Can you believe I made this on a home sewing machine!?! I guess stubborness can be the mother of ingenuity. What a brain-bender! I figured it out though and the resulting design is completely repeatable – hence, another forth-coming pattern. I can’t wait to get this one to print and show you how it goes together – I couldn’t be more pleased with the result. It's still going to be a couple of months before I print any patterns, though -- one woman show, you know. But, I'm too excited to keep the cat in the bag, so enjoy the early screening. Hmmm? – to carry or to hang on the wall? (Oh, and this purse has special powers… but, more on that later)
The fabrics are vintage feedsacks. I had meant to make Christmas decorations with them; check out these and these. But, when I pulled them for a baby dress (forthcoming) to go with these, I got caught up in their fabulousness and got to work on a purse pattern.
OMG ! It's so ... gorgeous !
Your work is very impressive.
Posted by: @nna | September 20, 2006 at 11:47 AM
The bag is just stunning and it goes beautifully with those lovely yellow shoes!
Posted by: atelier455 | September 20, 2006 at 11:48 AM
The bag is gorgeous! The shoes are fabulous - I would have never dared to buy yellow shoes...I love stylish people. Can't wait for you patterns. Hey, when are your fabrics coming out? I am dying to see (and buy) them.
Posted by: mary b | September 20, 2006 at 11:57 AM
Your bag is making me drool as are you fabulous shoes. I can't wait to get my hands on the pattern!
Posted by: Amy | September 20, 2006 at 12:03 PM
I love this bag! I am sad that the fabric isn't a sneak peak of yours. Even more sad that it's vintage, which means I can't get any! Really looking forward to the pattern though. You did a beautiful job!
Also looking forward to the dress that will go with the tights! Do you have more of the purse fabric left, or are you thinking something different for the dress now?
Posted by: Jenne | September 20, 2006 at 12:14 PM
wow wow wow! the bag, the photos, everything!
Posted by: joleen | September 20, 2006 at 12:20 PM
holy toledo! can not stop looking at the amazing photo,bag,fabric,shoes...it is all beautiful!! More sneak peeks?? pretty please.
Posted by: carole m. | September 20, 2006 at 12:30 PM
Please tell me the pattern will be out before christmas? That has to be my sisters present. Great Job
If you don't mind me asking, What type of camera do you use?
Posted by: Gina | September 20, 2006 at 12:32 PM
I too, cannot wait for these patterns. The purse is so lovely. As is your photography. I am particularly in love with the last photo. It almost seems like a black and white photo that has been retouched with color. Its beautiful!
Posted by: Emy | September 20, 2006 at 12:35 PM
Heather, these are FABULOUS!!! Thank you so much for sharing. I love your photography as well!
Posted by: paige | September 20, 2006 at 12:36 PM
love the bag, love the photos - so professional. Those first Christmas decorations remind me of Eglair's (Madame Trapo) mini baby dolls. I can't wait to see more previews!!
Posted by: Mama Urchin | September 20, 2006 at 12:40 PM
What a gorgeous bag and what gorgeous shoes.
Posted by: caroline | September 20, 2006 at 12:45 PM
Love every single thing about this post! The bag, the photos, the SHOES - my gosh, the shoes! Can't wait for the pattern. Thanks for sharing the sneak peak!
Posted by: shelley | September 20, 2006 at 12:55 PM
oh it's gorgeous! i love it. the shape is great too. and love those yellow shoes!
Posted by: Jessica | September 20, 2006 at 01:16 PM
Wow! It's amazing! And I'm coveting those shoes.
Posted by: caro | September 20, 2006 at 01:23 PM
Totally fabulous! I love the bag and can hardly wait until you start publishing your patterns.
Posted by: June | September 20, 2006 at 01:37 PM
love the purse!!! (and the shoes!)
Posted by: lera | September 20, 2006 at 01:49 PM
Love it. though i hate sneak peeks when it is followed by months time line. However, since i love your design, i have no choice, because i must have it. So i will be happy in knowing it will arrive one day.
Where do you find vintage feedsacks. I must really start exploring them. thanks for such great stuff.
Posted by: Tara | September 20, 2006 at 01:58 PM
Love it all - looking forward to the pattern!
Posted by: rebecca | September 20, 2006 at 02:08 PM
Compliments to you, Heather. That bag is gorgeous. I, too, want to get my hands on the pattern before Christmas, what a great gift it would make! Maybe it is the colour that is making us think that of Christmas, or just the beauty of the bag. In any case, we must have it soon!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Allison | September 20, 2006 at 02:56 PM
Heather, I am new to your blog but am working on a pair of baby booties for an upcoming shower. I love your patterns, so easy to follow for a person new to sewing. I love love love this bag, it is so beautiful!
