Finished Student Project Photos

I have recently received photos of two beautiful finished projects that I want to share with you.  This Safari tote was stitched by Leigh Miller.  Leigh is the owner of Needle Bug in Montgomery, Alabama.  I had a wonderful time visiting her shop and teach Safari a few years ago.  Great job Leigh......I love the style of tote bag.

And the beautiful Tropical Jazz tote bag below was stitched by Susan Deshensky.  Susan just won a 2nd place ribbon for her stitching at this year's NAN.  I love the combination of fabric colors used for the tote bag  finishing and I wish you could see all the additional beading she added.  It looks super.....congratulations! 

Thank you for sharing your finished projects.

TROPICAL JAZZ Tote

It's been awhile since I last posted.   On the one hand you might think I have not been doing anything because I haven't posted photos of anything I'm working on, but on the other hand, lots going on, just nothing very exciting to take photos of...........

There are thread supplies everywhere as  there are 5 workshops to get ready for between now and the end of August.  Finally yesterday, I just sat down and started filling over a hundred of my little drawstring bags with threads..........just so I could walk through the studio.  Whew...I feel a lot better.  Also, one instruction book is edited and printed with only two more to edit and print.  A friend is coming over for the day tomorrow to help me make up Harlequin Hearts kits.....now there is a good friend! 

But I do have a photo to post after all.  Tropical Jazz is back from the finisher.  Now I have to decide if I want to add more of the smallest beads around the top edge.  Maybe you can see them on the left side, threaded in with the large tubular resin beads.  There are flat square beads in blue and green and some Miyuki cube beads.  I'll probably need to live with it for a few days before I decide. 

The best way to describe the fabric is very like a very fine corduroy.  I think it is a cotton blend and the cording is cotton also.  The finisher add the quilting (it doesn't come that way). The inside lining is similar in color to the inside (soft pale blue) of the four large diamonds on the left side.....also cotton.  Of course, this bag, with all the embellishments, can't be washed but hopefully it will hold up to a little spot cleaning.  (I really do hope to use it after it has officially retired from teaching.

Now I'm taking off for the evening but will return sooner, rather than later this time, with bead update.

Have a great week!

Traveling

On Friday I took Tropical Jazz to be finished into a tote bag.  Marlene and I decided on is 13" X 13" plus the handles.  It will probably be between 2" and 3" deep.  It will have three pockets inside so should be a very useful size.  The fabrics are very pretty, but not the usual silk or velveteen or velour, and I love the main color....a soft apricot.  It will be ready sometime between now and July 15th when I can pick it up!  I'll post a photo as soon as it's done. 

I will be away for a week and won't be posting a blog entry, but when I return I will be starting work on a new project:  working title is Leaf Collage.    I actually did a full color sketch of this design, several years ago, but am just now getting around to stitching it.  I have been looking for just the right techniques to use for the leaves and the background....but know I think I'm ready to take the plunge.

Stay tuned....and have a great week!

Terry