what i turned those tiny embroidered flowers into ...

The label reads:

Once in a golden hour I cast to earth a seed, 

Up there came a flower. 

The people said, a weed,

To and fro they went

Thru' my garden-bower,

And muttering discontent

Cursed me and my flowers.

I know.  It's kinda weird.  But it's pretty and I like the flower/garden references. :)

Sorry this reveal took me so long!  For something that didn't require all that much work this little bag sure took me a while to finish.  I started embroidering the flowers in August when we were in Iowa.  Then I just kinda hemmed and hawed over it.  And then when my hemming and hawing gave birth to this idea, it still took me a while to finish it all.

But it was worth the wait for me.  I love love love every single thing about it.  I love the simple embroidery, I love the lace trim (which I slavaged from an old night gown I found when we moved), I love the diamond quilting and the combination of white and taupe linen, I love the leather label on the front and the cotton tape label on the back, I really love the lining fabric - which I almost didn't use it because I hate using up my favourite fabrics ... and I love the rolled handles.  I was channeling my inner Japanese Zakka girl.  I think I succeeded.  :)

I don't have a pattern for the bag - I just made it up on the fly.  But if you're interested in the embroidery design, I found it in Floral Motifs to Embroider by Reiko Mori.  A very dear friend in Japan sent it to me a few months ago and I am head over heels in love with every page.  If you like to embroider flowers and girly things, I promise you this book will not disappoint.  Just keep in mind that the instructions are in Japanese so you need to know some basic embroidery, and it's better if you're good with figuring out new stitches just from diagrams.  The Oyster Stitch was new to me and I didn't have any trouble figuring it out because the diagrams are very clear. :)

Comments

[LJ]

What a beautiful bag. Your embroidery work is spectacular! I always love how much detail you add to your projects - I do think that those details make a big difference. I love rolled handles like the ones you put on your bag but have never seen instructions on how to do them. Do you put some kind of tubing inside? I would love to have some directions on how you make them. :)

[ina]

it's beautiful!!

[ann]

Those flowers are adorable, and the bag is beautiful, but I'd be terrified to actually PUT anything into it! Too pretty to use for sure!

[Cathy]

Your bag is beautiful and so "you," Kristyne!

[liz n.]

Oh, hooray! I was wondering when we'd see the bitty flowers again! Beautiful work, as usual! I might also add that Pattern Pile has some free, pdf tote bag patterns that would work for this project.

[Zehrina]

That is so beautiful! Amazing!

[A Little Blue Dragonfly]

Oh, good grief! I've never seen a more beautiful bag, and you have made many, Kristyne! You are amazing!

[Kathleen]

Oh I don't think that poem is weird at all; I think it's very cute. And the bag is beautiful. I can tell you really love it so I hope you keep this one for yourself. I do love the way you did the handles. I was admiring them. Did you put a cord or something in the handles to make them rounded?

[Lauren at Molly and Mama]

Such stunning embroidery. This is such a pretty project and so my style. You've inspired me to pick up embroidery again! Thank you. Now I'm off to find that book!

[Melanie]

What a beautiful bag! Flowers are too pretty and love the white and taupe combination too. Thanks for sharing.

[Penny]

Your work is breath taking, such detail, anyone would be proud to carry such a beautiful peace of art. Thank you for sharing..GOD bless

[Dana]

Wow...just....WOW!

[Debbie]

OH MY GOODNESS! This is a beautiful bag. You do such beautiful handwork, and sewing. This bag is proof of that!

[Jenn A]

I do love your beautiful embroidery! And all the details you put in your bags and other work. Really, really nice work. You are skilled!

[randi]

beautiful! i love it!

[Yenni]

I love everything about this bag..colour, flower embroidery ^^

[Maria Beuttenmuller]

It looks as if you are settled and your creativity abounds! I LOVE white and beige and your diamond quilting with the embroidery is stunning! I am also a fan of rolled handles and use them often on my totes! This beautiful project is truly a treat for the eyes and I wish I could hold it and stare at every detail! Thank you for sharing!!! Made my morning!
Best to you always ,
Maria

[Marie]

Absolutely gorgeous! Nothing weird at all about that! Totally delightful! You should make this a pattern!

[Sonja Loyd]

Lovely Bag,The embroidery is stunning! Beautiful work as always!!Your so Inspiring

[Sandy O]

Your work is simply amazing!

[Karen]

What a gorgeous bag!! Well done!

[Heather(mtl)]

Oh my, but this tote took my breath away! Your attention to detail is awe inspiring.
Please, please turn this into a pattern - I'm sure I won't be the only one happy to make a purchase!
BTW, those wee embroidered flowers are divine but I, too, love, love, love that sweet lining.

[diamondcathy]

Positively beautiful, love the little poem.

Catherine

[Isabella]

It is so pretty!
Isabella

[Debbi]

The bag is exquisite! I know this is off this topic, but do you remember the color of the cotton/linen blend fabric you used with the ice cream cone baby quilt? I have needle roll hexie project with similar fabric colors and a cotton/linen blend would be perfect for the body of it. My hexies are similar in color to your cones so I wondered what color you used - it goes together so beautifully on the quilt.
Thanks!

[AJ]

So beautiful! Almost makes me want to learn to embroider. Almost... =D

[Bari Jo]

Wow - is that ever pretty!!!!!

[Sharrieboberry]

Really, really sweet. How lovely to have a "canvas" to show off the tiny embroidered flowers. Awesome!

[FrancesB]

Your work is lovely.

[Chezvies]

WOW, that's such a pretty embroidery and I really love the bag

[Helen LeBrett]

Love your purse, and I think the verse you chose to go with it is perfect (and so fun!!) :-) Hugs, H in Healdsburg

[Archie The Wonder Dog]

It's gorgeous!