14 October 2008

Purses, Crazy Quilting and a New Addiction

I have been a busy little beaver. It all started with me getting a book (on a whim) by Janet Haigh called Japanese Inspirations, 18 Quilted Projects. Wellllll, I actually read the thing before trying out the techniques in there. What a good girl am I! She explains different motifs that are commonly used, and some ways to achieve the look of Japanese made fabric by using applique, quilting, painting, stencilling and embroidery.





So, she has a section on crazy quilting, and explained it in a way that I could finally say "I could do that!" So, I took some of my Japanese antique fabric, and made a crazy quilt purse. My first. This is the front. The handle is not antique Japanese fabric, but it IS silk and it worked.






This is my second try, using leftover toile fabrics with coordinating fabrics. It's based on what the pattern company had for instructions for doing crazy quilting. Not crazy enough for me, actually, but it did go quickly using all squares.





This is the lining. My daughter asked me what I used for lining. So I had to take a picture of that as well. That's a "patch" pocket inside.
I even made a cell phone purse to go with it. Can you feel the simpering through cyberspace?


Then, using the author's idea of using medallions on top of crazy quilting, I made this purse. This is the front. The front medallion is "snow on bamboo". This is a real mixture of Japanese fabrics and recent fabrics I have been making clothing with.






I call this my "2 Seasons Purse" as I was only able to get 3 medallions on this particular purse pattern. I will have to do a "4 Seasons Purse" at some point, I expect.

This is the back. Plum blossom and the pine bough for winter, and the maple leaves for, of course, fall.



7 comments:

Mom To B and W said...

Wow, those are amazing. Very cute. I wish I had an addiction to making cute, useful things.

Anonymous said...

Wow, when you grab an idea, you really run with it, don't you! Your purses are great! I especially like the second one, in blues.

Karen 's World said...

I really like your purses. You did a great job with the crazy patchwork.

CLU said...

Thanks for the feedback. I never really know if what I do is very likable. I'm honored that you took the time to comment!

Ruthie said...

You are the coolest. You must make me a purse. Or give me one of those. Christmas idea...

Debra Dixon said...

I am commenting here because I couldn't find an address for you. The TIF webring is closed and has been all year. If you want to join Quilt Studio, then stop by my blog for the link. I'd be happy to add you to that ring.

maskedbadger said...

those are fantastic! my grandma used to make quilts and could do the crazy just fine. when i try, it looks like i sneezed fabric onto some unsuspecting surface. i think you have to have some fancy eye for that sort of thing, the knowing what to put with what. the 2 season purse is awesome.