Etsy Shop is Open! + COUPON CODE!

My Etsy Shop is open!  I have listed a few packable totes, foldover clutch/crossbody bags, and a couple cosmetic bags.  It is not much, but it's a start!  I plan to add some classic canvas totes once I build an inventory of them (they take MUCH longer to make than any of my other items).  I will post updates as I add more items.

To celebrate this humble opening, I am offering a coupon code for free shipping to all those who "Like" my Facebook Page.  After clicking "Like" you should be able to access the "Coupon" section of the page.  See you on Facebook, and Happy Shopping!

Sneak Peak: Fold over Clutch / Crossbody

UPDATE:  Items are now for sale in my Etsy Shop!

Today I'm revealing another item that will be for sale in my Etsy Shop, the Fold over Clutch / Crossbody Purse.  

I made several (read: 10+) attempts at constructing this bag, before I finally felt I had nailed down the best technique and process.  Below is a photo of my "prototype"that I carried around for over a month, and a pile of failure few of my "attempts" stacked in the background.

With a fully adjustable strap, this bag is quite versatile. It makes a great crossbody or shoulder bag for everyday, and can also be carried as a clutch for evening. It measures 11.25" wide, 7" tall when folded, and 12" tall when unfolded. It has a brass zipper, brass hardware, and two interior slip pockets.

The patterns pictured above will be listed for sale initially, and I plan to add more solid colorblock designs. 

Sneak Peak: Packable Tote Coming Soon

I have been sewing pretty much nonstop in preparation for the opening of my Etsy Shop, but I did manage to take a few photos of one of the items that I will be selling.  This particular bag is my "prototype" that I've carried to and from the grocery store multiple times now, and I can confidently say it has certainly passed my testing!  My testing = fit as much as possible in the bag so I can carry it over my shoulder and have my hands free to carry a 12 pack of craft beer.  I mean... other large items.  Like....milk.  Right... a gallon of milk.  ;-)

So with that said, I present the Multi-purpose Packable Tote!

When packed full, it measures 15.5 inches wide by 13 inches tall by 7.5 inches deep (for reference, it is a bit smaller than the "large" but certainly bigger than the "medium" canvas bag made by a certain company in Maine).  When flat, it's 15.5 inches by 17 inches.  The best part is it folds down to 5 inches by 8 inches, and only an inch or so thick.  The tie serves to keep the bag folded neatly, and it can also be tied when the bag is in use to keep it standing upright and to prevent items from falling out and rolling around in your trunk.  Just let the ties hang into the bag when not in use.  I haven't found that they get in the way at all.

The handle drop is 12 inches, fitting comfortably over the shoulder even when loaded up. 

The size of this bag was inspired by the "large" plastic bag at a fabric and craft store that I frequent probably too much.  I liked the size of the bag for how much it can hold (again, fewer bags is better, and we all know fewer trips from the car to the house is better, right?!), but I found I was always tying the handles together to keep items in place in the back of my Jeep.  So I made my own reusable (and prettier) version!

I'm calling this bag multi-purpose because it's perfect for so many uses:  beach bag, grocery bag, shopping bag, picnic bag, etc!  And since it is so packable, it's convenient to keep in the car or in a large purse to have on hand,  It would also fit nicely in a suitcase to use while on vacation.

This style will be available in this and other patterns when my Etsy Shop opens... someday.  Soon.  Hopefully.  Stay tuned!

Little Girl's Purse

A friend's daughter recently celebrated her third birthday.  As a handbag lover, I believe it's never too early for a girl's first handbag!  So for her gift, I searched the web for a cute, simple bag to make and found the Kid's Messenger Bag Tutorial by Zaaberry.

The size and simple design made it the perfect pick.  I made the bag body with my usual canvas, and used coordinating cottons for the lining, flap, and strap.

I made two additions to the original tutorial:  a hook and loop closure, and instead of attaching the strap at a fixed length, I added a D-ring to make the bag convertible from cross-body messenger style to an over-the-shoulder purse.  I'm happy with the changes, and I especially like the added bow detail.

Birthday girl's mom reported, "She stuffed it with Barbies and brought it to dinner!" -Another happy "customer" !

Travel Duffle with Trolley Sleeve

18 inches wide by 11 inches tall and 9 inches deep
"Travel Duffle with Trolley Sleeve" Pattern by Studio Cherie

This is the fourth bag I've made from a Studio Cherie Pattern.  The first three were made from Cherie's original Travel Duffle Pattern, which is a bit larger, and lacks the trolley sleeve.  Since the method for making this bag is very similar to the original, I was able to make this bag fairly easily.  I did add an interior muslin lining, which took some extra time and thinking.

I prefer the size of this bag to the original, but still wish Cherie would have included steps to add a true, "no guts" lining, as an alternate option to using a serger (which I don't have) or bias tape (which I don't like).   I'm sure there is a better way than how I did it.  Regardless, it is still a great pattern and tutorial, and I'll continue to purchase patterns from Studio Cherie.  The Departure Satchel might be next.

Baby Taggie

 

A few coordinating fabrics + some store bought additions (links and lion) = a quick baby taggie.  This is one of the very few projects I decided to "wing it" and it turned out pretty well.

Little Lunch Totes

These little lunch totes are insulated with Insul-Bright and a layer of quilted batting to keep food hot or cold.  The interior is lined with waterproof "PUL" (Polyurethane Laminate) to contain condensation and make for easy clean up!  The bags are tall enough to accommodate upright water bottles.

This was my first try at making insulated lunch bags.  It was certainly a learning experience and I have some design improvements in mind for the next round.

Canvas Tote & Cotton Blanket

I made another Canvas Tote, but this time added interior slip pockets.  The baby blanket is made with printed cotton and muslin, and interlined with flannel.  It can be easily rolled up and secured with a removable tie.

Canvas Tote

Canvas Tote with lining, adjustable handles, and two exterior pockets (one on each center panel)

Embellished Flour Sack Kitchen Towels

These flour sack towels make great hand or dish towels.  They are lightweight, large (24x25"), and absorbent!

Corn hole Bags

These corn-filled duck cloth "corn hole" bags were easy to make!  Just 7x7" squares with half inch inseams and rounded corners.  I got some help filling the bags with shelled corn (what a dusty mess!), and topstiched the openings shut.