In the Process of the Navajo Bags :: Photo Entry.

I made sure to capture a lot of pictures of the Navajo bags in the process so that everyone can see how I make each bag at a time. You can see in these pictures the little pretty details I like to add! I had a blast making these bags and I can't wait to make the next 10. I've designed two different styles for the next two mini collections and I think you guys will fall in love!

And then they were done!

xoxo,

Alexz

Recent Projects in iPhone Form

There's so many things I want to show you guys but I can't because of a broken digital camera! 

Here are some snap shots, look at them as a little sneak peak, of
what I've been creating lately.

 

Large tote bag that can be worn 4 different ways with 4 different buttons to make it size adjustable. Made out of a vintage oilcloth table cover, cotton canvas, leather, and hardware. A red canvas lining is inside. This is what is looks like folded at the smallest size. You can even slip a scarf in the bag while it's folded this way.

 

A smaller shoulder bag that can be worn 4 different ways with 4 different buttons to make it size adjustable. Comes with two straps: the repurposed belt strap and a matching oilcloth strap. Made out of a vintage oilcloth table cover, cotton canvas, leather, and hardware. A red canvas lining is inside.  The flap opens with a zipper for more storage and the zipper pull is braided hemp with a golden leather tab.

Originally a heavy upholstery wool that I found at a garage sale 2 years back. It's taken me that long to work up the nerve to cut into the fabric. It's probably one of my favorite finds. This is a two-way-open zipper envelope clutch. It's a dark chocolate and has white screen printer retro flowers. You can even fold it in half, like a bun, to make it smaller and to hold it with one hand. Perfect for on the go or packing.

As you can see, I've been trying to keep myself really busy until I move at the end of this month. The apartment is so quiet, and I've seen all my movies 100 times. Sewing has been my only vice of entertainment without going crazy. Good thing I'm having fun doing it!

xoxo,

Alexz

Gettin' Crafty - Repurposing

As most of you know, I'm really into vintage fabrics. I really like how one piece of vintage fabric can set you apart from everyone else. This is also the reason why I like re-using all type of fabric materials that I can get my hands on. Used to be a table mat? I'll make it into a bag. Used to be apart of a dress I cut up? Clutch.


Recently, I made a tote bag from this pattern striking komono that I found at the thrift store. It was still in it's packaging and I actually didn't fully see it spread out until I was in my apartment. I immediately started cutting the fabric, originally trying to make a skirt, but eventually thinking "This would make a great tote. Screw the skirt!" Easy peasy!

Before:

After:


I'm also really excited about this day backpack that I made out of a vintage work apron that I found at the Pilsen Vintage Baazar earlier this year. The apron looked like those you would see at a butcher. You know those white ones? Well this apron was a heavy cream canvas, and it has paint splatter on it with a lot of wear to it.
As soon as I saw it, my mind started running with ideas and this is what I came up with.

Before:

After:
I know these aren't the best pictures but the backpack still needs a few tweaking before it's officially done. Those pictures are what I snatched when I was in the process of making it.

• I'm not sure if many of ya'll look at my physical blog but we have a new look. I'm still trying to fix a few things but as I learn slowly, things will change slowly. If anyone has any blogs or tutorials they recommend to spruce up your blog on blogger: send 'em my way!
  

• And you can follow me on BlogLovin' now!

I just started it and realized how easy it is to keep up with your favorite blogs this way.
Click the photo below to start following me!


You'll start to see more of me after we move this Monday.
Yesterday, we rode 3 hours in our new neighborhood and ventured out to an adventure back alley ride around Fulton Market. We took some fun pictures with our digitals and some with our new Minolta camera we found at the thrift store earlier this week (There was film in it with photos left! We're so curious to see if they turn out and who owned the camera before us!). AHH- more about that later.
That was a teaser, I know.

xoxo,
Alexz

Gettin' Crafty.

I've had this vintage fabric (from the 70's!) for almost a year now, but I've been using it as an accent in my room because I loved it so much. I also didn't have the heart to cut it! It was the most beautiful single collected fabric to me. Recently, about a month ago, I remember the idea coming to my head. Cut the fabric, Alexz. Just cut the damn fabric. You just bought all this golden yellow leather and you NEED to cut that fabric. I think it was while I was on the bus. Good thing I had a sketch book with me because I jotted those ideas down asap!

So, I did. I made two really cute standing pouches that sold almost immediately. Thanks guys!
But that was then, that was the hump I needed to get over that hump. This is now. I made a pouch that is larger than my normal pattern and played around with some golden leather that I've had laying around. They really go perfect together, don't they?

