two small finishes

Hello lovelies, are you enjoying this holiday season?

I must say, the week between Christmas and New Year is almost always a bit of a drag for me :(. I usually imagine myself resting and enjoying these slow days, but in reality I just start feeling unproductive and anxious most of the time. So this year I adjusted my idea of recharging and instead of sitting around forcing myself to relax, I decided to include some just for fun sewing in my days.

And, it worked !!!

I almost forgot how wonderfully freeing it feels to sew with no deadline or commitment in mind :).
 

I whipped up this drawstring bag to keep my newest knitting project nicely organized, ...

.... and of course I needed a matching itty bitty pouch for my stitch markers, scissors, and needles.

These were not time consuming projects at all and I thoroughly enjoyed sewing them up. Plus, I got to use this super, super fun Essex Linen by Sarah Golden. It's such a perfect fabric for one's project bag, don't you think?

Off I go now, more resting and recharging to be done :)

Wishing you all a happy, peaceful, creative, and most of all joyful 2018 !!!

 Svetlana

free christmas sewing tutorials

 Hello lovelies,

in case you're in a mood for a bit of last minute Christmas sewing, I have a collection of 21 Free Christmas sewing tutorials for you. Just click here to be taken to the original post.

Happy sewing and Merry Christmas to all who celebrate !!!

Svetlana

 

this and that

Hello, hello everyone!!!

How are things? Have you been busy? Any fun projects you've been working on?

It's been a while since I popped in here, sorry for disappearing on you like that :(. Things have been crazy busy lately, mostly in a good way though so no complaints here.

If you follow me on Instagram you probably know our family has decided to take a giant leap of faith and after 20 years of living in the States we will be moving back to Europe once the kids finish their school year. Eeeeek! I'm so, so very excited. And a bit scared, too. It's going to be a huge change for us all but I've been feeling stuck in a rut for quite some time now and I think we're ready for some serious change :)

And, even though our move is not happening for a few months, I just had to whip up this super adorable passport wallet. I used Amber's fabulous pattern which comes in two sizes. I made a four passport one, but I'm planning on making a six passport wallet as well.

We also got to celebrate this little cutie's 18th birthday!!!

I feel like I just blinked and somehow my first baby is an adult now.  How is that even possible?

And, as if all that wasn't exciting enough, I got to spend a few days this week in Denver recording a Craftsy class. It was super, super exciting, and incredibly stressful too, of course. But I'm very happy I said yes to this opportunity and can't wait to share with you more in the coming weeks.

Well, that's me for now. I have plans for some fun, no deadline sewing this weekend and I can't wait.

Wishing you all a relaxed and creative weekend.

Svetlana

bagmaker tuesday no.6 (waxed canvas megan tote)

I've been meaning to make myself a new handbag for a few weeks now but, once again, I found it crazily difficult to choose just the right design as well as fabric.

I wanted a sturdy medium sized bag with handles and removable crossbody strap, lots of pockets, and a zipper closure. Totally doable, don't you think? Oh, and I wanted to use waxed canvas for the main body as I love its water resistant quality and beautifully "rugged" look.

So, after much back and forth, I finally decided to make myself a bag based on my Megan Foldover Tote pattern.

I skipped the installation of exterior zipper pocket as suggested in the pattern and added two large slip pockets to my front exterior instead. And while I love zipper pockets, I think this option is actually better for me as I use one slip pocket for my phone and the other one for my keys and this whole set up makes my everyday running around a bit less stressful.

One thing that used to stress me when working with waxed canvas was how wrinkly it got when I was turning the bag right side out. I really love the look and feel of waxed canvas, but all those wrinkles were a bit too much for me. And then I read somewhere that blowing hot air using hair dryer can smooth all the unwanted wrinkles out so I tried it out and it worked like a charm, yay!

I added a zipper pocket to the lining though. I always, always add at least one zipper pocket to my linings as I like having a secure place to keep my wallet in.

The green duck canvas I used for the lining is actually a lot less bright in real life but it still adds a lovely pop of color to this otherwise neutral bag.

