Welcome to the first week of Work In Progress Wednesdays! Each Wednesday I will share with you the progress of a project I am working on whether it be our bedroom, a sewing project, or a DIY project; you'll get to see the process!
This week I am sharing with you what I am working on for myself; a tote. Lately {especially with the Stitch Market} I haven't really sewn much for myself and after finding some amazing Japanese fabric on Etsy, I decided it was about time I do.
I had a hard time selecting fabric for the interior, but I finally found the perfect one
I have an amazing collection of bags, but I wanted something unique and a sewing project that was going to challenge me. I've made totes before; mostly in a reusable grocery bag form, which is a simple construction - outer fabric, lining, boxed bottom, handles. With this tote for myself I wanted to add more elements to it so that it would not only challenge me, but set it apart from anything I own and anything that is out there. Im adding leather handles, including a cross-body one {I hope}; zippered interior pocket; and a 'cinch' for the outside. I'm also using fusible interfacing, which is something that I have never worked with before! Here is my inspiration bag...
I plan to use leather lacing cord in a dark brown or mustard to cinch it. Ahhhh, just talking about it right now is getting me even more excited!
Ok, so now for the progress part... I currently have the entire main part of the bag constructed and finished! I love how stiff the bag is with the interfacing... definitely want something durable and something that will keep it's shape.
All that is left is getting the lace cording and attaching handles.
I also am working on a few chevron mug hugs with a backing of the same fabric as the interior of my bag. All I need to do is add the buttons and they're good to go. Two of them will be going towards prizes for some giveaways and another is going into the shop.
I also am working on a few chevron mug hugs with a backing of the same fabric as the interior of my bag. All I need to do is add the buttons and they're good to go. Two of them will be going towards prizes for some giveaways and another is going into the shop.
Did you know I'm having a Blog Design Reveal + Giveaway? Head over for your chance to win some amazing prizes from eight amazing sponsors! There's still time to enter! {Ends January 5th}.
This looks like an awesome project! I always forget to make things for myself because I love giving to other people and love working on my shop, but I am about to completely refurbish an old timber dining table and chairs that I picked up at a thrift shop today. I'm so excited to do this project because it will be something for me to be proud of in my home :)
ReplyDeleteSunae, that piece of furniture sounds amazing! I hope you share it so we can all see your awesome work! XO
DeleteNewest follower here (#100)! I found you through the blog hop. Cute blog, I can't wait to read more!
ReplyDelete-Melanie@ meandmr.com
Hi Melanie, thank you for stopping by and for linking up with the blog hop. Happy New Year! XO
DeleteI'm currently working on decorating my home, frugally! First stop is the bathroom :) http://www.ashleenikol.com/2013/01/operation-decorate-bathroom.html
ReplyDeleteI love that chevron mug hug!
Ah, yes, the bathroom... that is the next place in the house. Not our master bath, but the main bath of the house. Nothing too wild - just some new faucets, hardware, shower head and art.
DeleteIsn't that mug hug fun!?
Thanks for stopping by! XO
That tote is going to be soo adorable! Great choice of fabrics! I want to start sewing. My grandparents got me a sewing machine for Christmas (last year) and it is still in the box.(shame. shame.) I finally have time for some projects. What do you advise I start out with?
ReplyDelete-Kacie@ mommaexperience.blogspot.com
Hi Kacie,
DeleteI love when people make the push to start sewing. It seriously is so liberating to sit at the machine and produce something. You can take a step back, look at it and say 'Wow - I made that!". What I love about sewing is there are so many things to sew its pretty much endless! A good start would be a simple, unlined, tote bag If you'd like, I can email you a simple tutorial. Let me know! Now get that sewing machine out! XO
You inspire me so much to get a sewing machine! I'm good at hand sewing but never really learned how to use a machine and I would love to create something beautiful myself!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you're having a great week and a Happy New Year!
Thank you so much for linking up to last week's Aloha Friday Blog Hop!! I'm following you.
If you have time, we'd love to have you come and link up to the Aloha Friday Blog Hop if you haven't already! (Thank you so very much if you've already linked up, I truly appreciate it!!)
Come and link up and celebrate the coming weekend with us!
Aloha,
Jean {What Jean Likes}
Wow, how awesome. I would love to having the gift of sewing and still having hair by the end. Your bags and mug hugs. Beautiful work Ashley. Thanks for stopping by via MBM. Something may be wrong with my GFC because your GFC profile is not wanting to show up for some reason. I hope you will stop back by. Have a wonderful day. Glad to be a new follower.
ReplyDelete