purse sewing – handmade by Carole Carr

An ode to Shark Week

Published on July 13, 2016July 12, 2016 by car2oleLeave a comment

Every year I remember why I’m scared of the ocean.

Jaws. I grew up in the midwest and I saw the movie before I ever saw the ocean. Poor planning.

Another Companion Carpet Bag, pattern by Sewing Patterns by Mrs. H.

I put my 9 college credits in Philosophy to good use -the red handles represent the bloodshed caused by that cranky shark.

I put tabs on this bag to pull open the top. The tabs are shark snouts! I crack myself up.

I really agonized over the lining. For about a minute. Last week I just happened to buy some sushi fabric.

I find such joy in starting a project with absolutely no plan. I just picked up my Jaws, decided it needed to be a purse, and started cutting. I almost got stumped when it came to the handles. Thank heavens for higher education.

Jolly good travel bag

Published on July 12, 2016 by car2ole2 Comments

My favorite travel bag is ready for it’s first outing!

I think this is number 6 in my quest for the perfect travel bag? I have quite a pile.

This is the Weekender Travel Bag pattern by Amy Butler. The fabric, not surprisingly, is from a manufacturer in the UK.

The best thing about sewing for decades is having bits and bobs on hand in my studio. The zipper, nylon webbing, dee rings and green straps are from my private “collection.”

The guts of the bag show the tube map for the London Underground! I love to open a bag and find something interesting on the inside.

This bag fulfills my not-so-hidden anglophile obsession. So I made wallets.

Not just one, mind you.

Some other anglophile is going to get a big surprise!

Northern Lights backpack

Published on June 27, 2016 by car2ole1 Comment

Almost makes me wish I carried a backpack.

My little Minnesotan has a thing for the Northern Lights. When I got this fabric she actually ASKED me to make her a backpack.

The fabric is by Quilted Treasures and the pattern is the Dawn to Dusk backpack by Chris W. Designs. This pattern is the most “authentic” looking backpack I could find, with padded and shaped straps and great pockets.

This is a streamlined version, with a front zipper pocket instead of a pocket with flap. I added a side water bottle pocket made from mesh, with an adjustable elastic pull. The cord stop is a kitty, but it did not cooperate with my photography.

For the lining I chose Mario. Because it’s Mario. And his gold coins.

The interior pocket is elasticized to hold some electronic device like a laptop or iPad. Or a small cat. The cat print is a fat catloaf. Just like my fat cat model Tippy. He’s actually not fat, he’s big boned.