Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Juniper Basket in two sizes (new pdf pattern)


Happy Tuesday friends,

I'm over the moon excited to show you my newest sewing pattern :)


This is Juniper Basket, super handy fabric basket with a zipper pocket on the outside, slip pocket on the inside, and a fabulously handy drawstring closure on top.


And, it comes in two sizes.

FINISHED SIZE (wide x tall x deep): 
SMALL – 9'' x 7'' x 6'' 
LARGE – 11'' x 8 ½'' x 7''

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Materials needed to make one small size basket:

FABRIC A (main exterior) – 1/2 yard 
FABRIC B (drawstring closure + handles) – 1/4 yard 
FABRIC C (lining) – 3/4 yard
fusible fleece (I use Pellon 987F) - 1/2 yard 
SF101 INTERFACING (or other medium weight fusible interfacing of choice) – 1 yard 
one (1) - 7'' long METAL OR NYLON ZIPPER 
two (2) – 36'' long COTTON CORD or RIBBON

Please note: This is a measure and cut pattern meaning there's no need for templates as all the pieces are cut using rotary cutter, self healing cutting mat, and acrylic ruler for added accuracy.

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I think these baskets would be fabulous to keep one's knitting or crochet projects neatly organized. They could make really great scrap bins, or even be filled with goodies and used as gift baskets. Lots of possibilities for sure :).


I'm offering this pattern at a 25% off introductory price through Thursday Nov, 14th.

You can purchase the pattern by clicking on the button below of by going to my Etsy shop here.



Happy sewing! Svetlana


Wednesday, November 6, 2019

#the100scrapchallenge


Hello lovelies,

I while ago I talked about the mountain of scraps I managed to accumulate over time and how I decided to give myself a challenge of sewing up 100 items using scraps only. Now, this is a pretty relaxed kind of challenge as there's no time restriction and I work on many other projects as well as I think all scraps all the time would get old pretty soon :)

I'm happy to say I've been pretty consistently dipping into my scrap bins and I now have 10 projects to show you (only 9 photos as the kitty pouch and wrist strap in the bottom row are counted as two separate projects).


The projects I made were quite small but I do plan on making a quilt or two to help things along :). 


Here are some blocks I already made. I'm using 2.5'' squares, sort of randomly pieced into these 20 patch blocks and I'll then be adding probably white rectangles in between the blocks to break up all the scrappiness a bit. Super fun!


The challenge is open to everyone, so feel free to join me any time if you wish. And, if you're in a mood for some scrappy inspiration, check out #the100scrapchallenge on IG.

Wishing you all a happy and creative day. Svetlana


Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Essex Wallet (new pdf pattern)


Hello friends, I hope you all are doing well.

I'm super, super excited as I get to share my newest pattern with you today :)


This is Essex Wallet.

I've been meaning to design a wallet pattern for quite some time so having this cutie all finished feels even more special than usual.


I love how this wallet isn't too large, yet it's roomy enough for all the necessities one might need. There are slots for eight cards, two slip pockets for cash, and even a super handy zipper compartment. Plus a closure tab, of course.

I graded this pattern as intermediate as it requires quite a bit of precision in measuring and sewing, but I think an adventurous, committed beginner would be able to sew it up as well ;)



FINISHED SIZE: 5 1/2'' tall x 4'' wide when closed

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MATERIALS NEEDED to make your very own Essex Wallet:
1 FE (fat eighth) of fabric measures 9'' x 21''

FABRIC A (main panels + closure tab) – 1 FE
FABRIC B* (lining + card pockets) – 1/2 yard
SF101 INTERFACING (or other medium weight fusible interfacing of choice or fusible fleece) – 1/2 yard
one (1) - 5'' metal or nylon ZIPPER
one (1) - size 12 HEAVY DUTY SNAP (you can use a different snap if preferred)
one (1) – ZIPPER PULL (optional)

*I recommend using non-directional print for the lining and pockets to be able to cut your pockets in one continuous length. If, however, you choose to go with directional print you will need to piece your pocket panels using two separate strips of fabric (dimensions provided in cutting directions below).


