I got a bit sidetracked

I seem to get sidetracked very easily. My friend had the idea to make a carry bag with handles for her plastic sewing boxes. This made it easy to carry along with her other stuff. I thought it a great idea so decided to try it myself.

I have 4 containers the same dimension but different heights and only 1 lid. So they all sit on top of each other. I thought this was a great idea for them.  Now, choosing what fabric to use was the hardest. Then a light bulb moment. I could use up some old denim jeans that I have laid around. The pockets would be great on the outside for my phone and keys. Easy to reach. I was cutting away making pieces match while on Betty’s zoom. As I was sewing away it was coming together great. The thing is that I quilt the pieces and trim down to size. Well, it was working out so nice I didn’t want to cut it down so it came out bigger than originally intended. I then made it as big as I could.

Oh the joys of 2 days play, cutting, thinking and sewing.

My denim bag.

I put 2 press studs on the front to keep the lid flap closed.

 There is a pocket on the side

 On the back I have left the button and fly open at the top. I sewed a lining in which made it a usable pocket from the top

 Another pocket on the other side and front. Of course it had to have its Levi’s tag.

The straps were made of one fabric and I didn’t have to fold them like a bias binding or turn them into a tube. It was a new to me technique which works really well.

I found it on this bag tutorial but the strap was from the 4 minute mark

Sewing Craft

 It holds the largest container as well as 14 balls of wool.  I have my Izzy dolls in the container. The knitting needles fit easily and there is plenty of room for my sewing up supplies.

 I did put the other Levi tag on the top. The front flap has the waist band off a jacket so has good weight to hold it down nicely.

It is 13” * 14” and 10” high.

My friends little bag and some scrap placemats.

 My friend recently made a wristlet bag. I thought it was a great idea for a quick trip to the shops or to put your rotary and scissors in. 

It is an easy design which makes 3 pockets.

I just used the left over fabric from our scrub stitching pouch

Then I made a 2nd one using up the selvedge scraps off my table.

I think I used a bit too stiff an interfacing but they are still ok.

While I was cleaning off my table, instead of packing or throwing away the scrap fabrics, I made up 3 charity placemats. Last year we donated 150 to meals on wheels. I am not focussing on them like I did last year but I will still make them throughout the year.

Boro, bags & Yoko Saito JAPAN

 I have been using my bag and I am loving it.

We went for a special train ride to QUILT PARTY today.

I love Yoko Saito’s quilt and bag designs. Her fabric choices are amazing.

We were not expecting Yoko to be in store but she was. I got her to sign a book for me.

While we were in the store a customer came in with the most amazing quilt she had made.

Online shop and in store.

Using my BORO stitched fabric

 While on a roll with my bag making I found a great tutorial for a crossbody bag. It was easy to make, the tutorial was easy to follow and I used the whole piece.

Watching carefully

After all that stitching now was the time to cut it into pieces.

Changing the design a bit to get more pockets. 

I had a long length of zip with multiple pulls so I used them up too.

I put 2 pulls on each zip. 

You can still see the little fish on the front.

I am loving this bag. I did make it bigger than the tutorial as I wanted to use all the fabric.

I used a strap that I bought in Japan last year.

https://youtu.be/5zQqyQvjFF0?si=EsneyZe-wHXACjym

A little travel purse.

I loved the linen I used for my backpack so much I made a little purse. 

Watching the tutorial. Working out the zipper pocket.

Hand stitching the binding down.

A pretty flower magnetic clasp I bought in Japan.

It has 2 spaces for cards and can attach a key.

fits in notes and a zippered purse for coins

YouTube is wonderful for tutorials.

https://youtu.be/VexWce4Je8E?si=jmG0DU40wWpYnUGK

Bag making

 I have been so busy settling Tony in and trying to get into a routine. We are not sleeping well at night so having a few naps during the day. Today was the first day we didn’t have to go to an appointment and no one was visiting.. I haven't sewn on the machine in about 10 weeks. So today was the day I decided to make a bag. I need a backpack for an upcoming trip so I have been searching YouTube. I found some amazing tutorials.

I only need a backpack that packs away small, fits a change of clothes or holds some shopping.

I cannot get out to shop for any extra items so I used what was on hand. 

I had some small wooden rings. They were used instead of square buckles. I found this beautiful piece of striped linen. A great weight so I didn’t need to line it with anything. I didn’t want it padded or quilted.

It can be used as a bag or backpack.

It’s a great size, lightweight and I am so happy with it.

Have a look at this tutorial if you want to give it a go. It didn’t take long to make either.

https://youtu.be/FoTfxQzEzLc?si=FCz-VkWt4mNPqVHc

Bag workshop went well.

 A while back my friend and I sat down and worked out how to make this cute bag.

Well everyone at our LQG wanted to make one so a workshop was held.

There were many discussions on how to change it up. Size, handles - 1 or 2, reversible. We had such a fun time.

2 beautiful bags...

My friend and I wanted to have a fun day sewing a bag. We did it.

We have made 2 beautiful bags that we can share with my group. 

I am playing around with a design. I have seen a few of these bags made on Pinterest and I wanted to try something..

I have seen these bags glued together, plain fabrics, bag stitched and wanted to try my own way..

So here it is...

I am loving the fabrics.

Just some scraps to try out a pattern and try to design something to share at my quilt group...

This is how it looks befor you sew the base seams...

My bag.. I am so happy with it. I use it every day for work and my colleagues love it.

Maxine's bag... It is lovely

2020 A NEW YEAR

Pulling out the corded bag and crocheting a new bag.

This is going well.

Unfortunately this is over a year old, closer to 2, and I still don't like it so it has now been pulled out...

Time for a new year, a new project.

BORO BAG IS DONE.

My fat quarter was stitched and trimmed. The handles are a good match.

I have chosen this double side fabric for the top binding.

It was used in the bag and matches perfectly.

Well, my bag is all finished. The handles are on.

I LOVE IT.

I have already used it and I want to make more.

I started with a fat quarter size, added some wadding and a RED apple backing for the lining.

At least I was still keeping with JANUARYs theme colour.

Stitched all my BORO then just folded it in half and sewed the side seams.

Did my dog ear corners on the base, pleated and bound the top.

Added handles and here you have a beautiful bag.

Now I want to stitch some more BORO.

I'll decide on a starting size.  I might make a pouch with a plastic top.

What have I been doing...

After cleaning out my storeroom and knowing what's in there I have been sewing. Only a little bit but it is still catching up. Yes, that's right. I'm trying to catch up with the Splendid Sampler blocks. I have completed 3 and prepared quite a few more..
Here are the ones I have completed. I have started with the current ones. They just happened to be fairly easy too...
This reminds me of so many cups of coffee/tea in a garden. So relaxing...

Splendid Sampler... block no... 77

Splendid Sampler...... block no....73

Splendid Sampler block no... 74

I also have made another sew along bag. I think 1 will be for a gift and one will be for me to use.. it is completed now... I used thicker wadding and double stiffener in the pockets...

Sew along bag