Sunday 19 October 2014

Day One on the Black Cat Bloghop! And a Giveaway!

Oooo I had so much trouble deciding what to make with this one. I have had two of the fabrics from the Black Cat Crossing range since the start of September but they were not speaking to me at all. I couldn't think of anything at all so I decided to take a break from them and make something else I'd been thinking of for a while. I took inspiration from the Japanese designs I'd been seeing...
cat metal frame purse
I used some of the lovely woven japanese fabric oddments I've been picking up for all the outside fabrics.
cat metal frame purse
The inside is a thrifted handkerchief. The frame was added with glue which is not strictly the japanese way, but my preferred way. As is traditional, the amount of glue you get on the fabric is related to the amount of trouble you took over decorating it - meaning I got a lot of it everywhere. But I did end up with a pouch to keep nail varnish and a small bottle of remover in.

This still left me with the black cat fabric and no ideas. I went back to flicking through a recent Japanese quilting magazine (my favourite is a bimonthly called Patchwork Tsushin and you can have a good dig around the website using the translate function on a Chrome browser) and saw this.
Japanese Traditional Woven Bag Pic
Aha...I cut five strips roughly 48mm wide across the width of the fabric and got to work with my new bias binding maker, which I picked up in Kyoto.
strips for black cat bloghop
This gave me a series of 25mm strips ready for weaving. I cut the cream ones into four and left the black ones whole. I ironed thin interfacing onto the back of the whole to keep it in place and whipped up this drawstring bag.
drawstring bag for black cat bloghop
drawstring bag for black cat bloghop
drawstring bag for black cat bloghop
The string is made from a thinner strip of the black fabric.
drawstring bag for black cat bloghop
Phew - I finished this yesterday morning, just in time for the bloghop. Thank goodness inspiration struck at last!

Many thanks to Wicked Wendy and Madame Samm for this hop, and please go to the end of this post to see the full schedule and especially who else is taking part today - go and visit them too!

The Giveaway!

Regular readers might remember this Sew Together bag I made a few months ago?
018
Patchwork Sew Together Bag
Despite travelling a few times since then I have never actually used it. Deliberately challenging my usual colour palette is all very well but does tend to leave you with something that is not to your own tastes. Duh! So, would you like it? To win you just have to complete the Rafflecopter below. You get one entry for commenting (about anything) and another if you are a follower. I'll post internationally.


Now go and visit today's hoppers!

Monday, October 20

Tuesday, October 21

Wednesday, October 22

Thursday, October 23
TeaTimeCreations      

Friday, October 24

Monday, October 27  

Tuesday, October 28

Wednesday, October 29
A Stitch in Time     

Thursday, October 30

Friday, October 31

161 comments:

Yorkshire Quilter said...

You aced that woven bag! Well done!

allthingzsewn said...

Both bags are really cute. Sometimes that last minuet decision is the best

HeatherK @ A Reformed Heath'n said...

Love the woven bags! Those are sweet. Nice job =)

StitchinByTheLake said...

The black cat bag....love that! The pink bits added were perfect accents! And the woven bag, oh my goodness how adorable! Blessings, marlene

Wendy said...

Absolutely wonderful job Lixie!! Love your black cat coin purse :) Thank you for sharing!

Kathy said...

Love your projects! Thanks for nice eye candy... your black cat coin purse is adorable :)

Vroomans' Quilts said...

The kitty bag is sweet, but I am blown away by the woven bag - just lovely.

Judy B said...

I love your woven bag! Thank you for sharing.

Anita said...

The black cat woven bag is amazing; love it!

Christine M said...

Lovely projects. I love your woven bag.

Amy said...

Your woven bag is very cool! But the kitty cat, is simply adorable.

Deonn said...

Lixie, what amazing bags - love the little black kitty. It appears you are having a wonderful time in Japan! My daughter was there for 15 months, and loved it! Beautiful, and isn't it the land of everything cute!

Anonymous said...

Lixie

Your clutch is sooo nice, I love the heavy japanese fabrics, I have quite some here at home and busy making a huge hexie-quilt with these wooven wonderfabrics! Thanks for having the chance to win your great bag :-) We are in the same flickr-bee since quite a while, sewing the pattern of the cross with Jan :-) Judy (or Rundu in the Bee)

Heleen Groot said...