SUPPLIES: sewing clips and pins
disappearing fabric marker or fine chalk pen
small sharp scissors
zipper foot for your sewing machine
setting tool for snaps




You can purchase Essex Wallet pattern by clicking the button below or by going to my Etsy shop here. And, now through Friday, Oct. 25th I'm offering the pattern at 25% off introductory price. No coupon needed, price has already been adjusted.

buy Essex Wallet pattern


Thank you so very much for your continued support. Happy sewing :)

Svetlana


Tuesday, October 15, 2019

removable wrist strap (video tutorial)

Hello lovelies, happy Tuesday to you all!

As I mentioned last week, I've been diving into my scrap bins and trying to come up with many different ways of turning all those precious pieces of fabric into useful projects. I seem to have a lot of strings in my bins and I thought making some removable wrist straps for my pouches would be fun. And, it totally was :).


I love that all I needed to make each of these wrist straps was one 2'' x 12'' strip of quilting cotton, one 2'' x 11'' strip of interfacing (I used SF101), 1/2'' swivel hook, and I also used a rivet but you could totally just skip this and add stitching instead.

And you know what? I think these might make great key fobs as well. Or, you could even make your strip a lot longer and use the same technique to turn it into a lanyard. Oh, the possibilities.

You can check out the video on how I constructed these super handy cuties by clicking here.

Also, I'll be adding more how to videos to my YouTube channel so please subscribe if you want to make sure you don't miss any of them :).


And, since I totally couldn't stop at just making wrist straps, I made this pouch as well. Such a lovely combo, don't you think? 

I used The Essential Pouch pattern and this is a medium size pouch.

Hope you'll enjoy this free video tutorial. Let me know what you think. Do you find these helpful? Also, any ideas on what you'd like me to add to my videos next?

Wishing you all a happy and creative day.

Svetlana



Tuesday, October 8, 2019

#the100scrapchallenge


Ever since our move in August I've been trying to organize my studio and all the supplies in the most efficient way possible, which so far has meant moving things around constantly. I think I need to take a little break and just see what works and what doesn't for a while and then get back to it again in a few months.

Last week though, as I was rearranging things yet again, I realized I have FIVE buckets chock full of scraps! I don't even know how that happened. I use my scraps all the time but it still feels like they multiply every time I look away :). Does that happen to you too?


So I came up with a fun challenge. Well, actually the idea isn't really mine, Amanda Jean of Crazy Mom Quilts did a similar challenge a while back and I absolutely loved seeing her progress, so I thought now would be a good time for me to give it a go. I'm calling it The 100 Scrap Challenge (#the100scrapchallenge, suggested by @sewrealco) and the idea is to see how long it will take me to make 100 projects using scraps only. Pretty fun, right? Of course I'll be working on other projects and using regular fabric as well, but only projects from my scrap buckets will be counted.


I even have my first project to show you today :)

This pouch is made using QAYG (quilt as you go) technique and was a great way to use up some small scraps. I think it came out really nicely and can't wait to do more scrappy sewing.

Before I do though, I'm trying to bring some order to my scraps. Because, well, right now this is what just one bucket of my scraps looks like.


Pretty horrendous, right? I hope to find a system for sorting them so I know what (and how much) I actually have. I now started pressing them all and sorting them in piles by colors and materials. I'll let you know later how well this works for me.

You all are welcome to join me if you wish. There's no time pressure, the idea is to enjoy the process and use up as many of our scraps as possible. Just use #the100scrapchallenge and post to Instagram so we all can see the fantastic projects you create. Or, just check out the hashtag if you're looking for some scrappy inspiration, I've already seen quite a few fantastic projects added there.

Wishing you all a happy and creative day. Svetlana


Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Devon Pouch (how to video)


Hello lovelies,

happy Tuesday to you all!

Today I wanted to talk to you about my most favorite pouch at the moment - Devon Pouch. I designed this super handy zipper pouch a while back and ever since then I've been making them like there's no tomorrow :)


See? And that's not even all of them.

I really love the addition of a zipper pocket on the front of the pouch and I thought it might be helpful for some of you to see how I sew this pocket. So, I created this quick little video for you. Hope you'll find it helpful and enjoy watching.

Please leave any questions you might have in comments below.


Click here to watch the video on YouTube if you prefer.

And, here's the link to Devon Pouch pattern in case you'd like to whip some pouches of your own.

