sew much to do...

I recently took a trip - a very brave trip - to the textile area of Dubai. I had visited once previously but at that time was still experiencing 'white knuckle' driving syndrome and was in too much shock to buy anything.

This journey, however, was a little less fraught thanks to white knuckle mastery and the presence of our two handsome guys - who did not want to be in attendance but had to accompany Miss and me, for the following reasons:-

1. To navigate as you can't always rely on the Navman.
2. To be a male presence to ward off unwelcome male attention.
3. If we have to suffer, then so do they!

Anyway, the purpose was really about finding some fabric for Miss for a school project. Namely, making a wearable piece of art out of recycled materials. I have yet to point out to her (not wanting to dampen her enthusiasm) that her material is not recycled and the rubber gloves have never been used! Shhh.

Skipping right along...we found Miss her lining fabric and then I spied these. And had to have them.

reds...(and a sneaky purple)




and some yummy chocolate and aqua...



And then I had to decided what to make...oh sew many ideas.

Miss got first dibs. A cute little zipper purse made from the newly purchased purple fabric. Lined in a lovely purple satin I had in my stash at home, with a sweet little pocket and a few embellishments.

the early stages...



the finished project...



a little peek inside...



The colour in the last two pics is not true to life. It's more like the first pic.

The things I wish I'd know before embarking on this project are :-
1. How to line and insert a zip into the same item!
2. How to adjust the tension on my machine without completely screwing it up.
3. Exactly what I was trying to achieve. PPPPPPP. Do I need to spell out those 'P's' or does everyone know what I'm talking about? My excuse...I couldn't wait to begin!

The things I would do differently :-
1. Reduce the size of the bow - I think it's too wide.
2. Make the lining and the bag separately and then insert the zipper, leaving part of a side seam open for turning. Please don't ask me how I did it - I'm too embarrassed to tell. If you know a better way - please tell!

Next project please.