Recently in Bag and wallet patterns Category
Check out this beauty! Joan Hawley of Lazy Girl Designs has very graciously given the gorgeous Noriko Bag pattern --FOR FREE-- on her blog. If you've never tried Lazy Girl patterns, here's your chance to do it FOR FREE! See for yourself why Joan has a HUGE and very loyal fan club. Click here to visit Joan's blog post regarding the Noriko bag and scroll down the page until you find the pattern link.
What a lovely gift this bag would make! You probably have everything you need to make it already in your stash. THANKS Joan!
What a lovely gift this bag would make! You probably have everything you need to make it already in your stash. THANKS Joan!
I'm so excited about the NEW Bosa Nova Bag pattern by Shelly Stokes for Cedar Canyon Textiles -- of Shiva Paintstik fame.
Bosa Nova Bags is a gift bag pattern in 3
sizes.
These adorable and absolutely delightful bags are featured on the back
cover of the October Quilting Arts.
Full color fold-out pattern has step-by-step photos and instructions for bags in 3 sizes as well as tips for making custom-size bags.
The pattern uses LazyGirl HandyTabs to create a unique carrier for the bag's ties. This is an exceptionally ingenious idea!
Receiving a gift wrapped in a Bosa Nova Bag is like getting a double-gift. The beautiful bag can be re-used for years and keeps paper out of landfills.
The Bosa Nova Bags pattern is available for order from SewThankful.com - click here to take a closer look.
September is National Sewing Month! Celebrate by sewing up some fun with non-sewing or new-to-sewing friends.
Joan Hawley of Lazy Girl Designs has issued a "Make 2 - Give 2" With Love Totes CHALLENGE to her Lazy Girl Yahoo Group. What's a With Love Tote? The With Love Tote pattern is a a Lazy Girl Designs free pattern for a fast & fun 1 yard/1hour tote bag project.
What's this all about? You can read all about Joan's Challenge and you can download a PDF file of the pattern by visiting Joan's blog, click here (scroll down until you see the link).
I am proud to say that I am a Lazy Girl and I've taken Joan's challenge! Yesterday I made 4 bags--2 each two new friends (one is a beginner/occasional sew-er, the other does not sew). Want to see the bags I made?
I did make a couple changes (of course--I can't seem to do anything without making some kind of change):
What could the long bags be used for?
Joan Hawley of Lazy Girl Designs has issued a "Make 2 - Give 2" With Love Totes CHALLENGE to her Lazy Girl Yahoo Group. What's a With Love Tote? The With Love Tote pattern is a a Lazy Girl Designs free pattern for a fast & fun 1 yard/1hour tote bag project.
What's this all about? You can read all about Joan's Challenge and you can download a PDF file of the pattern by visiting Joan's blog, click here (scroll down until you see the link).
I am proud to say that I am a Lazy Girl and I've taken Joan's challenge! Yesterday I made 4 bags--2 each two new friends (one is a beginner/occasional sew-er, the other does not sew). Want to see the bags I made?
I did make a couple changes (of course--I can't seem to do anything without making some kind of change):- I used 1" cotton webbing for the handles. I like the sturdiness of the cotton webbing and they helped the pattern go together even faster.
- I made 2 of the bags a different size than the pattern specifies. It was easy to change the size; just use the same technique. The blue bags are approximately 10" wide by 21" long.
What could the long bags be used for?
- They are perfect for carrying a bottle of wine and a French Baguette and a couple other items.
- They would also be a great way to gift-wrap a long/tall box or package.
- This size would be a great size for Trick-or-Treating (long enough to prevent spills). They are light weight and sturdy! Just choose a Halloween Fabric and the kids will love them!
- Use your imagination!
I love these bags so much I need to make some for ME!! Perfect shopping bags (go green--carry your own). They fold up so nicely you can tuck them into your purse and/or glove compartment so you never have to "forget" again.
Joan's patterns are very easy to follow...just read and follow the instructions and you will have a bag you like and can truly use! This pattern was the same. I am very pleased with my results and enjoyed sewing the project.
OH YEAH...it's a great way to use up some of that stash that's been building up!
Whether you are a newbie sew-er or an old pro, you can join in the fun and inspire others to give sewing a try. Check out Joan's blog and consider taking her challenge. Click here.
Great pattern, great idea Joan!!! Thank you sew much for sharing your talents.