What a great idea to dedicate a bag to nailpolish and remover! I have loads of nailpolish everywhere in drawers, baskets, boxes, the bathroom, the bedroom, the livingroom...... And I can never find them. Great idea! The woven bag looks very complicated and stunning. Thank you for sharing!

Farm Quilter said...

The woven bag is fabulous! Great job on the last minute creation! Your cat purse is purrfect to keep those nails in tip top shape. Thank you for the giveaway!

lefuntz said...

A woven bag? What a great idea. I love black and tan together.

Unknown said...

I love the cats on your bag. They look like they are coming and going all over the place. Cute idea.

cucki said...

I love your bags so much and they all so sweet..
Big hugs cucki xx

Baa. xxx said...

Wow! Both bags are awesome! You have done a great job!

Nancy said...

Lixie your Cat Coin Purse is adorable!! The woven Bag is just Over the Top!! I would love to try that some day!! Thanks for sharing your Wicked projects with us!! I am going to follow you too~
Huggs, Nancy

Britt-Inger said...

Your woven bag is so awesome. Thanks for sharing your creativity

Michele said...

I'm sure everyone understands the lack of inspiration at times but I'm glad yours came to you. They are really great.

KaHolly said...

Wow! Just love your unique and creative projects.

KaHolly said...

So glad you joined in this hop. I'm signed on through bloglovin' and looking forward to more of your creative genius.

Sparky said...

what a wonderful bag...looks like gingham lol. no not really but that is where my mind is this morning...it is wonderful and your cat too...

Dorothy Thornton said...

Love your woven bag.

Lesley said...

Your projects are adorable. Especially love the woven bag. Thanks for the chance for your wonderful little bag!

Betsy said...

I have been so looking forward to this hop since it was announced. Your projects are awesome and you definitely inspired your readers.

Mary Pat Callihan said...

Hi Lixie! Super post. I have never seen a bias binding maker before...looks very space age. You rocked the bag!
I am a follower too. Your giveaway bag is such a cool design.

Suze said...

Your woven bag is amazing. The only woven item I have made was the ring bearer pillow at my daughter's wedding 11 years ago. I had no idea what I was doing and was battling breast cancer which added to my confusion. Believe it or not, it came out beautifully and was acceptable to her - she is very, very picky. I love your woven bag with the prints. You are very generous to give away your other bag. Many thanks for participating in the hop. I got lost in looking at some of your other posts as well.

Dorian said...

What great bags! I really like your drawstring one.

Rhonda R said...

Wow! Your black cat bag is adorable! The woven one turned out really nice and is a great use of the fabric.

Jeanne Gwin said...

Both of your bags are very cute. Thanks for sharing your talent. Have a spooktacular day!

Jeanne Gwin said...

I follow your blog via bloglovin' as JeanneGwin

charlotte said...

absolutely wonderful woven bag. What a clever idea and the colors are such that you should get a lot of use from it. Nice Job!

Carol said...

Your bags are so cute! I love the idea for the woven strips--very clever! Thanks for the give-away and thanks for sharing your projects!

Thearica said...

Your woven bag is so cute! I made a woven pincushion once and it is no easy feat! You rocked it!

I would love to win your zippered bag! I love that! Would definitely use it!

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

well....I like what you came up with. the first project is adorable! the second id sweet and very useful!!

Jeanie said...

I just love that woven bag... it's a perfect project for the hop. And of course the kitty bag is sweet too. Thanks for the inspiration and thanks for the great giveaway!

Elizabeth Coughlin said...

I love your projects! The woven bag is a wonderful melding of the fabric line and Japanese style!

tink's mom said...

Wonderful draw string bag. Perfect for tha cat fabric. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Michelle said...

Your projects are very lovely. Great job!

margaret said...

Love the hexagons and the buttons pull it all together.

Heather said...

I would love to win any of your bags!

Shari said...

Love both your bags...the woven design is amazing...beautiful work!

Renea said...

