I have something a bit special to show you today. Months ago, I made this cosmetic wallet for Australian Homespun's 'Girls' Club' issue. I was especially happy with how this project turned out, as it incorporates some of my favourite things: linen, embroidery, 3 Sisters fabric, a vintage buckle and 'un peu de la France'!
I very much had some blogging friends in France in mind when I designed this project. I have long been inspired by Shannon @ Petits Détails and her ethereal photography of antique French fabrics and found objects. I was keen to emulate vintage monogrammed French linen with this project.
Moda's fabric line 'Etchings' by 3 Sisters was released at the perfect time for me. The range had just the right mix of subdued blues, greys and touches of deep red. There are botanical motifs, wonderful French architectural drawings and prints reminiscent of antique parchments. Just perfect for what I had in mind! Serendipity ... or even divine intervention :)
The wallet unfolds and hangs up for convenience. Below are the external and internal views:
Inside, there are lots of different pockets and compartments for storing cosmetics. There are zippered clear vinyl pockets (below) ...
... elasticised pockets for storing compacts ...
... narrow individaul pockets for cosmetic brushes, with a protective felt overlay ...
... and an elasticised lipstick keep.
There are many elements to this project, but none are difficult. The wallet closes with a tab and a vintage red buckle that I found in my travels.
When I named this project, I decided to call it 'Coquetterie' for this 1911 painting of the same name by Félix Vallotton (source) which shows a woman dressing and readying herself for the day before her mirror.
The other blogging friend I had in mind when I designed this project was Kirsty @ You Had Me at Bonjour. Kirsty is a fellow Aussie, living in Provence. I am constantly inspired by her beautiful photography of French countryside, and laughing at her quick-witted posts.
While I studied French at school, I am by no means fluent these days, and I have a nagging doubt that my 'Coquetterie' name for this project might have an offensive French connotation. Kirsty, please tell me if it does! I would be mortified to offend!
The tone and meaning I was hoping to convey with 'Coquetterie' was variously: ‘vanity; concern for one’s appearance; a knack for fashion; flirty; playful behaviour'.
This project is in the current issue of Australian Homespun #107, available in Australian newsagents or for worldwide digital purchase at Zinio. The pattern will also be available in a month or two as a PDF download in my shop.
What a wonderful project! I love all the special details you added. Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful project! Your mention of both Petit Details, which I have read for a long time and Kirsty , who is a dear friend, have made this a very special post! great work!
ReplyDeleteI remember you piecing the lovely 'etchings' fabric some time back, and now all is revealed. A lovely project, I can see one of those living at my place.
ReplyDeleteIt is just beautiful Ros I love this fabric range too
ReplyDeleteFabulous project...love the embroidery!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love it! Especially the embroidery, such a gorgeous touch. If you had asked me the meaning of coquetterie I would have said flirty and playful too - I've never heard any more risque definitions so I think you've done fine! Translations can be fraught with danger; I am no stranger to extreme embarrassment in this regard.
ReplyDeleteRos, you have done it again. What a gorgeous project and I just cant wait for my Homespun to arrive. We are always a month behind, but it is on order each month. Do you have any tips for sewing with the vinyl plastic? I do love the Frenchness of this project too.
ReplyDeleteWow...another amazing project Ros,...congratulations....
ReplyDeleteI Saw this in Homespun Congratulations it is Just Beautiful I Especially Love the Monogram on the front...
ReplyDeletecheers
It is absolutely gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely cosmetic case! There is a pocket or space for everything - genious idea!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Tatyana
This is a fantastic project!, I love it, there is a seriously attention to details here!!!, well done!.
ReplyDeleteI do like it. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteLila (from France)
Lovely! Did you actually embroidered it? I wish I could do something like that!
ReplyDeleteAndrea.
love your new cosmetic bag, will be looking for the pattern availability. love our site. when I stop by to see what's new I'm never disappointed. love your attention to detail and fine embroidery. Holly from SE Tennessee
ReplyDeleteThis is just exquisite your embriodery is lovely. Thank you for sharing. (Love the colours as well!) Anne
ReplyDeleteWow! It's gorgeous! Your embroidery is stunning!!!
ReplyDeleteYour wallet is just gorgeous ! I love everything about it and the Etchings fabrics are fabulous. Do not worry about 'Coquetterie', there is no offensing meaning in it. I am French and I can tell you it is the appropriate word to convey the tone and meaning you wanted to reach.
ReplyDeleteThat's gorgeous - I love the fabric and embroidery!
ReplyDeleteLooks FANTASTIC Ros. Just beautiful. What more needs to be said :)
ReplyDeleteHi Ros, I'm making your project as we speak, going together great, only problem is I cant find a buckle, any ideas where to look, only ones I can find are with pins in them, but then again maybe I will have to get one of them and take the pin out. Anyway just finished your sewing matching mat and thread catcher, nearly finished the makeup bag and then to start your jewellery roll. Keep up the wonderful patterns :) Kind regards Pam
ReplyDeleteLove the project: very beautiful and clever!! Where do you get your linen, and is it washable? thanks!!! Helen
ReplyDelete