Has this ever happened to you?...You put together a cute outfit for a special outing, but at the last minute you realize that (a) you don't have a bag to match, or (b) you have a great new fabric that would be perfect with said outfit, but you don't have enough
time to make a bag.
Well, it had happened to me one too many times and I was determined to find a solution! That's how this particular bag design came about. (I'm sure all the big designers will have their version in the stores next year, but remember, you saw it here first. :) LOL) The one pictured above is a basic natural linen tote with a slightly funky print for the interior and belt loops. 
What gives this bag its character, is a simple little sash. The pumpkin colored one is the same front and back, but the one below has a different print on each side.
Tada! A completely different look in seconds!
I love how fast (I'm a slow sewer, and I can make a sash in 20 minutes) and easy it is to change the look of my tote. And lets not forget, economical! How much do we all LOVE these designer fabrics?! (Let's give a big shout-out to Amy Butler, Jennifer Paganelli, Heather Bailey, Tina Givens, Joel Dewberry and many others.) Not to mention the fantastic vintage fabrics. But, if I had to buy a whole yard of every print I wanted, I'd be in the fabric poor house. With this design, I get a lot of designer bang out of a mere 5 inch strip of fabric! Love that!
Here's the next grouping of fabrics being considered for sashes.
And I have another bag in the works that will allow me to use my most coveted
vintage fabrics. Can't wait to show you.
Last weekend Mom and I took a mini road trip down to the antique mall in Florence, KY. I found a few fun things to add to the website. (The website is undergoing some changes and upgrading, and may be down intermittently). First, I came across 4+ yards of this wonderful green and brown fabric by John Wolf Textiles. Its only 38 inches wide, so from that and the colors I'm guessing it dates to the early 1970's. 
Next, I found a fun buckle and button set and 10 yards of vibrant orange grosgrain ribbon. I have a slight obsession with ribbon, so I HAD to have it. :) Bonus...it matches several of my new fabrics perfectly! 
And last but not least, my favorite find of the day was 2 sets of vintage 1960-70's daisy curtains. 
Completely fabulous! Still in their unopened Croscill packages (I opened one for pictures and to check measurements). A nice surprise to find that each package contained 2 curtains. And they have the sweetest smocked/gathered top! 
We had fun. I can't think of a better way to spend a cold, gray day. Have a great week, everyone! :)
