Sewing Bag Set

I finally got out my embroidered patches and put them to good use. I have wanted bags to transport my craft projects in. This is what I dreamed up. Again, no pattern here. I just have used the awesome embroidered patches as my basis for inspiration. I wanted a little bag for all the the embroidery thread and then a bigger bag for the pieces that I am working on. So when it is time for a ride in the car everything will be together.

In the small bag I added a piece of red ribbon and added a pin cushion and tie for my ginhger snippers.

Yes, that is me, giggling at my hubby's face when he takes photos. The front of the big bag has a huge pocket for carrying rulers and large hoops.

My Bag

After quilting the Kaffe zig-zags, I pulled out my stash of vinyl that I purchased from a scrap bin at an upholstery shop. This huge piece of mulberry soft backed vinyl  was a whopping $3.00.  I knew it was destined for a bag, rather " My Bag". I want to make more projects for me. This bag I had no pattern for, of course. I basically did what I normally do, I used an existing bag I own as a pattern and alter it for what I really want. I decided to use the quilted Kaffe piece as a "flap" for the top of the bag.  I wanted the vinyl  to be on the bottom since I knew it would hold up best.

I have decided year 2014 is dedicated to perfecting zipper installations. I have not used many zippers in my sewing, mostly because I make quilts. I am trying to branch out in my sewing. I bought about 10 zippers to try with different projects. I always start my zippers by closing the ends up with tabs, as seen below.

Then, I flank the zipper and press and top stitch, as seen below in my lining pieces. I chose light grey lining, so that it would be easier to see way into the bottom of the bag. I ended up machine sewing the bottom and sides of the lining and then hand sewing it in the bag, by tacking in the bottom corners and stitching into the zipper edge along the top.  I debated over this approach to the liner, but ultimately I loved that it looked great!

Most of the time took in this project was determining what I wanted to ultimately get out of it. I spent a lot of time with the lining making sure that I would get the pockets I need for the things I carry. I want to use this bag everyday. I think the vinyl looks nice and sturdy while the Kaffe fabric panel helps make it trendy and adds the detail a signature bag really needs. My beast of a Bernina powered through this project with ease. I really love that it handled the topstitching with such precision. 

Boxing out the bottom corners helps the bag stand up and gives it a better bottom to hold my goodies.

Here this the almost finished bag, sans strap. I made zipper extend a few inches down the side to maximize access to the deep bag. I live in a town that banned plastic shopping bags and taxes paper ones. So I often find myself with out a good bag at the store and shoving groceries into my purse. This bag is perfect, because I can lift up the flap and fill it full. 

The strap was a difficult task. There was blood spilled, cuss words flying and backups brought in. All in all, it was a team effort. Basically, I made the vinyl tube too small and it kept sticking to itself and kind of stalled in the middle, as we tried to turn it. Yes, I say we, it took 3 of us. Lesson learned. Honestly, I learn something every time I set out to make something with out a pattern, I wouldn't have it any other way!

Fabric Shopping

Well, Santa knows what I want. At my age, with no kiddos, I get cash. Cash is my favorite, though it is not very Christmasy. Also, I didn't travel for the holidays and checks are easier to mail. I instead stayed home to clean closets, cook yummy meals, plan spring and summer vacations/ projects and participate in some sale shopping.

My favorite sale shopping is done at the fabric stores. The worst is that there is a lovely quilting store store is walking distance from my house and it hasn't been raining much. Ive gotten some great deals from Jo-Ann's as well. So, I started piling the fabric up on the table so I could take an awesome photo. I felt like a bride after getting all my gifts on my wedding day.

I decided it was a good time to try to visit some of the other quilting stores in near by towns.

I ended up going to three different/new to me stores and ordering stuff online. My Kaffe stash on top is my favorite.

I started immediately stitching on a piece that I intend on incorporating into a bag.

Wrapping up All the Elf Duties

I made these hearts from a T-Shirt of my husband's grandfather. He passed over a year ago, and I felt like I could finally bring myself to cut it up and it would be appreciated.

