Thursday, March 19, 2009

buttercup



look what i made! 

i'm so pleased with myself. 

it is the buttercup bag from made by rae. i have been wanting to make something for myself and this looked doable so i just went for it. 

i've been thinking a lot lately about why sewing is so frustrating for me. i decided it was (1) because i had never taken the time to really teach myself. i just started doing it. and (2) because i never give myself time to make something. i rush through it and when it doesn't work the first time i get frustrated. 


so i decided to set out to make something slowly. i implored myself to be patient and chose a pattern i thought i could handle without going back to teach myself anything. it was SO much better to work this way. funny how if you just give yourself permission for something it feels better. i don't think i swore once, but there was still a lot of sweating. all told i think it took me about 3 hours of actual work to complete. 


i saw a simple button clasp like this in the flickr group  and decided to copy it. i am pleased with how it turned out and it actually keeps the bag closed! 


hard to take a good shot of the inside. this will have to do. i like the little pocket! 


how it looks on my shoulder. i like. its a little less sturdy than i would prefer - interfacing will be used if i make this bag again. i will also make it much bigger. i really want a big sturdy purse. 

oh and don't worry about my frizzy hair, k? i'm home all day alone without even children to impress. 


the aftermath.

11 comments:

jenni said...

oh my I LOVE it! I have seen that purse all over blogland and your fabric choices are my favorite!

Erika said...

I love your fabric choices! My room looked the same after too. I am going to make another one tonight or tomorrow and use a stiffer interfacing.

Sarah K. said...

Love that purse! It's perfect for spring - so bright and cheery :)

Michele said...

Great Job I love it!!

Philigry said...

this looks so great. you sounds just like me when it comes to sewing. i taught myself two years ago, and i did the same thing. it has just been in the past six months that i take my time, and try not to rush and get frustrated.
the bag is so awesome, especially in the linen! love it.

Mrs. M said...

I love this purse! I have just learned how to sew - took lessons and I need a simple easy pattern to start with. any recommendations?

Holly and Everest said...

beautiful craftmanship!

Lindsey said...

LOVE it, and you!!! So freaking cute!

Anonymous said...

Ok so when are you going to make me one....just kidding! You must teach me how to make that purse! It is awesome.

nicole said...

Mrs. M - I don't have any good recommendations for specific patterns, but try something simple like coasters, flannel baby blankets, or placemats. A simple google search should turn up lots of patterns and/or tutorials!

SHS Soccer said...

Um, I am a LOT happy for you because you have the cutest new purse... and I am a (little) jealous that I do not have the skills to make such cute things. Seriously, I love it.