Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Garden Club exchange!!!

This morning I finished up making a 'Garden Club' exchange gift...
a canvas-lined apron, accented with matching garden gloves, two garden tools, and a handmade cotton knitted washcloth, bathed in prayer (I pray as I knit!)!

My sister went and picked up some free fabric and this particular piece went perfectly with the theme:  gardening!

I so enjoyed making this apron, though I had no idea who'd receive it!  She absolutely loved it and asked if she could hug me!!!  
Hugs make gift-giving the best!
I was in such a rush to finish it, I forgot to take a pix!  So, I asked her if I could take one, which didn't turn out so great, but the one of her wearing it is nice!




It matched her outfit beautifully!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

When the world gives you lemons...

 Last night, Love and I headed across town to pick up a huge box of fabric, but when I got home, although there were some larger pieces, most of the stuff was scraps.  UGH!

But then it hit me: 

when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!

So, I decided to make a braided rug and this is what I have so far. I'm really enjoying this project.  Not sure if I'll sell this one, being that it's the first one, or give it as a gift for Christmas...

If you do receive this as a gift, know it was made with love, took a lot of time, effort and a sore thumb!



Tuesday, November 9, 2010

More Valances

Another project completed, hand delivered to NY and a very satisfied customer!
Once again, Donna, sent me this beautiful fabric and asked me to make another set; I thought the stitching went well with it---she loved 'em.
It's truly a pleasure to make people happy~ 
and she is such a grateful person!!!







If you're needing any valances made, drop me a note @ designsbydaune@yahoo.com.
I'd be more than glad to serve you.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

*The Pennsylvania Bag*

After weeks of pushing forward with this bag, I'm glad to say it's done! For some reason, this particular bag was difficult. It might be because the inside is a satin material and slippery.

What a great fall bag to show off!
 
It's made of wool, a contrasting heavier cotton/polyester mix and a white lining, complete with a pocket inside, as well.




The front pocket is a zippered pocket with lots of room and once again, the side pockets are just big enough for your cell phone, keys or even a water bottle!



The marvelous thing is that this bag is gone! I can make more and intend on it, but this particular one is spoken for.
The next bag, hopefully, will have a denim lining and may well be reversible.

I love the detail stitch of this bag.

Especially the straps.
The designer buckles add to the distinctiveness of this piece. 

Quite unique!


Of course, I had to add my tag!




Believing the next one will be easier than this one was!!!

Friday, October 15, 2010

Just in case anyone was wondering, I haven't fallen off the planet, nor stopped sewing.  I'm working on a bag my dad has dubbed, "The Pennsylvania Bag" because of the colors.  It reminds him of the north, fall colors and colder temps.  Why Pennsylvania, I have no idea.  But it's a cute name for my next bag.  The photo is of the stitch design.  More pix to come. 

It's not finished because as I was working on it, my Love told me to make two bags and line them with different material and not just one reversible...so, it's taking me twice as long, but, once again, they're 'sister bags' and when they're done, they won't last long. 
They're too adorable.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

A Finished set of valances!

About a month ago, a dear friend in Alden, NY wrote me and asked if I'd make her two valances for her home.  Well, they're done and I'm so glad she wasn't in a hurry. 

Here they are:




















She's happy with them and is commissioning me to make two more for another room my son painted for her!  Yippee!!!

Saturday, September 25, 2010

An Impromptu Art Show

My dear sister somehow talked me into another art show in Marion!  I wasn't planning on taking anything to set up except some crayon aprons and a table full of miscellaneous things I've made and I'm soooo glad I did!  I sold both "Sister Bags" and some jewelry bags, a crayon apron and two pillows!!!  Smashing success in less than ten minutes...you just never know, do you?  Maybe the key is not planning on going, then going and then forgetting the money box.  Whatever the reason, I'm grateful.

Here's the second bag I designed.  It went very quickly!  I loved that button!  This one was reversible and EVERYONE at the show loved it!

 




This great guy bought the bag for his fifteen yr. old sister!  That was so sweet, although I tried to talk him out of it.  I get attached to my creations!  He was sure, though!


