And just like that . . . C’est fini!
Once I showed you my progress (or lack thereof) on my bag a couple of weeks ago, I got myself motivated — and decided to just plow through and finish the dang thing!
I even got inspired . . . and stitched up a little “extra” on the inside pocket. (I love a good “surprise inside.”) The words are from one of my favorite Tom Petty songs, Wildflowers, and they just felt right to me for this bag.
(I had planned to stitch some flowers under the words on that pocket. But . . . hoo-boy. It was just too tight to wrangle everything back there, y’know? I sewed on a little applique instead. Which wasn’t easy either.)
You might notice (but then again you probably won’t) that earlier versions of my stitching progress included a good deal of bright white thread (you can see this on the first photo below). I wasn’t happy with it from the get-go, but I kept hoping that once I carried it further through the piece (the “give-it-some-real-estate” thing) that it would all work out. In this case, by the time I got to that second-to-last flower motif, I knew that the jarring white thread was just going to make my eye twitch everytime I looked at the bag. So I ripped all the white stitches out and re-did them with more subdued colors (second photo). Much better, n’est-ce pas? (Easier on the eyes.)
I’m really happy with the way it turned out — and I can’t wait to put it to use. The best thing about stitching on an already-finished tote bag . . . is when I’m finished with the stitching, it’s ready to go! (None of that hemming and hawing over how best to finish it off, y’know?) Bonus!
If you click here (in my Field Notes), you can read the “tech specs” (details) — and see a photo of the stitching from the back side!
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How about you? What are you making this week?
You have stitched a lovely bag, and I’m sure you’ll get compliments on it wherever you go! You are definitely right about the white thread and as wonderful as the outside of the bag is, I think I like the secret surprise pocket best. I bet it was not fun to stitch, but well done!
Very wise move to listen to that inner voice (at least in this instance!!) I love it so much better with the muted colors versus the stark white! But that pocket… well, that is just so darned cute! I think that it will be the best conversation starter where ever you take it! XOXO
What a fabulous finish Kym (and I really need to work on mine!). I love the muted color much better than the stark white and your surprise pocket is just grand. Wonderful all around!!
That is one gorgeous bag, Kym! Removing the white thread was a good decision, the colors are all so subtle and go together beautifully without it. What will you be carrying around in your new bag?
How lovely! I think you made the right choice switching out the white thread, and I hope that every time you use the bag, it makes you happy to carry around some garden with you.
I agree, the more subdued color is perfect. What a lovely finish.
It’s lovely! Agree that the more toned-down color was the right choice, and a huge round of applause for having the tenacity to rip out and re-do stitching on such a challenging project.
What a delightful bag! And I agree with you about the white thread.
The bag is beautiful. Love the little touches inside. It’s like a little secret only YOU get to see.
I agree about removing the white. Your finished colors are simply perfect.
It looks amazing! Love all the special touches, especially the surprise on the inside. There’s something so fun about having that little secret in the bag that people don’t really see (but you know it’s there).
Your bag is beautiful!
And Wildflowers is my absolute favorite Tom Petty song.
I really like it!
It’s a really beautiful bag, especially the special embroidery on the inside. I’m sad to say that I got my kit a while ago and haven’t even begun to work on it. Seeing yours makes me want to get started!
The bag looks great!
ok, I was 100% in on team “consider it done”, and I’m glad you ignored all of us! The finished bag is so pretty, and the surprise inside is simply delightful. well done!
It’s just gorgeous, Kym!!
We all loved that bag so much, you just HAD to finish it! Gorgeous. I love every last thing about it.
Wow, what an effort, redoing that white…But I get it. It’s no fun to make something as lovely as this and always have your eye go to ‘that’ spot.
That bag is charming. I love the embroidery and especially the wildflowers. You made a good decision to rip out and redo those white stitches. Enjoy using your wild and precious bag.
Your bag is so wonderful! I admire your fortitude in stitching through canvas and the appliqué is inspired! May you enjoy every use!