Here are the super cute snowmen  I made. I love the faces, I am so glad I found the carrot noses.

Everyone on my gift list will be getting some form of these super cute fabric baskets. I am not entirely sure what folks will use them for, I guess I envision bread or crackers or wrapped candy.

Here are my awesome cards, I love how they turned out. I enjoy writing cards, especially to the family I don't talk to normally. I also take so much pride in the process of coming up with an idea and then the creativity that comes after that. In this case I was able to carve stamps and get my hands dirty mixing inks which is always a blast for me!

I also whipped up a few more of these super duper cute and re-usable gift bags. I know you can re-use the paper ones but, I intend on using these for many years!

So for this year my elf duties are all wrapped up. Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Canvas iPad Case

Today was an amazing beautiful summer Saturday, despite my hubby's attempts I wasn't feeling like leaving the house. I decided to get some sewing projects going. I spent some time on Pintrest looking a baby clothing ideas. One of my best friends is having her first baby!!!! I am so excited, I want to make one of everything for her and the baby!
When I sat down with my iPad next to the stack of fabric and a million ideas floating in my head. I settled for finally making a iPad case for myself and a tutorial for you instead. Oh, how my brain works...

I got started by getting out the computer case I made awhile back for my hubby. I wanted to make similar style cases so they could be used together. I refreshed my memory of things I wished I had done and recalled order that worked well when putting it together. 

First, I measured the iPad, which was 8x10, and I was able to figure the size of the pieces to cut:

- 2- 9"x11"-Sturdy fabric- I used Red canvas for outer fabric, later Side A and Side B.

- 2- 8"x10"- Peltex- Stiff flexible material that works for creating items that need to maintain their shape- I found this on a rack at Joann's -It is expensive compared to fabric but, makes this project seem store bought and create lots of padding for the iPad.

- 4- 8"x10"- Batting- I used scraps of cheaper thinner batting I had.

- 2 9"x11"- Flannel- I used Tan baby flannel I had for a lining fabric.

- 2- 5 1/2"x 7 1/2"- Sturdy Canvas- I used Black canvas scraps for a tab closure.

- 1- Polygon 5" x 11" x 7" x 9"- Sturdy Canvas- I used a Black canvas triangle scrap I had that was already very close to this size and simply trimmed the thinnest point off to make it a four sided polygon pocket.

- 1- Large Button- I used I big vintage black one I had in my stash.

When it was all cut out then I got to sewing:

a.To create Side A: lay out one outer canvas rectangle, center one sheet of batting, then add one Peltex and then another sheet of batting. pinning it in the middle with a one inch spacing from edge to hold while "quilting" it together. (see image below) Canvas side down I stich a few lines that serve two purposes in creating Side A. One, to hold the Peltex and batting in place. Two, when using contrasting thread to create some decoration on the showing side.

b. Quilt your lines in a pattern you like on to Side A, I didn't use any guide line. but it would help if you care about straight line, which I obviously dont. (see image above)

c. Take two small tab pieces and sew together on three sides, using a 1/4'' seam allowance and leaving one 5 1/2'' side open. Turn right side out and press.
d. Using a 1/2'' seam allowance top stich around the three sewn sides of the tab (slightly visible in image above).
e. Place and mark where button should go using pins on either side and use machine's setting to create a large button hole, cut open hole and remove canvas excess. (see image above)
f. Take canvas pocket piece. fold and iron over long top edge 1/4'' sew. Fold again and sew to create finished edge.
g. In order to create Side B, attach pocket by lining it up with other outer rectangle, with folded pocket edge facing outer side. Pin and top stich using a 1/4" seam allowance on three sides of pocket. I reverse a few times at tops of pocket attachment to outer canvas.
h. With Side B, pocket side down layer on: one batting, one Peltex, one batting centering with inch border and Pin.
g. "Quilt" a few lines that will serve three purposes; First, to "Quilt" batting and Peltex in place, Second in order to create a decoration cohesive to the other side. this may create a need for marking or pinning if you want items lined up. I of course just eyeballed it (Gasp!) and Third, to create pockets, yes pockets. One giant pocket with no closure just allows things to fall out , but when divided it gets tighter and better job of keeping items in and not sliding around. Plan out pocket "quilting" based on what you would like to carry in your case. I thought a pen and charger.
f. Attach tab to Side B, by centering it and pining open/raw edge of tab to the middle of 9" of Side B opposite pocket. Using 1/4" making a few passes.
g. Along same side as newly attached tab of Side B pocket facing up and tab folded in, line up and pin flannel lining rectangle. Sew along tab egde (9"side) using a 1/2"seam allowance, so our 1/4" tab seam allowance is covered.
h. Fold out (see image below) and fold back you can press flannel  that is rolled under edge of canvas and tab is sticking up, then top stich this seam only, using a 1/2" seam allowance.