Such cute projects. I love this bag that you are generously giving away. Thanks for the giveaway.

Linda said...

Your bags are wonderful! How clever of you to weave the featured fabric into your own!

Heidi [Banks of Frog Creek] said...

Both pouches are great... the woven one is my favorite!!!

Fignie said...

Beautiful. The woven bag is amazing. So much patience to line those babies up perfectly. Might attempt at now. :)

Carol Swift said...

Cute, cute cat coin purse and that woven bag is just so amazing...love them both!

sewlost said...

Your projects are all very cute. Thanks for sharing
Sandy

Lana said...

OH MY GOODNESS!!!! HOMERUN! Your little bags are scrumptious! Very VERY nice!

Vicki H said...

I love the woven bag and the cat is so cute. Thanks for the giveaway bag, I love hexies.

Vickie said...

Such cute bags, each one so unique !

krislovesfabric said...

The kitty coin purse is so cute and I love that magazine so your woven bag is no surprise that it turned out really beautiful in those fabrics!! Your sew together bag is wonderful, that is a project I have on my someday list.

Brandy said...

I love your kitty bag! Thank you for sharing your creations, and I totally agree with you on the challenging yourself to use colors/designs you don't care for then not liking the finished project... but you made it very well :)
~Brandy

Carla said...

What cute bags. The kitty is very sweet and the woven little drawstring bag is awesome. Well done, my friend.

The Thimblemouse of Country Crossroads said...

Really cute bags!

Calicojoan said...

These little bags are just adorable. And that little coin purse with the kitty on it us too cute.

Charlene McCain said...

I love your project! What a clever way to showcase both fabrics. Really cute! Your black cat bag is adorable!

cakegirl said...

Very cute bags, but e a sew together bag is my favorite. Thanks.

Quilt n Queen said...

Love your bags...both are sEw adorable!! Thanks for the chance to win the giveaway bag, I just purchased the Sew Together Bag pattern but I am a bit intimidated by the instructions. Happy stitching, Pauline

Gmama Jane said...

Your bag is very unique and worked well with the spooky fabric!! Nicely done!!
Nice to meet you ,btw!
blessings
Gmama Jane

Kim said...

Love he kitty bag. It's adorable. That sew together bag is lovely.

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

What great projects and love the woven bags!

Anonymous said...

I have been pining for a Sew Together Bag!

tac73 said...

The woven bag is great!

Lou said...

Cute woven bag!!!!!
Love the tablerunner!!! I have 2 solid black cats and one more white:) They make the best pets!

Anonymous said...

I really like your woven bag and the the other bags.

Kwilt Krazy said...

Nice work on the woven bag. I would like to do one too. It is really neat!

Scrapatches said...

Great projects! You make beautiful bags. The black cat purse is adorable. I love the woven drawstring bag. Very creative use of the fabrics. Of course I would love to win thew Sew Together bag. You are very generous. Best of luck to all. Thanks for sharing ... :) Pat

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

The woven bag is fabulous! But so is the little one with the kitty. Great projects!

Farm Road Quilts said...

Love your little bag! I know what you mean, when I work too far out of my comfort zone, I'm not usually happy with it. It can always go to someone who is though!

vicki said...

Love all of your bags, and I would love to win. Thanks for the chance! vickise at gmail dot com

JuliaP said...

Love your bags, just darn cute!

Anonymous said...

Hi Lixie!
I signed up to follow you because I like many things Japanese. That cat purse reminds me of my Tabitha, one of three rescues who "help" me sewing, quilt and do other things around the house. I recently made a Sashiko table runner for a friend and have some Japanese fabric given by another friend that perhaps you will motivate me to use. Looking forward to your posts.
Rosemary

Lee said...

All of your work is great! I love the change purse kitty! thank you for the giveaway!

Jane's Quilting said...

Oh, how Wickedly adorable. I love the cat on your first bag, but the draw string was a great idea too. Both adorable!

Bonnie58 said...

Beautiful bag. Thanks so much for sharing.

Mara said...

Wow, the woven Cat Crossing drawstring bag is great, looks so time consuming, just like the sew together bag, those are my colors so I would love to give it a new home :)

johnnyp said...

the clutch is very nice

Soma @ inkTorrents.com said...

