Toni, from the simple sparrow blog, has declared April, Use What You Have month, and has invited others to join her in the challenge of not buying anything new in the way of art and craft supplies for one month.
Not too difficult for me because I have lots of stash on hand from years of sewing and crafting, and finding use for remnants and scraps always makes me happy. So I'm in.
This was the perfect opportunity to use what I had to make a new bag. And I had everything I needed.
The back is an awesome print with a blue bird that went perfectly with a snippet of vintage rick-rack in a matching shade of robin's egg blue.
Cassie might recognize the fabric. It was part of the vintage swap we did last year (that also just happened to be organized by Toni).
Funny how it all came full circle!
The bag is so soft looking. Very nice.
I am considering the challenge for April. It would be good to clear out the excess.
Happy weekend!
Posted by: Dawn | March 18, 2006 at 11:55 AM
It's beautiful! And such an inspiring challenge.
Posted by: amanda | March 18, 2006 at 12:33 PM
Great idea for the month of April. I just came back from the yarn store's anniversary sale and am sure I can use what I have in stash until the big Sheep and Wool festival in May. I'm not sure 'bookending' April with purchases is really the idea of the month but a challenge like this is always easier for me if I can look ahead to a prize ;-)
Posted by: Beth | March 18, 2006 at 01:33 PM
Oh Wow! I love that bag - absolutely beautiful. And good luck with the challenge. :)
Posted by: manda | March 18, 2006 at 02:17 PM
I love the bag, especially the great "saw tooth" effect of the rick-rack in the top seam! I really must start looking for some rick-rack to use in my own projects, it adds that little extra that just lifts the project out of the ordinary. - Not that any of your things are "ordinary" - you have an eye for colour, and your own special way of putting things together that just keep me coming back to see more!
The idea of using what you have is something a lot of us could do with trying. I'm sure I could keep myself occupied for the rest of my life with what I have in my stash already, and yet there is alway that extra piece of fabric, button or trim that calls my name! It doesn't help to have two friends who run the local quilt shop LOL!
Posted by: Mathea | March 18, 2006 at 03:01 PM
That bag is wonderful!
I think I'm going to participate in the April challenge too...
me: It's great to see so many crafters getting into this!!
Posted by: Mirre | March 18, 2006 at 03:04 PM
Everything you make would fit so well into my imaginary perfect world...you know, in my perfect world-- I would wear clothes like this....and in my perfect world my house would look like this....and in my perfect world I would have a bag like one of yours.....it's so fun!
Posted by: brenda | March 18, 2006 at 03:16 PM
I'm definately going to participate in the challenge. This month a friend asked me to help her with a sewing project. I told her just to bring the pattern and we'd go through my stash together to put it together. It wasn't until I saw that stash through another person's eyes that I realized what a treasure trove/embarassment of riches I have. Yes, im in.
me: now this is a brilliant idea...one woman's "stash" is another woman's treasure!
Posted by: dawn | March 18, 2006 at 04:06 PM
Hi! I gathered some rickrack for you today!! I'll go again after my trip the aisle with the box had furniture in the way! But, I think you'll enjoy what I have for you! Send me a quick email with your mailing address?
OOOH love the bag, BTW. :>
Posted by: lk | March 18, 2006 at 04:12 PM
That new tote of yours is so nice..the colors are so peaceful, I love it! I can't believe how fast you have been at turning new things out!! Speedy is what you are!
So nice of you to mention 'use what you have'. That topic seems to have struck a chord!
Posted by: Toni | March 18, 2006 at 05:03 PM
I agree with Toni, seems like the bags are spilling out over here. This one is my favorite so far, I love the fabric, the soft colors, and the yo-yo flower. Nice work.
Posted by: Blair | March 18, 2006 at 05:48 PM
I LOVE that bag! You are very clever.
Posted by: Michelle | March 18, 2006 at 06:05 PM
Thanks for the "use what you have" idea or should I say reminder... In order to justify another purchase I usually do a few "use what you" have projects. I recently made up a bunch of cradle quilts to have on hand. The robin's egg rick rack is a good color, where did you get it? Do you want some fuzzy red rick rack?
me: sure, but i'm not sure what i'd do with it...see how i am? no wonder i have sooooo much plunder!!
Posted by: Carolyn | March 18, 2006 at 07:49 PM
What a lovely bag! The rick-rack and yo-yo "make it". You really have been productive lately.
me: you know the old saying: strike while the iron is hot...i guess i'm on a roll this week!
Posted by: beki | March 18, 2006 at 09:18 PM
Oh that bag is so pretty!I love ,love, love the fabric!
Posted by: Kristy | March 19, 2006 at 01:23 AM
*sigh*
I love that bag.
I recently organized my many stashes of yarn, fabric, paper and thought that I should use all this up before I buy another thing. After reading this I have decided I'm going to take the challenge.
Just one trip to the store for some thread and I promise I'll stop.....just thread...really...that's all.....
Posted by: carol | March 19, 2006 at 08:07 AM
Man-oh-man is that bag gorgeous! Love its subtlety with the surprise of the back.
Posted by: megan | March 19, 2006 at 08:45 AM
Oh my gosh Vicki! Do you have some sort of magic wand hidden among your stash?! I just admire you so much for everything you do and with such style and good humor :) I've gotten behind on my blog visits and commenting but I love all your latest bags and creations!
Posted by: Cassi | March 19, 2006 at 11:58 AM
I really, really, reall like this bag; simple, gorgeous pale colors, lovely flower bob...perfect!
Posted by: Bessilu | March 20, 2006 at 06:04 AM
Ohhh, this is lovely, such soft dreamy colors and details!
Posted by: Ulla | March 21, 2006 at 10:24 AM
stumbled across your site last week,i love your bag it's great' I have not had my sewing kit out for about a month now,you have inspired me to dust it off.
Posted by: Eileen | March 28, 2006 at 05:06 AM