Saturday, August 6, 2011

The Brenda Tote...



Happy Saturday!  Hope you all are enjoying the warm weather and taking advantage of it!  Only a few more weekends until my kids start school so we're going to take a drive somewhere.  I should be working on the garage sale I planned waaaay back in June, but I'm kind of over it.  I'd rather sew!

My latest project is this new tote for my friend, Brenda.  She liked my last version of Amy Butler's Cosmo Bag and wanted a smaller version for herself.  So, I got out my ruler and shrunk down the pattern.  The results?  Super cute!!!!  I'd like to pretend some modesty or humility, but really I totally rocked this bag.  I'm the schiznit.  I'm going to make another for myself.  Usually I carry the "reject" bags that I can't sell.  But now, I'm going to treat myself to something nice!

I have a real problem with making duplicate bags.  I truly want my customers to have a unique-one-of-a-kind bag.  So, I strove to give Brenda the "feel" of the original Cosmo she liked, but I didn't want a mini-me version of it.

Besides the obvious difference in size, I chose a rich wool-blend teal for the reverse applique.  The flower motif was inspired by a google image search.  I do this all the time for ideas.  I typed in "flowers" and narrowed it down to "line drawings" and that eliminated all the photos and detailed pictures. 







I'm particularly pleased with the welted pocket I placed on the back.  The corduroy buttons and silk pocket-lining are special touches you just don't see everywhere.  Plus, it kinda looks like mouth with button eyes, don't you think?  Even more cuteness....



A whimsical print on the inside and two patch pockets complete the Brenda Tote.  Should I have added a closure of some kind?  magnetic snap?  tab and button?  Would you want one?


 Here they are together, little sister and big mama!

Thanks for reading and double thanks for following!

Coming soon: a totally new tutorial and after that.....my first guest post at a bigtime blog!  Yay!

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Happy crafting and big hugs from Montana,



13 comments:

  1. Another brilliant and gorgous bag!!

    Just wanted to let you know I just gave you a thank you and shout out!

    Thank you!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a beautiful bag! I absolutely love handbags and am so glad I found your blog on Creating My Way to Success! I've been practicing sewing but gave it up because I got frustrated with fixing threads when they break. I've also been deciding on if I should give it another really good try. Any advice for a newbie?
    Thanks! Cat @ Minoaka Bebe

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  3. Oh Jill, that was so nice of you! You are so welcome and thanks for everything you do!

    Cat! Thanks for stopping by! I'd be happy to pass on any tips I can. I have your comment in my email and will respond asap.

    Best,
    Rikka J.
    Ricochet and Away!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Rikka!

    I love the flower design you made. I absolutely love the choice of a clean solid teal, as well as the lining fabric. The welted pocket is beautiful! How did you applique and reverse applique? Using a free motion foot? A regular foot? By hand? Can you show a closeup of the applique and reverse applique (if it's not too much trouble)

    Great tote, I'm sure Brenda will love it!

    Keren
    sew la vie!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Do you get tired of folks telling you how talented you are? I don't get tired of saying it.

    Great design!

    ReplyDelete
  6. PJ, Now I'm blushing! Thanks so much for your kind words.

    Keren, heading to my email next to respond.

    Best,
    Rikka J.

    ReplyDelete
  7. So pretty! Love the combo of brown and teal! HOpe you will share with my Pink Hippo Party @ http://pinkapotamus.blogspot.com/2011/08/pink-hippo-party-41.html
    I am your newest follower!

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  8. Oh, I absolutely LOVE this bag!! It's really pretty.
    Esther.
    (http://happyinred.blogspot.com)

    ReplyDelete
  9. So cute! Love the colors. Great for the upcoming fall!

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  10. Well, hello! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and commenting on my embellished Nook cover. I love your bags! I, too, love to sew bags...well, I love to sew anything! I look forward to getting to know your work as I follow you!
    KatieB

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  11. Great Job!!! I love this one and the flower applique is fantastic!

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  12. Awwww, so many positive and kind responses to this bag! It warms my heart. To those of you whom I could, I sent replies via email. To those of you who are "no responder" commentors, thanks for commenting and consider leaving your email next time, pls. Love you all!
    Best,
    Rikka J.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I like the color combination and that flower design.


    We have a link-up party going on - Tea Time Thursdays @ Kreative Korner. I would really appreciate if you'd link up some of your awesome posts there. Hope to see you at the party.

    http://tanyaanurag.blogspot.com/2011/08/tea-time-thursdays-2-and-features.html

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment! No-reply commentors don't get to read my witty replies, and that's just sad.

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