here come the elephants! next up, Baby M.

I've been looking forward to making a blanket for our friends since they day she announced their pregnancy, and when nursery pictures popped up on her blog, I used the color inspiration to find fabric online. The paisley print is my own obsession but also compliments one of the fabrics they used for nursery decor, and the chevron compliments the angles of the bunting featured in the nursery. I added rows of elephants and giraffes to lend to the infantile quality of the blanket, and also because as a couple they have a huge heart for Africa. I'm pleased with how it turned out.

I purchased more fabric than I needed because I wasn't sure if I would be able to use all the rows of animals. As it turns out, it was cut in such a way that I was unable to use several rows. I'm not sure who would cut through the middle of a row of elephants on both the top and bottom of a piece of fabric rather than shift to include only whole elephants.

So there are fewer animals than anticipated in the final design, but I have enough fabric to make the blanket large enough to cover a full sized crib. Babies of course aren't supposed to use blankets in the crib, but cribs often turn into toddler beds, and in the meantime it's a decent size for a play mat.


I also had enough extra fabric to make a big floppy tote bag. The bottom is reinforced with stiff interfacing and foam, and the sides are covered in generous pockets.

granny stripe boutique bag

Update: now for sale on Etsy

My name is Jesse, and I have a crochet problem. It wouldn't be a problem, but my focus on crochet projects has started to threaten my ability to finish a baby shower project in time for the baby shower. So this is the last piece I will post until the other project is complete.

This little Granny Stripe Boutique Bag is quick and easy. The bag pattern can be found on Tangled Happy and the flower tutorial is here, though just about any crochet flower would look nice on this classic crochet look. I left off the center piece of this flower because I liked how it turned out with just the orange.

As cute as this little bag is, it's not practical for anything more than keys, wallet, and cell phone - which is all I need sometimes. However, I think I will adjust the pattern to make a slightly larger bag and try lining it and adding a zipper to the top. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes.


Crochet appeals to me because unlike many of my other projects, it really only requires one material and one tool. Even if I use multiple colors of yarn or multiple gauges of hook, I only need one of each at a time. So my work space can be anywhere - no need to spread out across the floor where curious babies and attention deprived cats wreak havoc on organization. No need for an ironing board or pins, another set of hazards to little ones. No noisy sewing machine to wake Atlas from a nap or Patrick in the middle of the night (when many of these projects get their finishing touches). I can set it down and pick it back up again without missing a stitch. It's the perfectly simple medium for a currently complicated life.

new handbags: paisley and stripes

A few new bags... on Etsy now!

 

 

custom bag

There is something really exciting and simultaneously intimidating when someone asking for a custom order says something to the effect of "you're the artist, you decide." I've decided I like it because it gives me some creative license to run with an idea that's a little beyond what they asked for. Here's my most recent (and first Etsy official) custom hand bag.

launched

Christmas projects (part 3)

I finished with time to make a few matching hats and take my time packing. Whew!

Bag 3, complete!

Caps to match!

Christmas projects (part 2)

Pieces of toddler backpack number 2.

Just needs a button.

2 of 3 complete!

Christmas projects (part 1)

I'm making small toddler backpacks for my niece and nephews for Christmas. I have three days to complete them before we are traveling to visit my in-laws, and I will be separated from my sewing machine though the holiday. That gives me one day per bag. Here are some photos to chronicle my progress...

The cute pattern I found.

Work in progress.

One down, two to go.

a date on the calendar

Patrick has mentioned a few times now that if I keep giving away bags my Etsy shop will never open. As much as I love sharing my creations with friends, he has a point. So it's official. I have a deadline.

My Etsy shop will open Saturday, January 22, 2011.

Save the date! I'm planning a launch party at the Jurgens residence in Old Town complete with seasonal treats, spirits, good company, and perhaps even a few more giveaways.




The launch will include my first limited edition handbag series: Not all who wander are lost. The series features fabrics I collected on my most recent trip to India and is dedicated to my fellow travelers I'm fortunate to consider friends. It's always a pleasure when our paths cross.

I will also post the hand bags I've been making to test patterns and new designs at discounted rates, and I'll be taking custom orders for anything (within reason) people are inspired to request.



Check back for more sneak previews!

a kindle sized tote

I love this fabric! The print is so lively and elegant at the same time. I was surprised to find it in the JoAnn's in my home town while I was visiting my parents this summer. I don't see a lot of unique, quality options like this in the same stores out here.

I made this bag to test some pattern modifications I wanted to try for a small tote. Since it was experimental and made of scrap fabric, I gave it to a friend. She has been using it as her daily purse ever since. What a compliment! Her feedback has been valuable as well - next time I'll include inside pockets and something to close the top. Buttons? Yes!