Two projects finished a million to go!!

My Form and Draping class is over.  The dress form is completed and I also learned some very basic draping and pattern adjustment skills.  The class, part of the Master Seamstress program at the University of Rhode Island , was well done and I am really tempted to take additional classes.  It is a 2 hour drive from my house so it will have to be something I am really interested in doing... maybe a Chanel jacket!!

I also finished the purse I was designing.  It turned out to be a real stash buster!! I finished beading the pocket on the front that I received as a gift (see previous post),  the brown leather was from an on-line tambour beader friend that passed away and left me his supplies, and the side panels was a remnant from a finger labyrinth I made for our church fair.
Back view

Shoulder Strap

Side view

Inside pocket ... another left over 

I have been using it for the past week.  The front pocket is made with steel cut beads so I have to be careful and not get it wet. 

It is pretty sturdy but it was not sewn on a professional sewing machine so I have to be gentle.  

Spring is in the air at least I am wishing and hoping it will be and

I will change to another "springier" bag!

Lots of things happening this month.  I am teaching a class in Tambour  in February and also taking a "Form and Draping" Class at the URI. Too much in my head to work on a "big" project so I decided to work on a someone else's abandoned project.

It all started in September I went to the Textile show at the Host Hotel in Sturbridge with Maureen Greeson.  During the show I spotted this beaded purse.  The side pictured below was finished up to the 3 flowers at the top of the basket of flowers and there was a box containing the beads and blank other side.  I really wanted it, but I have developed the ability of late to resist temptation, so I walked on.
 Had a great time at the show and when I was dropping Maureen off at her house on my way home she popped a bag from the back seat and wallah!!!  She presented me with the purse saying she wanted me to have it and it was just something I could look at... and not to worry about finishing.
Easier said then done!!!  There were not enough beads to finish the other side so I decided to finish this side and make it a pouch in a leather bag.  

I found a pattern and modified it to accommodate the beaded pouch.   I used the dark brown leather that my late friend Adrian had sent me and mounted it on the frame with a gusset from green heavy fake ultra suede.

This is how the pouch will be attached to the bag... still thinking about the sides.. needs something.

On the back I embroidered a basket to carry the theme.  The flowers are on the side and will be cut out and attached to the basket.

a small flower grouping on the gusset... plus?? 

Today Dr's appts and stitching later.

I want to thank everyone for The GYBParty!!!  Welcome to my new followers and I am happy to have new blogs to follow....I checked everyone of the 575 or whatever the number was out.