What do you give to the gal who has everything?
I made this dress for Tahra’s birthday a few years ago. It’s a simple sleeveless dress. I added an overlay (bib?) to the bodice, and added a fringe of beads on the bodice and hemline.
She looks great in it. And since it’s an uno by sumo, I knew that she didn’t already have one like it.
double click on pic to enlarge
My pal Holly gave me some white knit fabric that looks like lace. I wasn’t sure what I would do with it, so I put it away for safe keeping.
When I needed a birthday gift for Miss Tahra, I knew that she would love a swimsuit cover-up. And I knew just what fabric to use. She even modeled it so I could feature it.
I don’t think she will be wearing her new cover-up to any Tahra Time shows, but she will enjoy it when she goes to the beach or pool.
I have a special fondness for all things Carhartt, and it’s not surprising. In all my best memories of my father, he wore canvas Carhartt work pants (dungarees?) and a chambray work shirt.
When I recently wanted to make a small but sturdy purse I was glad that I had kept an old pair of his worn and patched pants. I made this simple little purse, with a cell phone pocket and snap on strap. I took a label from inside and attached it to the front flap.
I hope the folks at Carhartt don’t mind that I’ve made the first Carhartt purse.
Tags: canvas, mini-purse, purse
I have never seen a manicure kit that I really like. Kits usually include two tools I need and three more that I have no use for.
So I made a custom kit for my upcoming vacation.
It’s not as cute or compact as the ones in the store, but it has everything I will need (I hope!), plus my reading glasses to keep me from injuring myself with the other implements.
I used a really pretty lime green and pool blue fabric, which doesn’t show well in the picture.
Now if I can just get my clothes packed!
Tags: grooming kit, manicure kit
It was Zirah who said ” I’m sure that a well made handbag could, in its own way, somehow make the evolutionary process easier.”
Zirah is, admittedly, not a purse girl. And I’m not out to convert anyone. But I thought she might just like this cute little mini-purse. She can think of it as a place to keep her car keys. And if it makes her evolutionary process easier, well, she said it first.
For more on easing the evolutionary process, visit All One Together (allonetogether.com). Zirah has a wealth of information on staying healthy, links to tons of products, and free stuff. And, seriously, don’t miss the “about us” page.
Tags: colorful, handbag, mini-purse, purse
Our supervisor Rosemary is retiring after 39 years. We really hate to see her go, but she certainly deserves some time to herself.
I made this bag so we could all sign it. The shell is khaki canvas, with silk trim from a thrift store men’s shirt. The handle can be doubled and carried short, or carried single as a shoulder bag.
We will never forget Rosemary’s kindness, enthusiasm, and wonderful sense of humor. And thanks to a permanent marker, maybe she won’t forget us either.
My dear friend (and sister) Linda loves pink and green. She says that when she sees them together it makes her heart sing. And just as her birthday was approaching, it occurred to me that nobody deserves a heart-singing pink and green uno by sumo more than she does.
I found a pink and green striped cotton fabric and trimmed it with pink silk. I had a bit left over, and made a matching wristlet that can be attached to the inside of the purse or carried separately.
And since it’s an uno, she will never see anyone else carrying her purse. Linda, let’s hear you!
My Aunt Emma is elegance personified. So when she told me she wanted a sumo original, my suspicions were confirmed: I rock.
Emma liked Kika’s purse, but wanted a smaller bag. She chose a red and cream toile, which we coordinated with a deep red silk. The lining is ecru silk, with pockets and a key fob. A vintage button adds the finishing touch.
Thank you, Emma, for carrying a sumo. You rock.
Note: This blog was created to showcase my purses and other creations. But today I chooose to use it to rave about my BFF Tahra.
One of the greatest gifts the Universe ever gave me was when it put Tahra into a house on my street. I have no doubt that she magically appeared, just down the block, so that she could be a sort of guardian angel for me.
In addition to helping me find my creativity and myself, and teaching me a lot of different things, she increased my cool factor by about a zillion per cent. She gave, and still gives, the most incredible gifts. (How else could Yours Truly be wearing a purple denim jacket with an anatomically correct bluesman pin on the lapel?)
She has also introduced me to some of the neatest people, like the gorgeous, talented, and hilarious Victoria, also known as Mama. Why are Californians so damn beautiful?
She taught me the joys of camping, helped my drive a stick-shift, and even put me to work at a children’s carnival. Which, surprisingly enough, I did very well at.
Can she:
Write a song, dance, sing? Play guitar, ukelele, dulcimer, and mandolin? OMG yes!
Make a roux, crochet a scarf, drive a huge RV like it was the family sedan? Seriously.
Adjust your back, cut your hair, or help you bury your dead pet? Yes, and she will give the eulogy too.
Tell me where all past years are, and who cleft the devil’s foot? I would not be the slightest bit surprised.
Her judgement is keen. Her opinion is straightforward and she can back it up objectively. And don’t even ask her if these pants make your ass look fat!
There isn’t much Tahra can’t do. Pretty good qualifications for a guardian angel. Happy birthday Tahra. I love you.