Barry and I are working on commission at the moment and I need to sew quite a few bags to contain the objects.
It's all good fun as you discover what's possible, explore the best way to do it, find out what supplies you can manage to purchase from within your small town; and get struck in the middle of the night by a solution to something you hadn't realised was a problem!
My first issue was I needed unwaxed navy linen thread. I visited shops, I googled, I tried really really hard, and just couldn't find where to buy some. So I did my first ever dye of thread. From this lovely natural linen to this rich deep indigo-navy. Yum. Feeling pretty chuffed that I solved that problem!
Then it was on to the fabric for the bags - whilst visiting another small town we stopped into a furnishings shop which had a remnant that we thought would work brilliantly. The woman refused to sell it to us (she would only give it to us); so we tried to negotiate; and in the end she said - decide what you'll pay and give it to a charity. We liked that idea and so we did.
I knew I would need to hold the bag together somehow - you need quick and easy access to it; but also for it be held securely.
I went into town looking for a cord of sorts, and in the end found this organic cotton 'ribbon'. Just enough and no more! Phew.
So I cut it to the right lengths and wrapped the bag with a bow.
And then the other night I realised I really wanted to hold the tie to the bag so that it won't get lost or separated at any point in time; and I thought I'd hold it with a little cross stitch! Don't you love those middle of the night solutions?
It's all good fun as you discover what's possible, explore the best way to do it, find out what supplies you can manage to purchase from within your small town; and get struck in the middle of the night by a solution to something you hadn't realised was a problem!
My first issue was I needed unwaxed navy linen thread. I visited shops, I googled, I tried really really hard, and just couldn't find where to buy some. So I did my first ever dye of thread. From this lovely natural linen to this rich deep indigo-navy. Yum. Feeling pretty chuffed that I solved that problem!
Then it was on to the fabric for the bags - whilst visiting another small town we stopped into a furnishings shop which had a remnant that we thought would work brilliantly. The woman refused to sell it to us (she would only give it to us); so we tried to negotiate; and in the end she said - decide what you'll pay and give it to a charity. We liked that idea and so we did.
I knew I would need to hold the bag together somehow - you need quick and easy access to it; but also for it be held securely.
I went into town looking for a cord of sorts, and in the end found this organic cotton 'ribbon'. Just enough and no more! Phew.
So I cut it to the right lengths and wrapped the bag with a bow.
And then the other night I realised I really wanted to hold the tie to the bag so that it won't get lost or separated at any point in time; and I thought I'd hold it with a little cross stitch! Don't you love those middle of the night solutions?
yes I do love it when a plan organically comes together xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks Ronnie - it is much less stressful when nice things fall into place and things happen! Not quite there yet so am hoping the nice journey continues...
DeleteSuch an elegant way to attach the binding to the bag. It's gorgeous! Is the remnant linen as well? The indigo and texture make me yearn to hold the bag and see what's inside. Great job!
ReplyDeleteTo be incredibly Australian J - I was 'stoked' when I thought of that cross stitch! It was a perfect, elegant solution. I am happy with where things are up to so far..they are going to look great all together. Go well.
DeleteThis is a quintessential small-town story ... having to haggle with a shopkeeper to take a payment. Our favorite "antiques" dealer has tried to give us things more than once (we always manage to get the price up in the end).
ReplyDeleteThe bags look wonderfully tactile ... and how everything came together is icing on the cake.
Don't you love small towns Liz? So many good moments. The bags have worked well, and I think they'll look great all lined up...
DeleteSo elegant and tidy. Do show us the contents sometime! some of Barry's metalwork? or oh! the Perspex books?
ReplyDeleteSandy
Ah Sandy you've nearly guessed it! I'm pleased you think they are elegant and tidy - they needed to be so that's just great! Yes, there will be books within...
Deletethey look gorgeous Fiona, dont you just love answers in the night
ReplyDeleteThanks Kate - I do indeed, but mostly when I can remember them the next day! Not so much those ones which arrive and then I can't quite grasp them in the daylight....go well.
Deletea purrfect solution
ReplyDeleteI thought so Mo!
Deleteyes! that's exactly how it works. and the x is brilliant.
ReplyDeleteFunny isn't it how if we can just get out of our own way sometimes...things emerge! Go well.
Deletethese are lovely bags, fiona. well done!
ReplyDeleteThanks MJ - they worked out well in the end!
DeleteI love how this has come together for you.... finding just enough ribbon and then finding the perfect remnant on your doorstep, generously given. It has the imprint of fate all over it and the cross stitch is inspired. Whatever is going inside will the final flourish of it all coming together. Way to go Fiona!
ReplyDeleteIt has felt like a good project as each of these wee moments have been resolved so nicely Lesley. And I am feeling pretty darn good about that cross stitch! Happy days.
DeleteAbsolutely perfect, Fiona, and a very elegant solution.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol - so nice when things get resolved happily! Go well.
Delete