Simplicity 1519...Handbag

Okay, this is the very first bag I have made. I used Simplicity 1519 to construct it. I did make a few alterations to the pattern. Instead of using the jute to place on the upper border of the purse, I used (what I believe to be) a micro suede. I found this fabric at Hancock on the Home Decor Value table. The body of the purse is made from the same type of fabric, also found on the Home Decor Value table. 

                                     

 The second alteration was adding a zipper pocket. The pattern includes instructions for one open pocket but no zipper pocket. I thought an extra pocket was needed for all the junk I throw in my purse. I also added the faux leather?? across the open pocket. I also slipped stitched the lining to the purse.
                               

I spent too much time in the store trying to coordinate webbing and belting to match the purse. I went home and decided to make the straps from some of the extra fabric I had after making the border.

And to complete the bag, I added a little personalization or customization...a name and a logo.

McCalls 7108, Girl's Dress...Oscar De La Renta Inspired

 

I felt inspired to make this pink gingham dress by Oscar De La Renta. You can purchase online at a cost between $225 and $395, The reason for the high price tab..silk and brand name. If you don't want to spend much, you can make the trip to Hancock or Joanne and purchase the cotton blend for around $6/yard. You can use silk gingham taffeta for around $24/yard and still make it cheaper.

 

 

I made a shrug to complement the dress.  So, total cost including the shrug was less than $30.00

 

 

I used my edge stitch /stitch in the ditch foot to sew two pieces of trim together. I did not make my trim as high as the dress in the photo. This is a size 5, and I just did not think it would look right with a trim that high. I was able to match this border trim with the trim on the shrug.

 



 





Brother Dream Machine 8500d, scanning and embroidering a butterfly.

This photo shows the butterfly I downloaded from coloringpages.com. The format is .jpg

Here is the final result(image has been re-sized) after  uploading and scanning.

Brother Dream Machine Innov-is XV 8500d

I purchased this machine on the first of this month. I haven't had time to post lately because I have been too busy learning its features. There are so  many wonderful features to learn on this machine that I have to make a daily schedule so that I don't spend all day playing on my new toy. I love it!! I love that you can scan and then embroider an object. I have scanned several times and have had nice results. I love the large color screen, the large throat area, I love that you can sew with the embroidery unit attached, stitch quality is superb. I don't regret having purchased this wonderful machine. Now back to having sew much fun.