How to Make a Custom Bag

Those of you who know me well, know that I am crazy about all things English, Alice in Wonderland, or Halloween related. After the successful completion of the Mary Poppins Carpet Bag, I looked through some of my reclaimed fabrics that I have been saving for repurposing some day and found a pair of my flannel pajama pants featuring the Tardis and the Union Jack. I had worn these out and set the remaining good bits aside for a future project.

After grabbing some reclaimed denim, I settled on a backpack pattern from Sew Sweetness called the “Chickadee” and set to work. I embroidered the heart applique on the front pocket flap prior to constructing the bag. The backpack opens similar to the Poppins bag and it is exactly like the Tardis, bigger on the inside! This backpack is a really nice size for a day trip, or for taking to school daily. It really is huge on the inside.

Of course, I could not stop there. I don’t really anticipate stopping this new adventure anytime soon. I turned my attention to the leather jacket that I picked up at Goodwill for $5. I have needed a new purse for some time and was determined to make one that I liked and that worked for me. I deconstructed the jacket and used some leftover quilting fabric that I had for accent and linings.

I did not have enough length of leather to create the cross body strap, so I embroidered two of the many sayings from Alice in Wonderland on a long strip of white cotton fabric and created a strap from that. The main challenge was lining up the two sayings in a one inch strip so far apart from each other so they would fall on each side of the strap. The strap is cut four inches wide, but then it is folded lengthwise four times to get the thickness needed for the strap. This means that the sayings had to be aligned in a one inch strip the length of the strap. Someday I will do a video on this…

Anyway, I have to say that this is probably my favorite bag/purse I have ever owned. It has a pocket on the outside (both sides) and one inside zipper pocket. The pattern allows for a slip pocket on the inside, as well, but I did not want to cut off the Queen’s head to create that one. The pattern is the “Magdelana” by Oro Rosa Designs. This is one of the bags I will be making for my Etsy shop. It will not be the same “Alice” bag, this is a one of a kind, but will be created in many different colors/themes and created, of course, from repurposed fabrics. Shout out to my photographer husband who made these wonderful photos for me. He is amazing!

Finally, in other news, it looks like our internet will be improving soon, so I hope to be back to live streaming by April/May. I can’t believe the Patrick’s Puzzle mystery quilt was streamed a year ago and then our internet all but died. The future looks promising, though, so I appreciate you all hanging in with me. Please visit my Youtube channel and subscribe, so you will know when we finally get back “on the air.”

What have you been up to? Leave me a comment and let me know.

The Charm of Rosemary Oil

Nature has blessed us with countless treasures, and among them is the aromatic herb known as rosemary. With its distinctive fragrance and a rich history dating back centuries, rosemary has captivated the hearts and minds of people across cultures. At Pieces of the Past, we proudly create our exquisite rosemary essential oil, meticulously crafted by hand to harness the remarkable qualities of this herb. Join us as we explore the benefits of rosemary essential oil and discover why it deserves a cherished place in your wellness routine.

When we started exploring farm to market ideas we decided we would do the entire process from plant to product. Pieces of the Past's Rosemary Essential Oil is derived from the leaves of the perennial herb Rosmarinus officinalis, cultivated and harvested with utmost care. Our oil is expertly steam distilled to ensure maximum potency and purity. Each bottle encapsulates the essence of this timeless herb, offering a plethora of therapeutic benefits and an enchanting aroma.

The Benefits of Rosemary Essential Oil:

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Ensuring Quality and Sustainability

At Pieces of the Past, we prioritize quality and sustainability throughout our production process. Our rosemary plants are carefully nurtured in optimal growing conditions, ensuring they receive ample sunlight and nutrients. We harvest the rosemary sprigs at their peak, when the essential oil concentration is highest, capturing the essence of the herb at its best.

Our distillation process utilizes cutting-edge techniques to extract the purest form of rosemary essential oil. We take pride in our commitment to preserving the natural integrity of the plant while adhering to rigorous quality control standards.

Embrace the captivating allure of rosemary with Pieces of the Past's Rosemary Essential Oil. Our meticulously crafted oil brings together the rich history and therapeutic benefits of this remarkable herb. Whether you seek enhanced cognitive function, respiratory support, muscle discomfort relief, or simply a mood uplift, our rosemary essential oil is here to elevate your well-being. Experience the timeless charm of rosemary and let it weave its magic into your daily life with Pieces of the Past.