New Bags...Finished

Okay, so while I have the Broken Dishes quilt up on my design wall, I thought it was time to get back to sewing some handbags.  Here is the second clutch I was working on.  The pin I wanted to use did not work out so I ended up using this one.

This cute little bag is large enough to only hold a few things (cell phone, keys, lipstick, and a very small, tiny wallet.

And I decided to sew this cute little purse.

I think that's enough for now.  

Broken Dishes on My Design Wall

All of my Broken Dishes blocks, 156 to be exact, are all done and up on my design wall.  I was lucky that they all fit.

They will stay on the wall for a week or two so that I can tweak it here and there.   I always find that I have to move a blocks around.  And it always surprises me to find that I still need to make changes even after I think I am all done.  I usually spend a few minutes several times a day rearranging the blocks.  But after two weeks, I am done!   

So that's what I have been playing with.  What have you been up to?

Broken Dishes Update

I am still working on my clutch handbags, but had an opportunity to take a break and work on my Broken Dishes quilt.  I have sewn all my triangles together and am now ironing...

Now that the ironing is all done, I have a huge pile that I have to trim to size (3-1/2" squares).

And then, I will sew them together, to form these blocks.

And then, I will have to arrange them in a pleasing manner...

My daughter took one look at these blocks and she commented that the fabrics/colors I used were not "me.  I totally agree with her, but I wanted to break out of my box.  Now that I am about half way done, I am getting excited.  I can't wait to see how this one turns out.

A New Evening Clutch Handbag

I finished a new clutch handbag using a belt for the handle.  I am going to keep this one for myself because it is my prototype and I consider it a learning experience.  Does anyone else do that?  I try to make all my mistakes.  Luckily, there were no mistakes on this one, but I did learn a few things.  For instance, there was a lot of bulk at the corners and my Symphony sewing machine was not handling it too well.  So I ended up using my old Singer machine to top-stitch.  And the next time I sew the lining, I am going to make it at least 1/2" smaller all around the curved sides.

It is roomy...

So hopefully, the next one that I make (hopefully by the end of the week) will turn out a bit better.

Working on a Clutch Bag and Ear Bud Storage

I have been away from blogging for a while to enjoy the holidays and to celebrate the new year.  So on that note... I would like to wish all of you a Happy New Year and hope that you were able to spend it with family and friends.

Here is what I have been working on.  I bought this belt and belt clip in hopes of using them on a some handbags.

I decide to use them on a clutch bag.  Here are the fabrics I have picked for the outside and lining for two bags.

I plan on using the chain belt for the fabrics on the left and the belt clip with the fabrics on the right.  So stay tuned for my finishes.

On another note, I found a tutorial for an ear bud pouch here.  I always hated stuffing my ear buds here and there, so now I have a zippered storage pouch for them.  I love it.