It's a Mixed Bag, Baby!

Tote Finished Size 12" x 14"

Today's Inspirational Post:
UPCYCLE: NEW: RECYCLE: USE: MIX IT UP.....Interesting combos to create something new and unique!
So you've got some odd and ends stuff around your maker space? Let's incorporate them into a simple tote bag! I will share my most basic pattern dimensions and where my "stuff" came from. Use what you have. Repetition of material works. Make do and see what happens. I don't throw anything out. Yes, I buy/design new and I keep old. I use stuff up. Why "saving the good stuff" for later? "Later" may never happen! (even my mother's wedding silverware has become everyday use)
​
Bag Details below after my Maker's Dance break below: Watch and suffer my moves.
Kids welcome the camaraderie. At least I am no Elaine! #SeinfeldRocks

Will is the most fun to play around with when I video a new Maker Dance. He is full of laughter, "Oh My God Mom!" and his darling girlfriend is showing me moves to mimic. I'm down with that kids! They don't want to be in my videos...yet. "You do you mom, we'll just film it.... "

Wool Trim mid centuryish

New Kaufman/Sara Parker fabrics

Leather book samples from furniture friend. Perfect for straps and bag details.

Very old DMC floss. I no longer use the 6 stranded floss. It's ideal for creating new texture!

Materials Used:
1. New Sara Parker hand printed textiles. So worth it! Robert Kaufman heavyweight denim sample. Cut two rectangles 14" x 16". French seams. Boxed corners at bottom. Fold over top. No extra pockets. 
2. Leather book samples from furniture friend. Perfect for straps and details. Today I used them just for straps. Cut strips at 1 1/4" by length of sample. Used brass 1 1/4" hardware to extend length of strap while adding a cool style element. (see images below for detail) Finished strap 22"
3. Very old DMC floss. I no longer use the 6 stranded floss. It's ideal for creating new texture instead of throwing or giving away. Organize based on color and then lay out what excites you! Hold in place by hand and then sew over them adjusting as you go. I like heavy weight thread and long stitch. 

Below are the first ideas using DMC floss made into Valentine's Day cards for my girlfriends. Nice way to explore an idea. Background paper is the printout of my SKY Ombre designs. Sneak Peak: New colors coming down the pipeline! Stay tuned :)

Galentine detail using Aurifil and basting stitch on my Bernina.

My girlfriends appreciate this kind of quick art

I used a whole bag of unwanted threads to make cards, bags and so thrilled with results. What's old becomes new

NEWS FLASH: Regarding this subject of making do, If you are not on Instagram, you may have missed our launch of new non profit CREATE AND SUSTAIN TM which I have not blogged about yet...So here is the link to check it out and read our story. More to come later on that. It's super exciting and much needed!  

Interior bag. Trim is wool from Norway. Mom's old box of sewing trims has little treasures! Made in 1950/60's probably.

Leather Strap detail

Choosing two different fabrics similar in weight gives the "front" and "back" of the bag interest. Also note how I repeated the design element and used 17 DMC skeins total. More bold on the denim side with yellows and oranges and that important grey/black for a value change. Note as well the muted colors such as beige, tan, peach and pale green. These are just as important as the brights. 

The decision to trim one side and keep the loop on the other side was also easy. It tells the story of before and after. Adds interest and reads more artistic. Same with the strap. I did three rectangle brass links on one side and two on the other. Unexpected is exciting to me. If you have a label with your name on it. Put it on the outside! Tell the world you are a creative and that you make cool sh*t. Note the carry over of small DMC detail on printed Sara Parker side. Like the repetition again. Always looking to put repeated ideas into work. Our minds like that. #creativebrain #cravespattern

That's it in a nutshell. Try something at home. Don't get hung up on the bag  dimensions. Enjoy the creative embellishment and using up your stuff you have around already. Make do and have fun. Then go out and enjoy a meal with friends. Masks off! Drinks Up! Dancing all the way!!
Xx Stay Creative! 

PS- Last Call:
​A few spaces left for OMBRÉ TOTE LIVE CLASS this Saturday and Sunday. We meet for the morning both days and you get the best instruction on how to make this fabulous tote. Small class size. 

SIGN ME UP!

​May 22-23rd 9am-12pm PST. Individual attention. Class available for 1 year after. Live learning from Jennifer and community growth with your fellow makers. Super fun and engaging. $149.99. If this weekend doesn't work for you, Take class at your own pace (no live aspect) with Jennifer's excellent pre-recorded instruction for $49.99 all available at Creative Spark Online Learning