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Family Traditions and Handy Dandy Purses/Bags

April 30, 2008 By Spoonful of Sugar - 28 Comments

Well the holidays are over and it has been back to school and work this week for the kids and I. Last week was so much fun with lots of outings, catching up with friends, sleepovers, and of course extra time to sew and bake! I made up a batch of Anzac cookies for ANZAC Day. We accompanied my 89 year old Grandfather to an afternoon service, and their were four generations of our family represented.

I was quite nostalgic when I saw some lovely Chicken Scratch Embroidery over at Kerri’s Blog. My grandmother taught me how to embroider like this when I was about 10 yrs old– it was my first introduction to a love of stitchery. I have started making up one of Kerri’s gorgeous bookmarks and will show it off next post. I hope to teach Sarah how to do this soon.

On the weekend I was helping my Mum sort through my Grandparents House and came across my Nan’s apron collection. One was a lovely cross stitch apron that she used to wear at Christmastime. 

I found a couple of short zips recently when I cleaned out my haberdashery supplies so used them to make up some coin purses.

I recently received this great bag pattern from Tania at Jet Designs. I made it up using some sturdy fabric from IKEA and lined with some black and while dotted cotton. It is such a handy size for shopping, and I am making a big effort lately to take my own bags shopping.

Posted By Lisa

Filed Under: Sewing

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Comments

  1. Julz says

    April 30, 2008 at 3:21 am

    Hi Lisa, I was back at work today too, I must have relaxed over the last few days away as found it really hard to get the mind back into work gear today. Love the coin purses, and bag you have made. It would have been very special sharing Anzac Day with your grandad. Enjoy the rest of your week. My girls still have a few days left of sleep-ins before school heads back next week. Hugs Julz

    Reply
  2. BigCat says

    April 30, 2008 at 3:42 am

    So much creativity. It’s fantastic.

    My grandmother taught me that style of embroidery too. I had completely forgotten about it. It was lovely to remember.

    I love all those little purses too. I am yet to be adventurous enough to try zips in my sewing.

    Reply
  3. CurlyPops says

    April 30, 2008 at 3:52 am

    Gee you have been busy. I love all of your latest creations. I wish I had that big plate of anzac biscuits in front of me right now…yum!

    Reply
  4. dizzyjadey says

    April 30, 2008 at 3:54 am

    Fabulous bag & purses, Lisa! And that apron is a gem. Also, I noticed that you got some of the Cake Rock Beach fabrics…can I ask which online shop did you get it from? So that I can get some, too. 🙂

    Reply
  5. val says

    April 30, 2008 at 9:42 pm

    you know, seeing that apron makes me want to make one similar…….so sweet

    Reply
  6. Melissa says

    April 30, 2008 at 10:31 pm

    Wow Lisa, 89, how sweet. My Oma lived to be 96!
    You have so many wonderful things on this post! I love the coin purses, the bag you made is lovely, I love using my own bag or bags at the store ; )
    The sweet apron and story that went with it- all wonderful!

    Reply
  7. frazzy dazzles says

    May 1, 2008 at 5:05 am

    I remember learning that style of embroidery when I was about 8 years old. Your pictures took me back to that age instantly. Thank you – Jen

    Reply
  8. Fiona @ Dragonfly-Crafts says

    May 1, 2008 at 5:22 am

    Wow! I’m loving all those pictures. Great purses and bag too.
    You have been very busy.

    Reply
  9. Linnea says

    May 1, 2008 at 7:57 am

    I love the Christmas apron and the cookies look delish! Your new bag is fabulous! I have really been meaning to make myself more shopping bags, I have even bought fabric. Yours cam out great!

    Reply
  10. zoesquid says

    April 30, 2008 at 7:34 pm

    Love the cute purses. What a great way to use up left over fabric. Do you have a particular pattern you use for them? Libby

    Reply
  11. Selina says

    April 30, 2008 at 8:05 pm

    Choc flower one is my favourite!

    Reply
  12. Leni and Rose says

    April 30, 2008 at 8:41 pm

    Oh, your Anzac biscuits look sooo delicious! You’ve been very busy, the big shopper is great!

    Reply
  13. Sherrin says

    April 30, 2008 at 10:23 pm

    Great bag! And I love how you are using up all of your fabric doing bits and pieces… and anzac bikkies! I have been meaning to make some for ages… must do so before I use up all of the golden syrup… :o)

    Reply
  14. Leanne says

    May 1, 2008 at 3:07 am

    I remember those aprons ….. another great fabric from Ikea the bag looks perfect for shopping I try very hard with the bag thing but I’m not always good.

    Reply
  15. Bird Bath says

    May 1, 2008 at 6:02 am

    How wonderful to have those memories of your family traditions. Lovely things to pass on….and share. Having four generations represented at the Anzac service is so special.

    Reply
  16. Philigry says

    May 1, 2008 at 10:58 am

    oh, i love those little coin purses! what a good idea!

    Reply
  17. two hippos says

    May 2, 2008 at 8:00 am

    I love your big bag and ziped purses. Anzac biscuits are so very good, we can even buy them over here in London! Have a great weekend.

    Reply
  18. melissa s. says

    May 1, 2008 at 8:00 pm

    You’ve been busy! Love that bag, and recognize and love that ikea fabric, too!

    Reply
  19. Donna Lynn says

    May 1, 2008 at 9:58 pm

    Loved the apron and the coin purses! How do you sew in the zippers on something so small? I hate zippers so much, 🙁
    Your blog is so sweet, when I saw the cupcake, I had to come over for a visit! Lovely…
    Have a great Friday and weekend too, Donna Lynn

    Reply
  20. kennedy & friends says

    May 1, 2008 at 10:27 pm

    this is all so lovely! i will take the bag and a few cookies as well. and maybe a cupcake or two!

    Reply
  21. Melanie Gray Augustin says

    May 2, 2008 at 12:34 am

    Ohhh… yum! Homemade ANZAC cookies. My mum made them every year, I’ll have to start up the tradition again.

    Love the coin purses and the bag looks great!

    Reply
  22. Jodie says

    May 2, 2008 at 12:46 am

    eeek…zips ! Loving the IKEA fabric bag- beautiful.

    Reply
  23. monica says

    May 3, 2008 at 11:50 am

    lovely apron!!! I wish I was into them when we gave away all my nan’s stuff…

    Reply
  24. Ruth says

    May 3, 2008 at 12:06 am

    I love your tea sets and love your blog. You seem to like heaps of things the same as me! 🙂

    Reply
  25. Kellie says

    May 3, 2008 at 5:34 am

    The bag is really nice Lisa! I love black and white!

    Reply
  26. periwinkle says

    May 3, 2008 at 5:39 am

    Glad you had a nice weeks holiday, they go so fast. It must be nice to share special things like that with your grandad. I really must learn how to make bags- I’ll have to add it to my list. Have a lovely weekend
    Lisa x

    Reply
  27. kerri says

    May 4, 2008 at 11:49 am

    Your bag is fabulous and the coin purses are such a great way to use up leftovers.

    I love that you shared pics of your Grandmother’s cross-stitch apron. I am totally obsessing over gingham now.

    I’m so glad you enjoyed the Chicken Scratch bookmarks tutorial. I can’t wait to see what you whip up!

    Reply
  28. Sarah C says

    May 5, 2008 at 6:02 am

    MMMMM the cogs are turning, after the bookmarks I think an apron is in order – this apron is just delish. I hope myt nana can find her sister-in-laws chicken scratch table cloth.

    Reply

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