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Running With It

All Finished

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Here they are, all lined and ready for delivery. Each one is very different and unique. Here is an aerial view showing the liners inside.

The large black tote has 4 smaller pockets and 2 larger, one on each side. The silver market bag and forest green frame purse have 1 pocket on each side. All three have their liner hand sewn in place.

As I Promised Myself

/ Andrea / 1 Comment

Here is the finished 8″ frame purse. I like the color combination of forest green, silver and plum. The finished size in 8″frame opening at the top, down to 9″ across the bottom. The length is 8″ from frame top to bottom. The strap is 20″ from shoulder to opening.

This is the best size purse to carry a small wallet, keys, phone and glasses. There will be one in the future made a little glitzier; something to take on a special night out. Here is a close up of the color blend.

I hope to show the interiors on all three purses tomorrow or Thursday for sure.
My goal is to have them completed before Friday. I have decided to join a small multi-business craft store in our area. It is called Hometown Talents & Treasures. You can find a link on the right for more information. Friday will be my moving-in day. As soon as things are settled, I will upload some photos of my little shop space.
Until then,
Be creative!

Large Tote

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Here is a very cool design for a 12.5″ x 13″ x 5″ tote. There is quite a bit of room inside; especially with the five inch sides. The uses for it can be endless.
I will be fully lining it; not sure about the pockets yet. Each corner has a definite solid line downward, accenting a square edge.

About a year ago, I made a shorter one. The purchaser is using it to hold mail. She is folding in the front handle and hanging the back handle on the wall.
When I make the next one, I would like to consider the interior lining and pocket set up for a diaper bag. The liner would outline the perimeter but need a divider for other pockets for one side. The second side would just be open space for larger items.

Again I realize that I am suppose to be working on something else, but I could not resist doing this first. I promise to finish the 8 inch flex frame purse before the end of this week.

Hopefully Thursday night I will be able to show you this tote, the 8 inch flex frame and the silver market bag fully finished with linings.

Until then,
Be creative!

Something New

/ Andrea / 1 Comment

I know that I said that I was working on an eight inch frame purse. Well I am, but I am not finished with it yet. I started and finished this first. The funny thing is that when I first saw the picture of this purse, the color was not appealing; but the design was.
This purse is very sturdy. I would consider this a macrame market bag.

You rest it on your arm to carry your items comfortably.
It measures 11″ across and 12″ high, just before the handle.

The design in the middle bumps out and is on both sides. The colors are silver with forest green in lay.

Tomorrow I will line it and add a pocket or two.

Until the next time,
Be creative!

Better Late Than Never

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Here they are; all four are now finished. These are great coin and currency holders. Their measurements are roughly 4.25 inches by 5 inches.

The color themes shown are:
1. Green with a black, yellow, blue, red, green multicolored edges
2. Tan with brown edge
3. Velvet brown with dark brown edge
4. Teal, tan, beige with black edges.

Simply pinch the sides toward each other and the flex frame bows out. When you let go the sides close together and holds the contents securely.

I did not think that they would take as long as they did, but things just kept coming up.
I am now working on another purse which has an eight inch flex frame opening. I have put a good length of shoulder strap on it for the convenience of hands free shopping.
Check back and see how long this one takes me to complete.
Thanks for looking and remember to Be Creative!

Guess What These Will Become

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Here is a little guessing game. What will these become? You will have to wait and see.

This is a great project for using up smaller amounts of 4mm cord. It is a little taxing to put together at first, but after this stage, it goes pretty smooth and easy.
It is a useful item. They help contain small objects of value. It can fit in a pocket, purse, backpack or lunchbox.
Well that’s enough hints. Hopefully I can show them to you in their finished state tomorrow. Let me know what you think they will become.
Until they are complete,
Be creative!

Ready to Go

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Here is the finished product. I did decide on the tan liner. It has two nice size pockets, one on each side. I think the tan peeking through is a nice touch with a little more balance than just one color.

Now I can move to other projects for the year. I have one ready to start in the morning; an eight inch flex frame shoulder purse. It is just the right size for a smart phone, keys, a small wallet and sunglasses.
I’ll be working on that along with a few other items.

Until next time,
Be creative!

First Purse of the Year

/ Andrea / 3 Comments

This purse really took more than three days to complete. To be honest, it took over 6 months.
I started it a while back and had about half of it finished when I realized that the way I was going about it was backwards. With double half hitches (the straight line part) you can only see them on the side your working them in. If you turn the opposite side out the worked line will not be seen. To make matters worse I also had a handle flipped wrong.
Six months ago I took it apart just above the top diamonds. I had other purses started, so I left it. There never seemed enough time to finish it.
Now I told myself that with the new year, I could not start anything else until past work was complete. No problem. Yes it was. I got everything turned the correct way, but forgot to turn it out again when it came to the bottom. The last 3 inches needed taking apart and reworked.
I was thinking of leaving it again, but decided to get this done.
I did and I am enjoying the look of it. The finished size is 8″ wide and 10″ high from the opening to the bottom of the purse. The handles are 8″ wide and are made of wood, as are the beads. I have made special notations in the pattern so these set backs will not happen again. Now I just need to decide what color material I will use to line it. With the open middle on both sides you could try matching the cord of the purse or do something very different as an accent.
I have picked three colors from my fabric stash; black, beige or light raspberry. The black would not jump at you but the raspberry would really stand out. I am thinking the tan would complement the handle and beads. With the bottom row of double half hitches, the bottom has a unique look to it.

2012

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Here it is.

On this day, the first day of the year, we have our first sticking snow. I very good day to update posts, reorganize photos, websites and craft room.

I’ve got so many ideas in my head on what to make next. Sometimes I wish I where two, but I’m afraid then I would have double the ideas and get no further ahead, oh well. I think I’ll start with 8″ and 3.5″ flex frames on this new year. These will have longer straps for over the shoulder and across the chest convenience. From there I will move toward the 10 inch. With all of these big ideas on smaller frames, we will see how far my 4mm cord will hold out.

My head is also holding some ideas of a couple macrame duffles and at least one purse and one tote, each with dowels in the framework. We will see how far into January this takes me.

That’s enough thinking for one day, now on to doing. Talk to you later.

What are your plans for this first month of 2012?