Mini Fabric Baskets

 

Fun little sews using all the fabrics. It has been fun to make them from current & older fabric designs. They make cute little reminders of fabrics that I love & can be switched out for moods & seasons.

I use them at my sewing table to hold clips & small stuff. They work great to hold my current project zipper, tabs and any small bits while I'm at the sewing machine. They can be used anywhere you like & make great little gifts.

These minis were designed to be fun & cute. So, pulling all the fabrics from my stashed goodies was a surprise each time. Fabrics I haven't used in a good while.

They are in my Etsy Shop in all sorts of combinations.**This is A post catchup -3/23

Drawstring bag with heart

 In a previous post...I shared a pattern for a patchwork heart. A fun little make, that I sized especially for my 'Happy Bag' pattern. 

The Patchwork Heart uses 1 1/2" squares &  finishes at 4 1/2". It's the perfect little square to add to the front of the bag. I had so much fun making these & using up squares from my jar.

Whenever I sew something, I make sure to include a stack of squares from those scraps. It is such fun to get that jar down, from the shelf from time to time. A great memory jar of all the things made in the past.

In One Afternoon, I made 2 drawstring bags with heart centers & made them opposite. Well, because opposites attract...right? 

I've included the cuts here for adding to the bag dimensions. It is also on the pattern for reference.

Happy Bag - Cut Strips

Top-   Cut 1 - 8 1/2" w X 1 3/4" h

Sides- Cut 2 - 2 1/2" w X 4 1/2" h

Bottom- Cut 1- 8 1/2"w X 3 1/4"h 

Sew the sides to the patchwork heart. Lightly Press

Sew the top & then bottom. Lightly Press

Continue with the pattern

Enjoy!

Find the Happy Bag pdf Pattern in my Etsy Shop - Shop Tab or on the sidebar
Find the Patchwork Heart pdf Pattern here on the Blog - Make Things Tab

Scissor Love + a New Pattern

I just love scissors and have a pair for everything. About 3 or 4 years ago, I found a decorative pair for stitching, on Etsy. They are still as sharp as the day I got them. Needless to say, I bought another pair so I could have one at my machine & another for on the go. 

I just love them but I've been stabbed once or twice by those pointy tips. Especially, when I throw a pair in a bag to do some stitching in the evenings. Rummaging thru my bag those pointy tips, find my hand every time. I guess it isn't good for them to be around all the thread & my work in progress either. So, I made a scissor case for them & liked it so much, I created a pattern.

In the pattern, I illustrate how to make one and give lots of instructions. It is a really simple make with one zipper install. If you've sewn things with zippers, you'll have no problem. And if not....I show you how. Easy, you'll be sewing zippers in everything before you know it. I've made several and plan to make many more because they use up all my scrap fabric and make great little gifts. Even for people, like my daughter... who doesn't sew, carries a pair in her bag. Let's face it...when you need a pair of scissors, nothing else will do.

I show how to add a side or zipper loop on the case for attaching to your bag if needed. I made one with a large loop so I could hang it in my supply closet. That part is really up to you & how you want to use the scissor case. 

It was a lot of fun making these cases and sure hope you enjoy making them too!

Til next time......Happy Sewing

Small Scissor Case - In My ETSY Shop     Link in the sidebar & Shop Tab.

Little Happy Bag pattern

 

I wanted to share an idea for a bag front, using my pattern 'Little Happy Bag'. 

I have recently been completely captivated with cross stitch. This guy has been sitting & waiting for ten years or so, in my pinterest pins. So, one day, instead of doing all the things I was supposed to do....I had a wonderful time stitching him. I made the wreath around him as I went along. And changed some thread colors, to what I had on hand. So, that tells me...that I have gotten comfortable with this cross stitching adventure. This is only my second make and the other is still not finished. Oh My...
He is not perfect but makes me happy & the whole time I was stitching....I knew it was going to be a bag front. 

So here it is!

I cut 4 Strips from Outer Fabric to frame the stitching. The art measures 3" on this one & I allowed 1/2" or so all the way around. I sewed my side strips on first, then the top & bottom using a 1/2" SA. Pressed & Top Stitched.

