A bag in sheep's clothing - first steps

This little fellow is going to become a purse. I know, sounds strange, stay with me.

So far I've unpicked the seam down the back and removed most of the stuffing. The stuffing in the legs and head was kept in place. I hand stitched a zipper into the opening that was created.

Since I want it to be an evening bag - for a special event - it needs a shoulder strap. So I added fabric loops and a rectangular metal finding. Later I'll add a strap...

Sometime ago I purchased a white silk scarf at a clearance sale for $2. I used a portion of the scarf to create a pouch for the inside of the body and hand stitched the pouch just inside the zipper/opening. So now the cavity is lined with a dreamy feeling silk!


I'll post again when I add the strap. Isn't he cute?!

Sewing Goals for 2015

Ruffle tank top with racer back made for my daughter

I'm not normally a goal setter, choosing to allow life and responsibilities to carry me along. I am beginning to see that having goals doesn't mean that I have to be one of those type-A drive everyone around me crazy with my aggressiveness type person. I can still be me - only now "me" has some goals to aim at. So here's what I'd like to do in the sewing arena - or at least a start at what I'd like to do ;)

1) Pants! I'd like to have a go-to pattern that I know fits, looks good and can be made up without a ton of fuss.

2) I'd like a woven top pattern, or block as it is sometimes called, that I can use to make a variety of tops that look good and have a more polished appearance. I think my knit tops are great - yet they just don't seem as nice as I'd like.

3) Get my patterns, especially my self-drafted patterns, sorted into a workable system and stowed properly. I'd like to have access to my bay window on a daily basis - and not just for throwing things that I need out of my way.

4) Sell some stuff! This doesn't necessarily have to be just sewn items or even sewing paraphernalia. The piano/keyboard that no one uses or wants comes to mind. It's nice, I'm just tired of moving it from room to room to get it out of the way.

5) Find another teaching opportunity and make it a paying reality! Our daughter and son-in-love will be moving to London, England for a year to study and I want to go see them while they are there.

That's enough for now. I've resisted for many years the idea of "new year's resolutions" but I may be able to handle "goals" - this wasn't so difficult after all.