Onion Label Market Totes!

I'm all about re-using materials in sewing, and I was inspired a while back by the great graphics on my annual autumn bag of onions--how to utilize the bright, eye-catching, and durable label?

I started checking out onion bag graphics and collecting bags wherever possible! The labels can be delightful. With a little time, and a few incarnations, my idea has fully emerged from the back of my mind-an Onion Bag Market Tote! And I have to say it's fabulous. I've even opened my own Etsy shop and put a few up for sale!

I'm just finishing a couple more in denim--I'll try to post them soon. Back to the sewing machine!

One Last Spiral Flower Project--Dollar Store T-Shirt Recycle!

Okay, just one last post involving my spiral flower project.

Like most everyone, I have a long list of projected projects in the back of my mind. Among them was this delightful idea from Cal Patch in the Craftstylish newsletter--a cute, summery shrug recycled from a t-shirt. I wanted to make one for Joy-joy!

I used a white, child's size 7 dollar-store t-shirt I had on hand. The shrug instructions are great--it's a fun, fast project that Joy-joy can wear with everything.

Since I've had my spiral flower samples/experiments pinned to my design board, I began to wonder how they could be used as embellishment, and the pink vintage seam-binding flower seemed like it would make a perfect pin for the shrug!

I just trimmed the backing (which was stabilized knit) close to the edge of the flower and pinned it to the shrug from the inside with two safety pins--putting a pin back on the flower itself would work, but in this case I wanted it to sit very close to the garment and to still be removable. I think it's really cute!

It was fun adding the 'label' at the back neck of the shrug-it's a scrap of cute ribbon that coordinates nicely with the flower.

Very spring-y!

Spiral Flowers, Part 2!

Further rumination on spiral flowers. . .

I decided to try making a flower with some blue vintage bias tape from my stash, pressed open and stitched along the middle. This flower is my favorite! I love the ruffly raw edges.

Here is a version made from torn strips of some pink silk organza--this one is my least favorite try, but it might be better in a color that contrasts more. I do love the torn edges, though.

Still contemplating a tutorial. . .