An Armful
Only one week until Christmas and I think I’m finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I’m fairly certain it’s not an oncoming train, too.
My goal of makingg many of my Christmas gifts has turned out pretty nicely. There are a few things that aren’t going to be done (no way I’m going to be able to make one, much less two, kilts in a week) but I’ve gotten so much accomplished.
Here’s an armful of my sewing projects, before I started boxing and wrapping. I still can’t believe I made all of those purses! By my count, I’ve sewn around 15 purses. Granted, they didn’t happen all in one day (or week, or even one month), but I’m still pretty pleased with the results.
Somehow in all this sewing I still have avoided making a purse for me! LOL! I’m hoping to rectify that once I get done with the last of my Christmas sewing, but I’m not holding my breath.
I also made a few — OK, about a dozen — coffee cup cozies. I reverse engineered based on a cardboard sleeve from Starbucks and love how they turned out. I used Insulbrite and they keep things nice and cozy. If you want to make some yourself, then check out this great tutorial (which I found after the fact).
And I’ve got to share one more purse, another Melly & Me pattern. I think I’ve had my eye on this pattern since it came out but never added it to my collection until after we came back from Market and Sarah had stocked it at the shop.
I think it’s easily the largest purse I’ve ever sewn. To give you some perspective, it’s hanging on my size 4/5 children’s mannequin. Definitely the bag for the gal who carries everything on her shoulder. The pockets are nice and roomy, too.
The embroidery and applique were all done by hand, which took a little while. Oh, but it’s so worth it! And I think the gift recipient agrees: she immediately loaded it up with all her stuff. That is the best thanks I could ever hope to get.
Tags: Christmas, Crafty Christmas Countdown, Gifts, handmade, Melly & Me, purses, Sewing
December 18th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
WOW! All are gorgeous but I am partial to that bottom one with all the appliques! Those trees & flowers make me smile! What a lucky recipient!
pattys last blog post..
December 18th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
They are all lovely, but that last one!…..I love it so much! Beautiful!
Kristins last blog post..Picking my jaw off the floor….
December 18th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
OMG! Don’t panic. I’m going for help. Wouldn’t want you to suffocate under the crushing weight of all those purdy purses you’re hiding behind.
Staceys last blog post..Crackin’ McPoppin’
December 18th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Capital C.U.T.E!!! I am in love with the Melly & Me bag. Wow, how creative. This purse deserves a close up shot at the detailed work!
Heather Roes last blog post..Just in
December 19th, 2008 at 12:01 am
How fantastic–you’re such a bag diva!
Heathers last blog post..New Generation
December 19th, 2008 at 8:04 am
Love all the purses!! Next year I am hoping I don’t get all down so I actually want to start projects earlier.
I think I am glad that you included the tutorial for the coffee cozies, I think I will be making some of those this weekend while I am whipping out PJ pants.
Domestic Extraordinaires last blog post..Do you know what time it is?
December 19th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Sooo…stinkin’ cute! I don’t need a purse, but I would take your fabric stash!! :O)
December 19th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
I love the polka dot purse! what pattern is it? once again, your sewing is so impressive!
Beth Busters last blog post..Catching up
December 19th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
wow I envy you! I have only made one purse so far. It was for me though. But that last one looks so cute. They all do but i’m a sucker for big purses. LOL
Thanks for the link to the Coffee cozy. I love it. Can’t wait to try my hand at that.
Tiff@Three Peass last blog post..Being Naughty
December 19th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
oh my gosh. those are gorgeous. i am envious of your sewing skills!
nicola
http://whichname.blogspot.com
nicolas last blog post..wish list
December 19th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
LOVE that bag too, what a nice gift to give.
December 19th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Hey! Is that you’re head poking out from behind that armful of home made love? I just adore that last bag…it is wonderful!
sadiras last blog post..Holiday Presence :: Day Twenty-Three
December 21st, 2008 at 5:07 pm
that last purse is easily to die for!!! So cute and folk-ish and boho and so many things I love! I must track down that pattern! You did a lovely job!
And I only wish I had seen this checker board sooner!!! the perfect gift for my nieces and nephews that I have been struggling to find something for…. oh do you think that there is time!???
we’ll see… I still ahve to finisha quilt and make a purse from scratch which I have never done before. Yikes!
elizabeths last blog post..We’ve been busy!
December 22nd, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Lovin’ all those bags…you are amazing! What pattern did you use for the last one? Great job on it!!
December 28th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Hi there Mary, WOW, your flower garden bag is amazing!! I just love it and I am so glad that the new owner is also delighted =]
I hope that your quieter Christmas was a joyful, peaceful and special time and that 2009 will be such a huge year full of new crafty opportunities and endeavors. Thanks for your inspiration and our great meeting in 2008 (Kiki wore her beautiful dress on Christmas day and was a big hit, thank!!!)
Melly
Mellys last blog post..Merry Christmas
December 30th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Now see, I’d much rather have one of your purses than the Vera Bradley I got. Yours are way cooler.
Heather, Queen of Shake Shakes last blog post..It rubs the lotion on its skin. But mostly on its ass.
January 5th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Hi I just wanted to tell you that adore this purse from the Melly & Me pattern. I was wondering if you could tell me which Melly & Me pattern it is from. I have searched on-line and cannot seem to find it. Again, just love, love, love it:-) Hope you had a wonderful holiday season! Melissa
April 4th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Wow, I’m blown away by what you have to say. How often do you update your blog?
January 27th, 2010 at 11:30 pm
Those are extreemly cute! I envy your creativeness and love your work!