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

It's Good to Be The Boss

I think the best thing about being the "boss" is sampling your wares...in my case, when I make a new product line, guess who always gets first dibs?

I really love the feel of this cute bag--I used tons of interfacing to cushion and give shape to this bag.  Plus, I personalized it--I hand embroidered my initial on the front.  At first, I did an inventory of the most popular girl's names in the last 10 years so I could get an idea of the initial I should put on the front of this first bag.  And then I thought, who am I kidding, the first bag is mine!

To the left of the bag is a clip on 'rat tail'--I just designed it, it's a 'tail' made from really soft brown yarn and I sewed tons of embellishments on it.  It looks cute with this bag.

I'll be posting this purse to my Faux Fur Frenzy Shop in the next few days.  One question though--do you ever look for personalized items at Christmas?

Minnesota Farm Vacation: Presents to Myself

On my recent Minnesota farm vacation I bought this jewelry set in Rochester at a store that sells everything, including farm equipment.  Yes, that's what I said.  They had a little bit of everything, including jewelry. Plus, it was on sale.

The beads are on a wire so at a distance, it looks like the beads are floating on your neck.  Of course, that large tiger theme rose is to die for.  I love animal prints and coupled with rhinestones, I'm over the moon.

I love dark brown so I've worn this jewelry set about 9-10 times already with my brown print dresses, blouses, skirts...I've worn it for dress up and casual.

I also bought this necklace watch at that same farm store.  Also on sale.

Isn't it cute?  Little rhinestones are in the middle, my favorite.

The piece facing the watch is a mirror, so it's come in handy when I have broccoli in my teeth.  I've also worn this number about 5-6 times, dress up, casual.

 I've bought some of my nicest jewelry on my trips to Minnesota.  What gifts to yourself do you buy when you're on vacation?

How To Make a Fur Purse (Your first considerations)

I've come up with a list that I think about when I am making a fur purse.  You may be able to come up with more considerations, and feel free to post them in the comments.

1) Where will the fur pieces be sewn on the purse?  If there is an area that will get a lot of wear, I use a coordinating fabric in that location.  This additional fabric can also add interest to your finished piece.  The below photo shows the bottom piece of my bag.

2) Will you be using zipper?  If the fur is going to be near the zipper, I sew an additional non-fur piece above the fur.  In the photo below, I have animal print on either side of the zipper, above the fur.

3) Will the purse be held against the body, like in a cross body bag or shoulder bag? If so, I may use a non-fur piece in the back or the part that will be against the body.  In the case of the bag above, I decided to use fur on the front and back.  This bag hangs low on my hips and I felt this bag style wouldn't look right without fur on both sides.

4) I like interfacing on my bags and even though this bag is a slouch bag, it can stand up because of the interfacing.  Always sew the interfacing on the fur piece, NEVER iron it on as many furs will be damaged from heat.  After you sew it on, cut the interfacing to the seam to reduce bulk.

5)  Especially with medium to long pile fabrics, make sure you cut the fur in the seam allowance as this will reduce bulk.  After you are done with a seam, you can use a needle to pull out any fur that is trapped in the seam.

5)  Zippers can sometimes get lost in all that fur, especially if the fur is a long pile like this is.  I like to use a decorative zipper pull for easy access (see the string of beads on the right).  And it's so pretty!

6)  Here's the finished furry beast!  I love my bag!  Here's a black one I made too.

We Can Afford It, It Was On Sale!

Alternate title for blog: Don't tell my husband, part two

Look at these great fabrics I just got--and all on sale too! My mind is just a-buzzing with the bags I can make...don't you love animal print fabrics?

My Favorite !Bling! of All Time (Number 2 of 5)

This is one of the cutest bags I've ever made and it's that bling thing. I mean, look at it!



I bought this necklace years ago and one day I noticed how well it went with this fabric.

Not only are the beads cute, but there's these wonderful animal cutouts that I sewed on either side of the purse. The other great thing about these beads are they are lightweight, so the purse doesn't fall.

Isn't this the custest?



Previous Favorite blings:

My Favorite Bling of All Time #1

White Cloud with a Silver Lining

White Cloud with Silver Lining

I thought this was an appropriate name for this white fluffy bag with silver sequins. I know this sequin fabric has been around for some time, but I've just fallen in love with it.

And I love the pristine white against the animal print fabric.

I just uploaded this bag on Etsy.