The Midtown

It's here! My new PDF pattern is available on etsy and craftsy as a downloadable PDF file! This sample bag was made using Jenean Morrison's new fabric line Lovelorn. I am so in love with this collection!

The Midtown was inspired by working in Memphis Midtown at Sew Memphis, and just getting to hang out and shop. My little man is now potty trained, and after spending what feels like an eternity carrying large bags filled with diapers and pull ups and extra clothes and enough snacks to be stranded in Death Valley and not starve or dehydrate, I find myself in a position to just carry what I need, my wallet, my phone, sunglasses and a few small items. I also like to have my hands free, since little man is still 3 and sometimes likes to be chased! So here is my life right now. It's cute, it's hip, its a nice sized crossbody with a zippered pocket front and an open pocket in the back.

The inside boasts pockets along the back side and the two zippers are super easy to install!

It is with a heavy heart I give up my "baby bag" days, knowing that he is our last baby. This style of bag is one I would have loved in my 20s, and have found a new appreciation for it in my 40s!

The above sample actually was for Jenean, it was just sew pretty I had to use it for all the pictures in the pattern!  I can't wait to see what others do with this pattern! I have already made one for myself, of course I used my stash of Star Trek fabric.

So if you see this bag in midtown Memphis, stop and say hi!

 

Adjustable Strap bag pattern

I feel as if I am neglecting blogging :( School has started, my little man is now 19 months and into EVERYTHING, and I spend my free time in the sewing room.

This is my new bag... a cross body adjustable strap bag big enough for a day out with little man.

I made the front pocket a zippered pocket.

I put an elastic pocket on the side

Plus the strap is adjustable!

I wrote out the pattern for this bag and it is now for sale on etsy as the Cross Body Bag.

I found the fabric for this bag at a cool local sew shop, Sew Memphis.  They have a great selection of fabrics, and wonderful classes. Speaking of classes, I will be teaching there! Check out my classes coming up:

Fat Quarter Frenzy! a beginners class

Disguise Yourself Workshop -Halloween accessories for kids!

Childrens Quilting

at heart I am a teacher, and love sharing my passion for sewing with others! I hope you can join me!

-p-

Toddler Time Take 2

I made another bag using the new Anna Maria Horner fabrics! A new store, Sew Memphis, has opened up in town and they are carrying Amy Butler and Anna Maria Horner and other Free Spirit designers! I have also written out the instructions on how to make this bag, and am selling the Toddler Time Diaper Bag Pattern on etsy.

If you want to purchase the pattern, use the coupon code sfncmay2012 for 20% off the pattern price until May 30th!

Happy Sewing!

Lunch bags

So here is the tute for lunch bags. I made 2 different sizes and in 2 different ways to see how it works. Though I like the soft bag, an insulated bag makes more sense and keeps great shape. The small size is perfect for a preschool snack, the larger for an adult lunch.

So here it goes:

Cutting

for small bag

10.5 by 8.5               2 each of lining and main fabric
6 by 4.5                    1 of lining and 1 of main for flap

large bag

14.5 by 12.5            2 each of lining and main
8.5 by 5.5                1 of lining 1 of main for flap


then use those pieces to cut out interfacing and insulate. don't forget to cut out handles if you are doing cloth handles, for the sample I used 1 inch belting.

first, take your ruler to the bottom corners and cut out 2 inch squares (2.5 for the large bag) at both sides.

then use the ruler to make a 45 degree angle on the flap, do both sides. make sure the flap is wider than it is longer! If you don't want to do this way, you can take a quarter and round the edges.

Here are your pieces so far. Iron on the interfacing to the MAIN fabric.

Then with quilt basting spray, you are going to attach the insulate to the lining.

like so. Trim so that there is no overhang from the insulate or interfacing.

center a 1 inch strip of sew in velcro about an inch or so from the edge. sew down. Pin and sew with right sides together the flap

Then you can topstich 1/8th inch around. the edge. Topstiching just makes everything look better.

take the other piece of velcro at the top edge of the front piece of main fabric and center it about an inch or so down, on the big bag I did about 2 inches.

sew the sides and bottom of the lining and main pieces

box your corners.

attach flap. I fold the flap in half finding center, then find center in the back of the bag, pin and sew. Sew at 1/8 inch, so when you sew the bag together you don't see that seam.

choose your handle length. I did short ones. Pin to main fabric, centering with the seam. Leave about an inch over, to reenforce.  sew at 1/8th inch.

Place the main fabric into the lining so right sides are together. pin carefully, especially at seams. Sew around, leaving at least a 4 inch opening in the fron to turn. Turn right side out.

Carefully topstich at 1/8th inch, closing the opening.

reenforce your handles. Trip your threads and you're done!