On a Winning Streak!

Oopps! In all my ATC excitement I forgot to mention that I had also been a winner at INKURABLE STAMPERS last month (for my mermaid), receiving a very generous G/V from Heike at SCRAPZ.BIZ (thanks Sarah & Heike) & I was also lucky enough to receive a very generous cardmakers pack from SCRAPBOOKING TOP 50 (Thanks Victoria) So you see, you have to be in it to win it (says she, who still hasn`t started on this month`s CC challenges over at SBT50!!!!!!!!!!!)

Anyway, I wanted to share the bag I made for this month`s theme at INKURABLE STAMPERS. I had already started it when DD asked me if I was going to show it in my blog, so out came the camera LOL.

I had a bit of trouble trying to find an ink that I could use on fabric, but thanks to Google, I went with Adirondak Dye Ink. I also found lots of free patterns for shoulder bags thanks to Google, complete with great tutorials, but none had the pattern for the style I was after, (a shopping bag) so I worked on the pattern myself, & it turned out just like I had pictured it.

Now, tutorials are not my thing, but I`ll share the photos that I did take & if anyone is interested, I`ll work on a tutorial for later on...just let me know.

I used denim for the outside, & 100% printed cotton for the inside lining. & the finished bag measures 18" x 14" approx. The first 2 photos are the inside bottom corners, it`s what gives the bag its shape.

I then added some short handles, I wanted this bag to replace the ugly but practical shopping bags.

& this is one of the images I used, isn`t it great (this is one of the stamps I chose from SRAPZ.BIZ, thanks Heike)

For stamping on fabric, the image will give great results if stamped onto wrinkle-free, tightly woven fabric, & as you need a hot, dry iron to set the image, cottons work best. Use your DYE inks, & stamp first onto scrap fabric, & when you`re happy with the stamp chosen, stamp onto the fabric, allow a few minutes to dry & then iron on both sides of image without moving the iron about (just press for a few seconds at a time) Now, I doubt that I`ll be washing this bag too often, but if you want to make sure your image can pass the washing test, use a good fabric ink, otherwise, just heat set, & wash gently LOL.

& this is the image I stamped for the opposite side (STAMPOTIQUE from THE STAMPING QUEEN)

& here`s the finished bag : )

& being modelled by my ever helpful DD (thanks darling)

It`s the first time I`ve made a bag, & I`m so happy with how quick & easy it was to make (I know it would have been quicker to make it without the lining, but I was having so much fun sewing FABRIC as opposed to cs LOL, & it looks so much prettier, giving it a nicer finish, don`t you think?). I do believe I`ll be making a couple more as gifts for Christmas (only another 10 weeks away!!!!!!!!)

Who knew stamps could be used on fabric????

Enjoy your weekend, & thanks for visiting : )