found something I could do, too

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This is my second post today.  If you are visiting for Pink Saturday, please scroll down.  Thank you and wish you happy pink weekend.

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I subscribe several (perhaps many) newsletters and one of them told me this morning that a craft organization was collecting tote bags to send to the children in affected area.  The organization, Japan Handcraft Instructors' Association, was asked by its member in the affected area to see if they could collect hand made tote bags for children because they lost almost all the belongings as tsunami hit the area, let alone school bags. 

As soon as I read it, I started digging in my hoard of fabric.  The one I used for the bag is something I have been saving for something special as it was the last of the bolt at the store and I was told that it had been discontinued so no more was available.  I found it's a perfect occasion to use up one of my most coveted fabric.  The instruction given on the web page along with the specification looked easy enough so I took out my machine and started sewing.  It took me five hours to finish because, as I told you several times, I am not very good at machine sewing.  It didn't help that the bag has to be made of quited fabric and I didn't have ready-quited fabric at hand.  Over all, I am quite satisfied with the finished bag and I hope the new owner would like it, too.

The organization is one of the government registered organization and reliable one, I believe, to entrust my bag to deliver to the children in the coastal area in Fukushima.  The nuclear complex is focused at the moment but the area was also affected by tsunami.  Tsunami was the reason why we have problems at the power plant, to start with.  If you would like to join to make bags to the children, here is a link to the details.  The problem is that their English page tells you nothing about the project but the general information of the organization and their activities.  The closing date to receive bags is 15th April and it won't give you much time to send them from abroad, I am afraid, and there is an issue regarding tax/duty.  I know there are several readers who live in Japan.  Perhaps some of you could participate in the programme I am hoping.

Macaroons and Muffins

Here is my second drawstring bag and it looks delish, doesn't it? Here in Japan macaroons have been in rage, too, and usually I do not buy these "cute" fabrics for myself, I just cannot resist it. Well to be precise, I was able to resist it last year, but this year this cutie has been moved to sale rack and I just gave in and had to buy it.

Can you see the seam? I am very proud of myself to have been able to make the seam this neat, if I may say so myself. This second time it was easier for me because I know what to expect and what to do about it. Again I didn't attach a slip pocket but this time it was on purpose. I have decided that I do not want a pocket because I have a tendency to stash things in it and forget about it.

I bought this pink cupcakes, too, but not decided what to do with this. I would like to make something else other than drawstring bags. We will see...

Last Post in 2008

Time flies and it's already the 53rd Tuesday of 2008. This is my last post in 2008 and above is my last sewing in 2008, too. Can you guess what it is? It's a bag cover but not for storage purposes. You know how the security check at the airport and this is my answer to those severe abuse on bags.

I will fly to London tomorrow for winter holiday and will be back home on 27th January. I am not sure how often I could submit new posts but I try my best. So, everyone, thank you for reading my blog this year and wish you a happy and prosperous new year.

Kelly Bag

What do you say? This is Kelly Bag from Hermes. You know, that Hermes, French big name saddle and bags maker. Well, it was made of paper, though. I have got this cutie from their official web page. If you would like one for yourself, you can jump from here. You are going to be directed to the official site of Hermes. If you want to buy the real deal or have loved one buy for you for Christmas, go to the on-line boutique. If you are happy with the paper version, then go to the World of Hermes. In the World of Hermes page, you can find a white Kelly bag there, you may need to scroll down a bit to get to it. In that white Kelly bag page, they are offering six Kelly bags in pdf file. You can choose even white one so that you can draw the picture of your own.

I printed on the ordinarily paper but if you use the glossy paper (you know, the one you print the photographs on) your bag should look much nicer.

Look, there is a safety pin at the bottom of the bag! Enjoy!

Pink Drawstring Bag

I have been browsing many bag making blogs and wanted to make my own. Since I am not an expert at sewing, I thought it was prudent to start with something easy, hence a simple drawstring bag here. I lined the bag but didn't attach any pocket on inside, the fact I greatly regret. A simple slip pocket wouldn't have been much trouble to make I suppose, now that the bag came out reasonable satisfactory. I have got enough fabric left so perhaps another bag, maybe bigger one, with a pocket inside would be practical for travel. I am going to have a trip to Europe from the end of the year. Matching bags in the suitcases would look really lovely (and tidy) don't you think?