Mouthy Stitches - Complete!

I finished my Mouthy Stitches bag! Unfortunately the Autumn weather is not cooperating, so here's my rather lame photo of a hopefully not-so-lame bag :)

I'm pretty pleased with how it's worked out! As I've said before, the grey was outside of my comfort zone, but everything else is pretty me. I think the thing I like most about it is the hand-stitched detailing on the handles and the back:

I'd been planning to try something like it for a while, and the rainbow stitching adds some lovely colour in with the grey.

Here is the bag's second side:

I wasn't happy with the pink strip I originally sewed, so I'm really glad I changed it.

The original plan was to have one star in each rainbow colour, but I'm afraid I ran out of embroiderenergy (yes, that's a word) rather too early on. Sorry partner!

So, all in all, I'd say this project went pretty well :) I made a lined bag for the first time, and managed to complete a sparkle punch (albeit light) project. This is my first swap, and I've really enjoyed the process. I have an awesome partner who's been very mouthy and full of kind and encouraging comments for everyone - win! I really hope she likes what I've made for her. As is always the case, I've been noticing all the slight imperfections recently, here's hoping she doesn't mind *crosses fingers*

To go along with the bag we had to make a keyring. Here's mine!

Yes, that is just the back. The front would give away who my partner is. I was inspired to add stuffing/poofyness by Hadley's keyring. So glad I did. It's so cute and squishy!

Below are a few more pictures, captured in the dying light of 4.30pm on an Autumn weekday. If you fancy browsing the bags others have made (and perhaps taken better photos of...) check out the Mouthy Stitches group :)

Hope you like it partner! Now, I must get wrapping ready to post it tomorrow...