Finishing off

Those eagle eyed amongst you will notice a slight difference to the front of the bag. Yes, I couldn't resist fiddling, I took off the silver passing petals and replaced them with ones in Gilt Sylke Twist. I know it's not shaded but I just feel happier with it that way. The twist from America hasn't arrived so I have to go with what I can get. Now I can prepare to make up.

Finished front

First I decided to applique the silk brocade onto the canvas. That provides some support both when I make the seams and in the long term. I also slipped a piece of fine linen over the metal threads behind my embroidery to protect the silk lining from rubbing against them. Once stitched I applied diluted pva round the edges to stop the canvas fraying when I cut it.

Green silk brocade back

Then it was off the frame and cut out. The edges were folded in, the bag folded in half and I slip stitched the two side edges with strong thread. I worked on a clean, folded towel to protect the flowers.

Now for the lining. I had already sewn up a rectangle of bright pink silk for the lining. This was a popular colour to use and matched the pink in the chevrons and the rose in tent stitch, (the Gilt Sylke Twist is a slightly lighter shade). I had to use dupion not grosgrain as would have been used originally. This is also slip stitched in place.

Sewing the lining in

Then the metallic bobbin lace  made by Dianne from Gawthorpe was slip stitched in.

Attached lace

I do not know which bobbin lace pattern it is unfortunately but below is a close up for you

Close up of lace

Finally, I attached the handle which is made from a 5 element braid of twisted lengths of the pink silk and gilt passing

Finished bag front

There are no tassels or drawstring on this bag and no evidence of there having been and no narrow wares covering the seams. So that's it.

Finished bag rear

Last night I photographed the bag in candlelight....................

.....you lose some of it but I think you get the idea of how it would twinkle and glitter and how the Gilt Sylke Twist catches the light. Today. the bag goes to its new home at Gawthorpe Hall where it will be used as part of the learning programme. I'm happy but also sad to see it go.