I'm back. Well, I'm sorta back. Still sick, but my voice is back at least. I actually kind of enjoy it when I lose my voice. It makes singing along with the radio much more entertaining, especially when I try to hit the high notes.
So all this back-talk makes me think I should talk a bit about my Back-tack, seeing as how Back-tack II is officially over. I must admit that I sent mine late. However in my defense, half of it did arrive early. My partner was the wonderful and very talented Cynthia of Big Girl Feet. I have had such a blast getting to know her. Alison and Nicole did an excellent job matching us as Cynthia and I share many similar interests including a love for Hawaii.
I also never imagined how hard this was going to be. I started and re-started more than once before I finally knew what I was going to make. And this is the end result.
(Cynthia, if you want to be surprised don't read on.)
Cynthia is a Graphic Designer and I kept coming back to this one illustration that she had on her website Hula-la. It reminded me so much of me and Mochi. That is if we were cool cats that actually drove scooters - Mochi is afraid of all motor vehicles and my first and last time on a moped ended with me hitting a tree.
But I loved it so much that it inspired me to create this applique bag for her. My apologies for the photography. It's the result of lots of rain and a cold:
Here's the back:
I hand appliqued and embroidered the girl, kitty and scooter and then I machine appliqued the buildings and trees. Here's a close up of the applique:
And the inside of the bag:
Cynthia said that she was interested in quilting and applique so I sent her the Denise Schmidt book, 30 Colorful Quilt and Patchwork Patterns and an applique book called, Picture Your World In Applique. I also sent along some fun slipper fabric, some quilting and applique notions and a bunch of Hawaii stuff.
It was one of my most challenging projects to date, and I hope that I was able to capture at least some of the spirit of Cynthia's amazing work. And the applique of course took way longer than I thought it would, but I'm really happy with the end result and I hope Cynthia will like it too.
Back to bed. I'm hoping the sun will come out today so I can take some better pictures of the awesome Back-tack I got from Sharon.
Oh my God! that is the most awesome purse EVER! (am I gushing...sorry, I actually never do this!). I think your interpretation of the illustration is fantastic! Is that hand appliqued?
Posted by: Mary-Frances Main | November 03, 2005 at 03:02 PM
That is the coolest piece of applique I ever seen. Until I saw the detail shot, I thought you had printed the original image onto fabric and appliqued that! And look at all that amazing satin stitching, too.
Posted by: Anamaria | November 03, 2005 at 03:29 PM
That bag is too awesome! Your applique is totally inspirational. And awesome! Did I say awesome?
Posted by: persephone | November 03, 2005 at 05:19 PM
This is so beautiful. You did a wonderful job! Your bt partner is going to be blown away!
Posted by: debbie | November 03, 2005 at 05:50 PM
That is So Cool.
Everything is perfect!!
Posted by: oinker's art | November 03, 2005 at 06:31 PM
you truly are amazing with the applique myra! i know just how perfect and neat your stiches are! lucky me! im sure cynthia will be delighted.
ps. collette used her lil' huffster bag for trick or treating, perfect size!
Posted by: hannah | November 03, 2005 at 06:34 PM
Holy cow!
Posted by: Maitreya | November 03, 2005 at 07:16 PM
Woww! Great work and idea. Admire your applique.
Posted by: Nicole | November 03, 2005 at 07:28 PM
I think the bag it is totally fantastic. I have gone back and looked at it six make that eight times.Don't get me started on the lining.Wow.
Posted by: Linda | November 03, 2005 at 07:49 PM
I think the bag it is totally fantastic. I have gone back and looked at it six make that eight times.Don't get me started on the lining.Wow.
Posted by: Linda | November 03, 2005 at 07:50 PM
What an amazing job you did of that bag!
Posted by: Nichola | November 03, 2005 at 08:14 PM
wow. that's really impressive applique. i love how the idea continues on the back - like the road behind or ahead. :)
Posted by: OxfordKitchen | November 03, 2005 at 09:50 PM
Cynthia is a lucky girl! That applique is incredible.
Posted by: anja | November 04, 2005 at 02:58 AM
A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.!!!
that is all i can say. i keep scrolling up and looking at the picture. this is simply the best handmade purse i have ever seen.
ever.
Posted by: elizabeth | November 04, 2005 at 04:27 AM
DAMN! It's gorgeous! I continue to be amazed by your applique skills!
Posted by: Erin | November 04, 2005 at 04:38 AM
Oh my God! I can't believe how accurately you were able to capture her illustration! It's incredible!!
Posted by: Bertha | November 04, 2005 at 05:00 AM
Holy crap.
That is awesome.
Posted by: justJENN | November 04, 2005 at 06:41 AM
That is absolutely amazing! That looks like something one would buy in a boutique! Incredible job!!!!
Posted by: Passions & Distractions | November 04, 2005 at 07:13 AM
Myra you are incredible. This bag is world class!!!! Such artistry!!! I am bowing down to you.
Posted by: A.J. | November 04, 2005 at 07:36 AM
Wow. That bag is just so...wow. I'm speechless.
Posted by: Lori | November 04, 2005 at 08:17 AM
That is the most INCREDIBLE bag EVER!!! All the detailing, hand applique, not to mention the lining- just exquisite!! Simply amazing, Myra!
Posted by: chris | November 04, 2005 at 08:33 AM
Well, I'm picking my chin and tongue off the floor now because - WOW! That bag is incredible, and your applique work is flawless! Do you do needle turned applique? Totally stunning!
Posted by: kelly | November 04, 2005 at 09:13 AM
That is the most fabulous bag I have ever seen. Words fail me! I have been very interested in what everyone made for the BTII. If there was a contest for who made the best bag, you'd have won it.
Posted by: Kate | November 04, 2005 at 10:18 AM
blimey! That is the best bag I have seen in BTII so far... love love love it.
Posted by: Jess | November 04, 2005 at 10:18 AM
wow!!! that is really great work!
Posted by: joyce | November 04, 2005 at 10:30 AM