How to create your very own sweat shop . . .

Most of you know by now just how much I love {and have used} Anna's 241 Tote Pattern. Last week I made five of these babies in three days for my girls for Mother's Day. I might just as well have been in a sweat shop in Timbuktu. I came up for air and food, but that's about it. I can't complain too much though, because these beauties were the result of that sewing frenzy...

I paired muslin with fabric from Joel Dewberry's Aviary 2 collection for all of these totes. I {obviously} love everything about this line of fabrics -- the color pallets, the traditional designs, and the beautiful life-like patterns.

One more . . .

I can't seem to get enough of this pattern of Anna's found here on her blog "Noodlehead."  This is a version I made last week. Love the gray and pink tones with the muslin on this one...

Yesterday I was waiting in line at the grocery store with the version I made for myself, and a young mother behind me commented on how much she liked my purse. It's so nice to get a compliment on something you made yourself!

I've had many people ask me what I do to make my bags more "sturdy" looking. I do this by using fusible fleece (a thicker iron-on interfacing you buy off the bolt at fabric stores). I use it on almost all the pieces of fabric for the tote except the lining of the pockets. That means I apply it to all the outside and lining panel pieces of the purse. I also apply it to the outside of the pockets. It makes the cost of the purse a bit more, but it's well worth the extra money in my mind. Fusible fleece ensures a sturdy, well-crafted tote.

Once again I added an extra couple of inches to the width of the purse and added two inside pockets into the seams.

This is the most comfortable purse I've had in ages. I love the long, thick strap that stays put and the roomy pockets both inside and out!

Just a reminder ... Mother's Day is fast approaching. Just sayin'.

New Tote Pattern...

This week has been a busy one. My youngest daughter and her husband are graduating from college this weekend, and then they will be moving here and hanging out with us for most of the summer. So happy! In the fall they are off to law school back east, so I've been feathering the nest and doing a little spring cleaning.

I thought I'd show you the other tote I made for myself from the 241 Pattern at Noodlehead. This time I enlarged the pattern a little. I have a ton of things I carry with me, so I need a roomy purse. I took the pattern piece entitle "center panel" and added 1/2 inch along the fold line. That enlarged the middle panel by a total of 1 inch. Since there are two of those panels on the purse that added two inches to the width of the tote. Perfect for me and all my stuff...

I adore this purse. It's the only one I've had in a long time that actually stays put on my shoulder. Love that about it...

I chose a somewhat neutral fabric combination (brown and a natural linen look) -- of course there is a pop of turquoise and lime! Yum...

In addition to the two pockets on the outside of the purse, I added two pockets to the center panels of the lining (see above). I just tucked those right into the seams.

Have a great day!

New Tote...

A couple of weeks ago I was reading my favorite blogs when I came upon this post at Noodlehead. Anna is an inspiring seamstress who has fresh, original designs and tutorials. She was introducing a new tote pattern she had created, and I instantly fell in love with her "241 Tote." When I realized she was selling pattern for this new tote {for $7!}, I quickly snatched one up! A few days later I made this ...

This bag is a gift for a friend of mine. It's her birthday this week, and she deserves something special. Her favorite color is "mustard," so I tried to find fabric that would please her. This is what I came up with...

There are a number of reasons I love this purse pattern. The first is that I love a purse with outside pockets. These pockets are roomy and easily accessible.

Second, I absolutely love a one strap purse. This pattern has one strap that stays firmly planted on your shoulder. Not only that but the strap is nice and thick, so it doesn't dig into your shoulder. Love it!

I used a magnetic-snap inside closure for mine, which is what is suggested by following the pattern...

In addition to the outside pockets, I added two more pockets on the inside of this tote. There can never be enough pockets in a purse for me! I also used fusible fleece interfacing on both the outside fabric and the lining of this bag.

One more important point... By purchasing the pattern, permission is given to sell totes made by the "241 Tote Pattern" for home based businesses. That's huge. I'm not sure it's something I'm going to do, but it's nice to know it is a possibility! 

