An Iris Sachet

Each week during the school year I attend a Community Bible Study class.  My youngest son goes with me and stays in the nursery while I go to my small group.  This week will be the last time we meet this year and I wanted to make something to take to the nursery attendant that watches him each week.  Her name is Iris so I first looked for machine embroidery designs featuring that flower.  I finally settled on doing a bit of silk ribbon embroidery and making a little sachet.

The iris is an easy flower to create with ribbon embroidery as it is created with a lazy daisy (or chain) stitch and some straight stitches.  I found a lovely video on YouTube that showed numerous ways of creating this bloom but I went with the simplest form.   The hand-dyed silk ribbon I used came from RibbonSmyth and was lovely but the too-long delivery time on my order makes me hesitant to order from them again.

I began with a six-inch square of white dupioni silk and marked a four-inch square in the center.  Turning the square on-point, I marked three straight lines representing the stems and machine stitched those using a triple stitch and rayon thread.  Next, I embroidered the flowers and the leaves (which are simple straight stitches with a twist).  I trimmed the finished square to four inches and basted a length of ribbon to the top corner for hanging.  Next I cut another four-inch square of fabric and sewed the two right sides together, leaving a space for turning.  I made a small muslin “pillow” and stuffed it with potpourri.  I used batting and fiberfill to stuff the sachet and hand stitched the opening closed.  I used more of the silk ribbon to tie a bow at the top.  I hope Iris will enjoy her new sachet.

Bag of the Week 17

Deluxe Diaper Bag

This bag was a gift for friends’ first baby (who is now probably 6!)  I used coordinating home décor fabrics for the outside and a fun plaid for the lining.  The embroidery designs on the outside all come from Evy Hawkins’ Baby Applique designs and I chose the colors for the appliqué from the striped outer fabric.  I also added a pleated ruffle around the top.

This bag was my own design and I added several features I thought would be useful.  First, on the outside I created two little pleated pockets with tab closures to hold a cell phone and other have-at-hand items. 

The zippered pocket on the inside was lined with vinyl to hold wet items.

A trio of pleated pockets and two bottle sleeves are also located on the inside of the bag.

I distinctly remember embroidering these designs.  I was nearly finished with the second panel when my machine “hiccupped” and the hoop popped off!  I nearly had a heart attack.  Miraculously, I was able to re-hoop the fabric and adjust the design to finish the stitching but I held my breath until the piece was finished!

Back Soon

For my loyal friends who have been checking this space for new posts, please forgive my absence.  My husband, two little boys and I are living out of a hotel for a bit while I am dealing with a family emergency.  My boys have gotten to spend lots of time with their daddy while I am spending time with mine.  I expect to be posting again next week from home and getting caught up on my Bag of the Week posts as well as pictures from a new project.  Thanks for checking back then.

Bag of the Week 16

Floral Evening Bag

Here is another bag I created several years ago and donated to a silent auction.  The pattern is Vogue 7221, View B (this pattern is out of print but readily available on Ebay).  The fabric is black silk dupioni and the embroidery design is from Pfaff’s online store.  

The finished size of the bag is 8” wide by 7” high.   The design is clever as it includes a drawstring pouch sewn into the top of the bag to contain the purse contents.  ½”-wide belting is used to interface the strap giving it a nice shape.  The bag is lined.  I added piping in the seam between the upper and lower portions of the bag (because I think piping makes everything better!)

This bag is a very cute little evening bag and one that you can embroider or embellish in many ways.  Give it a try.

Bag of the Week 15

Cutwork Bag

I must start with an apology for such a lousy picture.  I created this cutwork bag several years ago and donated it to a silent auction so I no longer have the bag and can’t take a better picture.  But I hope you can get the idea.  This lovely design was created by Hatched in Africa – you can see much better pictures of the product here.  The panels for the bag are created in the hoop and the lining is added during the embroidery process.  After stitching, the bag is assembled with ribbon threaded through the stitched eyelets.  I stitched my bag on silver/gray silk dupioni and used black satin ribbon, black lining and a black tassel to complete the bag.  In addition to the cutwork design pictured, the embroidery design includes two additional side panels.  Instructions are included with the design files and are excellent.  Hope you enjoy this bag of the week.