Thursday, February 27, 2014

Monster Bags

Naomi turned 4 this last week.  4! 
I'm still wondering how that happened so quickly?

Anyway, her birthday provided me the perfect excuse to work on party gifts - monster bags:

Monster bags
Monster bags
Monster bags
Monster bags
Monster bags

These were so much fun to work on.  Perhaps my most enjoyable project to date.

Inspiration came from the following places:

I essentially followed the directions for the simple reversible tote, making the following small changes:
  • I added a monster applique to the exterior fabric before assembling the tote
  • I added interfacing to the exterior fabric to add some stability
  • I purchased some soft canvas style ribbon instead of making handles

I started by selecting fabrics that looked 'monstery' :)))
My favourites are probably the batiks. But in truth I love them all. 
These patterned fabrics were used for the monster, but also a matching interior for each tote. 
The exterior fabric was a Kona beige that I had in my stash (that's right - this one was a good stashbuster!). 

I wanted each monster to be different and enjoyed coming up with each design.  Naomi and Joe both got involved on the design process too:  What about fuzzy monsters?  What about monsters with eyes on antennas?  How about some with 1 eye and others with 2 or 3? 

I'd also have Naomi help with layout before sewing the applique pieces in place:  Where should the eyes go?  Should we have horns?  Where should they go? 

And of course Naomi would add the crayons once all the other assembing had been done.
I think it made this extra special knowing that they were truly a team effort!
As each one was complete I'd hang them around my craft room.  I sure do miss those cheery faces greeting me each morning.  But am thrilled that they've gone to happy homes!

Naomi's favourite is the monster in the bottom right - purple with 3 eyes on stalks.
Do you have a fave?

Hope your week is going well?
Love,
Sam

6 comments:

Katiebee said...

oh sam they are adorable!!!!! it's too hard to pick a favorite~ what a cute idea!

~hugs

katie

Monica said...

You are so talented my friend!! Love that all of you participated in the project. Can't imagine the girl's faces when they get such a nice treat! You are very kind.

jody said...

omg these are so stinkin cute! it's obvious how much you enjoyed them too.

i think my fave (if i have to pick) is the fuchsia one in the upper left. you know me - i'm a sucker for pink or purple!

Nicky said...

These are too adorable! Go Team Naomi!!!! I'm sure the kiddos will love them.

I think my favorite is the last one -- just cause I love purple and I think his three eyes are adorable.


Happy Birthday Naomi! Enjoy your day!

Karen said...

Those are absolutely ADORABLE! I wish I were a better sewer. I can't believe you made those for a party, lucky party-goers!!

Karen (short story long)

Karen said...

Adorable! I can't believe you made those for party-goers, very lucky girls :)