Old School Crafting

Remember the days before you were allowed near a sewing machine? If you are like me and have been crafting since you were a little person there would have been a time when you picked up a needle and thread to sew a dolls outfit because your mums sewing machine was off limits. Each item would have been painstakingly stitched until it became Barbie’s favourite outfit or a new set of shorts for your favourite teddy bear!! There of course was a time when this was the way that most households made their clothes, needle and thread. A few days ago I left the sewing machine switched off and returned to these roots. Inspired by a discussion with a friend about ‘Old School Crafting” this is what I came up with

This clutch purse is totally hand sewn, yes folks as mentioned before the sewing machine was unplugged and neglected for this one. The flap is decorative only and is attached to the front of the clutch.

This is the back

and these are some detail shots. I’ve used my favourite cotton floral for the lining and the outside fabric is a cotton canvas.
Inspired? take the challenge and sew something entirely by hand. I’d love to hear about your results

Montage Press

The Montage Collective pop up shop in Fremantle is open for business and was featured in todays edition of Habitat in The West Australian.

If you are in the area pop in and see it for yourself

Montage

iheartcharlie will be appearing alongside 11 other wonderful designers at a pop up shop in Fremantle, Western Australia from the 8th  February.

MOTL Team Challenge

This week I took part in my first ever Made on the Left team challenge on Etsy

There was a choice of 3 themes for the challenge Vintage Camera, Arrows and Honey Bees. I went with the first theme and here's what I came up with.

It's aptly named the Vintage Camera in Training camera pouch

the writing on the flap is hand embroidered. I haven't embroidered for a few years and I'm please at how well I did  it

The 'Lomo' inspired drawing on the reverse side of the pouch is machine drawn.

It's fully lined and has an inner layer of wadding for added protection.

This cute little pouch is now available in my Etsy shop.

 For more info about 'Made on the Left 'check out their blog

http://madeontheleft.blogspot.com

Great ideas come from small things

After a weekend of creating journals  I've come up with some great ideas. It all started with a simple idea from my sister, cut a strip of fabric gather it and stitch it down.... here's the result

I added some buttons and my own artistic license to the idea and voila ..........The Tuxedo Ruffle A6 visual journal slip cover.

This got me thinking about the gathering strips so I tried another one with different denim... that wasn't as successful so out came the quick un-picker and I headed off in the direction of pleats but this time with a twist, I added a zippper and the Zip It A5 visual journal slip cover with fully functional cover pocket was born.

I followed the path I was already on and the Pleated Denim A6 Visual Journal cover was created

Then finally the pleated panel evolved into a pin tucked pocket  for the final cover of the weekend

The Belt Up A6 visual journal cover, the pin tucked  panel is a pocket and I've added the button and belt closure for a little added detail.

All of this had led to some great ideas for bags. I've just finished a new tote bag. Which idea do you think was my inspiration?

All will be revealed soon.............