I finished the bag off by adding a zipper closure.

I really, really love how this bag turned out and I'm already planning more projects using waxed canvas :)

How about you? Have you worked on any small projects recently? I hope you'll link up to your project by clicking on the button below.

Svetlana

An InLinkz Link-up

bagmaker tuesday no.5 (boxy pouch)

Hello lovelies, welcome !!!

Ever since I made my Range Backpack using waxed canvas, I've been itching to sew up a waxed canvas pouch as well. I went back and forth on which pattern to choose and in the end I decided to go with a boxy pouch.

I used my own free tutorial to whip up this fabulously sturdy and wonderfully "rugged" looking pouch. I was a bit worried at first that waxed canvas might be too thick for this pattern as I only made it using quilting cotton before but the canvas sewed beautifully and I had no issues at all.

One thing I really, really love about this pattern is there's no need to box all these corners. All you need to do is bind two edges and you end up with a lovely boxy pouch with no raw edges on the inside.

The finished pouch is 7'' wide x 2'' tall x 3'' deep. I think I'll use mine to keep some of my sewing supplies organized, but it would definitely make a great pencil or make up pouch as well.

Well, that's my little project for the week. Have you sewed up something you'd like to share with us? If so please use the button below to link up to your blogpost of IG photo.

Wishing you all a happy and creative day. Svetlana

An InLinkz Link-up

bagmaker tuesday no.4 (plus pattern sale)

Hello everyone, welcome to Bagmaker Tuesday!

I started a bit of Christmas sewing over the last few days and it felt amazing to have some gifts checked off my mile long list :)

I made two Devon pouches using some of my all time favorite fabrics. The top one is Cloud 9 Birds of a Feather cotton print and the bottom one is Carolyn Friedlander's Euclid Essex.

I so enjoy making these double zip pouches. They are super fun to make and the finished size is just perfect for make up, pens, pencils, or to keep one's small devices and chargers organized.

(I buy all my metal zippers from Zipit on Etsy and I use 1/8'' leather lace for my zipper pulls)

While I was in gift making mood, I also sewed up this simple, but super practical tote bag for my sister. I used lovely Tiger Plant Essex linen and waxed canvas for the exterior and duck canvas for the lining which make for a beautifully sturdy everyday tote bag.

Three gifts down, many many more to go. Which I'm kind of excited about because sewing up gifts for friends and family is my most favorite thing to do.

How about you? Have you been working on any small projects? If so I hope you'll link up to your blog post or IG so we can all be inspired.


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Now, in case you're in a mood for some gift sewing (or whipping up a few things for yourself), I have a special offer for you.

 

 For the next 3 days you can purchase all my patterns at a 30% off discount rate.

Click here to go to my etsy shop (no coupon code needed as the prices have already been adjusted to reflect a 30% discount).

This offer ends on Nov. 10th at midnight central time.


Happy sewing, friends. Svetlana

An InLinkz Link-up

bagmaker tuesday no.3

Hello friends, happy Tuesday to you all !!!

I hope your week is off to a good start. Any fun projects you've been working on?

I've been quite busy lately working on new patterns as well as a few secret projects (can't wait to share them with you soon :)) but I did manage to squeeze in just a tiny bit of fun sewing and whipped up this super adorable lunchbox for my daughter.

I followed a pattern from Amy Morinaka's fabulous book Zakka Handmades and I just love how quickly and very effortlessly this lunchbox came together.

This drawstring closure is such a great feature. Super easy to close and open, and the bag itself is just the right size for a school lunch.

I usually use cotton or linen when making these bags for my kids, but this time I used this super soft corduroy from my stash and I'm totally smitten. I combined it with coordinating quilting cotton for lining and drawstring closure, and added cotton webbing for the handles.

Easy peasy, and super fun!

How about you? Do you have any bags or pouches (finished or in-progress) to share with us? If so please use the button below to add your photo and link up to your blog post or Instagram.


Can't wait to see all your lovely makes. Svetlana

An InLinkz Link-up

bagmaker tuesday #2 (trail tote)

Hello, welcome to Bagmaker Tuesday !!!

