mrs sew & sow: Finishing small things 2: the robins!

On my finish along list for quarter two I have a mosaic of small projects.

Like buses, robins come three projects at a time - see number 17!

This is how these projects began

And this is how they became something else.

The three robins became the tote bag I had intended from the start.

It is a simple unlined canvas bag, with some raw edged machine applique on it!

I have enclosed the raw seams, on the sides and bottom, with another line of stitching beyond those raw edges - a sort of reverse French seam I think (with a real French seam the lumpy bit would be on the inside!) I added a contrast brown binding to the top edge enclosing the handles too.

I made the handles by doubling over and stitching down some woven tape and stuffing the tube it made with wadding scrap so my handles will not cut into my hand/shoulder.

I have even taken it to Tesco's with me and it has kept those bulky bread and breakfast related items together in my trolley and car boot! Not so heavy it might bust my stitches and clean! Success!

The one wee embroidered robin from a Fat Quarterly Retreat class in 2012 with Aneela Hoey finally became the picture it was always meant to be...

I just finished a few threads and mounted it in this cute wee embroidery hoop and hung it with a contrast green loop of ribbon. I finished the back (not shown) with a circle of felt, hand stitched in place.

It is now up on the wall of my sewing room.

And finally the other raw edged robin (made at the same time as the three robins on canvas) became a Christmas cushion. I teamed him up with a mini charm border, some hand quilted cross hatching in cotton perle and some Essex linen on the back. A simple envelope closure for the finish.

I'm rather in love with him so it is still on the chair where I took a photo of it.