Thursday, January 29, 2009

Sunbonnet sue casual bag

I decided to make this Sunbonnet Sue casual bag for my sister's friend, it was my first official order. I have been postponing making this project for quite sometimes until knowing that Chinese New Year fell in January, that was when I started this project. I wished that when someone use my bag, they are always proud to present it the friends and show off ! (of course, like I always did). It is such an honour to me. As a result I put in quite a long time, thinking of pattern and fabrics that suits the user.

I made the applique and quilt for both sides of the bag.




7th Jun 2009
It is about 2 degree today. Finally I am able to see the shape of my bag. Hopefully I am able to complete stitching the sides and border together (I know it is not possible).


I was right, because half way stitching the sides, I stopped but switched my attention to my Hawaiian quilt project. I have the habit of making few projects at the same time because sometimes I get a bit bored while working too long on the same project.


9/1/09
After combining the sides and border, the next step is to carry out bias strapping.


The most wonderful time for me while making a bag is when I see real shape is about to present. I feel so excited today !



15/1/09
I have been looking for a suitable bag hanger for this bag but it was not that easy to find the leather bag holder in Shanghai. Rummaging through my workplace, I finally found a hand bag belt that I brought from Osaka, Japan last year (thank GOD ! Otherwise this bag will not be completed on time). Finally, after sewing up the bag holder, my bag is completed !








Sunbonnet Sue is happily waiting for the owner to bring it out for shopping now.


Sunbonnet sue casual bag

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Hawaiian Quilt Project

-3 degree in Shanghai today, cloudy. Heard that it's going to snow today.

1/7/2009, I completed stitching the pattern now. It was a bit troublesome but overall, the process of doing it was fun as long as I don't rush to complete it.



Closer view

The process of making Hawaiian quilt is a bit troublesome sometimes. I need to do basting twice, ie. first basting is done to perform applique (stitching the pattern to the fabric), then I need to take out the basting thread, place my batting and inner fabric, then do basting again for quilting. So after completing the basting, the next step is to perform the quilting. See the difference below ?

I have to work on quilting today. Actually I like quilting very much :>

So cold, I hope spring is coming soon

Monday, January 5, 2009

Onigiri - my simple lunch

It's 2 - 3 degree, cloudy day in Shanghai.


I put on a lot of weight lately. Partly because of the cold weather and the time I put it 'addicted' to making my patchwork bag. I am working on Maggie's bag today.

I will make onigiri whenever I feel lazy to cook (especially in this cold whether). Onigiri (Japanese round shape rice) is very easy and fast to make. I mix the rice with Japanese rice vinegar, onigiri mix and some of my home cooked deep fried anchovies, then shape it into triangular shape as shown, then wrap it nicely with salted Japanese seaweed, then open my big mouth, and have a big bite ! It's yummy. And it's also a good way to keep fit too.