This is a fun, easy tote to make. The instructions and photos in this pattern provide easily understood step-by-step explanations. I usually create my own tote patterns, but it was a joy to be able to have everything provided in one easy pattern! Later this week I'll highlight another tote from this pattern that I made for myself. ;o) I changed it up a little by making it a little larger -- I'm a girl with a lotta stuff.

PS: No compensation has been made for this review of the 241 Pattern. Just wanted to share the love!)

Linked to:
Made with Love Monday @ Sew Chatty

"My Little Chickadee"

"My Little Chickadee" is the perfect name for this beautiful purse! Once again I've created a Hang Up from Tina Given's line named, "Annabella" for Free Spirit. This cleverly designed collection features a dreamy warm colorway in "mink." It certainly has a little something for everyone -- florals, dots, swirls, and even an adventurous bird or two! You might remember "Fields of Gold" that I made last month from this same line. "My Little Chickadee" features little birdies amongst amber flowers and lime green vines. You may not have many birds visiting your gardens this time of year, but if this tote heads to your home you could always have a chickadee close by!

"My Little Chickadee" is in my Etsy!

"Prairie Nights"

Swirls, scrolls, thistle-like fleurettes, and mosaics combine to create a playful, cheerful feeling in this Michael Miller collection, aptly named "Whimsy," by Valerie Pillow and Anne Maxfield. I love the focused, uncluttered color palette in these fabrics that spotlight indigo blue, lime green and bright white. The fabrics I chose from this line for "Prairie Nights" remind me of a thick, dark night on the plains. Thistles growing. Grasshoppers singing. Moon glowing. Stars shining in an inky indigo sky. To me, "Prairie Nights" reflects the whimsical, vibrant sights and sounds of a night on the prairie. This is a pattern I designed myself. I have to admit, I love the wide hips on her and the rounded buttoned strap!

"Prairie Nights" will be found in my Etsy very soon.

"Chinese Lantern"

I love Chinese Lantern Lilies like the one to the left. This time of year I often see them in the stores. I am drawn to their shape, their color, and their paper-thin appearance. Nature is incredibly beautiful, isn't it?

A week or so ago I created a tote from Laura Gunn's "Lantern Bloom" collection. I named her "Gilded Cage." Today I chose another fabric from that same line and "Chinese Lantern" was born. The fabrics in this line speak to me. I love the abstract prints and the Asian flare of this collection. The bold colors and hand-painted variations make them chic and sophisticated. Toting "Chinese Lantern" is like hanging a painting from your shoulder! The fabric that I chose for today's creation depicts tall turquoise vases stuffed with delicate branches of hot pink lantern pods. The straps on this Hang Up flaunt fabric reminiscent of a turquoise tile mosaic. Oh, and there's two big, coconut buttons to boot! Just beautiful!

Without further delay, let me introduce you to "Chinese Lantern"...

She can be found in my Etsy shop later today...

"Gilded Cage"

"Lantern Bloom" by Laura Gunn for Michael Miller fabrics may be one of my favorite fabric lines of all time. I know I say that often about various fabrics. My problem is there are so many fabulous fabric designers that I am a bit fickle when it comes to declaring favorites. I'm like a 12 year old with a new crush every other week. Suffice it to say that this line, "Lantern Bloom", is gorgeous. This collection is filled with abstract prints with an Asian flare. Unique designs including hanging bird cages, tile mosaics and vases filled with delicate blossoms are presented in vivid hues. The fabric looks textured, distressed, earthy and alluring. It compels you to reach out and touch it and then examine every nuance. Laura Gunn, by her own admission is a "mother, artist, designer, and compulsive crafter." You can find her blog, "Paint in my Hair" here. She started out as a painter by trade, so as a result her fabrics capture the textures and variegations found in that medium. Very cool, sophisticated, and contemporary. I love them.

