Tea in the Tree House with Bill Murray Stitched Portrait Bag

I started this bag a few months ago and just finished it!

It is a machine stitched portrait of Bill Murray that I used sulky solvy to create. I could step it out in a tutorial, but not today. In fact I would like to teach a class on this because you could do a portrait of anyone you like- your dog, rabbit or grandbaby.

First of all, my bags are called "Lucky Bags" because they take so long to make, you're lucky if you ever get one! LOL, right? No, really- it's true! I am also going to finish one this week that I started lining in Dec of 2010! Now, that is indeed a very lucky bag! Maybe I should call them "bags of patience" because they are, patiently waiting to be finished. The inside pockets are embroidered vintage linens and it has a magnetic snap closure. The fabrics are all quilt fabrics like Martha Negley cupcakes and tea cups. I used Bari J to collage the tea pot and cup on the back side of the bag which was made from a very old and lovely vintage quilt square. Also a bit of Martha Negley fern fabric to let you feel as though your'e in the woods. The handle and inside lining are made from a heavier Ikea wood grain fabric to represent the tree house. I always stick a few fabric benjamins in the pocket or use in it the lining somehow to give prosperity to the bag. They are sewn with a story in mind and this one is about a daydream of having met Bill Murray and offered him tea and cupcakes up in the tree house. He is a man of mystery and I do think there are wild stories of his escapades because he can get away with anything- after all, who would believe it?! So, it took a while, but it's finally finished and now I will be listing it in the Etsy shop. Hopefully someone will love it as much as I do and wear it with happiness. Now, to get back to that other bag of patience! with love and stitches,

yours in calamity,

kim