My week in bags

Those of you who follow me on Instagram may have noticed I've taken a break from my usual quilt making shenanigans this week, and have been making a few bags and a dress instead. My little sister is getting married tomorrow, so I have been finishing up my bridesmaids dress for the wedding - I will try to share some photos from the wedding over the weekend :o)

Other than that, it has been bags all the way. First up is a little commissioned library bag, made using Children at Play fabric by Sarah Jane. I made it using Jeni's fabulous drawstring bag pattern, and appliqued the name on by machine. I really love the border print for the main part of the bag, and I'm a bit sad to have used my last piece.

Next is another version of the Necessary Clutch Wallet by Emmaline Bags. This one is the class sample for the class I'll be teaching in May. I've used an Amy Butler print for the exterior, a citrus solid for the lining and border, and an Anna Maria Horner print for the pockets and card slots. When I made my first version of this wallet last year, I used a cotton/linen blend for the exterior, whereas I used a lighter weight quilting cotton this time around. It was definitely much easier to sew through all the layers and attach the twist lock in this second version.

My final bag from this week is another knitting bag, made using Amanda's Knitting Bag pattern by The Sometimes Crafter, for a friend's birthday present. This is such a quick project, and considering most of my crafty friends knit or crochet rather than sew, I think there will be a few more made for birthday presents and so forth this year. For this one, I used a woven woollen fabric I had in my stash and lined it with a Timeless Treasures print - the recipient will definitely appreciate the 'go green' message on the fabric :o) It was a little tricky to interface the wool fabric, but it seems to have adhered pretty well, and it has given the bag a really nice structure.

My to-do list is looking much, much better as a result of this week's efforts - I just need to get back on top of my bee blocks and then I will be starting something new. I'm excited :o)

I hope everyone has a great end to the week!

xx Jess

Purse Palooza - Necessary Clutch Wallet

A couple of months ago the lovely Sara from Sew Sweetness asked me if I'd like to write up a pattern review for Purse Palooza 2013. I immediately said yes - the wallet I'd been using for the last couple of years had recently busted a few seams, so it gave me a great reason to get my act together and sew myself a new one. If you head over to Sara's blog (sometime soon I think) you can read my review - but I thought I'd share a few photos here as well :o)

I used one of my very favourite Melody Miller prints for the exterior, accented with Kona Cerise - I figured it's something I'll use all the time, so it was worth making it in a fabric I love. It has LOADS of space inside for cards, a huge coin pouch and closes with a twist lock.

I didn't realise until earlier today that the divided section in the middle is designed to hold a phone - it's been tested now and it really is the perfect size for my phone. Complete win.

I'm not normally a matchy-matchy person at all - but the fact that it fits perfectly in the front pocket of my Melody Miller messenger bag and coordinates rather beautifully is a bit of a bonus :o)

xx Jess