!!

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  24. Oh, Kim, this is lovely! I also have half my earthy possessions in my bag, just in case... :-)
    Amalia
    xo

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  25. Ooh I love your new creation, Kim! The butterfly just sets the bag, but the doilies enhance it. I used to make bags all the time, but haven't made one in several years.
    Have a lovely, creative, day!

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  26. I just love your projects. They look like they were so fun to create and now use.

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  27. This is gorgeous - your butterfly is stunning and you've adorned it very stylishly with that selection of vintage pretties. Your bag will be the envy of the town! You have won my Wool on Sundays Giveaway so please let me know your address and I will send a little something all around the world to you :)

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  28. Oh Kim that looks fantastic, I am glad you let the butterfly be free. Your framing of it with the scrunched ribbon was a fantastic idea, so cool! I am glad you stuck with a bit of doilies and some pretty crocheted flowers ;)
    Have a great week!

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  29. It is a BEAUTY! How lovely in every detail and less is more, for sure! The colours are sumptuous and the butterfly needlepoint is the prize jewel in your creation!
    I LOVE IT!

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  30. Beautiful once again! Your talents are amazing.

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  31. Hi Kim! Wonderful, I love this bag!
    How many pretty things on your blog!
    I will follow you!!!
    Un baiser,
    Roberta

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  32. Wow, simply amazing! You are so talented in so many ways, love the doilies, and the beautiful butterfly is just gorgeous... you will be the envy around town with that darling bag!

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  33. What an amazing tote bag. It seems perfect for springtime too. I love the ribbon work and crochet, etc. I have to unpack all my sewing stuff now that we moved to Missouri last Thursday. It will be great fun as I have a double window to look out while sewing and it is right in front of the Koi Pond. That should be inspiring! Thank you for sharing your talents and that darling tote. You are very talented.

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  34. you have designed a beautiful bag, in fresh spring colors.
    love the small crocheted doilies also.I'm always happy visiting your nice blog.
    Happy Easter to you, warm greatings,Carmen

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  35. Wow, Kim, You do make lovely bags. I love the buckle embellishment with that beautiful blue ribbon.

    So, you have a doily stencil pattern on your patio? I love it!

    :)Hope

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  36. It's absolutely gorgeous! I have two stitched bags that I bought some years ago and I really love them!I also love butterflies and colour purple so this bag combines everything. AriadnefromGreece!

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  37. Stunning bag, Kim!!! All details on it are really gorgeous! You are so talented! Each lady bag could have index, to better found things don't you think ^_^?
    Happy Easter to you and family!
    Hugs and love from Portugal,
    Ana Love Craft
    www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

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  38. What a unique and whimsical bag.

    Thanks for sharing with SYC.

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  39. Dear Kim:
    Just letting you know that this post was featured today at my Featured Blogs from Monday! Congrats!

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  40. So creative and so pretty! I love everything about it! Do you by chance make these to sell? I always love a new purse and the more unique the better.

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  41. How very delicate and gorgeous. I am partial to butterflies!

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  42. I think that lining was a great choice. Blue is my favourite colour, too. I'm not normally a fan of pink, but that pink on the left matches the highlights on the butterfly and sets it all off nicely. Great job.

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  43. I think I'm in heaven Kim your bag is truly adorable. I'm drooling over the butterfly as you probably know by now that I'm nuts about them and even have a separate challenge blog just for butterflies!! hugs ValeryAnne.

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  44. Oh my goodness - I have missed you! My own fault; my young students have been taking up all my spare time and energy (in addition to my family of course). I just had a lovely catch up without you even knowing it! I LOVE your pouffe makeover, your new bag, the beautiful flowers in your garden (I enjoyed some cosmos this year - your influence!), your pretty birthday crockery (happy belated birthday!) and your amazing machine doodling (I think that phrase should be changed to machine art!). I hope all is well. xxx

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