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Author: Kathy

November 1, 2023
Kathy
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Santa Tote Bag

Posted in Fresh From My Sewing Machine

Just in time for Christmas season!

I finished this adorable one-of-a-kind Christmas tote bag over the weekend! This is one of my own designs and I haven’t made one in a few years. I changed up the belt from cloth to faux leather to give it a realistic Santa look. I like it better now. I changed from sherpa to a wide 3 inches of faux fur. I think the fur trim takes the bag to the next level.

The belt and buckle are faux leather, as is the base of the bag. Red velour velvet and faux white fur just like Santa’s suit. 14.5 inches height, 12 inches wide at the base and 5.5 inches depth – a great size for work, school, carrying presents, and everyday fun.

Inside is lined with “Marry Christmas” and snowflakes in white on a bright green background. A large zipper pocket, and 4 5 inch elastic pockets as well.

The black straps are sewn into the bottom of the bag and all the way up the sides make the bag sturdy and helps prevent sagging in the bottom of the bag. Hidden inside is foam interfacing to give the bag strength and a touch of cushioning for you and your items. The foam also keeps the bags shape, even when it gets squished.

This great Santa Suit Tote will last you for years to come. You can find it here: SibStudio

October 31, 2023
Kathy
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A Peek at Custom Bags

Posted in Peeking Behind the Seam

I take custom orders on a fairly regular bases. Whether I can take on an order is dependent on my time frame and how complex the order is. I enjoy the creativity of collaborating with customers and making their ideas come to life. Here’s a little sneak peek at an order I am currently working on:

Aren’t they beautiful?!! 🙂

October 23, 2023
Kathy
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Blue Poppy Painting

Posted in Art Work, and Peeking Behind the Easel

I finished a small painting of blue poppies I started a few weeks ago. It’s a close of up a beautiful rare blue poppy.

I had an opportunity to see rare blooming blue poppies at my favorite place for flowers: Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. They look like their red and orange poppy siblings, but in a really pretty blue.

It really was a sight to see a long line of people waiting for their chance to see these beauties up close. Some with iPhones and others with super fancy camera equipment, but all anxious to see these rare blooming flowers.

This is one of the photos I took. I used this one for my painting. I liked the close up of the petals and the almost perfect circle of stamens – like a golden firework in the center of the flower.

I used yellow in the background to give the blue petals a nice contrast & pop from the canvas. I used blues & purples, as well as touch of white & yellows for the flower. You can find this pretty 8 x 8 inch blue poppy painting on my SibStudio Etsy shop.

October 20, 2023
Kathy
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Upgraded JoAnn’s

Posted in Musing About Art, Peeking Behind the Easel, and Peeking Behind the Seam

My local Joann’s is getting a make over! I’m not in there a lot because the temptation to buy more fabric is too much lol!! Any one who sews knows this temptation well!!! But I did run in today for thread and low and behold – it’s all changed up. The fabric is actually all in one place with the notions. A much better layout!

This time of year is my favor, by far, to walk through the fabric aisles. All the Halloween costume fabrics, new apparel fabrics, Christmas fabrics – they are all beautiful and definitely give me ideas and inspiration. Of course, I purchased some beautiful faux leathers and satin to go with my thread. 🙂

I also noticed that they are expanding their fine art section! They are bringing in more quality artist brand paints, paper, and drawing pens & pencils. As Hobby Lobby is getting rid of name brand fine art supplies in favor of their HobbyLobby brand, it seems like a good move for Joanne’s to take advantage of the fine art niche. I do like some of the Hobby Lobby brand art supplies. But if I am painting or drawing a piece to sell – I will use the high quality name brand fine art supplies.

I also noticed they have a whole aisle now of wood for painting. I wonder if painting on wood or perhaps combined with Cricket & Silhouette machines is an incoming trend? My first painting adventure was on fabric & wood. I hope this aisle inspires people to pick up a paint brush and delve in to the joy of painting!

October 3, 2023
Kathy
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Another New Mini backpack

Posted in Fresh From My Sewing Machine, Peeking Behind the Seam, and Sewing: Finished Bags & Pouches

I’ve finished another mini sling bag. These little sling bags are similar to backpack but have one strap to slide over one shoulder or wear as a crossbody bag. The bag can be worn on your front or on your back. I prefer this style because it is easy to reach the inside of the bag while you are wearing it.

I love the fabric used for this bag. It is a watercolor style flower print cotton. I love the colors, the choice of lilies, orchids, berries and splatters of colors on the background. I thought it would make a beautiful bag.

I add a stiff interfacing to the back of this cotton fabric so it is sturdy and holds it’s shape. There is also a bit of fleece batting to add a gentle cushioning and comfort for carrying this bag.

I love adding a fun zipper pull to the zipper opening. This bag has a little sliver butterfly. I thought it paired well with the flowers.

I used a cute white and pink floral cotton for the insides. There is a zipper pocket and a slide pocket for your phone, keys, cards, etc.

The back has a D ring on each lower side so you can chose if you prefer to carry it on the left or the right. The strap is adjustable to fit girls and women, as well as giving you the easy choice to adjust to crossbody or to shorten it for a over the shoulder sling.

I used the fun pattern from LindsHandmade: Mav Pack for this bag. I tweaked the pattern a bit to add my own touches to this mini sling bag. You can find this beautiful sling bag already listed on my SibStudioSewing Etsy shop. Enjoy!