Sequin Fabrics in my Stash

Here's an updated list of sequin fabrics in my stash (I love shiny fabrics with faux fur)--I just added the light green fabric (S19).

Large Faux Fur Zipper Tote in my Faux Fur Frenzy Shop

New Style: Medium Faux Fur Crossbody Bag with Detachable Straps

NEW FAUX FUR DESIGN--What will your fur bag look like?

Black Faux Fur with Animal Print Crossbody Bag

Check out my new crossbody fur bag style--detachable straps so you can carry it as a clutch bag--

Design your own in my Faux Fur Frenzy Shop!

Making Simplicity 3744 - for my Mother

It's been a while since my Mom gave me this fabric that she bought (she wanted me to make a dress for her)--I was busy yes, but I think it took me so long to undertake this project because it was a new pattern, and frankly this dress wasn't for me.  Is that bad?

Before you think that this fabric is too loud, remember that most older women look great in jewel colors and my Mom's no exception.  On the other hand, pastel colors can wash out your complexion and make you look tired.

Anyway, what finally got the ball rolling is I had this butterfly sequin fabric, and I thought how fabulous it would look on a purse with this aqua tie dye fabric.  I wanted to show off the butterfly and what better way than to put it on the purse flap?

I made this bag with the pattern for my large Princess Purse line in my Bridal Evening Bag Shop on Etsy.  I love that the fabric around the butterfly had enough contrast, otherwise, it would've been too matchy-matchy with the main fabric.

After I made the purse, I was finally excited about making the dress.  Yes, that's how I work, backwards.  I used Simplicity 3744 and I made view D, which is on the far left, the black and white dress.



I thought this pattern was a good choice because I loved the details on the dress (the belt in back, sleeves, neckline, etc.) and this aqua tie dye fabric irons with a sharp crease, perfect!

My only concern about the pattern was that the pocket sits across the entire stomach and I thought it would add too much bulk.  So I made sure to use very thin, matching aqua fabric for the pocket insides. Otherwise, I thought the pockets were a cute touch.  Plus, I had some shell buttons that went with the aqua perfectly and look cute on the pocket front.

I like the neck because of that sharp crease from the fabric.

You have the same crease and V shape on the bottom of the sleeve too.  And the matching button decoration.  

When you have details like this, by the way, they show up best on a plain, one color fabric like this aqua. Otherwise, if the fabric is too busy, you wouldn't be able to notice the pocket or sleeves, etc. and your hard work was for naught!

I think the band across the back is cute with the button decoration.  You wouldn't be able to see that with a busy fabric either.

Well, here's the finished dress and bag!  My Mom is going to look fantastic!!!

Invasion of the Body Snatchers Custom Pouches

I had a really cool custom order in my Gypsy Girl Shop the other day:  a custom order for two pouches patterned after pods with flowers from the movie, The Invasion of the Body Snatchers!

These were really fun to make and I think they turned out really cool.

My New Old Quilt

My sister is one of those sewers who is such a perfectionist that the stitches themselves are beautiful, much less the project.

About 34-35 years ago (wow!) I made her a quilt before she went to college.  Well, she just mailed me the best present in the world!  She literally took apart the old quilt and resewed it into another quilt with new backing and stitches throughout to make it usable once again.  What a great gift!  isn't it beautiful?!

I thought I would show you closeups of some of the fabric squares I remember--some of these fabric pieces make me think of the garments we made out of them, like cheesy summer shorts, Easter dresses or pants.

I remember Easter dresses made of this purple flower heart fabric.  For several years my Grandma made them for the girls in my family, when she came to visit us from Michigan to Florida.  All of us 6 girls got a dress, but with slight variations.  Someone would have white ric rac on the hem, or different sleeves or neckline.  We were adorable!

My mom had a pair of shorts made of this blue red fabric.  Hmmmm.

I would love to make a purse out of this fabric!  I remember some sort of summer short set made of this--but I don't think I wore it...

 I remember this butterfly fabric!  I wanted to make a dress out of it but there wasn't enough so I settled on putting it in the quilt.

This is the new backing fabric my sister used.  See all the swirly type stitches she did?  Really cool!













So, I want to give a public shout out to my sweet sister and tell her how much I love and appreciate her kind, thoughtful gift!

Love you, sis!

New Purse Line: Metallic Fur Purses!

Well, I told you I loved metallic fabrics, didn't I?  I've bought some really pretty metallic fabrics over the past few months, and have been tooling away, coming up with styles.

I love this faux fur and metallic print combination--I made sure the make the fur flap shorter so that the metallic peaks through--

I get so many compliments on this purse!

and I am so excited at how the black and white lining coordinates with the silver and black metallic outside. 

Of course, you'll have a choice of 4 furs, and but really, if you see another fur that I have better, just let me know.  I can't wait to make these purses in different combinations, especially the blood red and black faux fur.  Talk about dramatic!

I Rediscovered Forty Year Old Book I Wrote

I had a nice surprise this week.  For the last few months I've been thinking about a book I had put together when I was 10 or 11 years old (about 40 years ago).  I had done a lot of shredding of my old stuff about a year ago and thought for sure I had shredded the book too.