I have a super adorable Trail Tote I made for my niece to share today :)

Pretty cute, isn't it?

And not only is this a free pattern (by Anna Graham - noodlehead), it's also an easy and pretty quick make. The pattern includes instructions for two sizes, the one I made is a small one.

I (once again) used Maker Maker Essex linen for the exterior. I really, really love the texture of these prints plus how can one resist these adorable doggies !?!?

Now, the pattern shows how to make your own piping but I was in too much of a hurry to just get sewing so I decided to use store bought piping instead. I think it looks OK but next time I'll follow Anna's instructions and make my piping thicker. 

I'm a huge fan of zipper pockets as I think they make bags more usable but you could definitely skip the pocket if zippers aren't your thing :)

Oh, and in case someone is interested, I buy my zippers from Zipit on Etsy.

OK, your turn now. Have you worked on any bags or pouches lately? I hope link up to your makes by clicking on the button below.

Svetlana

An InLinkz Link-up

super sized gingham quilt

You guys, I have a finished quilt to show you today!

I made this super sized gingham quilt top months ago. I absolutely loved how simple and easy to piece this top was, but somehow even though I was super excited about it, I kept putting off quilting it :(. 

Now I'm thinking it was because I really don't like doing any hand quilting in the summer as it's just too hot and uncomfortable to sit under a large quilt when it's 100 degrees outside. So, when the weather got cooler I suddenly felt this need to drop everything and finish the quilt. 

I used wool batting and did minimal hand quilting in the ditch using perle cotton so the finished quilt is super comfy and warm.

I used Carolyn Friedlander wide backing for this quilt and I must say I was slightly disappointed. I had this same print in regular width and the quality of 42'' wide fabric seems a lot better to me than the wide (108'') one which has a pretty rough feel. Has anyone else noticed it as well? Or is it just me? I'm hoping it will get softer with use and wash, fingers crossed :)


♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

QUILT STATS:
Finished size: 70'' square
Batting: Pellon Nature's Touch Wool
Block size: each block is 10.5'' square unfinished


Wishing you all a happy weekend. Svetlana

bagmaker tuesday #1 (new linky party)

Hello lovelies, happy Tuesday to you all!

You've probably noticed I love sewing bags and pouches a lot. And I mean A LOT!!! In fact, they are my most favorite projects to work on, so I decided to start a linky party devoted completely to celebrating our in-progress as well as finished bags and pouches.

Here's what I have in mind. Every Tuesday I'm planning on showing a few photos and a description of a project I made as well as linking up to relevant patterns, tutorials, or supplies I used so you can check them out if interested. I'll also be doing some giveaways, but the part I'm most excited about is seeing all the projects you guys are working on (there will be a link in the bottom of each post so you can share your blog or Instagram photo with us all).

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

To start things off, I made myself a new Nina Wristlet.

I used this beautiful Maker Maker linen by Sarah Golden for the exterior of my pouch and I'm so happy with the way it turned out.

This was a fun pouch to make and while the addition of zippers and piping might make it a bit too challenging for a complete beginner, it's definitely not too difficult for someone who's made a few bags or pouches before.

What makes this pouch a perfect wallet for me is the addition of card slots in the lining (this is the large size pouch, the small size has four card slots).

I wasn't sure whether to make a wrist strap since the pouch will be mostly happily nestled in my purse, but I like the way it turned out and I'm quite sure the wristlet will see a lot of use in the next few months.

Now it's your turn. Have you made any pouch, purse, tote, or a bag lately? If so please click on the link below to share your blog or IG photo. I can't wait to see what you guys have been working on.

Wishing you all a happy and creative day. Svetlana

An InLinkz Link-up

handmade sale (oct. 2017)

Hello, welcome everyone!

I'm happy to say it's time for yet another round of Handmade Sale. This time it's all about  pouches and bags and I hope you will find something you like (photo above is just a sampling of what's up for grabs).

Click here to go directly to my etsy shop.

