Hi there do you remember me?
Sorry I have been doing some worrying and some secret stitching!
I am worrying because I am in the fabulous Mouthy Stitches 2 Swap - the tote! and I have to tell you the standard is sky high! Not a duff tote among them ....
And I didn't want to let the side down - oh no!
And I have a fabulous partner - no can't tell you who she is until she gets her parcel - but I am in awe of her work, so not much pressure there then!
So I have been worrying, prevaricating, sweating and sewing and just before the bell goes I have finished the tote and keyfob extra....I just hope she likes it but if not she can always return it to me...?
The main picture shows Carl the Cameleon - a design by Joanna at Shape Moth which you can buy here! Not for the fainthearted with about 60 pieces in it - argh! I'm not usually a fan of foundation piecing and I got very friendly with Mr Seam Ripper but I got there!
I used compressed foam instead of wadding as the inner layer and did a bit of spiral FMQ to echo Carl's tail!
The reverse side is a strip pieced leaf - with the zip as the spine - broke two needles going over the end of that zip as it was designed for a coat and ended with a stopper rather than the usual fabric bits! It opens up to a generous pocket - below right - so plenty of room! I echo quilted the leaf in variegated green thread! Had to get my head round doing that without stitching it to the pocket!
The extra is a keyfob in this swap and I thought a wee co-ordinating strip pieced leaf coin purse would go well! Believe me I was making this up as I went along - but plans don't really work for me I'm moredisorganised organic!
The outside is a bit loud!
I thought the inside should reflect a different mood so I took my Carnival templates bought from Katy and swapped the squares for HSTs and ended up with a star! The big button hides an initial - belonging to my partner - but I can't give the game away yet ....can I? I then used Lu Summers' porthole magic to frame my star!
Hey presto! one tote bag finished! Phew! Final deadline for posting is tomorrow!
Sorry I have been doing some worrying and some secret stitching!
I am worrying because I am in the fabulous Mouthy Stitches 2 Swap - the tote! and I have to tell you the standard is sky high! Not a duff tote among them ....
And I didn't want to let the side down - oh no!
And I have a fabulous partner - no can't tell you who she is until she gets her parcel - but I am in awe of her work, so not much pressure there then!
So I have been worrying, prevaricating, sweating and sewing and just before the bell goes I have finished the tote and keyfob extra....I just hope she likes it but if not she can always return it to me...?
The main picture shows Carl the Cameleon - a design by Joanna at Shape Moth which you can buy here! Not for the fainthearted with about 60 pieces in it - argh! I'm not usually a fan of foundation piecing and I got very friendly with Mr Seam Ripper but I got there!
I used compressed foam instead of wadding as the inner layer and did a bit of spiral FMQ to echo Carl's tail!
The reverse side is a strip pieced leaf - with the zip as the spine - broke two needles going over the end of that zip as it was designed for a coat and ended with a stopper rather than the usual fabric bits! It opens up to a generous pocket - below right - so plenty of room! I echo quilted the leaf in variegated green thread! Had to get my head round doing that without stitching it to the pocket!
The extra is a keyfob in this swap and I thought a wee co-ordinating strip pieced leaf coin purse would go well! Believe me I was making this up as I went along - but plans don't really work for me I'm more
The outside is a bit loud!
I thought the inside should reflect a different mood so I took my Carnival templates bought from Katy and swapped the squares for HSTs and ended up with a star! The big button hides an initial - belonging to my partner - but I can't give the game away yet ....can I? I then used Lu Summers' porthole magic to frame my star!
Hey presto! one tote bag finished! Phew! Final deadline for posting is tomorrow!
Very nice. I love the lizard, he looks like he is laughing.
ReplyDeleteIt is fabulous! Certainly in the same league with other top notch sewers! I love the color combo, too!
ReplyDeleteAmazing! I love Carl...and the zipped outer pocket...and the key fob - they're all magnificent!!
ReplyDeleteThe leaves are wonderful! I have scraps already strip pieced to try this : )
ReplyDeleteFreaking hell, Nicky, there is more work in that than I put in to five projects! Your partner will be so thrilled.
ReplyDeleteYou have been working hard and I would say your swap partners are going to be thrilled.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fab tote, and that pocket is just awesome! Clever you!
ReplyDeletewow, that is a LOT of pieces!! But it does look amazing
ReplyDeleteOMG that is absolutely gorgeous! If your partner doesn't like it they are crazy and I am flying over to kidnap it! Love everything, the chameleon, the leaves, the zipper purse. Wow well done!
ReplyDeleteYou have excelled yourself here. Amazing tote. Di x
ReplyDeleteLovely. Shame I think it's probably not for me, but maybe I should have a go!
ReplyDeleteYopur bag is lovely- I know it is not mine- as I have received mine today, but I would have loved this too, had it come my way! This is an amazing piece of work, and deserves to be loved! You are a star. xx
ReplyDeleteWow! That's one aweseome tote N! Genius idea having the zipper as the leaf spine, and the cameleon is stunning! That's one lucky partner! Jxo
ReplyDeleteThat tote is too cute!!!! I would love to be your partner she is one lucky lady!
ReplyDeleteI think your tote is brilliant! What a lot of pieces to create Carl but oh so worth it, your partner will be thrilled to bits when they open their parcel.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fab collection ofwork! Well done
ReplyDeleteOK, you can be in round 3!!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous tote, Nicky. I love Carl and would love to give him a good home :-)
ReplyDeleteSooo much work went into this, thank you so much for being my partner I love my bag :D And I'm not as talented as you make out- I can do pictures but I can sew even seam allowances for toffee :P
ReplyDeleteWonderful work Nicky, and lucky partner. Kiss
ReplyDelete