Out of My Box
When I get sucked into the computer these days it isn’t because I am reading blogs or shopping on ebay, it is because I am checking out flickr. I love flickr. There are so many amazing designers and creators out there, I am continually inspired by their work.
For Christmas last year my son’s primary teacher sent home a canvas tote bag with a snow globe in it. The tote bag was small with short handles- perfect for a child. I hated the dorky screen printed design on the front of it, but I kept the tote knowing I wanted to make one. Then last night it came to me after seeing these pieces.
1. Set. no.2, 2. Little Red at Home, Before the Wolf, 3. scan, 4. Bunny Onesie
I don’t know why #3 doesn’t show, but click the link, it works.
This project was really a test of my creativity because I embroidered without a pattern. Very few times have I actually created my own designs, mostly because I am a horrible drawer and I haven’t mastered Illustrator yet, but here is what I did.
I free handed this whole thing. I made it up as I went along, in fact the bunny was an after thought. I was so impressed with myself when I was done, I stretched myself outside of the box and was pleased with the results.
I have to give credit where credit is due- my Dad gets credit for those awesome shoulder straps-he was a big help! I made the straps on this bag longer than the straps on the tote I used as a guide, however it still comfortably fits on my 3yo. The added length allows an adult to wear it as well, it rests comfortable on the shoulder and the bag doesn’t get in the way. It would be perfect for carrying your lunch to the office.
The bag is now listed in the etsy shop, but I’m all about sharing. So after I free handed the design I traced over it and created a pattern. A pattern I am sharing with you, all I ask is that you don’t sell the image and that if you use it you give me credit. Please send pictures if you stitch it- I would LOVE to see what you make with it.
March 23rd, 2008 at 3:25 am
That is so pretty – thanks for sharing the pattern. I too don’t tend to embroider my own designs but I frequently add things to designs I have scanned in and resized, sometimes cutting up print outs and re drawingthem in to new ones. Don’t know what I would’ve done without a scanner!
Happy Easter to you and yours xx
March 23rd, 2008 at 7:03 am
the bag is awesome! you did such a good job. you have a good eye for color combos too
March 23rd, 2008 at 12:30 pm
I think that tote is so lovely! This set is also out of my normal sewing ‘comfort’ zone, but those things tend to turn into the prettiest you can ever create.
Great job!
~ Julia
March 23rd, 2008 at 1:54 pm
You are so creative! I love the colors.
March 23rd, 2008 at 3:10 pm
congratulations on trying something new – not only that, but it looks great!
March 23rd, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Your totebag is so cute. Thanks for sharing the pattern.
March 23rd, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Wow Heather, all I made today was a mess. I LOVE the bag.
March 24th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Wow, for someone who claims they can’t draw, you certainly did a great job- so cute! Thanks for sharing!
March 24th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Cute! And of *course* your dad helped with the straps. Just because he does other stuff now doesn’t mean he can’t use his inner-engineer on the important stuff!
March 25th, 2008 at 7:52 am
I know what you mean about the flickr thing. I’ve been sucked in to flickr myself. It’s such instant gratification. Caught a picture of your tote on flickr and was immediately smitten. Lovely!
March 29th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Very cute tote. Thanks for sharing your pattern.