And, I love "Gilden Cages," which is what I named my latest Hang Up. It is, obviously, made from two of the fabrics in the "Lantern Bloom" collection. Oh, how I adore this fabric. First, let's take a look at the $4.20 button. She's French. Ohhh-la-la. Apparently French things are pricey, at least their buttons are, but I couldn't pass this one up. It's rich and earthy and so perfect for this tote. There are two of these babies -- one on each side of "Gilded Cages."

Having introduced you to the buttons, I will move on to the pleats... there's three on each side. I say this because sometimes a purse will be one-sided. By that I mean, all the special doo-dads will appear on one side but not the other. The extra special features on my totes cover both sides...

And finally, here she is in all her splendor. I wish I could give my little bird away with the purchase of the tote. She seems to fit right in...

You can find "Gilded Cage" in my Etsy.
Please don't forget to scroll down and sign up
for my special Give-Away Give-Away...

"Fields of Gold"

I was listening to the Playlist on my sidebar this morning and knew as I heard the song "Fields of Gold" that this is what I needed to name my new Hang Up. "Fields of Gold" seems to fit this tote to a T. The fabric on this saucy little number is from the "Annabella" line from Tina Givens. Fabulous. This line is filled with rich brown, sassy aqua, lively pink, moss green and golden hues. It's one of my favorites.

I tweaked the pattern I devised yesterday a little for this one. It's a little fuller up top and through the base of the bag. This one has plenty of room for the woman who carries many "essentials." You know the type. Like me.

Anywho ... here's "Field of Dreams." She'll be resting in my Etsy very soon.

woodsy button...

triple pleats...

like a bouquet of fall flowers...

or a field of gold.

"Sassafras"

Mmmmm. Ever had home-made root beer? There's nothing better on a hot summer day than a little sassafras. It's a favorite of mine. Very sweet and intoxicating. Kind of like this new tote I created today. That's why I named her "Sassafras." She's sweet and intoxicating! I love these beautiful fall/winter colors -- root beer brown, salmon red, golden wheat, pumpkin orange with a kick of cool turquoise. Turquoise is the color of choice this year in many fabrics -- that's for sure. This (aptly named) fabric line, "Hot Blossom", is the creation of Josephine Kimberling for Robert Kaufman fabrics.

Today I did a little designing and creating. I designed a new pattern and put it together with these beautiful fabrics. This Hang Up has all the usual features. It's fully lined, interfaced and fleeced with two roomy pockets. Yes, it has all that and much more, including:

a rounded frame for the button...

three of the cutest pleats you ever did meet...

an ample, spacious interior for all of your needs
and wants...

I think she's adorable.

Free Patterns and Tutorials...

How I love the blogging world. Today I visited Quilt Hollow. She had a post that mentioned a blog, DIY Bag Lover, that has a collection of many free patterns and tutorials for totes and bags. After I read the post I high-tailed it over to DIY Bag Lover, because, as you know, I have a vested interest in Hang Ups of any kind. Oh my. Oh my, oh my. There were several patterns I fell in love with. This blog is truly a great resource for the seamstress who's hooked on totes of any kind.Then I might look as hip as the lovely lady to the left who is clutching that pretty matching purse. Head on over and take a look for yourself!

"Ma Belle"

Yesterday I had a few hours to build this beauty. This Hang Up is made from fabric in Amy Butler's line, "Belle." I love Amy Butler fabrics. They are absolutely beautiful in their rich design and use of color. I have found, however, that they can at times be a challenge to work with. Sometimes, within the same line there are "inconsistencies" in color. I don't think this bothers the flamboyantly creative person, but it has, occasionally, been a challenge for me. Having said that, she is an incredibly creative, fresh designer and continues to be one of my favorites. I especially love the muted moss green and bright turquoise colors in these designs.

I named this tote "Ma Belle", which means "My Pretty" or "My Pretty One" in French. I think it deserves a French name. I feel like spouting French when I look at it. It would be helpful if I knew how to speak French, but that's beside the point.

This little beauty will be found in my Etsy later today.