One Idea Leads to Another

A small piece of linen, tiny fabric scraps and a sewing machine. I was trying out an idea for an envelope but ended up with something completely different. This embroidery/applique is based on one of the sketches from the Hedgehogs series. I just wanted to see how it would look like done on the machine. Once the piece was finished, it was too small because it was just a test, but I felt really sorry to throw it away. I had to use it somehow.

And this is what I came up with. A small tote with a flap and bright red handles. I used medium weight linen for the outer shell and light weight linen for the inside. I just love the large and small polka dots on the handles.

The lining of the bag is quilted in a simple pattern to give the bag a better shape. A simple label inside the bag with a stamped hedgehog and mushroom, a tiny tag and some running stitches. Very simple but fun to work on. I added a pocket inside the bag as well.

Three fabric covered buttons in red and green, running stitching on the flap, around the top of the bag and around the applique. Small touches are always the most important part of any project. Right?

I am quite pleased with the result of my experiment. Free motion machine stitching is definitely the way to go if you are short on time or prefer a more "sketch-like" look of your embroidery. I better get back to my sewing machine while it's not that hot today, my head is full of ideas but unfortunately I have only two hands to work with. Hope you are having a great week! Larisa xox