craftgrrl | pay extra attention, MILWAUKEE

HANDBAG EXPO

Okay, I mentioned this a while ago, but there's a handbag expo in Milwaukee next weekend. That's why I was working on some handbags pretty intently for a while. Sadly, I won't be able to attend the opening, but the work that's in it is incredible. I really suggest you go check it out if you're in the area. Meet some people, dance, check out some really cool one of a kind stuff.

It's April 18-20th. The opening is 7-10pm on the 18th. There's a DJ & stuff.
Over 100 bags from 20 local independent designers.
@ Fashion Ninja 2671 S Kinickinnic, Milwaukee.
There's more info on the Fashion Ninja website if you need it [or ask me].

ANYWAY. STUFF I'VE BEEN WORKING ON:

Floppy blue clutch. Zipper closure on the top. Suede & satin. The lining is black & matches the detailin gon the outside.

Football shaped handbag. Tan suede. Solid/shape-holding handle. Zipper closure. Interior is a blue polka-dot cotton you can see in the next bag down. I've been carrying this one on & off. :)

I'm proud of this one. It was very neatly done in my opinion, & I used techniques that were new to me. It's all of woven tapestry materials, & closes with a set [not sewn] snap.

Vinyl teal clutch. Very sturdy [stiff interfacing used all around]. Handmade matching rosette & button detailing. It closes with a set snap that's hidden by the rosette!

Simple paisley tote-bag. Big & nice to throw a bunch of stuff in & hit it.

Then this! I LOVE this!! This is my baaaaby. I made her from an old silk skirt I got at the thrift store for $4. It had ugly pleating everywhere & ended up being enough material to make a full dress. I used a pattern from BurdaStyle [my first time sewing with a pattern I didn't make myself]. I don't have a tripod situation right now, so I apologize for the lack of on-body photos. It's off-the-shoulder & loosely fitted, but is SLIGHTLY cinched in at the waist for a faint suggestion. I added the bottom ruffle, top ruffle detailing, & sleeve stabilization.