Friday, May 6, 2011

'Love Messenger' Bag- Part 2

The back of the finished bag with the flap open.

 


The embroidered love message!

 


The trimmed, reinforced strap.

 


The finished bag (back).

 


Because this was designed as a messenger bag and not a purse...

...I didn't convert the 'extra flap' into a pocket...

...but merely trimmed it off at the top for ease in access.

I had designs on this extra bit of felted fabric, anyway...

...since I needed it to sort out my bumpy strap snafu. :)

After cutting the strap below each elbow...

...I cut a rectangular piece of felt...

...large enough to cover the center of the shoulder strap like a sleeve.

I sewed the strap back together by hand...

...then wrapped the matching felt piece around it, and securely hand-stitched it.

I like that the new shoulder strap pad serves two purposes...

...acting both as 'disguise' for my error and as extra padding for when carrying heavy loads!

I needed my 'love message' to be subtle...

...because no child, no matter how 'grown', wants to walk around with a big sign that says, "Your Mama Loves You!". Grin.

I decided to add it as cursive embroidery just below the flap...

...in a shade of green that matches the bright green felt.

I think that most people won't be able to tear their eyes away from the wonderful large orange button...

...(a gift from my dear friend, Nicola).

And my message will remain nearly private...

...for my darling daughter's eyes only! :)

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25 comments:

WonderWhyGal said...

It's beautiful and I know your daughter will use it and cherish it. The stitched message makes it all the better.

Yes...I can't tear my eyes away from that beautiful orange button.

Heather Woollove said...

Thanks, Andrea! Did you see the comment on your gift from my friend, Janee? She loves your work!
I found similar buttons in a quilt shop in Watkins Glen, so keep your eyes peeled. They were in tubes with other large and interesting buttons. You may find one for your daughter!

Unforth said...

Nice! Lots of sweet sentiment, too!

AllyB said...

That orange button looks great! It's such a nice contrast to the other colors in your bag. Happy Fiber Arts Friday!

Heather Woollove said...

Thanks, Claire! I'm so glad that you stopped by!
Ally--You know me and ORANGE!! :)

Melissa said...

Awesome bag and I also love the big orange button. Your daughter is a lucky girl.

Happy Fiber Arts Friday!

Kathryn Ray said...

Now THAT's a bag I can get in to. Love!

Elizabeth said...

I like the color blocking. It's so on trend you you should expect orders from your daughter's friends!

Patty Biermans said...

I told you before and now I say it again....you are GREAT in solving problems.. !! Love the colors very much. Hugzz..Peebee

Spinster Beth said...

It's lovely! I always need extra padding on the strap or my shoulder hurts. I'm sure it will be much appreciated.

I am going to MD S&W as a deliriously happy customer. I hope to be there by 0900 tomorrow, bright and early.

Kelly said...

This is one awesome bag! (I think I say that about all of your bags...lol) But I really mean it!! I love the note you stitched and the strap pad is a great idea. I always look for bags with that.....it makes it so much more comfortable! Have a fantastic weekend! Ooops! Almost forgot....are you going to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Fest?

Heather Woollove said...

Thanks so much, ladies!
Yes...I'm going to the S&W, but not until Sunday, since last year was so hot and crowded on Saturday, we couldn't even enjoy it. :( Our weather is looking better, though...so either day should be grand!

Voie de Vie said...

OhMyBob - love, love, love that messenger bag. It's my favorite bag shape. The whole thing is just perfect - from the button to the inscription.

Have fun at S&W on Sunday. Leave some fiber for a few other people. :)

vilterietje said...

all the love in the world.....you're great in solving problems and making great creations:)

Heather Woollove said...

Denise--I'm so glad you like it! It is nice and big (and the felt is thick!). Hahaha...I'm hoping there's some fiber left for ME after the feeding frenzy today! ;)
Riet--Thanks for your encouragement!

Abigail Thomas said...

thats such a wonderful, thoughtful bag - love it

Marushka C. said...

I'm intrigued by the whole process of how you get from wool to such a beautiful finished object -- amazing! I am sure your daughter will love it.

Heather Woollove said...

Thanks so much, Abigail!
Mary--Thanks! Yes...the 'magic of felt'!!:)

Janee Lookerse said...

The little love note is perfect! So sweet and subtle. It turned out beautiful Heather!

xoxo
Janee
yellowbirdyellowbeard.blogspot.com

Heather Woollove said...

Thanks, Janee!

FeltersJourney said...

Oh Heather this is GORGEOUS! The colours are beautiful & I love the subtle embroidered message! Did you embroider it by hand or with a machine? Your script is lovely..

Bet your daughter was thrilled to bits with this!
xx

Anonymous said...

As usual, another beautiful bag. I love the style, and the colors, and the button is just the icing on the cake. It finishes the bag to perfection. Congratulations! :)

Heather Woollove said...

Thanks, Deborah and Sandie--It's hand embroidery. I'm glad you like it, Deborah. I thought it might be a bit too freeform! :)

FeltersJourney said...

Heather I love it! It looks just like handwriting, which I think makes it even more special (and attractive!)
xx

Heather Woollove said...

Oh, Deborah--I'm glad to hear it! Thanks for the encouragement! XXO-