A shining sunflower, or the radiant Sun? The flower or Sun is partly 3-dimensional. This bag is unique and hand-made.
Description: The front is a 3-dimensional multi-yellow sunflower or sun (as you wish), lined and quilted. The reverse is a bought fabric with a licensed aboriginal design, quilted in black and lined. The handles feature one of the burnt yellow fabrics on the front, with machine embroidery quilting in black along their length.
Technique: My original idea was a sunflower, so I'll use that in my explanation of the process. In the photographs I've included photographs of two of the steps of making. The first shows the petals and a leaf being treated with fabric glue to give them shape and prevent fraying. Then I decided it was better without the leaves, leaving it undefined as flower or a giver of light. The second construction photo shows the petals glued with one layer partially stitched. The fabric was quilted in free-motion embroidery to make the background 'petals', then each petal was stitched individually. The centre was added, and again more embroidery added on top. Finally the surroundings of The Radiance was quilted in black, echoing the coloured work. Then it was made into a bag.
Bag Details: The fabrics and wadding are cotton, but the embroidery threads are a mix of polyester and cotton, so cold washing is recommended. If the petals fray it will only be at the tips, and I think that would add to the beauty. Iron on a synthetic setting if necessary. The bag is 42 x 36 cm, on the outside. The handles are each 55 x 4 cm.
