Monday, November 06, 2006

Inspiration from nature

I had a big party to go to on Sunday. November is my cousin's birthday month and she decided on a whim to throw a party. I think I was more excited than she was because I don't usually go out without my entourage - my three children.

I couldn't go empty handed either and I didn't know what I could give to the girl who has everything. She used to be in the music business and shopping was what she did when she wasn't performing. Over the weekend and during my errands, colors kept flying at me -





I had very little juice left in my camera when I came across this beautiful maple tree there seemingly all alone at our town pool. I pulled the car over and ran to take the picture before I lost the late afternoon light.

When I got home, I knew just what I would do for my cousin's gift. I ransacked my stash and came up with these two beauties -


The problem now was how to get it done in less than a day. Guerrilla knitting had to be employed, which meant knitting every sitting and standing moment - in line, in the car at stop lights, at the stove, in the bedroom....


I also ransacked my jewelry box for a suitable strap, I found a silver chain. My cousin also likes vintage stuff, I had exactly one vintage button...





I didn't get to line it, of course, because I had no fabric and I truly can't sew (no matter how close I am with my cousin she was not going to get a lining made out of my only two Hermes scarves) . I was hoping the bling of the silver strap would get her to not notice that the bag wasn't lined. Besides, if she really wanted it lined, she can send it out to one of her old wardrobe geniuses, they'd be able to line it blindfolded!

Oh, and to give you a taste at just how fab the party was -

16 comments:

Mary Anne said...

Deborah,
the purse is beautiful! I love the strap you used. I also like the scarf you are wearing in the picture. Looks like everyone had a great time at your cousin's party.
ps: the maple leaf close-up photo is awesome.

Anonymous said...

Very cool purse!! Turned out nice and I love your inspiration, soo beatiful. Nice job and so unique for that girl that has everything!!

Calling on Kahlo said...

The purse is stunning. I can't believe you whipped that up so quickly.

Knittymama said...

I love the reds in your photos, especially the maple. Minneapolis is sadly lacking in maples like that!

I have to say, it must have been quite the party!!

Anonymous said...

OK, you are my new she-ro...you did a bag in a day?? Girl, it's great!!! And that must've been some party, nice pic!

Looming Looney said...

I love that bag, and done in a day. I am so jelly. Must have been a great party, nice pic with Peaches & Herb

CrazyFiberLady said...

Very cool. Nice job for sure!

Tammy said...

Wow, the purse is incredible. You are ingenious for coming up with that in one day!! That must have been some party! Is that you schmoozing with some celebrities??

AR said...

Very creative! I love it!!

Jeanine said...

What an amazing gift. You turned it out. You must have a nice stash. I love the color too!

Ashford and Simpson huh? Cool.

Beatriz said...

Deborah,
You are amazing...a purse in one day! So glad you had a great time at this party. Is that Ashford & Simpson?! Wow, what a party indeed.

Janice said...

I love all the photos! The colors are amazing!! The purse turned out marvelous. I love the chain and vintage button. That is one lucky cousin!

Stephanie said...

First of all, that purse is amazing! Beautiful picture of the tree that inspired you.

Second of all, so cool that you were hanging out with Ashford & Simpson!

Third of all, is N. Ashford wearing fingerless gloves? And did you make those too?!

Nik said...

lawd, Ashford and Simpson haven't aged.

Bashirs Momma said...

Wow! Scarves... bags... super stars... and nature...

Nice blog, and nice work!

Anonymous said...

...and to think that I have a Hermes scarf that I never wear...purse lining...mmm