Joan's patterns are very easy to follow...just read and follow the instructions and you will have a bag you like and can truly use! This pattern was the same. I am very pleased with my results and enjoyed sewing the project.
OH YEAH...it's a great way to use up some of that stash that's been building up!
Whether you are a newbie sew-er or an old pro, you can join in the fun and inspire others to give sewing a try. Check out Joan's blog and consider taking her challenge. Click here.
Great pattern, great idea Joan!!! Thank you sew much for sharing your talents.
Scrap-bags™ owner and designer, Jamie Kalvestran announced yesterday:
We have received so many requests for permission to make and sell our bags. Or make bags for fund raisers, craft fairs, bazaars etc. In the past we have had to say "No" for legal reasons. We are excited at the possibility of being able to say "Yes"!Click here for more information
We have discussed the idea of giving crafters and sewers permission to make and distribute items using our patterns with our IP Attorney. We are happy to say that we have arrived at a process that gives approval to qualified applicants and protects our trademark and copyrights at the same time.
Click here for Scrap-bags™ Online CraftersSubmissionForm
Scrap-bags™ designs include the VERY popular Fat Quarter Scrap-bag and Yin-Yang Bag patterns. Click here to see all the current Scrap-bags pattern listings at Sew Thankful.
If you've ever used those "hard" U-shaped handles in your handbag making, you may have experienced the little screws coming loose on you. In the picture below, I'm referring to the silver U shape and the screw that attaches it to the handle. I know it has happened to me...so I bet it has happened to others.
A very quick, inexpensive and invisible "fix" is to fully tighten the screw and then dab a bit of clear nail polish (on head of the screw and on the threaded side if you can reach it) to seal it the screw. It has been at least two months since I tried this fix and it is still holding beautifully.
I mean...wow...it's no fun to be shopping and one side of your handle pops off your gorgeous bag! I was especially bummed because it happened to me about the 2nd week I was carrying my Miranda Bag (the bag I made is pictured below -- click here to read my review of The Miranda Bag pattern & see more pictures):
Are you looking for some handles or hardware for your next handbag project? Click here to check out some ideas at Sew Thankful.
Are you looking for a fabulous new handbag pattern? Click here to see what's available at Sew Thankful.
A very quick, inexpensive and invisible "fix" is to fully tighten the screw and then dab a bit of clear nail polish (on head of the screw and on the threaded side if you can reach it) to seal it the screw. It has been at least two months since I tried this fix and it is still holding beautifully.
I mean...wow...it's no fun to be shopping and one side of your handle pops off your gorgeous bag! I was especially bummed because it happened to me about the 2nd week I was carrying my Miranda Bag (the bag I made is pictured below -- click here to read my review of The Miranda Bag pattern & see more pictures):
Are you looking for some handles or hardware for your next handbag project? Click here to check out some ideas at Sew Thankful.
Are you looking for a fabulous new handbag pattern? Click here to see what's available at Sew Thankful.
Wooo Hooo...exciting news! Joan Hawley made a post to her blog yesterday featuring my Miranda bag! I feel like such a proud mamma having my baby in the spotlight! Click here if you'd like to take a look.
Cinching: I recently received a request for clarification on how I applied the tabs for the "cinched" effect on my Miranda bag.
Here's the scoop:
You attach the tabs for the swivel clips in the same manner as you attach the tabs for the purchased handles (instructions for that are in the pattern, I believe). Only instead of placing the tabs on the outside (as for the handles) you'll place the tabs on the inside. You'll want to use a matching/coordinating thread so the stitching will be discreet & not very noticeable.
Joan (Joan Hawley, the Miranda Bag pattern designer) shows/describes this a little better on her blog in these two entries:
http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/blog/?p=786#more-786
http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/blog/?p=776
Hope that helps.
Cinching: I recently received a request for clarification on how I applied the tabs for the "cinched" effect on my Miranda bag.
Here's the scoop:
You attach the tabs for the swivel clips in the same manner as you attach the tabs for the purchased handles (instructions for that are in the pattern, I believe). Only instead of placing the tabs on the outside (as for the handles) you'll place the tabs on the inside. You'll want to use a matching/coordinating thread so the stitching will be discreet & not very noticeable.
Joan (Joan Hawley, the Miranda Bag pattern designer) shows/describes this a little better on her blog in these two entries:
http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/blog/?p=786#more-786
http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/blog/?p=776
Hope that helps.
Let's be sew great in 2008!
I recently received an email from a lovely customer sharing some pics of her work. She gave permission for me to share them here with you. Enjoy...