The kitty bag is adorable and the woven bag looks great! Sweet finishes :)

-Soma

Quilting Tangent said...

Woven bag is great. Always wanted one of those 4 zipper bags. They look so great for organizing quilt supplies.
24Tangent@gmail.com

barbara woods said...

I love it, thanks

Kathy H said...

Your kitty bag is so cute and the woven bag looks wonderful. I tried one woven project and it is still only half done.

Anonymous said...

Your woven bag is so cute and versatile!

Gill said...

I love both your bags! I've always wanted to try a sew together bag - maybe I can win one instead!

legato1958 said...

Your black cat bag and woven bag are just perfect for this blog hop! I will look into that woven bag for a future project...
Happy Halloween!
Susie

Quilt Doodle Designs said...

Love your woven bag, it's awesome!

Karen in Breezy Point said...

Fun projects!

Sue said...

What great projects! Love'em both! Thanks for the chance to win.

Rosa said...

Absoultely beautiful projects.Hard to choose only one fav,love them all!

Tamie said...

Love your sew along bag.

Joanne said...

Don't you just love it when you create something so awesome, even when you are in a rush? I'm glad you waited until inspiration struck. The projects are both really wonderful. Thanks for sharing your creations with us today.

Createology said...

How very special of you to participate in this Black Cat Crossing Hop all the way from Japan. I adore your projects. That woven bag is super clever and well done. Thank you sew very much for participating and hopping. Creative Black Cat Crossing Bliss...

Bonnie said...

Love both of the bags. The woven one is really cute. Also love the giveaway bag. I think the colors are perfect for me. Thanks for the chance to win and for sharing your projects.

Janarama said...

Your kitty purse is adorable. I'm loving your woven bag. What a clever idea. Thank you for the chance to win the Sew Together bag.

Kris said...

Love your woven bag, I have wanted to try one. Thanks for sharing. Happy Halloween.

Terry said...

Your woven bag is so cute and I love that sweet kitty purse as well!!! Thanks for sharing :)

Mary Ann said...

Great job. That woven bag looks very intricate. And the kitty is adorable. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.

Cheri the Quilting Nanny said...

I would love the pouch! I keep thinking I will make one,. but.. I never do!

Flávia e Cristiana said...

Lindos e delicados trabalhos. Feliz Halloween.

Carolyn said...

WHOAH!!! When inspiration hit, it really hit! What an adorable woven bag and a perfect way to use the black cat fabric. Thank you for sharing! :)

evelyn said...

Love the bag made with the bias strips. Kitty bag is too cute.

Corrie said...

That is so cool. Thanks for showing us both. They are so creative.

Katherine said...

Fantastic bags, Lixie! Love that appliqued Kitty and am in awe of the woven design. Wicked good!

Jo said...

all of the bags are just wonderful!

Patty said...

what a fun and unique bag.

OhioLori said...

Would loooove to win your bag!!! All your creations are sooo cool!! Love the Kitty one so much! :)

Leah said...

I love that woven bag! Very nicely put together. Your kitty coin purse is just as lovely! Great projects!

Lydsfire said...

Your woven bag is very creative. I love it!

apple blossom said...

love your creative creations.

apple blossom said...

gfc follower

LJ said...

I do love fabric that is woven and this fabric was perfect for that great little bag. Happy Halloween!

Corrie H. @ Mountain Stitches said...

Looks great! Way to go!

Lorene Holbrook said...

your cat little purse is sew, sew, cute!

Bonnie Pfrimmer said...

What a nice purse and bag. Really cute.

Doris Rice, The Quilting Queen said...

Inspiration finally bit you HARD... that woven bag is "wickedly awesome"!

Cindy said...

What a great idea to weave the fabric for the bag. I adore the cat pouch! Adore.

Mokki said...

Woven fabric, what a genius idea! Japanese crafts are great, I spent some time in Tokyo and saw lots of amazing things but didn't learn how any of it was made. Doh

GranChris said...

I really like both bags. Great job.

Deb said...

Hello Coz,
Nothing you make is out of my comfort zone!
Dxx

Jinger said...