Posted by: Laura | September 20, 2006 at 02:58 PM
Heather, I am new to your blog but am working on a pair of baby booties for an upcoming shower. I love your patterns, so easy to follow for a person new to sewing. I love love love this bag, it is so beautiful!
Posted by: Laura | September 20, 2006 at 02:59 PM
WOW!!! I am in love with the bag! I too thought the fabric was sneak-peak to your line. Bummer.... kudos on job well done (yet again!)
Posted by: Kris | September 20, 2006 at 03:30 PM
Really like the bag and would love to see the how it comes together and the inside. The photos of course are amazing. Can't wait for the patterns!
Posted by: LolaT | September 20, 2006 at 03:33 PM
This is fabulous!! I love it...
Ouissi x
Posted by: Ouissi | September 20, 2006 at 03:35 PM
Wow! This is gorgeous! Great pattern and I love the two fabrics for the body and the handles. Your photos are great. Thanks for the nice words in your post yesterday. I am glad you were happy with the goodies!
Posted by: mo | September 20, 2006 at 03:50 PM
Gorgeous.
Posted by: Jess | September 20, 2006 at 05:34 PM
Wow! Love the fabric and design. Can't wait for this pattern.
Posted by: Amy | September 20, 2006 at 05:45 PM
Don't you just love your Bernina! I am looking forward to buying your scrumptious new fabric line. Does it have a name yet?
Your fabric and savy style suits my shop just perfectly. I can't wait to sell and display it.
Theresa
Quilt Essential Fabrics
Historic Downtown Abbotsford BC
Canada
Posted by: Theresa | September 20, 2006 at 05:52 PM
You and your bag are simply fabulous.
Posted by: Sarah | September 20, 2006 at 07:15 PM
Yes! The bag is simply fabulous! And I agree, it would be absolutely fantastic to get the pattern pre-Christmas...oh I have a few giftees I could grace with this sweet bag!
Vicki
Posted by: Vicki | September 20, 2006 at 10:12 PM
Stunningly fabulous! I love love love your bag.
Posted by: Emma | September 21, 2006 at 01:37 AM
Fantastic!!!!!
Posted by: li li | September 21, 2006 at 01:58 AM
o.k. - love the bag.
love the shoes.
love the trousers.
love the photos.
job well done!
Posted by: tuscanycastlegirl | September 21, 2006 at 03:59 AM
How cool are you?!!!! My gosh. This is awesome.
Posted by: Amy | September 21, 2006 at 05:20 AM
The bag is so gorgeous, and the pics so professional looking ... I'm green of envy ;p
Posted by: Larici | September 21, 2006 at 05:29 AM
Ooooohhhh, OMG, this is DIVINE!! I agree with all the comments both on the pattern AND on the fabric - can't WAIT, keep me on a list and LMK, DIVINE!!!
Posted by: Kitty B | September 21, 2006 at 06:00 AM
I. Can. Not. Stand. It.
Please stop teasing me.
Love everything, fabric, purse shape, pants, blouse, shoes, photography. It's just too much.
Posted by: Lisa | September 21, 2006 at 07:34 AM
Pure perfection!
Posted by: Tina | September 21, 2006 at 07:58 AM
I agree with all of the above. When will your patterns be available?
Posted by: patsijean | September 21, 2006 at 09:22 AM
my goodness..that bag is so so gorgeous!!
Posted by: vanessa | September 21, 2006 at 09:31 AM
TEASE!!!!! I have NO patience and you keep flaunting things in front of my face, the peach pincusion and now this purse!!!!! Start producing....we are waiting!
Posted by: Charmaine | September 21, 2006 at 09:41 AM
I don't know which I like more - the bag, the pants or the fabby yellow shoes!
Posted by: Leisl | September 21, 2006 at 02:35 PM
This would make a great knitting bag.
Posted by: Alison | September 21, 2006 at 03:08 PM
Great bag, Heather. I hope to tote my knitting in one soon!
Posted by: Patricia | September 21, 2006 at 07:05 PM
Oh MY GOODNESS THAT IS ONE AMAZING BAG! I don't know how to sew, but would love that bag!!! Do you sell them fully done? Love the outfit as well! those shoes are adorable!
Posted by: Denial | September 22, 2006 at 07:03 AM
Well,...everyone has already said everything I could ever be thinking!! Your Blog is just too darn FAB!! Photos...need I even say PERFECT?....and overall style, creativity, designs....Knock me over with a feather!! LOVE IT ALL!!
Best Best wishes!!!
xoxo Jenny a new BIG fan!!
Posted by: Jenny Holiday | September 22, 2006 at 10:07 AM
love the bag and adore the shoes! i have the same pair in pink -- never even saw the yellow. brilliant!
Posted by: laurie | September 22, 2006 at 02:53 PM
stunning!!
Posted by: jessica | September 22, 2006 at 07:07 PM
Oh so fabulous!!!
Posted by: --erica | September 23, 2006 at 11:52 AM