Whats new at SimJaTa?

OK, first of all bare with me, I have tried to put the photo's on the left - so you can look at what I am waffling on about as I go, but its all jumbled up as I write so cant tell what is where.

First of all should be my newest bag design, having decided I wanted to do some beaded quilting I discovered (the hard way) that you cannot rag quilt a beaded bag as all the beads loose their colour in the washing machine. So, had to go for patchwork quilting, with some embroidery and bead work - quite pleased with the result on my first attempt.

Then,I wanted to try textile brooches, so many lovely ones for sale on Folksy and had to be sure I constructed my own design, so here is the first one - in the shape of a handbag, rather appropriate to me being "Bags of Swank" I thought.

Landing in the wrong order is a close up of the little garden patch I created on the bag, I really enjoyed this and have been busy purchasing some more little beads and flowers to add to bags and maybe brooches in the future.

Whilst designing one of the squares I came across this lace, and thought together with some purple velvet and a few beads it might make a rather unusual glasses case, so this is what then appeared.

The last glasses case (I really hope this writing is somewhere near each picture) was my having another play with textile design and beadwork, using a variety of fabrics and lined with sari silks a new quilted design was created.


Lastly, the green patchwork number I showed you earlier in the blog was added to my shop today - you can find it by clicking on the photo which goes direct to my shop, I was thrilled to see earlier it had collected a couple of favourites, so hopefully at least 2 people out there like it so far




My new items should start to appear on Folksy from the weekend, as rather a busy schedule planned for tomorrow with no spare time for listing. I hope you like them, as I have had a lot of enjoyment designing them.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~

Folksy Friday ~ Talented Quilters

As I have caught this quilting bug (although mine are the raggy variey not quite as smart as these) I thought this week I would share just some of the talent on Folksy from the quilters there. Be sure to click on these pictures for futher details and a good look around each shop of lovelies.
You may think some of these items are a bit pricey, but the quality of workmanship is amazing, and the hours it takes to create these original beauties you would not believe. Talent and heaps of patience goes into this art.

To begin is "Beccabugs" who has this wonderful and organic cot blanket, not just great to look at but perfect for soft sensitive skin.



An English Garden Cozy quilt from "Nostalgia Knits" is next, I can but dream of creating anything so special



I struggled with which to choose from "Friday Club" so do be sure to look at the rest of the shop, this one is a personalised patchwork baby quilt



"BooBoo Craft" has this great handbag, must have been hours of work with the quilting and sewing all those wonderful bright buttons on, its called 'handbag push my big buttons'



Here is a very smart handbag from "Not Just Handbags" again, time taken to create this wonderful effect, be sure to take a look at the rest of the smart bags here.



This one is just amazing, done in my style of raggy quilting, but a large design make a great throw for the sofa - needs to be shown off in full glory, by "Helen Jane's Designs"



Here are my first 2 raggy bags, one more finishing in the dryer with more detail on -wont be listed till Sunday though. Lastly, from Bags of Swank by SimJaTa






Hope you have enjoyed the above talent, these are just some of the quilters on Folksy there are others, worth a look if only to view such talent. But better still for a great attractive treat or gift.

Have a good weekend

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~

Folksy Friday - Patchwork Showcase

For this week I would like to highlight some of the talented Patchwork crafters on Folksy. A topic was started on the forums by Audreys Cat, so I hope she doesnt mind my using her idea. Dont forget, to admire the work of the crafter further you simply click on the picture to be magically transported to their shop on Folksy.

I will begin with Audreys Cat, and her pretty patchwork cushion - she also has some great patchwork fabric on sale in her shop.



Another lovely cushion here from Craftysewsew



Auntyjoan had this lovely card in her shop, but since making out my list it has sold - but no worries there are other similar cards stil for sale, and also great personalised plaques (I know as I bought one)



ShabbybySharon, has this amazing quilt shown here with the matching tote bag which is also available



luvlii, has this great cushion set in her shop



hjdcrafts has a wonderful cosy throw



An upcycled theme here from JDArt with one of her patchwork bags



Yet more upcycling from Dharmaflyer with her fantastic peace cushion



Lynwood Crafts has this very smart backpack in her shop



From Beehoneydesigns a silk patchwork bag, most unique



Lastly from here at Bags of Swank by SimJaTa, a gorilla and her baby



..and also what is known as a 'cheater' patchwork fabric, looks like patchwork but isnt, just a bright cheery fabric



Quite a large selection I know, and these are just the people who added to the topic on Folksy. For these and many other talents for the unique, handcrafted gift dont forget to visit Folksy for your gifts and personal treats. Make yourself and the ones you love happy.

Have a Great weekend.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~