Swoon Blanche Barrel Bag

This is the smallest version of the Swoon Blanche Barrel Bag.  I purchased the pattern on Craftsy over the summer but only completed it a few days ago.  Since this was only the second bag I've ever made, I read, and re-read the directions multiple times. The pattern was straight forward but I did rely on a You tube video for the inside zipper pocket.  I also added two slip pockets on the the inside.  And I ended up using premade piping (which felt a little smallish) because the piping I made kept wrinkling and twisting.  I have no idea what I was doing wrong and after multiple frustrating attempts, I gave up and purchased piping. I think I will change out the straps at a later date.  I'd like to use polyester webbing with the existing straps sewn over it for a sturdier feel.

I can't wait to try another bag!

Cheers!

Screamin' Summer

I know that's a crazy title for the last days of summer but...

                                                                                             don't they just scream summer?

You can find the design here.  Thank you Flamingo Toes for sharing such a sweet, summer design!

I did it! The weekender travel bag...

Here it is!  The weekender travel bag, by Amy Butler.  I really wanted to try my hand on this.  I love sewing quilts and have made a few small zippered bags but I've never tried a project like this.  And when I say 'like this", I mean piping (which I've never done) and zippers (which I've done but always find challenging).  So I searched and searched and read a lot of blog posts about this bag! I found this post to be the most helpful.

I think I read the instructions a hundred times before I began this project!  And then I probably read them another hundred while making it!

I didn't use any heavy duty interfacing.  Like the blog post above suggested, I used heavy cotton duck to cut the outer pieces of the pattern and the "quilt as you go" method with one layer of batting, cut 1/2" smaller all the way around.  When I completed the quilting, I stitched all the around the pieces, 1/8" from the edge to keep them from unraveling.

Some of the seams did get bulky, especially around the corners, but my machine handled them quite well.  The patterns says, "Go Slow" and that is absolutely key around those corners!  I used a Jeans needle as well and I didn't break a single one!  I also followed everyone's advice and made the straps a little longer so I can carry it on my shoulder.

Fabric is Denyse Schmidt's Chicopee and I used a solid gray for the lining and piping.  I love this bag and I have impressed myself with how well it came out! I'm thinking Christmas gifts for some of the "hard to buy for" women in my life! 

Cheers!

Kitchen Mini

Cheers!

Sew Kitschy Block 2

I can't believe I forgot to post this!

I also forgot to post a picture of a baby quilt I made for my neice.  Actually, I forgot to take a picture of the finished product...but I do have a picture of the flimsy.  This was made using  a pattern from American Patchwork and Quilting, Issue 121, April 2013.  I just left off all the borders to keep it at a baby size.

Sorry about the lousy picture - it was taken in my dark, unfinished basement, which is where I've carved out a small area for my sewing space.  And it was taken with my cell phone.  Try to ignore the fuse panel in the background and the pipes and insulation in the ceiling.

I've also been working on a secret project that I can't share because I don't want to ruin the surprise for the future giftee.

And I'm still plugging along with my Farmer's Wife Quilt.

And, I'm still waiting for spring!  

Stay warm, be healthy!

Cheers!