taking liberties

A productive morning today, and a little break now for a much needed cuppa and a think. I have taken a day off work this week to give me a run of four days to work on new things for the winter craft markets I am hoping to do, although watch this space for a post on why I am never going to do this again!

This little paisley design is for a new version of the heavy cotton 'everyday' bags that sold so well two years ago. Last time they had a lot of hand embroidery which isn't practical for me to finish in the time I have available this year, and of course it is difficult to charge what the item is worth in terms of labour - a perennial problem for all makers of handmade things. So I've cut a design from a scrap of Liberty fabric backed with fusible webbing (which I still call Bondina) and added a few stitches on top. I'm not quite happy with the handstitch, so this afternoon I plan to play with a little machine stitch and see what happens.

18 comments:

Marigold Jam said...

Looks g reat but I think I'd find that even more time consuming than embroiudery with all that detailled cutting out and stitching down! Hope you get your things done in time and without too much angst.

JAne

Gigibird said...

Beautiful.

Frances said...

Sue, I think your open hearted paisley applique design is lovely. The patterned fabric looks wonderful against the textured cotton.

Yes, though the design definitely has a light, graceful result, I can imagine that making it happen must take a fair amount of work.

I do hope that those lucky enough to buy these ... did you actually call them "everyday" bags? ... will know what treasures they have captured for themselves.

xo

Gilly said...

I love that, its really different, but it looks terribly finniky!

But good luck with all your crafty work!

sweetmyrtle said...

it's lovely sue! hope you are well. warmest wishes
ginny x

Diane said...

It looks beautiful - the colours are great. I only sew for gifts these days as you are right - no one wants to pay for the time it takes. I love your mums word - finnicky!!

ljw said...

That's a lovely design. Will you show us the finished bag?

Sweet Birdy Love said...

Hey Sue, i just love the design it looks great and the colour work so well with the denim.
Have you tried free motion machine embroidery, that would be an interesting effect, even sewing the whole design in FME, would certainly be less time consuming.
All the best with your market preparations. Enjoy your days off.

Anonymous said...

I think that looks like a lovely idea and i wait to see how you can better it! Claire

Lyn said...

Sorry I haven't been leaving many comments recently, I have not been able to read many blogs but I always enjoy yours!
I hope you get everything done!
love
Lyn
xxx

rossichka said...

I think that the beginning of "the sewing bag" process is promising! I find that leaf lovely and I believe your inspiration will last till the last moment, so that the result will be fascinating!!x

Sue said...

It looks alot of fiddly cutting but the result is lovely, I agree about the charging for handmade it's so difficult because if you charge the "proper" price you price yourself out of the market (I have the same problem with my cakes) Anyway I love the design and good luck with all the work involved. ♥Sue♥

Helen Philipps said...

I think your delicate and colourful applique looks lovely against the darker ground. Bondina is a much prettier name than Bondaweb. Good luck with your crafting, and have a lovely weekend.
Helen x

Elizabeth Musgrave said...

You are very talented! I am not sure I could manage the delicacy of that but I love it.

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A time to dance said...

I love the design...I dont know how you can cut so carefully...sorry I havent been in touch life has been so busy...I am trying hard to catch up with everyone...I hope you are well...sending lots of love...H

Chrissie said...

what is it about Christmas crafts that makes us waver in our resolution?! I love the paisley pattern.

Jackie said...

Absolutely lovely and so you. Its a very good solution to the time consuming stitching problem.