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so I don't sew

Call me Saint Smiley, the Patron Saint of Unfinished Projects. I've got so many started, and so many ideas, but so little proof of creativity. Creativity is difficult for me. But maybe I've made a breakthrough. I made something anyway. Witness:



A conversation I had this past weekend in the Women's Room inspired me to undertake a smaller project. On Saturday I attended the Southern Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children (SAzAEYC) Regional Conference at the University of Arizona. After lunch and before the second breakout session, I was washing my hands in the Ladies' when a woman waiting in line for one of the two toilets said to me, "I love your skirt. It would be perfect for Contra dancing."

"Thanks," I said. "This is one of my favorite skirts. I've often wished I could sew so I could copy it and make some more."

Honest to Pete, she said, "Maybe you could start with something small and work up to it. I love the way it sways around your legs. Perfect for Contra."

We talked a bit then about Contra dancing and she invited me to come one Saturday night. Maybe I will. But what I took away from the conversation was the phrase, "Start with something small."

I looked online for a pattern or tutorial for a handbag and my first search pulled up this link to tiny happy's shoulderbag tutorial. I botched the first attempt but had enough fabric to succeed on my second try. The bats came from a JoAnn clearance remnant for $0.56, and the African-look lining was a freecycle freebie. Detail:



Did it! I did it!

My next project. Turning this:


into this:


Han Solo would say, "Great, Kid. Don't get cocky."

Comments

Anonymous said…
I have tons of unfinished projects too. Every once in a while some of them get finished. I love your bag! I think the costume should be fairly easy, actually it looks like just a lot of draped fabric to me.
sulu-design said…
How awesome, finding inspiration in a pubic restroom! The bag is great. I hope that it does inspire you to sew even more. May the force be with you as you work on the costumes!

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