Sunday, March 15, 2009

I knew those fish would come in handy...

I fell in love with the "Persuasion" sampler by The Sampler Girl in the Jan, 2009 issue of JCS. I've only recently started to appreciate this style of design, and the sentiment on this one expresses exactly what I have to keep reminding myself in these troubled times.

The stitching is done on Vikki Clayton's hand-dyed linen from a grab-bag of light neutrals...a joy to stitch on. I used only DMC threads and changed a few colors here and there... like multiple blues for the alphabet to give the look of color-variations.

I finished it up into a sling/hipster bag to use when I want to carry a minimum of fairly essential items and stay hands-free. It's lined with the same fabric as the backing with one pocket on the inside. I used Pellon fusible fleece to give it some padding and little heft. My sewing machine is not new to say the least, so I also did a little praying that it would be willing to sew through all those layers. But it performed like trooper. The zipper cooperated this time too. And finally, I've got a home for those fish beads that I bought some time ago with no idea as to how to use them.






And in the spirit of the season, I crocheted a little shamrock thanks to Kathy, who supplied the link to the pattern.

15 comments:

Ranae said...

Annie, That is the cutest little bag. Love the little fish. I wish I was that talented.
The shamrock is so cute too.

Jane said...

What a beautiful bag, the fish are a lovely addition

Mylene said...

That is such a great finish, love the saying too.

Shamrock finish is soooo cute.

staci said...

What a darling finish! The backing fabric and fish couldn't be more perfect! What a joy it will be to use :)

Daffycat said...

Really darling bag and I love the little fish!

Ginnie said...

that's a great bag, fab finish.

mainely stitching said...

Absolutely stunning finish!

Pumpkin said...

Annie, that bag is AMAZING!!!! Just darling...I love it :o) You are so talented. Look at that shamrock! LOL!

Rachel S-H said...

That bag is ADORABLE.

Stitcher said...

I love your bag and the fish beads set if off nicely! Wow, you have great sewing skills!!
Love the shamrock! I remember I crocheted a set many years ago and two went missing after a St.Patty's day get together....guess someone else fancied them as well, lol.

Anonymous said...

Love your bag Annie! It turned out really pretty :-) The shamrock is cute as well!

Pat Winter Gatherings said...

I love your bag.Hugs,Pat

Olga said...

What a lovely bag and your were so creative in finishing it!

temari by the sea said...

The bag is so sweet, I would love to carry it around, well done!

Tanya Willis Anderson said...

How clever! I love it and will share on my blog and site. Happy Stitching,
Tanya