This project started out on a lark. My desire was to make a plaid using some of the vibrant cottons on the shelf. In the back of my mind, I was thinking "gay parochial school drag queen cheerleaders". Hey, I was bored, and D.E.B.S. was on cable.
Hang on, I have to go find something from Cabin Cove that I’m just now remembering…
Ok, here you go, found them. I don’t know, maybe it’s just me, but this was a REALLY funny sight. Picture it, you’re walking down the street in a quaint little New England seaside fishing village in the autumn, and a rather large gentleman, dressed as a Catholic school cheerleader, comes riding by on an industrial-welded heavy duty tricycle with thick solid mag wheels. Pink bows tie little pony tails on his receding white hair, a Pooh bear in the front holding his mail, Mary Jane’s and knee high hosiery, box pleated plaid skirt, and a flag that is riding up his butt crack, with the word/name Sissy on it. Oh, and a license plate with the name Stephanie on it. And lavender ribbon handlebar tassels flapping in the warm breezes blowing off Cape Cod Bay.
Again, maybe it’s just me…
Ahem…
So, if this guy needed a more color-coordinated backpack/rucksack, it would be made from a handwoven fabric that looked like this:
And, there would also be ample yardage, too:
Project Details
Warp & Weft Yarns:
Fiber Content: 100% Cotton
Color: Black, Teal, Gold, Rose, Lilac
Yarn Source: Milled cotton purchased at A Loom with a View in Newburyport, Ma
Weave Structure: 2/2 twill
EPI: 12
PPI: 12
Finished Size: I didn’t measure it, but it was enough yardage for the project
At one point, I had to gather up my materials to begin making the bag:
It was fun to be able to make a lot of the components for the bag, too. My lucet got a good workout for drawstrings in various colors.
Eventually, it would be a satchel that looked like this, and it’d be called
The Sissy Satchel – Because even a drag queen needs to be practical sometimes
The Sissy Rucksack has nylon straps, a carry handle, numerous interior pockets, a large gusseted pocket with big purple button under the main flap, and loads and loads of other details. (Unfortunately, because of the lurkers and pattern thieves out there, I’m not showing any details of this bag.) This was such a fun project to work on, and it was nice to be able to just design and play and not worry about whether it would work or not. I consider it a BIG success!
Dorien
I’ll carry the “sissy satchel” any time, it is very pretty! Perfect colors.
)
The pictures are so fun, you’ve got to admire this “biclyclist” it takes some courage to peddle around on a tricycle in a skirt that can blow up in the wind anytime!
Jun 16, 2009 @ 12:19 am
Brigitte
Me too! I mean, I’d carry your satchel anytime too… It’s pretty and the colours are just great! Lovely!
Jun 16, 2009 @ 2:12 am
Devorah
Love it!
Jun 16, 2009 @ 5:27 am
jackie
No Dave, it is not just you that finds the sight of the Sissy Trike Person uplifting to the spirit (not to mention hard on the eyes)
Your Sissy Satchel would be a welcome addition and really bring the whole outfit together!
Jun 16, 2009 @ 6:23 am
lisa
Yeah, the sissy satchel would be the most stylin’ thing going there…
Jun 16, 2009 @ 6:31 am
Benita
And something way more useful that another scarf. At least you understand that just because it is hand woven, doesn’t mean you can’t cut into it and make something out of it! I love it!
Jun 16, 2009 @ 6:41 am
skimpysmom
my god , this is so funny. i love this country,the poor guy would have been stoned for this in iran/iraq etc.love the satchel, my next project will be a plaid.
Jun 16, 2009 @ 6:47 am
Chris
Flashback!
My eyes, my eyes – I am blinded by the brightness!
Jun 16, 2009 @ 7:22 am
jessica~
Ahhhhhhhh, great photos!! Satchel came out wonderful – bright!!!
Jun 16, 2009 @ 7:43 am
Ginger
I remember when you posted this picture on Cabin Cove! The model would be pretty pleased he was an inspiration for such a cool-looking bag. I think it would pretty neat in the halls of my courthouse, if you decide to sell it!
Jun 16, 2009 @ 7:47 am
Leslie
Delightful!!
For all he calls himself “Stephanie” that guy has got some ba^^s – even in P’town.
Jun 16, 2009 @ 8:06 am
Roxie
Oh, I remember him! I think the wind in the skirt is part of the desired effect. Wonder where he got his handle tassels? My inner 3-year-old wants some.
The satchel utterly rocks! And knowing how beautifully you finish things, I know that inside and out, it is a work of art! If you take it on the bus, you’ll have to practice your, “Yeah, I’m carrying a pastel plaid satchel. You got a problem wit dat?” face.
Jun 16, 2009 @ 8:15 am
Zoe
Ahhhh yes I remember those photos of Sissy when you last showed them. This post is so funny Dave and I’m the satchel is sooooo right for Sissy!
Jun 16, 2009 @ 8:24 am
Jennifer
The colors are taking me way back.
Jun 16, 2009 @ 8:39 am
beverly
What fun!
Jun 16, 2009 @ 8:52 am
JessaLu
Too funny!
Jun 16, 2009 @ 8:58 am
Peg in South Carolina
Good job matching the vertical lines. But the horizontal…….(the flap lying over the outside of the bag)……. Or did you just not take care in arranging the bag for the photo? Can’t imagine that you didn’t…….
Jun 16, 2009 @ 10:14 am
Kathie Kelleher
Please sell us the pattern for the Sissy Satchel!
You’re an absolute genius.
I wish I’d seen that tricycling drag queen in person but the picture is worth a thousand words.
Your sewn handwoven projects are the best.
Jun 16, 2009 @ 11:08 am
Jennifer
I have to chuckle at that picture. Wow, what thought went through his head as he got dressed, and where is he going?
Love the bag!
Jun 16, 2009 @ 6:55 pm
Michelle
I’m just speechless from the first photos. But your bag is lovely!
Jun 16, 2009 @ 9:10 pm
Brat
I LOVE the colors.
Man, people are just way too funny, aren’t they? I remember that guy from the first time you posted the picture[s].
He wouldn’t get away with that in Inderana–the people here wear their panties way too tight. Makes me really miss Chicago.
Jun 17, 2009 @ 7:02 am
Ed
That was a man? LMAO!!! I guess I miss a lot living in Michigan, or I just stopped noticing the train wrecks! BTW…another excellent creation.
Jun 27, 2009 @ 11:31 pm