Hooray for Fabric!

In just 2 short weeks, you'll be able to see all of the exciting new products being offered in the 2010 Holiday Mini catalog.  I think my jaw dropped when I saw all of the gorgeous stamp sets & accessories, but then there was....

FABRIC!!!!

Oh my goodness, I just about fell out of my chair!  It is absolutely stunning and I know you will love it, too!

My customers have been wanting to have a class on the rag quilt purses, so obviously that had to be my first project.  I've been a bit nervous to teach a sewing class--it has been 20+ years since I have touched a sewing machine.  Apparently, it's like riding a bike...just comes back to you. 

One of the things I love about stamping is that it can be very forgiving and you can always cover up mistakes.  This purse is like that.  Even if your lines aren't perfect, it still turns out cute! 

Deckthehallspurse
The first purse I made was with the Deck the Halls fabric.  The colors in the fabric are Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Always Artichoke, and Crumb Cake.  It has a vintage, shabby-chic look.  LOVE IT!!!

Candycanepurse 

The next purse was made with the Candy Cane fabric.  The colors in this fabric are Garden Green, Baja Breeze, Blushing Bride, and Real Red.  It has a very playful look--lots of dots & stripes.  I think it would also make a cute mini-diaper bag, don't you?

Each set of designer fabric comes in an assortment of 3 fat quarters that measure 28" x 18" each. 

Check out the buttons!  There are coordinating Big Designer Buttons for each of the fabric collections.  And they are really BIG.

To make the purse, you need to have a Big Shot and the Scallop Square Clear Bigz Die.  The die can easily cut through about 8 layers of fabric, so you'll have your purse panels cut out in no time at all.

Scallop square 

Scallop Square Clear Bigz Die

Item # 115950

$21.95 (US)

Available on my SU website

After you've cut all your panels, you build a sandwich with 2 panels and batting in between.  Sew an "x' pattern on each square, lay out your purse plan, and sew it all together.  It's a little more complicated than that, but not much.  The first purse took me about 3 hours from start to finish, but the second one took me less than 2 hours.

The "rag" look is achieved by clipping the seams, then washing & drying the purse.  Here is a before and after shot so you can see the change.  I like it both ways.

Candycanebefore Candycaneafter

If you are ready to try your hand at making one of these fun purses, check out the RAG QUILT PURSE CLASS page.  I will also have class kits by mail available to those unable to attend the local class.

Happy Stampin'

Melissa



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Wanted: April Club Page

I've had a few people contact me about this month's page for scrapbook club.  Well, the first part of April is always busy for me with taxes and such, so this one is a little later than usual.  Thanks for your patience and I hope you'll enjoy this page!

Wanted_page

I plan to scrapbook pictures from the Stampin' Up! Manager's Reception in Houston last year.  It would also work great for any little cowgirl or cowboy, or you'll be able to change the stamped images to make it a perfect travel page.

Stamp Sets:  Wanted

Ink:  Close to Cocoa

Paper:  Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Close to Cocoa, River Rock

Accessories:  Star punch, Vintage Brads, Jumbo Pewter eyelets, Scallop punch, word window punch, crafter's tool kit, hemp twine, 1 3/8" circle punch, sponges, twill tape

Techniques:  Distressing, Stamping on Twill Tape, Eyelets and Brads, Repetition

Hope to see you on Sunday!

Melissa

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