Pattern Pouch Tutorial

Now that there are all these amazing PDF patterns out there (shameless plug, I know), you're going to need a good way to store them and keep them organized.  How about a simple, reusable pattern pouch.

Here's what you'll need to make one:
- one piece of clear vinyl, 24 by 9.5 inches (I used 12 gauge)
- one package, 1/2 wide double fold bias tape, or make your own
- one piece of hook and loop tape, sew in or stick on

Measure 13 inches from one edge and fold the vinyl back.  The top part should be 11 inches and the back should be 2 inches longer.  The 2 inch excess will be the flap.  Sew the bias tape across the top of 11 inch side of the vinyl. 

Round the corners on the flap

At the center of the bias tape, sew or adhere a strip of hook and loop tape that's about 2 inches long and cut in half lengthwise.

Take the remaining bias tape and fold one raw edge to the inside to finish it off.  Starting at the bottom of one side enclose the vinyl in the bias tape and sew all the way around.

When you get to the other side stop about an inch short of the other end and cut off the bias tape leaving about a 1 inch tail (sorry if this is confusing, I didn't realize until I put this together that I flipped it over from the previous picture).

Fold the raw bias tape edge in like before, and finish the seam.

Adhere or sew the other half of the hook and loop tape on the flap.

All done!  Fill it up with your favorite pattern!

Not just for patterns either.  Great for organizing school-work as well.

What will you put in yours?

Girls Night Out Clutch - New Pattern!

 After putting together my first PDF pattern for the Mirabelle Messegner Bag, I didn't think I'd have it in me to do another pattern.  Then one night, I went out with some girlfriends and realized all my purses are big, kid snack toting, former diaper bags.  With both kids out of diapers, it was time for a cute little, going out bag. 

So I came up with this pattern, and made a few.  Well, 5 to be exact.  The thing is, the pattern requires so little fabric and hadware that making 5 is pretty easy.  You could easily make one for every outfit!

 The size is big enough to fit your wallet, keys, phone, even some tissues, yet small enough to tuck under your arm or carry on your wrist.  The side strap attaches at the top so you can just tuck it into the purse if you don't want to use it. 

 There are so many possibilities for this bag.  I show you how to add some pretty piping along the flap.

 You can keep is simple with a beautiful print.

 You can add a chunky button to the flap.

Want to make your own?  You can buy it here, from my shop,

$7

Or if you'd rather buy it through etsy, they now offer an instant download feature as well.  Get the pattern HERE.

Add your finished bags to my Flickr group.  I love seeing what you come up with!

Pajama Day

My son's preschool does some fun activities for the month of March, the first of which is pajama day.  A great excuse to make some new PJS.  I found these great flannel prints at Joann's and used Dana's Basic Kid Pant Tutorial and Rae's Flashback Skinny Tee for the shirt.

 Dana's tutorial includes a PDF pattern that's sized at 2T-3T, but for my skinny boy was almost a 4T.  I laid a pair of his pants on top of the pieced pattern before cutting and just added a little bit to the top.  I actually made the legs a bit skinnier as well.  I've used the pattern before and remembered that the pants were a bit wide in the leg for my taste. 

 It was so great to have both these patterns right at my finger tips.  I have both size ranges for Rae's tee pattern and I use them regularly.  Definitely worth the investment.

 The boy was very happy with his new PJs.  He put them on in the afternoon for the photo shoot, and wanted to take them off before dinner because he didn't want them to get dirty.

What a ham!  Love this pose.