messenger BAG

As I mentioned in my first post, these first few posts are me catching up to current time. I just started this blog and I wanted to give my readers a chance to see some things I have already done up to this point in time. So here it is, the most recent bag I have made. I went to a family reunion back in PA and wanted a bag that would fit everything I hold in my purse along with my Ipad. I already had a cross-body purse, but the actually purse is very heavy and I wanted something lighter since I was traveling across the country.

Again, I did not use a pattern. I literally just starting cutting the exterior fabric and crossed my fingers that I wouldn't mess up. I bought the exterior fabric from the fashion district in Los Angeles from Michael Levine. If you live in the LA area, you must go to the fashion district. There are rows and rows of stores that sell fabric. I did not have a lot of time, so I went to go Michael Levine's store, which is a huge warehouse of fabrics and notions. Anyways, the fabric I bought was a little pricey, but worth it because the pattern is amazing. The design is printed on silk and then laminated. It was difficult to sew the fabric at some points due to the laminate, but I learned to use tissue paper in between the fabric and machine for a smoother glide. The tissue paper will easily tear away after it has been sewn together.

Overall, the bag turned out okay. I was not happy with the top zipper, the side pulls that hold the strap rings, and the strap. I decided to make this bag the weekend before I left and starting sewing it 2 days before I left. I did not have time to make modification or even get to the store to look for another strap. My sister-in-law did like the bag a lot, but I already know what I would do differently to improve the structure of the bag. So here it is...and the next time you hear from me, I hope to be creating another almost masterpiece :)

the WeeKenDer BaG

Let me just say that I love Amy Butler. I love her fabrics, I sometimes go to a local fabric store just to stare at her fabrics. One thing you will begin to notice with me is that I love floral patterns, and Amy has a lot of them. I saw Amy's Dream Traveler bag and again, instantly wanted to buy a pattern and make one myself. I was slightly disappointed when I realized that she does not sell the pattern, but must pay for the bag. Being a social worker, I was not able to afford the bag I really wanted. So again, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

It was at this point I decided to create a Weekend Bag. I started by figuring out the dimensions I wanted and then created my own pattern. I did modify the dimensions as I went along, realizing my first ones were way too big. So unfortunately I can't tell you exactly what they are. I bought a heavy canvas for the exterior and just a cotton fabric for the lining. I will say that it was easier than I expected, but I did run into some difficulties as this was only about the 7th thing I've ever made. On the inside I put a couple zipper pockets, thanks to Sew Mama Sew's tutorial. I use Sew Mama Sew a lot, she has great tutorials and she has the ability to make thing easy to follow. Love her! The most difficult part was figuring out how to actually sew it all together. I also really wanted to put a plastic insert in the bottom to create stability, but had trouble finding something. When I make this bag again, I would like to make my handles longer, a couple pockets on the outside with zipper closure, and a find a plastic insert for the bottom. If you know where I may find plastic inserts, please let me know :) Anyways, this bag is probably the one I am most proud of, am I allowed to say that? I think I would like to make some matching bags to use on one of my many weekend-get-aways from the desert :)

the BOX POUCH

The next couple photos are called the Box Pouch...a tutorial I found from "it's a PRETTY MODERN life" blog. A friend of mine, Deanna had a box pouch sitting on her sewing table and loved it! So, i went looking for a tutorial on how to create one. "it's a PRETTY MODERN life" does a great job at explaining what to do and makes it very easy to follow. I must say, I have applied her techniques to other pages I've made. Thanks "it's a PRETTY MODERN life"!!!!

The next pouch I first embroidered the exterior. I found a great book for beginners titled "Doodle Stitching" by Aimee Ray. I love her book because the patterns are hip and modern. I feel like a lot of embroidery books give patterns that my Grandmother would love. They are usually quite beautiful and intricate, but not necessarily things someone my age would be fond of. That's what I like about Aimee's book, it is young and modern, and easy to follow. A great introduction to embroidery. I also embroidered  a hand towel using another pattern from her book.

                                    

button clutch

I made this clutch from a pattern in Stitch Magazine. As I said in my first post, I find it difficult to follow patterns, but this one was very easy. It was the perfect way to get myself familiar with using patterns. The buttons were very fun to buy and sew on the front flap. The applique petals were more time consuming, but adds the perfect touch to this clutch. I would recommend everyone to buy this pattern and try it out for themselves!

the first clutch

I made this clutch for my friend, Nadia, for a birthday present. It was my very first clutch (and the second thing) I have ever sewn. I did not use a pattern, just went with the flow. Overall it turned out really good. One thing I remember when I created this clutch was the lining. I had no idea how to do lining, so there are exposed stitching. Not that pretty on the inside, but looks good on the outside :)

and SEW it begins...

i began posting photos of my "sewing adventures" on my facebook page. i received many encouraging comments, including the suggestion that i should start my own blog. so here i am. i have posted some of my favorite creations for my first blog: a clutch, a small pouch, a weekend bag, etc.. i have only created less than 10 things, so many things are first time attempts. i hope to modify and improve on many of my bags, in hopes to be able to sell them one day. until then, enjoy my creations. i will try to document along the way, give credit where it's needed, and provide patterns (as i try to make all my patterns because i find it very difficult to follow pre-made patterns). i must mention, i do engage in all sorts of crafts such as jewelry making, cooking, knitting and crocheting, etc., but right now sewing is my obsession. enjoy :)