Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Finished WIP- Eco-Dyed Wool Purse From Portugal

Getting ready to slit the machine-stitched buttonhole.



"Hello Earthlings!" :)
 
I 'auditioned' quite a few buttons before finally deciding on this one...

 
...but in the end, I just couldn't resist its cunning little leaves and cherries!

 
Because the front flap is merely decorative...

...I didn't have to make a second buttonhole, but simply sewed the button to it!

 
The button's brass tone compliments the color of the bag...

...even the remainders of bright silk threads from its less-than-auspicious beginning! :)

 
Because it has no inner pocket, this will be more of a 'special occasion' kind of bag.

 
One WIP down and two to go!! :)

 
I now use painter's tape when I make machine-stitched buttonholes...

...since it provides clear 'end points' for my sewing line and pulls off easily, without residue.

I was pleased to find a button in my stash that symbolized both the farm (cherry trees)...

...and the manner in which this purse was dyed (leaf prints).

Next time: a second yarn-rich journal cover.

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15 comments:

Rachel said...

That button was an absolutely perfect choice - well done!

Heather Woollove said...

Thanks, Rachel! It was a gift (among other 'button delights') from a lovely, fibery friend of mine! :)

FeltersJourney said...

Finished off beautifully Heather (as always!) Love the button.. clever you finding one that represented the bags origins!
x

Kelly said...

Beautiful purse! What a clever idea using the painters tape!

Heather Woollove said...

Deborah--I put different buttons on the flap and photographed them, then compared them in Picasa, and it really helped me to decide. (Sometimes, I just love digital photography!!) :)
Kelly--I just love the tape idea. I used to have difficulty, seeing the chalk 'end points' when I was sewing, but this works really well...you should try it! :)

Patty Biermans said...

This bag is beautiful in his simplicity! I love the stripes very much. hugzz....peebee

Heather Woollove said...

Peebee--Thanks! I think that's my favorite part, too! :)

Terriea Kwong said...

Perfect match! You're serious in chosing, no wonder it goes well. I haven't yet done with my bags the buttons. Fingers crossed.

Becky Utecht said...

Beautiful bag! The work you guys did in Portugal is amazing and you've finished this off perfectly. Love the button, you're always so thoughtful in your choices.

Heather Woollove said...

Terriea--I can't wait to see what you come up with for a button. You are so clever with ceramics, perhaps you will create a one-of-a-kind one for it?
Becky--Thank you! We did make a lot of wonderful projects in a week, didn't we?!?

Nauli said...

The button makes it perfect! Good choice!
And what a good idea to use painters tape! Thank you for this tip!

Unknown said...

So nice Heather- it's very elegant!

Heather Woollove said...

Nauli--Thanks for writing! I'm glad that you like my 'tape tip'. I no longer struggle with buttonholes and I hope that it works just as well for you!
Fiona--I'm always happy to finish a WIP. Partially finished felt projects always look so forlorn to me!
:)

Unknown said...

Really love this bag Heather, love the color and the button :)

Heather Woollove said...

Thanks, Karen!!