Once, stitching is framed, cut panel to the original size per the pattern. Be sure to center the stitching Left-to-Right before cutting. My measures will place the stitching lower than center Top-to-Bottom. If you want the stitching centered both ways adjust the measure for top & bottom strips. 
Continue with the pattern to complete your bag.

CUT
2 -Sides - 3"w X 4-1/4"h
2 -Top & Bottom - 8-1/2"w X 3-1/4"h 

I totally enjoyed making this bag & will probably make more because I just have sooo many ideas.

Enjoy!

Get My Pattern - Little Happy Bag - Etsy - Link on sidebar & at the top.

Cross Stitch - Inspired by - Merry Christmas Book by Marie Anne Rethoret-Melin

New Pattern - New Bag

 

The pdf pattern for my Little Nicki Bag is finally done & available in my Etsy Shop.

This was a fun pattern to work on, even though it took a long time, to get it all together.

I designed this bag to carry all my many projects from place to place. I love to dabble with so many different mediums, seems a bag is always needed. And it needed to have handles, so a pouch wasn't going to work. I need handles on bags because my hands & arms are always full. 

Stuff? 

Yes, I like stuff! Sewing, Artsy, Crafty Stuff is the best! 

Sewing the bags was fun, even though it got re-tested gads of times. But now, I have a lovely bag for each one of my projects.

They would make great gifts too! I've been thinking about that, since here we are on the downslide of August.

Making a bag is easy, would be a great starter pattern for someone just beginning. It doesn't use much fabric & has options for a zipper & a snap closure, so don't be intimidated by the zip. But I sure hope you try making one, because the zipper placket is so versatile, you'll want to install it in all your bags.

I recently, just began cross stitching. I don't plan to get involved deeply with this hobby but I just had to try. I'm working on Thimble Blossoms - Stitchville, I need to get back to it & finish. So, when I needed one more test done, I chose BC Cross Stitch fabric to make this one.

I filled it with cross stitching stuff & it works just fine...love it.

Hope you make one! Happy Sewing.  

Fabrics Shown: 

Pam Kitty - Picnic - Navy  Inside- Lt Blue Gingham

Heather Bailey -Up Parasol - Mockingbird blue  Inside-Clementine, Summerhouse -Pink

Bonnie & Camille -Vintage Picnic - Mayberry Mum  Inside Solid Aqua

mother's day sewing

I've been sewing more little happy bags. I'm sort of in a pink mode, maybe girly....oh bother....I just love pink! I'm making the bags for Mother's Day, to send to sisters, friends & of course Mom. We usually have a little get-together at Mom's but I suppose this year that will not happen. I am still going to see my Mom....just won't hug her, (coronavirus adjustments) instead I'll fill a bag with a little happy & hugs. Homemade cookies comes to mind!

These bags really sew up quickly and are layer cake friendly. You won't need mush fabric at all. The pattern calls for fusible fleece for the outer panels & it works perfectly to help them stand proud. I used cording, ribbon and a t-shirt fabric for the drawstrings so far. and.... I didn't have any beads other than the dark wooden ones....so I made some from clay.
My kind of project....homemade for the win!

You can find the pattern in My Etsy Shop. Link is at the top & in the sidebar.
Happy Sewing........see you soon.

a Little Happy Bag

I've been busy sewing this Spring and I made a little happy bag. It's great for special little things, like carrots...just kidding. I stitched them up awhile ago and had them displayed in a bowl for Easter. But I thought they looked real cute with the bag.

The bag has been in pattern writing stage for far too long & with some extra time here lately, I decided it was time to get it done. I am very happy with it and have sewn several. They are just so quick & easy & the best part is selecting all the fun fabrics. I'll be making several more for Mother's Day & filling them with a little happy for friends & sisters and of course Mom.

The pattern shows 2 styles but actually there are so many more. Like the one shown here, I didn't add the handles. I have another ready for patchwork & quilting. So many possibilities!
You can find the pdf pattern in my Etsy Shop....links are on the top & sidebar.

Sure happy you stopped by......come back soon or join me on IG for more fun with these bags. I have many fabric combinations in the works.

Happy Sewing!

Scoop pouches...

I'm making single & double scoop pouches, inspired by the tutorial on fat quarter shop. I've altered mine a bit in size & have added pockets, inside and outside & added charm loops. I'm just having fun with each one and making them as I go along.

