Sweet Scallop Tote

I'm very excited to have completed my scallop tote bag for the sew along with See Kate Sew!  Kate put together a great tutorial that you can find here.

The only changes that I made to the pattern were in the handle construction.  I didn't have enough fabric for Kate's pattern so I attached the handles between the exterior and the lining rather than on the outside of the bag.  I also added three pockets on the inside.  One small pocket on one side of the lining and a large divided pocket on the other side.


So here's my Sweet Scallop Tote:

And a close up of the scallops:

Well, I must confess that I just fell in love with this bag.  The scallops simply are sweet!  Since I just couldn't get enough of the scallops I decided to create a mini companion for my scallop tote.

I shrunk the scallop template and using the same instructions added a few scallops to a zipper pouch.

So thank you SEW much Kate! I had a lot of fun making the tote.  


Be sure to check out the other bags linked up here.


Thanks for stopping by.

Jess

Folklore Bag from One Yard Wonders

I am having lots of fun sewing many of the project in the  book One Yard Wonders.  I really enjoyed putting together the Folklore bag.  I don't have much experience sewing handbags or purses so I was excited to give it a try.  I did find sewing the curved bottom of the bag challenging but not impossible and I was so pleased with the results it was worth it!  And the best thing about this bag is that I found the yard of fabric in a clearance bin for $3 a yard.  This is my favorite bag to use right now.  I think I'll make another one in a darker print fabric.

Here is a photo of my completed bag:

Also September is craft book month at Craft Buds.  I am linking up this post.  Be sure to stop by Craft Buds and see what everyone else has been making from various craft books.

Thanks for stopping by!
Jess

Upcycled: Pants to a Bag!

I decided to take some old pants and upcycle them into a bag when I saw the upcycle challenge on Made it on Monday.  My favorite pair of white capri pants had been stained with balsamic vinegar so I figured this would give them a new life that would bring them pride.  I didn't want the bag to be plain white so I headed to the local thrift shop and found a pair of red pants to add to the mix.  (I figure I was doing everyone a favor by buying these pants and making them a bag.  No one needed to be wearing them!)

And here's the bag:

Front of bag with embroidery on the pocket and ruffles along the side seams.

Back of bag with embroidery on the pocket.  This cute little birdie template is from Urban Threads.

Inside of bag with two pockets. 

And some close ups of the embroidery:

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Jess

Charlotte's Messenger Bag

Here's a cute messenger bag that I made for my two year old.  I plan on using it  for her in the fall when she starts "school" again. (Charlotte attends a program two mornings a week for children with motor disorders.)  It's so cute I'll probably use it as a diaper bag and/or purse too!  I used the pattern from the One Yard Wonders Book designed by Lindsie Blair. 
http://www.craftyplanet.com/oneyardwonders/

Thanks for stopping by!   
Jess

Just getting started...

I recently got my sewing machine tuned up and started sewing again.  I think the last time I had used it before this was probably fourteen years ago. Yikes!  Am I dating myself?  Anyway, my motivation was my sweet little two year old Charlotte.  What could be more fun then sewing for a cute little girl?

I have been very busy with the machine.  I've sewn two dresses for Charlotte and two tops.  I've made sweet baby accessories for my expecting sister and sister-in-law, including burp cloths, blankets, jackets and a taggie lovey blanket.  I also made a purse for my friend from a great pattern from YouCanMakeThis.com by Kimberbellkids.  I will try to get around to posting photos of these competed projects.

Currently I'm working on a few bags and a romper for Charlotte.  I've decided to join in the Amy Butler sew-along with SewSweetness.  I may make the Blossom bag or save that for the Septemeber sew-along and attempt one of the Amy Butler quilts!  Better decide soon and get sewing.