Now that Spring is in the air, it's a good moment to whip up some fun and simple accessories to start wearing at the start of the season. I never really know what I'm actually going to want to wear, therefore make, until Spring is in full swing, so these stash busters fulfil my urge to get sewing without making a massive commitment in terms of time or, indeed, fabric.
The first thing I wanted to make was a little 1920's inspired bag, a sort of dash and go very mini tote bag if you will.
I've been really interested in traditional Japanese knot bags for a while and decided this would be just the thing!
I drafted out my pattern to these dimensions to accomodate the amount of fabric I had, a treasured small piece of Celia Birtwell for Ossie Clark designed crepe from the late 1960's, early 1970's and an Indian silk polka dot print from the Cloth House many moons ago.
Once you get your head around the construction of this lovely little bag, it's really quite straightforward and you can watch my step by step of this over on my YouTube channel if you'd like to see the sewing in progress and to sewalong. I don't think it took over an hour from start to finish and that included drafting out the simple pattern!
I ensured I sewed both the outer and the lining neatly so that I could make the bag reversible ~ 2 bags for the price of one! And all from my stash and whipped up in under an hour!
I wanted this bag to be an easy to use mini tote for those quick errands. And even though it is very bijou, it holds all my necessaries ~ Compact, lipstick, camera, key and phone!
The simple little handle that loops through and creates a knot ~ So simple yet so very clever. My one amendment would be to shorten the handle strap which goes on your wrist a little, making it 16 cms in total rather than the 19 cms I've given in the pattern guide above.
Although I've never really been a big scrunchy fan, I couldn't resist the idea of using up some scraps of silk and then thought I'd make giant rosebuds to adorn them!
I love making these silk flowers and they'd make amazing corsages if you sew on a brooch back. They're made from silk dupion leftover from bridal jobs in my past life and I suspect I shall be making lots of them to go with my Spring and Summer vintage inspired wardrobe in all sorts of colours!
The polka dot silk was a tiny scrap that I had held onto and I love the contrast with the delicate pink!
In fact, this was such a quick make that I made a second version, this time in Liberty print silk, another teeny scrap I had and a white silk taffeta rose bud! I think I may be a scrunchie convert!
I suspect I'll be wearing mine as bracelets rather a lot too as they just look so pretty on the wrist!
I also wanted to make a pink bow, inspired by one worn by both Betty Page and Minnie Mouse. I think pink on black is my favourite colour combo and the weight of the silk would mean you'd get these sweet little bunny ears when worn.
The silk I used for my rosebud was so luscious so I quickly made a pattern, cut out 2 pink silk pieces, pinned them and whizzed round on the sewing machine, turned through and finished in about 15 minutes and ready to wear!
Even though this was such a quick sew, the luxurious fabric makes this seem like a much more refined affair and the Betty Bow can adorn hair, necks or bags so is wonderfully versatile.
I hope you have enjoyed these simple sews for Spring and if you do make your own versions, I'd love to see! Tag me over on Instagram #taradeightonatelier!
Take care my Lovelies
Tara x