Creative Blog Hop Tour

Happy September 1! 

I can't believe that it is already September!  When I was younger time dragged on forever.   Now, it flies by.  At the time of me writing this post, my kids are headed back for their first day of school.  My oldest will graduate from high school in a few years.  In my mind, I just sent him off for his first day of preschool.  Now, he stands almost 6'3" and I have to look up to talk to him.   How is all this possible when I am only 25 years old?  Hummm?  I guess don't do the math.  :)

Any who, this post is part of the Creative Blog Hop.  I was invited to this blog hop by Anna of Charmed Liebling.  Anna designs so many adorable bag and wallet patterns.  I love when I get an email saying that she has a new pattern.  She is talented!  So, I am EXTREMELY honored that she asked me to join this blog hop. 

1) What am I working on?
I am working on several things at once.  Why have only one project going when you can have 20?  :) 
I have been super busy the past several months with school and community related volunteering....meetings, classes, committees, projects, etc.  So, I fit crafting in between attempting to exercise and everything else to try to maintain my sanity.   Is it working---you are probably asking?  YES, OF COURSE!  DON'T QUESTION IT! :)
I digress....back on subject, now.
Regarding Sewing:  
I have tried to sew clothing a few times.  It hasn't ended well.  I haven't learned how to alter or fit clothing. So, I usually sew home décor items or bags.  Making Bags is a passion.  I think about and notice details of  people's purses, even shopping bags when I am out and about.    I am currently working on testing a few different bags for other designers.  However, I can't show you them because, they are not mine to show, yet. I also have been working on gifts.  So, can't show those either.   ;)

UPDATE:
Here is Anna's newest pattern!  Hot off the press!  Well, I guess hot off the Internet!  :)  It is her Summer Moves On Hobo Pattern. 

Here is my Blog post for this bag:  Sincerely, Ree Summer Moves On Hobo.

I guess I can share these cute items that I made since the designer posted them on her Instagram.
This is a soon to be released Rockstar Bag Pattern from Sara at Sew Sweetness.  See her Instagram teaser here: Rockstar Bag.  I used a pair of my son's outgrown jeans to make this bag and faux leather accents. 

 

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE vintage, shabby chic, romantic style.  So, I LOVE this soon to be released pattern.  It's the Crimson and Clover Train Case also from Sara at Sew Sweetness.  Here are the two links to her Instagram page, with pictures of the case I made.  Crimson and Clover Train Case and Crimson and Clover Train Case Inside. 

Crochet:  I am working on a few different crochet projects:

 

This is the beginning of a crocheted cardigan.  It is a free pattern Essential Jacket.  I've never ever crocheted clothing before.  So, wish me luck. 

Before I started the above jacket, I actually started this pink shrug. 

 

However, I got so bored with this stitch that I couldn't stand it anymore.  Someday this will be finished....maybe.  :)  Here is the pattern for this Canyon Shrug.  I have to admit that I was going to take the dimensions given in the pattern then crochet some kind of crochet pattern to fit those dimensions.  I think I started and unwound my project 20 times....not exaggerating.  So, I finally just gave up and followed the pattern. 
 

2) How does my work differ from others its genre?

Well, with regard to sewing, I think maybe the way I embellish existing patterns?  I haven't been able to buy any of those awesome designer print fabrics.  I think I hit the jackpot if I find cute print fabric in the remnant section.  To make up for this I try to think of ways to add texture and dimension to the fabric I have.  I also love feminine things.  I can't stop adding bows, ruffles or flowers to the bags that I make.  This applies to crochet items I make as well.

3) Why do I write/create what I do?

I make bags because I have always been drawn to bags.  I can see a picture in a fashion ad or magazine and most notice the clothing...if there is a bag in the picture, that's what I see first.  No matter how small the bag is in the picture.   :) 

4) How does my writing/creative process work?

With regard to using an existing bag pattern,   I think to myself, "Self, what--of my existing-- fabric will look good with the character of this pattern."  OR "How can I make it more feminine (or sometimes masculine)?" Yep, not only do I talk to myself, I sometimes have an answer for myself as well.  Maybe I shouldn't admit that publicly?  Too late!
 
I have designed and made a few bags of my own.  Although, I haven't really shared these projects on my blog.  I do have several sketches of bags that I'd like to make.  I love to browse pictures of purses via Pintrest or just browsing online.  I take elements of bags (from pictures or in real life) that catch my attention and make a sketch.  I started into the slippery slope of doing crafts with paper crafts...scrapbooking, stamping, making cards, and paper flowers.  So, sometimes, I even take elements of card or scrapbook sketches or techniques and apply them to purse design.  After, I make a sketch,  I try to figure out the size I want my finished bag to be.  I then try to make a prototype of my bag. Admittedly, I haven't worked on my own patterns or designs much because beyond drawing the sketch.   I panic and freeze.   So, I guess I'm full of ideas and a dreams but too terrified to execute them.  One day....maybe. 

Thank you!  I hope you have a FANTASTIC day!