From rug to bag... In minutes!!!!

A few months ago, I was at Ikea when I came across these very inexpensive rugs... As I examined them, my wheels started turning and I thought they would make great beach or market bags! At the same time, a couple of ladies approached the bin and one of them said to the other ... " These would be very easy to turn into bags!" I smiled and thought to myself... "Kindred spirits do think alike...!!!"

As soon as I got home, I started sewing and, in just a few minutes, finished a sweet bag that can be used for a multitude of purposes... I love the top fringe.... My next one will get a fun stencil!!!

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Here is how I made it:

remove the tag with a seam ripper

fold the rug so the fringed edges are together... 

sew along both sides...

because of the thickness, I like to use a walking foot... If you don't have one, just loosen up the top tension...

make sure to use a strong needle (I used a needle for Jeans, size 90) 

open up one of the corners so the recently sewn seam lays in the center...

measure about 3 1/2" from the top and mark a cutting line with a pencil, then cut along the line (place a couple of pins so both layers stay together...

sew along the cut edge with a 1/2' seam allowance (open the seam to avoid bulkness)

repeat for the other corner...

the body of your bag is done!! Now, the handles...

cut two pieces of jute webbing 30" long...

pin one end of the jute webbing about 2" from the fringe edge and about 3" to 5" away from the side seam (depends on the size of the rug, I found that these Ikea rugs vary in dimensions!). Make sure to leave about 6" between both sides of the handles, so you can fit the bag comfortably on your shoulder...

Sew along the edge of the jute, then fold up and sew another seam on top. This is so your raw edge can be concealed.

I like to add one last seam close to the fringe edge...

repeat the process for the other side....

Voila, your bag is ready!!! Wasn't that simple?

Belle Blanc

You may remember a post on my blog featuring the absolutely gorgeous home of my sweet friend Leah... Leah is a very talented artist whose animal paintings are very sought after... Her cow paintings, especially, stir strong emotions in everyone who sees them... The muted colors and vintage feel make them extremely desirable... We all want one (or more...)!!

What you may not know is that Leah is also a fashion designer, and has just officially launched her new clothing line, Belle Blanc, at the Barn House Flea Market. Her collection, based in neutral tones of whites and greys, is rich in ruffles and gathers, and uses wonderful linens and the softest stretch fabrics I have ever felt... Her clothes wrap your body like a gentle kiss (even full figured women like me!) and accentuate our feminine charm!!! It's truly a girly girl collection, and I, personally, can't wait to get my hands on a few pieces!!!!

Lisa and I couldn't resist playing dress up at Leah's home, and you can tell by the way we are smiling that we are having a wonderful time!!

All the watermarked pictures were snapped by another wonderful friend, Lara, from Modern Prairie Girl... She is an incredible photographer and a super cool gal!!!!! And the model in the pictures? None other than the hottest grandma in town, Debbie, from Worthy Goods!!!!

A dreamy refuge...

A few weeks ago, I came across an article in the NY Times featuring the most adorable tiny cottage in the Catskills... Sandra renovated and furnished this old 9' x 14' hunting cabin herself for only $3 thousand!!! Upon entering, it reveals chandeliers dripping with crystals, stacks of Limoges china and white slipcovered furniture to create the ultimate retreat...

Objets trouvés

Last weekend, at Barn House, I truly ooed and ahhhed over all the beautiful pieces displayed, but tried to stay away from spending money, as I was there to sell, not to buy (how many times do we say that...??!!! It doesn't really stop us, does it??). But there were a couple of things I couldn't resist! One of them was this adorable little wicker purse... This one is my fourth, does that mean I have a collection?

This little child's dress called my name...

At the end of the day, as I was packing my stuff, Joyce surprised me with this sweet needlepoint pillow... She had seen me grab it a couple of times during the day, while I was pondering wether to get it or not... How sweet is that?!! Thank you, Joyce!!!!

Then, at a local antique mall, I found this cute vintage wallpaper chest of drawers...

... a great ironstone chamber pot...

... and the sweetest miniature rose painting...

Today, while garage "saling" (making up words, now!), I came home with this great iron stand...   

... a slipper chair which I will attempt to recover...

... a footstool base...

... and my most exciting find... A great wood cabinet!!

Finally, I got this huge framed print from a friend who called me asking if I wanted it it, before she dropped it off at Goodwill!! I see a gorgeously huge inspiration board in the future....!!!

Barn House Flea Market

Where do I begin...??!!! To say that the flea market held at our sweet friends J&J's beautiful country home was amazing, is truly an understatement! The beautiful setting, the wonderful friends/vendors, the oh-so-amazing vintage treasures, the sweetest hosts, and the best customers ever made this day absolutely magical!!! I had only a few minutes before the show started to make a quick round for some pictures, as I wanted to share all the beauty of this day with those of you who couldn't make it there...