Friday, June 29, 2007

100th Post and My New Purse

100 posts, who ever knew I had so much to say?!? I have something sewn to show for it, too.
A new bag and here is the story of my new bag.


There once was a mom with a cute new purse but, yes there is a but, it wasn't big enough for summer and all the summer activities we have. A mom with 4 daughters needs a bigger purse, nevermind one daughter is 20, another 17 and then twins that are 12, I still get their stuff at times. Let's see there is



  • ipods (mine and each of their Nanos)


  • Sunscreen - at least one or two


  • bottles of water or diet pepsi for me


  • cell phones


  • magazines and books


  • sunglasses


  • hats


  • then all the other purse items you have to have
Okay, you are getting the picture. I went through my pattern stash and found McCall's MP275, odd number but one of the patterns you find on the pattern cabinet. This bag had the design features I wanted, large and rectangular. It also had some cute design features - ribbon ties and the side, a ruffle at the top and a blank canvas to make it my bag.

I pulled out some cute cherry fabric with aqua background, I love this fabric and couldn't wait to use it. I proceeded to look several fabrics and settled on red and aquas. I tried some green but that wasn't working. The red of the cherries was my inspiration, so out came some red ribbon, red decorative thread and denim for the majority of the purse body. I wanted the quilting cotton to pop and be the center of attention.


Construction went a bit at a time and went pretty smoothly except for my ruffler, anyone seen the long screw that works with my ruffler? I sure can't find it, darn, so I had to baste and ruffle by hand. I started with the basic piecing and attached that to the denim for quilting. I used cotton batting for the purse but it wasn't stiff enough. On the lining, I used fusible interfacing and canvas to help stiffen the bag. This was a nice combination and resulted in a purse with structure.

My Cherry Purse will lead a busy life: work, softball tournaments, vacation to Florida, college visits with 17 year old daughter, shopping, and all sorts of summer fun.
As you can tell I like my new bag. I am entering it into this contest.



Read all about this contest and enter your own bag - the details are here



Okay, if you have stuck with me this far here is my pictures:








This is the same idea as the charm pack bag - just with different piecing
If you have been this patient and are still reading at the end of this post, you deserve a little something. Just post a comment in my blog and you will be registered for Romantic Home Sewing by Christina Strutt.


A little something for reading my blog and sticking with me for 100 posts. Thank you all for all the kind comments, I appreciate it so much. I will draw the winner on Sunday evening.

25 comments:

  1. Congrats on your 100th post! I've been enjoying your blog for awhile now.

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  2. Happy 100th post. Your bag turned out great. I really want to try patchwork soon.

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  3. Lori, congrats on 100 posts! I always love your bags and the fabrics you choose. The bag looks just big enough for fabric shopping as well. :)

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  4. LOVE the bag! That cherry fabric is too cute. I need a new bag myself. Hmmmm...

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  5. Anonymous6:45 AM

    Your bag is adorable! It really looks pretty with your garden as a backdrop. I love both of your new summer bags.

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  6. Anonymous6:49 AM

    Your bag is a beauty. Certainly lots of room and cuteness besides. I love reading your blog. You lead an interesting life. sandy

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  7. Cute purse! I love the cherries -- you always put together such nice fabrics. Congratulations on 100 posts!

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  8. wow! 100 posts....seems like just yesterday you jumped into the blogging world. :)

    the purse is adorable. one of these days i will get around to making a purse for myself. i totally identify with the needs for a "mom" purse. my guys groan when i want to look at purses, but they are always asking me "can you put this in your purse?" since i pointed out that little tidbit to them, the groaning has lessened....a bit.

    is that pattern still available? that would be a great bag for traveling.

    teri

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  9. Anonymous9:08 AM

    Congratulations on the 100 post - and the new bag!!! It's adorable.

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  10. Happy 100th post! And good luck in the purse contest!!

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  11. Anonymous10:24 AM

    The bag is adorable, let us know how it 'really' functions for you.
    ~Catherine

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  12. The bag is great! I came across your blog this week and I've been inspired. Your blog is interesting and I can't wait to start back sewing. I have been cleaning up my sewing room all morning. Now...I think I'll start with a new purse. Thanks again for the inspiration.

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  13. I love folllowing your blog and I love this bag. Gorgeous fabrics and they look perfect against the dark denim.

    Andrea from New Zealand

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  14. Anonymous7:14 PM

    Lori,
    I love all your bags but this time you've really outdone yourself! Good luck in the contest. :)
    ~Angie

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  15. Anonymous7:44 PM

    Cute purse!! Congrats on your 100th post!

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  16. I'm fairly new to your blog, and I have to say you have inspired me to get out my sewing stuff again! I haven't sewn in years (only sewing on boy scout badges and mending). I miss it.

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  17. Anonymous10:28 PM

    Your new bag is lovely, and congratulations on your 100th post. I started reading your blog a few weeks ago. It's just what I like -- sewing and gardening -- and I like your title!

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  18. Yeah, 100 posts! I got a Nano for Mother's Day, so my next big project is to download (upload? record? LISTEN TO) your sewing podcasts. I haven't attempted to sew for myself yet, but love sewing for my toddler daughter. Thanks for all your inspiration!

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  19. Anonymous7:00 AM

    Congrads on your longevity. I think that's a milestone for a busy person like you. Great looking bag.

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  20. Congrats on post #100! I think I may have missed one or two, so I'd better go back and re-read! :-)
    Love the purse - I KWYM about having to carry stuff for everyone. Sometimes I think I should just use one of my wheeled scrapbooking totes! Your new purse is both pretty and functional!

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  21. I love your new bag! Very nice. Congrats on your 100th post! We get to celebrate with you!

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  22. Happy 100th!!

    That bag is super cute and looks like it can handle all your stuff. I need big bags, too...the little ones are pretty but just not feasible.

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  23. Anonymous3:33 PM

    Your new bag is sooo cute. I love the ties on the sides. Congrats on reaching 100!

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  24. That's the sweetest bag!

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  25. very helpful content, now its easy to make purses from fabric you can also Buy Artificial Leather for Purses in Pakistan

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