Sue says: "My name is Sue and I am from Massachusetts (home of the Patriots!!) I loved making the purse, and already have 2 of my nieces reminding me of their birthdays!! My world traveling daughter will soon be receiving the passport holder when I ship it overseas to her. I can tell that both of these patterns are going to become habit forming!"
I recently received an email from a lovely customer sharing some pics of her work. She gave permission for me to share them here with you. Enjoy...
Sue says: "My name is Sue and I am from Massachusetts (home of the Patriots!!) I loved making the purse, and already have 2 of my nieces reminding me of their birthdays!! My world traveling daughter will soon be receiving the passport holder when I ship it overseas to her. I can tell that both of these patterns are going to become habit forming!"
Purse-O-Nality Plus Back Side
Purse-O-Nality Plus inside
I'm certain your daughter is going to LOVE her new passport holder...VERY nice!
Great work!! Thanks so much for sharing Sue!
Great work!! Thanks so much for sharing Sue!
Miranda in action...she's a hard-workin' babe!
I made my sweet Miranda bag using the Lazy Girl Miranda Day Bag pattern (new Fall 2007 from Joan Hawley, owner/designer of Lazy Girl Designs ).
My sweet Miranda, has been a busy girl. She has accompanied me on all my activities the last month and a half and OH BOY have I put her through the paces.
She is a class act doing her duties whether taking the boys to school, grocery shopping, Christmas shopping, or out for an evening with a friend. She's always ready to go and she is TOUGH! Miranda does her job and even asks for more.
What could be better? I'll tell you--she NEVER, not even once has she ever complained or showed signs of weariness.
I love that I can change her look--cinched or not. I love the roominess inside and many fabulous inside pockets. I love how easy she is to manage.
She is the B-E-S-T companion for shopping and travel.
I made my sweet Miranda bag using the Lazy Girl Miranda Day Bag pattern (new Fall 2007 from Joan Hawley, owner/designer of Lazy Girl Designs ).
My sweet Miranda, has been a busy girl. She has accompanied me on all my activities the last month and a half and OH BOY have I put her through the paces.
She is a class act doing her duties whether taking the boys to school, grocery shopping, Christmas shopping, or out for an evening with a friend. She's always ready to go and she is TOUGH! Miranda does her job and even asks for more.
What could be better? I'll tell you--she NEVER, not even once has she ever complained or showed signs of weariness.
I love that I can change her look--cinched or not. I love the roominess inside and many fabulous inside pockets. I love how easy she is to manage.
She is the B-E-S-T companion for shopping and travel.
Miranda and many more Lazy Girl Designs patterns are available at Sew Thankful.
To read about my adventure in sewing Miranda, click here...
To read about my adventure in sewing Miranda, click here...
My Miranda was birthed with love and nurturing dedication over the course of two days. It was an extended labor of love for this Lazy Girl.
Why did it take so long you ask?
Oh...so you want to see her? Here she is--click image to open large image in a pop up window:
Miranda, shown cinched, sporting ivory/black bamboo fashion handles from Clover.
I used Leisure Arts 1" Swivel Clips to make her cinch. Click here to see a selection of Leisure Arts handbag hardware accessories at Sew Thankful.
My Miranda is not quilted. Instead of batting, I used Pellon Fusible Fleece. I love the smooth and sleek look.
I also decided to give my Miranda FEET to protect her bottom, because good mama's take care of their baby's bottoms. Given Miranda's ample proportions, I decided that she would need 6 feet in order to protection at each end and also in the middle. You know, it's terrible to have a chafed middle bottom! I used silver tone purse feet from Ghees (gotta mind your metals when making purses...make sure all metal colors match for best results). Gold tone feet are also available at Sew Thankful...in fact, Sew Thankful stocks a nifty selection of handbag hardware.
I used the BLACK Velcro Fusion and I gotta say it again, "I LOVE that stuff!" I only had the 3/4" x 1" rectangles available, and being a Lazy Girl, I just placed them end to end to get my 2" piece and fused. Worked great!
Here are a couple more views - no cinching and inside:
So...you wanna know...how hard was she to sew?
Miranda is not a hard bag to make at all. If you don't have well honed sewing skills, you will definitely need patience and be able to discipline yourself to take one step at a time and follow it through without trying to guess it's right.