My new friend, Stella, modeling in the third picture, has a great line of crocheted jewelry that you don't want to miss.  These are so pretty and unique; great Christmas gifts.  I've included her card, too!  She can be found here at her Etsy shop!





This picture doesn't really do the necklaces justice!  They're beautiful--so is she!~


Well, it's been a long day and I'm ready to get working on valances for a friend in NY as well as more Fall bags.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Promised Pictures

After a bunch of mosquito bites from shooting photos in the back yard, I am pleased to show you the finished purse:

First of two "Sister Purses"...


Well, it's sold, but I will take orders...check out the stitching below.

I love the vine stitching, don't you?  


Nice long strap




Soft, washable wool on the outside...

Tough jean fabric on the inside...and very roomy.

I put the pocket on the outside this time, but the next one will have a pocket inside.
The cost is $35.  Email me for the address to send your check.
Thanks.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

I am here...just hiding behind fabric, books and laundry!

     Hello out there!  Things have been crazy busy!  School started back up last Tuesday, we rearranged rooms and now my 'shop' is in the family room with the school desks, computer, and the actual 'family gathering' section, too!  That's a great idea in theory, but to actually 'do' any work here, that will be the test!
     Love moved my fabric shelf he built to that room, but we agreed it wasn't practical or safe.  So, we headed to Wally World and bought a shelf, six totes and now I'm so organized I don't want to mess it up-not!
     Back to work, that's the goal.  Well, I stare at baskets full of wool and dream.  Amidst school books, lessons and corrections, updating my blogs, etc., I did manage to make a reversible purse in the last two weeks.  When my sister saw it in the 'process', she said I needed to make another one and not make it reversible. 
Soooo, I did. 
     I've completed one and pix should be posted soon.  It took me longer than I thought it would but I am pleased with it being a neat Fall purse.  One side is wool and the other is jean fabric, complete with a vine-like seam topstitched along the top and up both straps, which my family all asked why the straps are so long.  I like it that way...that was my answer.  I'm calling them, 'The sister purses'.  They complete and compliment each other...too bad one can't wear two purses at one time...they'd be adorable...maybe a twin will buy one for her and her sister!  Know anyone like that?  Tell 'em about these.
I don't want to post pix yet cuz it's late and I want good lighting for it.
     Oh, I did make this cool flower out of the jean fabric that I'm gonna put on the second purse.
Check it out:

this is gonna be so pretty when it's on the purse.

Well, gotta get ready to make curtains for a friend in NY this week!  So, when I get a chance, a.s.a.p., I'll post the purse.

Have a great weekend.
Daune

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Crayons everywhere...

I absolutely LOVE c o l o r !
And since it appears that the crayon aprons are my biggest hit right now, I am making more of them-which is just fine with me...lots of color!

I love the nursery rhyme theme on the bottom of this one. Though I struggled to get a good picture of it, the bottom fabric kept washing out.  The pictures below give a better 'up-close' view.

 This apron would fit a girl between the ages of 5-10.  I tried it on the five yr. old I take care of and his comment was, "I'm not a girl; but I'm not a girl!" ...to which I reminded him I knew that!  Then Isaac tried it on and though it fit, it seemed a little small.  He'll be twelve in a week, so that's why I think it would fit better on someone a little younger.

The measurements are: the waistband is 53 1/2", it's 14" long and 15" wide.






This one is for sale for $15, including the crayons. Just drop me a note. 
Thanks and have a great day!

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Two more notebook covers!

This one doesn't have a tie, but I could put one on if it was requested. 



I just love the delicate flower ribbon on the side, don't you?


Remember, as soon as you fill one notebook, remove the cover and replace with a standard composition notebook from WalMart or anywhere they are available!

*************************************************************************************

This notebook combines elegance with hippie!  (The bead reminds me of hippie!)
You have the soft ribbon on the spine and the homemade cording as a bookmark and to clasp the button with.







The back is also stylish!


The pockets are nice and deep so the book won't fall out.  There are two pockets in one in the front that will hold a highlighter and some pens!

These two are $12 and $14, respectively.  Email me to order yours today!