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Messenger Bag - SOLD

Yesterday I finally tackled making a messenger bag.  This is another one (of millions) of those projects on my list, so even though it's not 100% what I want it to be at least I got it done! 

It actually came out pretty darn good for the first try.  The outside is brown cotton duck canvas and the flap and interior lining are this great tree print.  I love the brown and blue together. 

It is a bit slouchy, so next time I'll use some more internal layers to give it more structure. The front zip pocket welt isn't as perfect as I like it.  Something others probably wouldn't notice, but my inner control freak notices.  Future bags will also have more pockets.

   

If you are interested in this bag I'm selling it for $20.  Sold--Thanks! That includes Priority Mail shipping to US addresses.   

Here are the dimensions:

15" wide

7.5" high

4" deep

7' zip pocket

52" adjustable strap

Email me quick, before I change my mind and keep it for myself!

New Phone

For a long time I've badly needed a new cell phone (it's my only phone), but after a couple unsuccessful attempts to pick one up at a Verizon store I sort of gave up.  My old phone had stopped ringing, but would still vibrate so I could hear it if it was on a hard surface or feel it in my bag.  When it stopped taking a charge I finally ordered a new LG enV online. 

So when it arrived I was immediately inspired to make a little case for it.  This was pretty easy since the Box Wallet pattern was already made, but I did need to resize it.  Here is the new, slightly larger size:

I used some new fabric from Super Buzzy to make this one.  Tomorrow I'm going to make another but insert a patch pocket inside for cards and cash and then put a clear vinyl ID window on the backside so this can be my everyday wallet/bag. 

Here are a few other new things:

Zip Top Pleated Tote

This is a big bag for me!  It was a fun project that came out well despite not making a pattern.  I just started cutting and pleating and sewing.  The top has a concealed zipper which was a new thing for me too.  This picture isn't great...still working on getting good photos of larger items.

Apple Tree Envelope Clutch

It's been awhile since I made any of these curvy envelope clutches.  But now there are a few in my shop!

Pattern Change

Someone contacted me recently asking if I had a pattern for a larger version of the Mini Clutch, so over the weekend I made a larger size, photographed it & updated the pattern to include both sizes! 

The new size is 8.5" wide x 4.5" high and nicely holds a phone, lipgloss, keys and a few other small items. 

Check it out here. 

How to Insert Magnetic Snaps

Magnetic snaps are fabulous!  They are very affordable if you buy them online, and they are really easy to install. 

But you can go beyond just cutting two slits and popping in the snap, and take a few extra steps to make them less likely to rip or wear through the fabric. 

Here are some basics about the snaps, and the process I use to insert snaps on flaps. 

1. The Parts.

Below are the parts needed to install a snap.  For items with a flap or strap I always use the male part on the flap, strap, or whatever part you would pull to separate the snap pieces from one another.

2. Size and magnetism. 

Since most the items I sell are on the smaller side I buy 14mm snaps as my all-purpose snaps.  18mm are also common and easy to find on etsy or ebay.  I definitely recommend buying them online to get a good price.  When I see them in sewing shops they are often priced at $2.00 - $3.00 for ONE snap.

Some of the snaps will come with an indication of the strength of the magnetic bond.  Several years ago I bought the snaps below from JoAnn's and as you can see they are on the higher end of the magnetic scale.  I could not even separate the snap parts from each other!  The other snap that is not shown is pretty mangled from trying--ineffectually--to use pliers to separate it.  Eventually I gave up.  Look for snaps that are medium strength. 

3. Lining and Interfacing. 

If the fabric piece where the snap will be attached isn't interfaced I always use an extra layer of lining behind my regular lining.  This serves two purposes--snap reinforcement and it also adds some extra weight and durability to the item. 

For flaps I use another layer of thinner cotton on the opposite side from where the snap will be.  This makes the snap prongs harder to feel (and see) through the fabric and it acts as a buffer layer for the fabric that will be in contact with the snap prongs.  The prongs are often rough along the edges and I worry they might wear through the fabric. 

   

In the picture above the snap would be attached through the green dot fabric and the next fabric layer.  The light pink layer would be the buffer layer on the backside of the snap prongs.

4. Marking Snap Placement.

Use the snap bracket as a guideline to mark where to cut the slits for the prongs. This will ensure that you only cut them as big as needed to get the prongs through.

I recently started using Fray Check on the slits to seal the edges of the fabric and hopefully prevent ripping.  Just dab a little of the sealant on the cuts and then insert your snap before the Fray Check dries. 

5. Cotton Batting.

Finally I use a small square of cotton batting to back the snap and act as a buffer between the snap bracket and prongs and the layers of fabric it is attached to.  You can use any scrap of fabric for this but I like the cotton batting because you the flatten prongs will sink into the batting making it harder to feel them on the finished item. It also acts as second reinforcement layer for the snap.  Basically the more fabric behind the snap the less stress each layer of fabric will have and they'll be less like to rip. 

Then simply flatten the prongs down using pliers. 

New Pattern - Checkbook Wallet

As of Friday there is a new pattern available in my shop for a Checkbook Wallet.  Sure some people think "who writes checks anymore???", but the reality is a lot of people write checks for the majority, if not all of their bills, groceries, etc.  I pay many of my bills online but there are still ones that just can't be paid with anything other than a check. 

For the first time I illustrated the instructions rather than taking photos. I actually did take photos but it was my first time making the carbon copy divider and I mistakenly inserted the cardboard piece too early and ended up having to ever-so-gently turn it right side out without totally ruining the cardboard.  It was not pretty. Somehow I ended up getting it turned right side out with minimal damage, but realized this part of the process needed amendment.   

But I was weary of taking pictures!  The picture process goes like this: sew one step, get up, turn on camera, arrange lightbox, take picture, put camera back.  Repeat, repeat, repeat....camera dies or is too full of photos and needs attention...repeat, repeat, repeat.  It's really just busy work and I wasn't into it that day.  So I started drawing the steps.

So this one mistake led to me illustrating the instructions, which was a good thing in the end.  The illustrated instructions are much more printer friendly than the instructions with photos and since I  want to start selling my patterns in stores, I need to illustrate them so it's economical to print them.    

Gifts for Your Bridesmaids

Last month I started selling my clutches in packages of five and listed them in the etsy wedding section as gifts for bridesmaids.  Today I finished up this batch shown above. 

The first few times through they stressed me out quite a bit, but now I know how long it will take to make all five and am feeling much more confident about taking on the sewing.

It's pretty satisfying to see them go out in batches of five because the impact is much greater having a group of them together. 

If you'd like more info about them please visit my shop.