I decided to use fabrics that gave the idea of ice cream flavors and had a fun afternoon modeling fabrics for these pouches. I have little ice cream charms for the zips & a few ice cream fabric prints.

a Double Scoop of Orange Creamsicle anyone? It makes me want one, the orange is that juicy...

Happy Sewing....

A new tablet cover...for me

I've made a couple of these tablet covers and this one....I hope ...is mine.
I picked out a few HB selections a couple of weeks ago. Happy Mail Arrived!...and I love them but this has always been one of my favorites. Lollipop from the Freshcut Collection.

Because...I was thinking this was for me all along, I added a strap that I don't normally do for this pouch. Whenever, I am using my tablet I am almost, always involved with ten other things. I find myself picking it up with other things and traveling from room to room. My arms are always full with fabrics, sketchbook, another book and some kind of gadget & usually a cup. So, a strap works great & no worries of dropping it! 

This is another project that just came together as I went along. I measured my tablet and got busy cutting. Added some old buttons and a pouf button. I love to make these buttons and most happy to use them in my projects. Little tufted 3/4" poufs that sew on just like a shank button. Tutorial in my 'Make Things' tab.

A nice little pocket for my stylus but I forgot to get it for the pics.....That will come in handy too! and A scrunchy elastic loop closure because it was a good way to hide the elastic and super easy to sew. 

I am liking this cover and keeping this one. 

I can see myself using it everyday. I kinda want to make another...;) 

I may have to get more of this fabric, while it is still available and also on sale!

I'm trying to be good and not buy fabric on impulse....hard? Ummm, just a bit but I like that my sewing room is getting organized again and I actually have openings for some new things. Happy with the empty spots.... Clean and no clutter. 

Happy Sewing!

Outer Fabric - Lollipop/Freshcut - Heather Bailey 

Lining - Jenny Eliza - Jennifer Paganelli

Pocket - Dear Stella Designs

...til the basket is full

Cutting one inch squares is addicting but not as much as these triangle pouches are. They whip up so fast, I can't wait to try the next piece of fabric. I tried a few using a one piece outer fabric and then piecing fabrics and then the patchwork. I make mine 5" by 10" so not much fabric is needed and jelly rolls and charm squares are really great to use with these.

They'll make great little gifts. Don't you think so? I always need a few little somethings on hand and that time of year is just around the corner.

So after making several, I decided to check around for a little bling for the zips.

I found the cutest bees on Etsy.....and then some. These pouches have become my little project-sew. I can sew one or two up in no time and add it to the basket. The basket that is almost full ;) I suppose when full...that'll be it....but I don't know...I really love making them.

My daughter saw them the other day and she wants them for the girls at work. She requested some Christmas prints.....hmmm, let me see. Maybe this?

Loads of fun to make...but my sewing room is a wreck....so off I go to straighten and find yet another project to use up some more fabric and I need a few more zippers. 

A little bit of milk, sugar and flower.....yes! I think another is on the way.....

Happy Sewing!

...more pouches made

Easy sews, It's very warm today. Nice glass of iced tea with a squirt of lime and up to the studio I go...

I didn't use a pattern for these. I wanted to make some new pouches and these just came about. I had to cut this fabric....it was calling me. I like the size of the top one it's about 8" high , where the other is 5" high. Both will get some use but I have others to try....
Pouch making seems to be my go to here lately. Although, I have some stitching to get back to and some new designs.....

Happy Sewing!

Fabrics: Tanya Whelan - LuLu Roses & Pam Kitty-Picnic the lining is Bon-Bon BeBe 

triangle pouch play

I've been seeing triangle pouches all over the place...they are so cute and each one cuter than the one before. I am probably the only one, who hasn't gotten to these yet. I'd put them on my list of things to try and decided to spend today giving it a whirl. The first one, I put the zip in the wrong way...hehe. It zips up instead of down but still works and no one would even know that...except me.

I added a zip stop to one side and for the bottom placement. I didn't see that in any of the others but it's a zip thing, I like to do. I added only to one side of the zip so that top stitching would still be accessible.

I found a great little tutorial on a spoonful of sugar's blog to make these, using patchwork.

Will be trying that one next, oh my goodness cuteness! 

Off I go, in search of some zips....my basket is near empty! Happy Friday!