3.15.2013

Bag Loving Blogs Blog Hop

Spring is right around the corner and I could certainly use some inspiration for a new bag.  I added my Girls Night Out Clutch to a fun blog hop over at ChrisWDesigns
Here's the scoop from her blog if you want to join in:

One very obvious reason you may be visiting my blog is because you love BAGS just as much as I do! It is FUN and so inspirational to see what bags other people have been making so I thought it would be great FUN to start a Blog Hop so those of us who love making bags can 'Hop' from one Bag Lovin Blog to the next! :)
What do you have to do? It's easy! (Please note links now require approval due to spamming :( so will be approved after all 3 steps have been carried out! Please make sure your blog has posts about BAGS!)
Step 1) Just add your blog link below by clicking on the "Click here To Enter" link and follow the easy steps to add your blog!
*Step 2) IMPORTANT! Click on the "Get the code here" link shown to grab your copy of the code and add it to your blog! Please include these instructions so that new members will know what to do! :)
*Step 3) Grab this button: (Right Click and Save)
BLOG-HOP-1
and pop it in your sidebar linking to your Bag Lovin Blog Hop post so that we can leave this blog hop open and people can keep finding it and hopping on! :)
After all 3 steps have been completed, your link will be approved and added to the blog hop! :)
That's it! :)
Please note it may take me a little while to approve your link due to the time differences! If you have any technical difficulties or you can't see your link within 24 hours, please don't hesitate to email me so I can see if I can help! :) Thanks for joining in!
Christine This is a Blog Hop!


You are next... Click here to enter

3.12.2013

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?

3.10.2013

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 ownYou 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!