Seamster.

If you've spoken to me over the past few weeks, you'll be aware that I am currently in the throes of a mini online shopping addiction. I've spent hours browsing Etsy; I started by looking at vintage knick-knacks, then started limiting my searches to Australian sellers, then got hooked on the jewellery because that's what most of the Australian sellers are selling. Then I thought: but wait! Why am I looking at handmade jewellery when I could be using my hands to make jewellery? Thus I migrated to the supplies section.

Meanwhile, my friend Rabia recently inspired me to think about sewing projects again because she is creating an embroidered patchwork cushion cover, so when I caught up with her on Tuesday I dragged her around a bunch of op shops where she advised me on the best kinds of fabrics to use (and the best kind of garments to filch them from) in the making of purses and handbags.

So I bought these.

(Clockwise from top left:

Embellished jeans, silk shirt, random

brown offcut, polyester satin skirt.)

(Yeah man, real silk - for three bucks!)

Anyway, I was so pumped about it that I didn't even find a pattern or anything, but just launched right into this baby:

It's not finished yet; the strap is still just pinned on and I haven't figured out how I'm going to clasp it... not a zip, but maybe a button or something. But look - sexy red lining.

I love the red so much, but since you can't actually see it unless you're looking into the bag, I kinda want to put some kind of silk embellishment on the outside of the bag. Maybe a bow or a couple roses. Thoughts?