This shoulder bag, as the name implies, is very pink and unique. One side has calm, peaceful pink waterlilies. The other side has wild and jazzy pieces of pink, with a star quilted over them. Which mood are you in today?
Description
The waterlilies were stitched using an embroidery machine, onto a cream cotton background, and framed with pink fabric. This side was then quilted by free-motion stitching. The jazzy side was pieced then quilted in a star pattern, which was repeated. The bag was constructed from cotton fabrics, with cotton padding and cotton and synthetic embroidery thread.
Techniques
The waterlilies were stitched by my embroidery machine guided by a bought pattern, then framed by pink fabric. Wadding was added behind the fabric. Cream cotton thread was free-motion quilted around the waterlilies, and then in wavy lines representing the water. Free-motion embroidery involves using the sewing machine needle as a ‘pen’, guided by my hands, to stitch in any direction. It is the opposite of what my embroidery machine does.
The jazzy pink pieces were built out by sewing one strip to another, and trimming so that I was always sewing along a straight line – a more traditional way of using a sewing machine. Wadding was then added behind the fabric and traditional quilting was added, in a ‘wonky star’ pattern. Straps/handles were made by sandwiching wadding between cotton fabric, to make them strong and comfortable. The pieces and their lining were then trimmed to the same size, and the bag constructed.
Details
The bag measures 28.5 x 33.5 cm on the outside. The handles are both 65 x 4 cm. The bag can be washed in cold water, and dried in the shade. Cool iron over the waterlilies, if necessary.