I couldn't stop thinking about that darn book.  I was laughing about the title, Flyin Pixies.  Why would I name it that, you may ask.  Well, I created the name out of a gold, stick on alphabet and there were only certain letters left.  In fact, I had to make the L with an upside 7 and I made one of the I's out of an exclamation point.  Yes, !

I made the book by taking apart my mom's old date book.  I covered the dates and writing with whiteout (that whiteout is a wonder, I tell you) and I literally cut the book's binding off.  Then, I stitched the book back up with thread.  Even then, sewing!  hahaha

Well, last week I was rummaging through a pile in the corner of the living room and voila, there it was, in all its adolescent glory!  The little pieces of paper that I used to write notes on were still in the book too.  You see, I used this book as a guide for writing my great American novel.  I had lots of characters and used this book to keep track of how they changed over the years.

It was pretty much intact except for some stickers I put on the front that had fallen off.  Well, I was thinking what an innocent time that was, and I decided I was going to make an Etsy shop called Flying Pixies (gee, I hope someone hasn't already taken that name).  I want this shop to be lacy, button-y, cutesy, very home made pouches and purses.  I thought it would be perfect to have it open for Mother's Day with hearts and such.  I made the heart below for the new store (made with vintage floral fabric, by the way).

I'll let you know when I get the store in place!

Ghastlie Witch Purse - Follow-up With the Buyer

I was thrilled and flattered to get an email from the buyer of my Ghastlie Witch Purse below.  Peggy had purchased the bag for a friend in October 2013 from my Bridal/Evening Bag Etsy Store for her friend's birthday, to be worn at an event at her friend's church.  Here's some photos: 

Ghastlie Witch Purse (Front)

Ghastlie Witch Purse (Back)

Here's part of what Peggy had to say,  " . . . I wanted to remind you that I bought your terrific handbag for my friend Sophia's special birthday last October and you were good enough to make sure it arrived in time.  She LOVED IT and this weekend is the Gala for the charity event at Click here: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church | Tables Extraordinaire 2014 The theme of her table is Which Witch is Witch?

I spoke to her this morning and she has a wonderful gown to go with your beautiful designed purse . . .  It was a Glorious Gala and Dr. Sophia Hatz Cordoba, President of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, the host of the 5th Annual Tables Extraordinaire was bewitching and  beautiful as the hostess of the Which Witch is Which? award winning table and carrying her custom designed CarolJoyFashions original purse!"

Peggy also kindly included a photo of her friend holding the purse and the table she designed. 

I love these type of emails--thanks so much for the photos, Peggy, and I love knowing my one and only witch purse went to a loving home!

Metallics & Microsuede Fabrics In My Stash

Updated 10/11/14:  I just added MS 14 - Brown Alligator (faux, of course!)

I think metallic and micro-suede fabrics add that little extra to fabrics such as furs (not to mention the cool animal and snake prints)....and here's what I have in my stash:

Check out this PORANGE fur purse I made with the Python Gitter (M12 above) and orange faux fur!

Orange and Purple faux fur purse in my Faux Fur shop

Congratulations to the Winner!

Congratulations to Scarlett Bryant, winner of the giveaway I did with the Rockabilly Girl Next Door blog.  She won cool jewelry from Pieces of the Past Shop as well as my Faux Fur Zebra Heart Clutch.

Thanks to everyone who participated!

Faux Fur Zebra Heart Clutch

Vintage Dress Show Photos

I realized I never posted the photos from the Las Vegas Junior League MHPP Fashion Show during Spring Open House on Sunday April 20, 2013 in this blog post.

Isn't this feather fantastic?  They were going to have me wear an actual hat, until we saw this feather fascinator.

This is the purse I designed and made.  See it here in my bridal shop.

Group photo of me with fellow members Joy Heiser and Nancy Hollingshead

I'm on the runway!

Faux Fur Clutch Giveaway!

The Rockabilly Girl Next Door blog, in conjunction with my Etsy Shop Faux Fur Frenzy and  Pieces of the Past Shop are doing a giveaway--register by Thursday, 2/20/14 for the below heart clutch from my Faux Fur Frenzy shop as well as jewelry from Pieces of the Past Shop.

Click here for the giveaway!

Zebra Print Faux Fur with hot pink sequin heart in my Faux Fur Frenzy Etsy Shop

I can't wait to see who wins!

Pinup Girl Vintage Fabric

I love this vintage pinup fabric--I have plans for it! Check at the other "girls" I'll be using in my bags and pouches!

I think my favorite is the kitty girl--what's your favorite?

Metallic Pearl Strings in my Stock

It always surprises me when I actually inventory my stuff.  They don't call me a magpie for nuthin!  Aren't these pretty colors?  I use these pearls on these bridesmaids heart, and initial clutches among others.

This is gratitude

This, my friends, is a photo of gratitude.

I handmade each of these hearts for my customers, those wonderful people who have supported my creative endeavors.

I appreciate your kind comments...

Thanks for believing in me!