Lovely woven bag and cute clutch!

Mary said...

What fun projects. I love the little woven bag. Just my style. All are spooktacular.

Donna said...

Love your woven bag, it is nice to see new ideas, thanks for sharing.

WPBMOMMY1 said...

I love those bags so much. I would love to make a woven bag but it looks like a lot of hard work! I've got to get myself a bias binding maker!

Charlotte said...

The woven bag is incredible, I've never seen anything like that! I think I might have to put the knitting aside and have a go...

Seacoast Quilter said...

That is a clever way to make a bag, but I bet I don't have the patience. I do love your giveaway bag and would be very happy to win. Thanks!

Sarah said...

I have looked at these bags, and imagined how long it would take me, and not made one. :) However, I would love one! Thanks for the giveaway. sarah@forrussia.org

Unknown said...

What a fun bag! Thanks for the opportunity to win! pbstrand@msn.com

Patty Howe said...

I love your woven bag! Very well done. Thank you for sharing the bag you don't like. I like it. A lot. Hope I win it.

sew.darn.quilt said...

Both bags are sweet! Love, love the woven one!!

gpc said...

I love your bags! Adorable! :)

Margaret said...

The woven bag is too cute.

Anonymous said...

I was in Japan as a military wife twice, 6 years total. Loads of good lady friends still there, but we've lost touch. I was too busy being an Army wife and mother to take pictures (after it's become home, you forget!), although I did teach a small quilting class (pre-rotary cutters, sheesh) and really regret not coming home with tons of old obis from the monthly bazaars on post! I will be following you more now! hajimemashite! blessings, Sharon in Colorado

Kathleen said...

Oh my goodness I love your woven bag! and the sew together bag is something I've been admiring online for a long time! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

Karen Rowland said...

Great bags!!

Joyce Carter said...

I love your projects, especially the bag with the drawstring. Great job! Thank you for the cute giveaway.

Regina said...

Very nice Sew Together Bag!!!

tktl said...

Love the woven fabric!

Cloud 9 said...

Love all the bags you made. I wish those Japanese magazines were readily available here in the states.

Jenny98223 said...

What a cute bag! Love the woven look.

Tu-Na Quilts said...

I think the bag you are giving away is wonderful. Very unique idea for a woven bag.

Kelly Wilson said...

Last minute decisions are always best because you are older and wiser than your were previously. : ) notwendy gmail

Marla's Crafts said...

Love the cat purse. Thanks for sharing and what a great give away.

Unknown said...

wow, what a great woven bag. Thanks for the giveaway! yessewingisfun@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

your work is gorgeous and I would love to win the giveaway thanks for the chance
Pauline

perry94022 at hotmail dot com

Betty Woodlee said...

I love your little cat bag. I also love and desire your larger bag. Thanks for the giveaway.

Lovelli Quilts said...

I love your bags. I was wondering what to do with my leftover scraps--now I know--make bags. Thank you for the inspiration!!

geekwife said...

Love the Hexie bag!!! Me!!!

geekwife said...

Love the Hexie bag!!! Me!!!

Anonymous said...

I love these Sew Together bags! Thanks!

Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

Helen said...

What a great bag - with all the zippered compartments!

Jacklynn Grimm said...

Your zippered pouch is awesome, love the hexies on the outside. Thanks for the chance to win it! jacklynnsteven at netzero dot com

Lisa in Port Hope said...

My friend Sherri has a whole series on quiet book pages
Thread Riding Hood

Jen Barnard said...

All of your bags look brilliant, I don't think I'd have the patience to make and weave all of that bias tape.
jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com

Sandi said...

Thanks for you idea of using the bias maker for your woven bag.

I love all your bags and how you went out of the box using hexagons for your sew together bag.

Came late to the hop, great cat people pictures on your latest post.

carla said...

Hi!!!! Love your sweet projects!!!! The black cat pouch is wicked fun!!!! Thank You

Renee said...

Your drawstring bag turned out adorable! How fun.

Shanna said...

What a clever little bag! Very well done!

خدمات منزلية said...

شركة تنظيف مجالس
تنظيف مجالس