i. Fold Side B lining back over to sew bottom pocket edge. This will later ensure that lining will close up at bottom of case, a mistake I learned from creating the computer case. Flip right side out and press bottom edge.
j. Take Side A and line up other lining piece to outer side. Sew both 9"sides and then flip lining around (see image below). Press so lining dosen't show over canvas edge.
k. Top stich one 9'' side you deem as the top, using a 1/2" seam allowance.

l. Line up top stitched edges of Side A and Side B with canvas sides up flannel down and line up tab of Side B onto Side A for placement of Button. Pin where button holes should be.

m. Hand sew button onto canvas side of Side A and test button hole. This will be easier to fix now rather than later once sewn together, lesson learned.

n. Line up canvas sides together Side A and Side B and stitch using a 1/2" seam allowance along 2- 11" sides and bottom 9" side, you should be close to Peltex edge when joining the two sides and creating a large pocket with tab at top. I sew this seam twice and reverse at pocket top edge.

o. Trim two bottom corners and loose threads (see image below).

p. Flip case and poke out corners with pencil eraser end.

Tada! iPad case completed in 2 hours. So happy I got around to making this awesome case and tutorial. I know my directions aren't super precise and neither is my sewing. I am a learner and creator, which isn't always perfect. I hope you will add your own style and make it your own instead of making one just like mine.

Finished Side A, with flipped over Side B tab closure.

Finished Side B

Now back to deciding which project to work on for the new Baby!

Quick Fold Over Clutch

I needed a modern clutch for a wedding rehearsal dinner. This wedding and all of the events are rather dressy. I have spent money on a few items, mostly dresses. I want to make my own dress but fear it won't be right and I would have spent all this time doing it. I am not a seamstress Iam mainly a quilter. So, I shall leave dressmaking to another place in time.

I quickly realized I was going to have to settle on making an accessory. Jewels were out so I got it stuck in my head that I should do a clutch.

So this was the result to wear with my new cobalt jacket and my grey and black leather trimmed dress.

I had a few tricks to making this bag in only a few hours.  I dont have exact measurements to share. I would like to share my process on making these. It is much like other things, I look at something, size it up, then make slight alterations (usually aesthetic design). 

I see fold over clutches in style, which lead me to pick  up one in Forever21 opened it and checked out the construction. I didn't like the color or cheap chain. I went home empty handed to my bins of fabric. This silver vinyl has served its purpose for many creations. I feel that vinyl is a great item to sew with because it is so durable. I use my cheap Brother sewing machine and it sews through with a newer needle with great ease. I rarely sew through multiple vinyl layers, I cannot attest to that.

 I like duck cloth canvas too much and have a nice stash. After a few projects the silver is running low so I basically decided on the exact size for the clutch based on the size of vinyl scrap I had. From that I cut the canvas at the same width. I use a self-healing mat and rotary cutter with ruler, I just didn't look at the measurements really. I realize that seems odd, I find that I get a better looking finished piece if I go with my gut rather than the inch. There is a lining that came from a purple pillow case and a grey zipper inside. The zippers I keep on stash. I buy them longer than most and cut them down to size if needed. It seems to be easier to cut one down than make it longer. I box in the zipper in 2-3 wide strips of canvas. 