The next project I've finished is Joanna's custom bag. I've been talking to Joanna for a while now. After sending photos bag and forth for inspiration, we came down to the final decisions:

• Choices of fabric
• Size
• Use

She wanted an every day bag (night or day) that not only fit her style, but also made use of her every day use. She originally messaged me about a leather bag but creating with repurposed leather, also brings limited leather. So I tried to place it all around the bag. I loved working with her! She had me branch out to prints that aren't my normality but I'm really, really happy to how this turned out.

What have you been working on lately?

xoxo, alexz.

Feeling accomplished and good!

This week has been a pretty darn good week.
I feel like I accomplished a lot while still enjoying the some good weather we had. Let's see...

• I sewed a quick elastic band skirt with this great thin red fabric. It's super light and doesn't stick to be in this humidity.
• I hemmed up a denim dress I purchased from the Pilsen Vintage Bazaar. It fit a little baggy [not baggy, but not super fitting] so it was either, 'Ok, loose fitting and long?' or 'loose fitting and cute and short?'
• I finished 4 purses! Super proud about that.
• Went on a spontaneous bowling date night with James. It was nice because we're not really going to see a lot of each other this week because of work.
• We shaved our cat. She was shedding like crazy! Yuck! To be honest, I'm pretty sure she likes us 39% more that we did that.

Today has been an over-all just a relaxing day by myself. I started it semi-early with a Bird Trouble photo shoot of the new purses. I took Ty to the dog park and he had a lot of fun. I sat out on my deck in cut off jeans and a bikini top, listening to the David Allen Coe pandora station. Feeling all typical hick-ish while painting a stick. Yep, a stick. Does anyone else realized how weird they sound after reading out loud what you just typed?

Another night, another craft.

The other night, I ran out of interfacing and was left unable to sew because of it....
so I did a bit of knitting!


Isn't he adorable?! Yes, it's a he. haha. I'm going to make some more in different colors and eventually put them on a hair clip. I guess it was the bows that my friend makes that got me super inspired to make it. If you didn't get to, read the post before this to see her bows! :)

OH and, boy, was it relaxing. I'm so glad I was just able to just to lay on my belly on my bed, watch my Netflix movies, and knit away. I really needed the break. My back has been kiiiiiilling me from sewing everyday. I have to remind myself to sit up straight every 10 seconds and I've been putting a pillow behind my back. I should really start stretching though.


I also painted my nails all fancy the other day. The red nail polish is MAC (I'm not sure of the color as of right now) and then I sprinkled on some MAC pigment, and put a clear coat on top. I love it! I can't wait to expirement with all my colors and pigments.

Okay I'm off to hopefully listen to some good music, do some dancing, and spend time with friends! I reaaaaaaaally need a break from my house.

One week down and I'm still sick.

I really have nothing to post about because I've been hibernating in my bedroom for the past week. I will post a few pictures on my needlework I've been working on. Here ya go:





The squirrel was a template from a Sublime Stitching kit. I added the grass and the tree to make him feel at home. :)





Ride on. This is my own design. It's a gift for someone for Christmas. Hopefully they don't see it on here..... hmm....





In Bird Trouble news: I'll be adding 13 new wallets to the shop tonight! I think they're all so cute. Be sure to check them out before they're gone! They've got owls, russian stacking dolls, deer, dias de los muertos, anchors, birds, polka dots, and more. I'd love to hear feedback. Enjoy!



Remember last week when I said I felt like crap? I still do, yay! It's been one week and I'm still sick. I'm not waking up with a fever anymore, which is awesome, but I'm waking up with insane coughing attacks, which is not awesome. I can feel myself getting better though. I'm probably not 100% better because me and Nate have been staying up until 5am every night watching Lost. We watched all 5 seasons in one week. Hahahha, we're insane! I'm not going to even talk about the show because I'm so upset that I have to wait until February to see the 6th season. UGH!



Chicago is soooo cold. It's my first Christmas here in 2 years. Last Christmas I was in California and boy, do I miss the warmer weather. It rained all winter in the east bay but it was better than getting a frozen nose each time I step outside here. One down fall about last winter= I had to ride a scooter in the rain. It was pretty funny. You shoulda seen me on a hot pink electric scooter, going 20 miles an hour in the bike lane next to traffic, with a rediculous helmet on in the pouring rain (and some days, I'd be wearing heels).



Have a great week, everyone! I hope you're staying warm!