Celia Birtwell Fabric Swatches

Look what came in the post today! I requested for the Celia Birtwell fabric samples on Sunday and it arrived today! This will add to the collection of fabric swatches that I've collected & also used my friends' & relatives address to get them. I'll probably buy some fabrics soon for real after I start work. In the mean time, I'm just drooling over the surprise I received. These Celia Birtwell fabrics don't come cheap either & even though some of the sizes of the swatches are quite small, but I'm sure I can make some use out of them. A Celia B. catalogue/poster(as shown as the back ground of this photo) is also included. I've always loved her work ever since I started knowing her collaboration with Topshop.

This Celia Birtwell shoulder bag is a free gift with one of issues of Elle (UK) magazine more than a year ago. I'm glad that I didn't donate this away as I only used it twice or so and I managed to find it again to show it here!

While googling her name, I just found this link on Make Your Own Celia Birtwell Stencil Print Bag with free Celia Birtwell print to download from guardian's website.

I've been wanting to start this sewing project for the past few days but I end up surfing the internet looking for more inspiration and updating my blog.

Celia Birtwell Fabric Swatches

Handmade Coin Purse /Pouch

Front view of coin purse

I have had fun sewing my first craft using a zipper. I've made this coin purse for Miky's mother, who is an Italian, hence the bird on the purse said 'Ciao'. I got the fabric from John Lewis curtain swatch sample, which is free. This time, I used backstitch to stitch the words & birdie's wing on which showed better result and appeared neater.

Back view of coin purse

Dragonfly in Chinese knotting

I thought I could add some Chinese touch to it by adding a dragonfly which is crafted in chinese knotting to the zipper. I did this craft when I was in primary school and have since forgotten about the method. Thanks to the tutorial on youtube, I was able to relive my childhood memories again.

Inner lining of coin purse with a felt pocket decorated with a felt heart

Work in progress: Inner lining of purse

Work in progress: cover of coin purse

Work in progress: Sewing felt onto the cover of purse

Finished product: closer view

Well, I'm quite pleased with it and I hope Miky's mother will like it. I'm in the progress of making another one for my aunt & my mother too. I made this for Miky's mom first as he's going to New York in a few weeks' time and his mom is going to be there too.

Handmade Coin Purse /Pouch