Then added the vinyl end and canvas to the other. Attached the lining with a small hole in the bottom for turning and inserted some rectangles of poly fiber board. It is the secret in making it stiff and keep its shape. I cant wait to use it! It is awesome that it cost me so little, and if someone likes it, I get to say that I made it.

Helping Pockets

My grandmother fell in her home a few months ago. She is in a rehab facility and will be going home soon. She will need to use her walker at home, so I made her pockets for the walker and gave them to her for Easter. She seemed very pleased. I wasnt able to measure it myself, I think I'll make it a bit smaller if I ever do this again. I used heavy cotton and canvas and clear plastic for the pockets so she could see what was in the pockets. It took me abt 3 hours to make and it didn't cost me a thing, all from my stash. I loved making this.

Set of Three

Check out the set of three canvas bags and plastic travel bags I made for myself! I love them I am making more soon.

Busy Little Elf

I have been a busy elf as of late. I wanted to try to make as many gifts as possible. I have not only made gifts, but I am also making gift wrapping. I gave my mom a set of different fabrics and sizes last year for her gifts. She said she would use them again this year. I wanted more for my self to use and so I made these today.
My original thinking was that I wanted to get away from the bags and bags of paper and trash that are created every year from the wrappings on Christmas morning. I realized how special the handmade bags made the gift receiver feel, which is an awesome plus. So, I purchased more fabric in January again when Christmas fabric is on sale. I use ribbon and bells that I have had in my stash to cinch up the bags. The bells keep the nosey types from opening before Christmas. I hope to have these bags for many more years to come. I hope to make more in larger sizes. Would you reuse a cloth bag like this if your gift came in one?

Mama's Bag

I made this purse for my mama. She came to visit last weekend and we just hung out around Raleigh, eating good food and  doing a bit of shoe shopping. My mama just retired from her state job of 30 years! I am so proud of her. She seems so excited about the future ahead. If I retired I would buy myself a new sewing machine and sew away. 

This bag has the inside is the top of blue jeans that I recycled. I just sew the zipper and legs closed. It makes great pockets with out all the work. I cut the leg of jeans into strips and make these awesome bowls. I like how the stripes are on the side pleat and strap.

Here are the morning glories that are creeping up my fence still. They are amazingly resilient through the blazing summer and hung on into the fall. I still have slugs chewing up the leaves. I have been excited to turn off the A/C and open up the windows. Happy Fall Ya"ll !

Silver Make-up bag

This was my old make-up bag. I made it out of the silver vinyl. I created it before I had the blog. It is the perfect size and very durable. The zipper was never sewed in properly. I have noticed that the holes around the seam at the zipper were getting big and I was losing make-up in my car. So here is prototype #2

I re-used the button, ribbon and zipper. I hope that this one last as long as the other one did. I also mastered the art of putting the zipper in. I really enjoyed recreating the project and working out the bugs. I inverted the diagonal on the side seam. I kept losing the smaller items in the corners. It also makes the opening seem bigger. I didn't do any decorative stitching, it was hard to see on the old one. Took me about 30 minutes start to finish. The hardest part is turning the bag right side out after sewing. The vinyl is super stiff. My hands always ache after using the vinyl to make bags.

Recycled bags

OMGosh! I had a million grocery bags under the kitchen sink.  I had seen this blog about crocheting plastic grocery bags a while back. I thought about the image the entire time we were in the process of moving. (Note to self: Blog about moving tips, I have ample experience) I cut bags into loops then daisy chained them together. Then used a HUGE ("M" I think) needle to single chain stitched them into a basket. I loved how expandable the bag was when I finished and it fit into the crate of dish towels. Now, when I need a dish towel I wont get a plastic bag stuck to my wet hand. This is a really great project for kids too. The daisy chain is super simple and using the fat needle is easier for the little hands. I could have varied the bags from different stores to create a pattern but, I stuck to the same old grocery bag.

I had a handful of other ideas that you could use to recycle into yarn. Like blue jeans, paper, linen, salvage edges, ribbon, VCR tape. Oh, I am sure I can come up with other applications. I like this concept more and more.