Sunday, August 03, 2008

This is... my trade secret

What an exciting theme Amelia came up with for this week This is…! To be honest, I can't wait to go and check out what everyone's secrets are, but I thought I should share mine first.

My secret? Simple patterns but gorgeous fabrics.

I have a confession to make. I'm not great at reading patterns, or recipes for that matter. I think at the time I'm so excited about starting a new project that I get impatient with words. So, learning my way around a new pattern is quite a time investment for me. And, like I'm sure many of you can relate to, I never have as much crafting time as I'd like.

This bag is one that I made this week (yah! I'm back behind the sewing machine! Gotta love holidays). I was catching up with a friend for lunch on Saturday for her birthday. Luckily she is in the country for work at the moment as it's been years since we've celebrated a birthday together. Anyway, this little leave-it-until-the-last-minute girl, started making her present at 10 o'clock the night before. And I'm happy to say, had it finished in time.

I used Nikki’s Tote and Satchel pattern. The outer of the bag has come from two different obi (one black with a pattern woven in for the main part of the bag and an embroidered silk for the flap). The lining is kimono crepe. And for the first time I used what is now going to become a new trade secret, a Rajah Pressing Cloth. I loved this! Using vintage silks, I'm often not game enough to get the seams pressed as sharply as I'd like, but boy, did this cloth do the trick! Love it, love it, love it!

Here's a couple of bag close-ups

You can see a bit of the woven pattern in the black base of the bag. I was so happy that it matched the flap fabric that my friend had chosen last time she was here.


A sneak peek at the lining. I love the spider lilies on this.

Thanks Angela for hosting! I'm off to check out everyone else's secrets!

16 comments:

Liesl said...

What a stunning bag - its just beautiful. And I have to say that I love Rajah pressing cloths too!

Nathalanes Place said...

Hello, first time to your blog and I must say beautiful stuff Nice bag and very nice fabric. What a differance japanese fabric. I like it. Will be bakc visiting. Have a nice day

Sherrin said...

What a gorgeous bag!! I love it. A pressing cloth is a great idea... I've managed to scorch a bit of fabric from not using one.

CurlyPops said...

What an absolutely gorgeous birthday pressie.
I've heard about those rajah cloths and I think I need to get one after a little accident I had with the iron last week!

Jenny said...

OOOooo Just lovely! It is just stunning.

BumbleVee said...

wow...... beautiful fabric...beautiful bag......lovely job....

Rachael Hutchings said...

Sigh, I'm in love.

Maureen Reynolds said...

I reeeeeaaallly love that bag. That is so me.

Katie said...

I just found your blog, thankyou for the comment. Never been a hero before lol. I was thinking, where the bejesus do I leave a comment and then it clicked 'aha I'm a fabulous person' LOVE IT! and I love the bag, awesome trade secret, I must admit, I always over complicate things so I will remember your tip! Will be checking in on your awesome blog! xox Katie

Karin said...

That is fantastic! Just gorgeous. You live in the land of incredible fabrics so it's a wonderful trade secret to have. It must be great fun shopping in Japan. Wow!

The bag is simply stunning. What a lucky friend. I really like the tip about the pressing cloth. That is something I need. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful bag - and I also share your secret - not the best sewer and too impatient to read all the instructions before jumping in! - that is why I own a shop full of craft books - I love the pictures can say I read the instructions though!

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

I totally love this bag - the fabric, the style - well done - your friend is going to be thrilled!

muralimanohar said...

Lol...I'm sitting here, gasping to myself about the reckless use of kimono fabrics (flap, outer fabric AND lining!!)...til I remembered where you lived. :p

Anyway...I LOVE the bag!! Lucky friend!! :D

Michelle said...

Stunning, I love it! I'm also a bit pattern reading challenged, so simple is definitely the way to go!

Jacinta said...

You are so right - the fabric can definitely make or break an otherwise simple design. You have a good eye for beautiful fabrics, so I am not surprised your work is always so beautiful.
Great trade secret.

teresa fsw said...

Oh me oh my! That's a really beautiful bag and it's simply delicious! It is very well made! ^_^

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