I am speechless.

{all images by the incredibly talented ragan oswalt}

Another purse...and great weekend

This weekend involved great Mexican food, buying a lovely hanging plant for our screened-in porch, enjoying said hanging plant while we enjoyed cheese and wine in the evening, making blueberry cream scones (with this recipe), and sewing a purse. Of course, not in that particular order, but it was all wonderful. The weather was just right, and made for a perfect and semi-lazy weekend.





I made this purse for my sister, since she was so sweet to do our wedding cupcakes and my hair and makeup (more wedding pictures to come - my photographer is getting the CD to me this week!). I think this fabric is an Amy Butler print (aren't they all?). I love how it turned out. I had a teensy oops at the top where the handles connect to the body, but I don't think anyone will notice. It just makes it that much more special and handmade, right?

More wedding photos.

{photo by my sister}


{another photo by my sister}

Liberty of London.

{all images property of Liberty of London}

Being new to the sewing world, I am probably the last one to discover this fabric. I simply adore Liberty of London's patterns and prints. I love the architectural structure, the almost arts and crafts feel of them. Don't you agree? They seem a bit pricey, but as a pretty lining in a purse, I can justify the spending.

I'm off to a job site this afternoon and tomorrow. When I return I'll share photos of the project that I completed at my full time job (as an interior designer). It's a $34 million new casino project, and I'm very excited about it. Opening day is May 24!

Linen purse.

Ok, I love this one. I finished it this weekend, and I'm pleased that it didn't take me nearly as long as the previous purse. Seeing as this is only my second thing to sew (ever!), I'm pretty happy with it.



I found out that I'm going to Vegas in May for work (score!), so I decided I needed a big bag that can hold everything while I'm dashing around the city. I used a linen fabric, and while it's not as structured as the first purse I made, I think I like this one better. It's softer, and I just like the proportions a lot more. I modified the pattern quite a bit, making the bag bigger and lengthening the straps. The buttery yellow lining is also a linen.

I decided to take this picture outside in order to take advantage of the lovely morning sun. Look who was impatient and dying to come out to see what I was doing...isn't he cute?

My favorite photo so far...more to come

{Update: I've been informed (by the photographer herself) that I did not credit the photographer. This one was taken by my sister.}

Featherwood Jewelry.

After our glorious breakfast on the day of the wedding, we had two options for our guests - they could either take a hike to the waterfalls with my soon-to-be husband, or they could ride along with me to the local craft school. Yes, that's right - there is a craft school down the street from our wedding site. How lucky, huh? I feel so fortunate that on our wedding day we were able to do these activities. It allowed us to really relax and enjoy all of our wedding guests. Wedding day + hiking + crafts + a good breakfast = happy people.

So, like I had anticipated, all of the men went on the hike and the women came with me to the craft gallery. The gallery is actually a part of the school, where the students can display and sell their art. (And let me just say - I would give anything to live in Smithville. I would quit my job in a heartbeat in order to attend this school and take their classes. Check out their offerings here).


{entrance to the gallery, picture by me}

The gallery had all sorts of items for sale. Blown glass, pressed fired porcelain flower tiles (of which I bought two - they are gorgeous), lots of great handmade wooden toys for children, and more. As I was paying for the tiles, a pair of wooden earrings caught my eye.


{picture from here - I never photographed my own pair that I bought, but they are almost identical to this...mine have lovely layers of teal and browns, with a shocking shot of magenta accent at the bottom}

The creator is Buzz Coren, and the jewelry is part of his Featherwood Jewelry line. He describes his process: "I cut earrings from a large block of dyed and natural hardwood veneer about 275 layers thick. I personally dye most of the veneers myself and no two pairs are ever exactly alike." He also creates amazingly gorgeous starburst pins (picture below), as well as wooden vessels and vases.


{image from artist's website}

Don't you just love it? The colors, the patterns. It's all gorgeous. If you're interested, go here to see a list of stores that carry his work. Happy Friday!

Dresses.

Ok, still no wedding pictures. I promise to show you (whoever reads this!) when I finally receive them. It seems pretty weird, huh, that for (how many?) months I was rambling on and on about the wedding, and now I've completely switched gears to my sewing projects. Not much of a consistent wedding blog, is this?

Anyway...thought I'd share some clothing that is currently on my wish list. I am by no means the first person who discovered these awesome clothing designers, but I want to show them here anyway. To make my blog prettier. And to give these people more traffic. Because let's be honest, I really can't afford to be buying too many new clothes right now (see above-mentioned wedding...) But check out these dresses.


{replicca}


{castcouture}



{Thrush} ...don't you just love her hair? This vintage shop is wonderful.


{larimeloom}


{makool} (Ok, this is not a dress, but I love the detailing on this shirt)


{pamelatang}

Purse...

...done!

I have to give lots of props to the author of the pattern, as she explained things very well. It took awhile on my part, as this was my very first sewing project. But look how well it turned out! My husband (boy, that sounds weird!), exclaimed, "Oh wow...it looks so professional! I would buy that purse." Thanks, babe.



{Update: After seeing other people's pictures of their finished purses, I realized that I sewed the bottom wrong. I sewed the bottom pleat in place, when I should have spread out the edges of the purse so it's more triangular-shaped. Whoops. Oh well - the recipient loved it and will never know the difference!}

And...

...we have a winner! Random.org selected #15. Commenter #15 was elizabeth!

She said...
"What a great way to 'pay it forward'! I'd love to have this book to guide us through the process of planning our beachy spiritual-but-not-religious ceremony with friends officiating."

I'll be in contact with you to get your mailing address. Thanks to all who commented. This was totally fun, so I want to do another one soon. Check back again!