WIP Wednesday: Handmade bags
This week is all about handmade bags for holiday gifts. After finishing the three quilted totes a co-worker/friend commissioned, James asked if I would help make gifts for some of his family members.
To assist, I offered to make a variety of bags and he could choose which ones he wanted to give. This afternoon I literally just completed a Noodlehead small Envelope Clutch. Last month I made the large Envelope Clutch, and I have to say – it’s easier to make the bigger size. Why? Because I had a very difficult time fitting the bag into my sewing machine to sew the lining to the exterior, and then topstitching it afterward – even though I took off the onboard sewing table/accessory box. The small clutch just wasn’t deep enough to fit, so it was a huge struggle.
James wants to sew a backpack for his niece, so I’m going to track down some tutorials. If you have any suggestions on one that is easy/quick to make – feel free to leave a comment!
Thanks to some Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales I stocked up on some great fabric and Aurifil thread deals online. Sew Sweetness had a rockin’ 40 percent off sale, and I picked up the Tudor and Aeroplane bag patterns.
This weekend, I’m going to attempt the Aeroplane pattern using this Ocean Drift fat quarter bundle and a white zipper. However – I only have a 22 inch zipper and the pattern calls for a 24 inch zipper so I’m going to try and “extend” the zipper with a long fabric tab, like some zipper pouches use. If it works out, I may post a tutorial. Some of these zipper sizes required in bag patterns are hard to come by.
After the holidays are over, I really need to get back to my gray and shades of blue quilt (currently unnamed) because it is a gift with a deadline.
Instagram is becoming my new favorite app on my phone – didn’t realize how addicting it is. I even placed a fabric order from Faith Love Fabric just on IG. The owner was holding a Sunday Flash Sale and Priory Square was only $8 a yard. I kept noticing users posting progress pictures of their swaps, and I was interested in joining one – but all of the swaps seemed to be closed to new participants. Then I found the perfect first swap – the #kittenmqs2015 run by Frankenstein’s Fabrics. Lucky for me – the deadline is in March so I’ve got plenty of time. I’m excited to make my first mini quilt – a cat themed one at that!
Today, I am participating in FreshlyPieced.com’s WIP Wednesday!
See you next time!
Jennifer