Just as I was about to sweep up last week’s cuttings, Kate’s email reminder about ScrapHappy popped into my head. This is what the floor in the garage/workroom looks like most of the time!
And here’s what I salvaged and stitched together:
And here’s what it turned into:
My favourite boho bag yet! Here are two of the others.
The scrappy bits take longer to sew into a bag than the ones with squares or strips, but the pleasure of creating a piece of fabric from all those chopped-off bits was enormous.
I officially had my first showroom last week – yes, Kate was right, I needed to commit to a date to make sure I carried through. And I wanted a slow start, which was precisely what I got. I’ve only notified neighbours, friends and customers from the Made in the Cape market, the idea being that only people who know and like the kind of things I make will come. So not an open house and no unknowns off the street! I had three customers, two of whom made purchases. The first step (is it always the hardest one?) is over.
Yay I love the bag, and I’m so glad you got some customers! Long may it continue :)
Indeed! Thank you :)
Oh that came out really well. Do you line them? I’m working up to making the pieces needed for a scrappy satchel, but I just don’t seem to have found the time yet, as you say, it takes much longer than just cutting pieces from new fabric.
I’m so pleased that you had a calm and successful start to your home showroom. Have you set a date for the next one?
I did make a lining, also a pocket on one side of the lining. Once you get into the swing, they go fairly (relatively) quickly. The fun part is stringing on some beads and/or tassels and/or pompoms.
I’m going to be “open” every Tuesday from now on, just been chatting to another neighbour who is planning to come tomorrow. She’s using my flyer as a bookmark.
Yes, the beads are a lovely touch… and add just a little extra bit of specialness to an already lovely creation. I do hope your open house sessions work out – so much easier than lugging everything to a market – especially the bigger things – not the same footfall, but a great addition to the ways you sell.
Those bags are gorgeous! It reminds me I must have a go with some of my scraps and see what I can make from them. Good luck with your selling.
Thanks. I was really pleased with my scrap effort. It’s all thanks to Kate !!!
My sewing room looks like that too but not so much on the floor as the countertops and on the shelves. I’m too likely to fall to have anything down there. You made quick work of those scraps! Love the outcome. I’m glad the showroom worked out so well. Kate gives some great help in every area. Keep up the good work.
She does indeed :) Keep well, Marlene x
There now! That lovely bag could have been dustbin fodder, but instead, it’s a lovely, *saleable* piece of gorgeousness :-) Aren’t you glad you’ve joined Scrapaholics Anonymous? Congratulations on your showroom day. Are you going for the same approach next time, relying on friends and word of mouth, or now that you’ve done one are you going to publicise it a bit? I’d come, if I wasn’t thousands and thousands of kms away…
I’m going to leave things as they are for now, while I get used to the idea of “every Tuesday”. I don’t want it to interfere with other work commitments, and I’m happy with slow for the time being. Yes, very pleased with my bag. I have a feeling there will be more to come…. Thanks for all your encouragement – as usual :)
Congrats on getting you Show Room up and running. Always amazed at the things you can make from just a few pieces. The bags are wonderful and all from scraps. What could be better.
Yes! And I have more scraps coming, from a woman who used to trade at the Kirstenbosch Market. She has packed up about 40 boxes of fabric for me (my knees have gone weak…), but heaven only knows where I’ll store it. I’ll have to build another storey….
Stunning bags, Jill, you are such an inspiration to me.
Awesome bag and use of your scraps….I love the boho look!
Thanks very much :)
I really like th le bags!
The bags are lovely! I hope your market days work out for you!
That bag is really lovely, and all from sweepings. The beads add a wonderful finishing touch. Well done on open Tuesdays, what a great ides.
Thanks, Cathy. Every bit helps!
Hi Jill! I love that you are recycling all those lovely scraps of fabric. Your bags are soooo cool. Thank you for sharing! Love and Hugs, Tamara
Ah, cool is very good – thank you :)
So . . . deadlines work, eh? I’ll have to try that someday LOL
Seriously, I love your work. Those bags are lovely!! And I agree with starting slow. Looking forward to seeing how this goes.
Have a great week!
What gorgeous bags! I really liked the rich fabric scraps sewn together. Then, as I read further: eye candy! Nicely done!
Thank you so much :)
I love that scrappy bag! It is so classy looking.