There are some minor challenges in dealing with the bulk because Miranda is very well stabilized (and that's a GREAT thing). These minor challenges are nothing too difficult if you can discipline yourself to stay focused on each task as Joan presents it you shouldn't have any major problems.
Joan Hawley, owner/designer of Lazy Girl Designs and the Miranda Day Bag pattern, did an outstanding job with both the "design" of the bag and the directions for the pattern. Two thumbs up!!!
I LOVE my new Miranda and can't wait to show her off AND make more -- but that will probably have to wait until after the holidays!
Would you like to know when I make new samples of patterns, write pattern or product reviews or when Sew Thankful is offering eCoupon codes? If so, please be sure to sign up for the FREE Sew Thankful eNews -- click here.
Why did it take so long you ask?
- Well...because I never seem to have more than 20 consecutive minutes at a time to work on sewing projects lately.
- I also have a very bad habit of wanting to change things slightly...which ALWAYS results in requiring much more time. For example:
Did I need drugs to get through this extended labor you're wondering? No, silly. While operating a sewing machine or hot iron I highly recommend not becoming impaired or intoxicated.
- I decided I did not like how my front and back panels looked when I pieced them together, so I added appliqué pane strip over the join and on each panel end. I quilted these down over the end of each large pieced rectangle (i.e., the front & back).
- I also decided I did not want to have a solid (looking) black lining, but I DID want to have a black faux binding around the top. Sew....this Lazy Girl took her time and pieced the lining sections.
Oh...so you want to see her? Here she is--click image to open large image in a pop up window:
Miranda, shown cinched, sporting ivory/black bamboo fashion handles from Clover.I used Leisure Arts 1" Swivel Clips to make her cinch. Click here to see a selection of Leisure Arts handbag hardware accessories at Sew Thankful.
My Miranda is not quilted. Instead of batting, I used Pellon Fusible Fleece. I love the smooth and sleek look.
I also decided to give my Miranda FEET to protect her bottom, because good mama's take care of their baby's bottoms. Given Miranda's ample proportions, I decided that she would need 6 feet in order to protection at each end and also in the middle. You know, it's terrible to have a chafed middle bottom! I used silver tone purse feet from Ghees (gotta mind your metals when making purses...make sure all metal colors match for best results). Gold tone feet are also available at Sew Thankful...in fact, Sew Thankful stocks a nifty selection of handbag hardware.
I used the BLACK Velcro Fusion and I gotta say it again, "I LOVE that stuff!" I only had the 3/4" x 1" rectangles available, and being a Lazy Girl, I just placed them end to end to get my 2" piece and fused. Worked great!
Here are a couple more views - no cinching and inside:
So...you wanna know...how hard was she to sew?
Miranda is not a hard bag to make at all. If you don't have well honed sewing skills, you will definitely need patience and be able to discipline yourself to take one step at a time and follow it through without trying to guess it's right.
There are some minor challenges in dealing with the bulk because Miranda is very well stabilized (and that's a GREAT thing). These minor challenges are nothing too difficult if you can discipline yourself to stay focused on each task as Joan presents it you shouldn't have any major problems.
Joan Hawley, owner/designer of Lazy Girl Designs and the Miranda Day Bag pattern, did an outstanding job with both the "design" of the bag and the directions for the pattern. Two thumbs up!!!
I LOVE my new Miranda and can't wait to show her off AND make more -- but that will probably have to wait until after the holidays!
Would you like to know when I make new samples of patterns, write pattern or product reviews or when Sew Thankful is offering eCoupon codes? If so, please be sure to sign up for the FREE Sew Thankful eNews -- click here.
I had a special treat today!
I enjoyed a wonderful lunch with Patricia Gould, local and very talented New Mexico fiber artist and pattern designer. Patricia's pattern company is called Angel Fire Designs.
Patricia showed me some of her new designs and ideas and her most recent pattern, On The Town Elegance Bag pattern. WOW...the sample she showed me was gorgeous...and lined in dupioni silk... and it was amazing!
I enjoyed a wonderful lunch with Patricia Gould, local and very talented New Mexico fiber artist and pattern designer. Patricia's pattern company is called Angel Fire Designs.
Patricia showed me some of her new designs and ideas and her most recent pattern, On The Town Elegance Bag pattern. WOW...the sample she showed me was gorgeous...and lined in dupioni silk... and it was amazing!
Click the thumbnail to see a larger image in a pop up window.
Click here to see more info on this pattern and more from Patricia.
Click here to see more info on this pattern and more from Patricia.