Happy shopping and thank you :)

Svetlana

minimalist patchwork pillow

I am a huge fan of Louise Gray's beautifully modern quilts and home decor. So, when I was trying to come up with an idea for a new pillow cover for our living room I decided a Louise Gray inspired pillow was finally in order :)

Super simple, isn't it? That's what I love about it.

I turned the pillow top into a small quilt sandwich by adding thin cotton batting and backing fabric, and did a bit of hand quilting using sashiko thread.

And then I used this lovely striped fabric from my stash for the pillow back and added an invisible zipper.

I think it will fit right in with its other "pillow friends" :).

♥ ♥ ♥

And now I'm curious. Do you like making pillow covers? If so what kind of closure do you like most? Invisible zipper, regular zipper, envelope closure, or perhaps buttons? Do tell. I'd love to know.

Talk to you soon. Svetlana

HST irish chain quilt

Well, hello there!

How are you all doing? Is it nice and warm where you live as well? We've been enjoying summer temperatures in the last few days but I'm quite excited for autumn to finally show up. Fingers crossed it will cool down soon :) 

And, as luck would have it, I have a very autumn inspired quilt I designed for issue 51 of Love Patchwork and Quilting magazine to share with you today.

What do you think? I've become quite obsessed with simple, minimalist, mostly solid quilts and I absolutely love how this HST Irish Chain quilt turned out.

Oh, and I somehow can't stop hand quilting my quilts! I find it to be so very relaxing and seem to enjoy it more and more with every quilt I make.

photo courtesy of  LPQ magazine

 

I was originally going to make HSTs black, but the editor requested I use different color instead so I went with orange, my mom's favorite color, and made this quilt just for her. I do, however, plan on making a black and white one just as soon as I can find some free time (which will probably not happen any time soon but it's good to dream :)).

 QUILT STATS

finished size: 70" square

fabrics used: Kona Snow and Orange

batting: Warm and White

thread for hand quilting: perle cotton

UPDATE: This quilt is inspired by a beautiful Irish Chain Quilt by Denyse Schmidt from her book Modern Quilts Traditional Inspiration

Thanks for reading friends. Wishing you all a happy and creative day. Svetlana

the essential pouch (new pdf pattern)

Hello everyone!

I'm super excited to share my newest pdf pattern with you today.

This is a beginner friendly pouch pattern and includes instructions and measurements to make four different sizes to fit one's needs.

Finished dimensions of each pouch are: (wide on bottom x tall x deep)
small – 5 ½” x 3 ½” x 1 ½”
medium -  7” x 5” x 2”
large – 8 ½” x 6” x 2 ½”
extra large -  8 ¾” x 7” x 3”

I had so much fun combining fabric, zippers, and leather zipper pulls to make these pouches. 

I love how they all sort of go together but are not too matchy - matchy. Although now that I think about it two or more of these pouches in the same fabric would make a lovely pouch set to gift or to keep, of course :)

My kids already put dibs on the three smaller pouches while I was working on the pattern, but I managed to claim the extra large one for myself as it's a perfect size for my in - progress knitting project.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

The Essential Pouch pattern is now available for sale at my etsy shop or you can purchase it directly by clicking on the button below. 

And, for the next 48 hours you can get it at an introductory price of $5.00 (after that the price will be $7.00).

Buy Now

Happy sewing friends. Svetlana

 

flower shop tote

Issue 51 of Love Patchwork and Quilting magazine is now out and I'm happy to say you can find two of my projects featured inside. One is a quilt (which I'll share a bit later since I still need to take proper photos) and the other one is this super sweet Flower Shop Tote.

There are so many of my favorite things combined in this tote bag - simple patchwork, adorable Cotton and Steel fabric, Essex linen, hand quilting, as well as leather and brass accents. 

Each square forming a patchwork pocket was cut at 2.5" which would make this a perfect tote to feature one's favorite mini charm packs.

And, because making just one tote bag is pretty much impossible for me, I also whipped up this Liberty version of Flower Shop Tote. 

Love, love, love !!!!

Wishing you all a happy and creative day. Svetlana