Happy sewing friends. Svetlana



Tuesday, September 24, 2019

QAYG (quilt as you go) oven mitts


Ever since I first discovered Bombazine's free oven mitt pattern I have quite fallen in love with patchwork oven mitts. I know, things that we makers find exciting is quite puzzling to the outside world :)


I decided to make my mitts using qayg (quit as you go method) as that's my preferred way of using up random sized scraps of fabric and I'm positively smitten.

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Here's a little sequence on how I went about sewing the exterior of my mitts. Pretty fun, right? All one needs to do is start from the middle and quilting pieces of fabric onto cotton batting until the whole area we need is covered.

I shared a video of this technique on IG recently. Just click here to check it out.


A few notes:
- I press all my scraps before I start sewing as I find it gives me best finished results.
- I use cotton batting as a base (Warm and Natural or Warm and White are my favorites).
- I usually trace templates to freezer paper as it sticks to fabric and makes for precise cutting.
- I used these quilted slabs for the exterior of my mitts. I then loosely quilted a layer of Insul-bright to my lining and followed directions in the pattern for an assembly.

Easy peasy, right?


And, if you need a bit of inspiration, check out #bombazinemitt over on IG to see tons of amazing mitts others have created. 

Who knew oven mitts could be so fun ?

Happy sewing friends. Svetlana


Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Norah Handbag (new pdf pattern)


Hello lovely friends,

I'm very excited to introduce my newest pattern to you today. Ready?


This is Norah Handbag !!

She's a medium sized everyday handbag with two slip pockets and one zipper pocket on the exterior as well as an additional slip pocket on the inside. 


Pretty handy, isn't she? And quite easy to whip up, too. 

I graded this bag as Advanced Beginner as I feel that someone who's already dabbled in bagmaking should be comfortable enough to sew this cutie without any major hiccups :). Just follow the pattern as instructed and you should be good to go.


Finished size: 10'' wide on bottom x 10'' tall x 5'' wide.

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This is a measure and cut pattern, no templates needed!


MATERIALS NEEDED to make Norah Handbag: 
fabric A (main exterior) – 1/2 yard
fabric B (exterior bottom + handles) – 1/4 yard
fabric C (lining) – 3/4 yard
SF 101 interfacing (or other medium weight fusible interfacing of choice) – 2 1/4 yards
interlining fabric (solid colored denim, or duck canvas) – 1/2 yard
one (1) - 6'' long metal or nylon zipper
one (1) – 16 mm or 18 mm magnetic snap closure
six (8) – 6-8 mm rivets (optional)

SUPPLIES:
cutting mat, ruler, and rotary cutter
Wonder clips and/or pins
disappearing fabric marker or fine chalk pen
small sharp fabric scissors
90/14 or 110/18 (jeans/denim) needle for your sewing machine
leather hole punch + rivet setting tool (optional)
zipper foot for your sewing machine (optional)

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I hope you love this sweet, super handy everyday handbag as much as I do. 

And, for the next two days (through Sep. 18th, midnight) I'm offering this pattern at an introductory price of 6.00 euros (25% off discount). No coupon needed.

To purchase, click on the button below or go to my Etsy shop here.



Happy sewing.  Svetlana


Friday, August 30, 2019

kitchen sewing

Well, hello there friends!

How are you all doing? Hope things are going well.

I can't believe it's been almost three months since I last popped in here :(. Time definitely does fly, especially during summer months, it seems. We've been busy moving houses (this time we stayed in the same town, no moving continents which was nice) and working hard on making our new place feel like home. 

When we first moved to the Netherlands last summer we were a bit shocked to find out our apartment had no oven. NO OVEN! How can that even be? But since we knew the place was just a temporary home for us, we tried not to worry about it too much. It was definitely quite inconvenient, but clearly we survived :). And now that we moved to a new place we have an oven again, yay! So, of course I took it as an opportunity to work on some new oven mitts.

Actually, I only made just one so far, but more are coming soon :)


Quite lovely, isn't it?

I scoured Pinterest for some oven mitt patterns and tutorials and in the end I settled on trying out this lovely pattern by Bombazine. I find standard oven mitts at the stores to be quite large and so very bulky, I think my hands are too small for them. These mitts though fit just right and I feel like I actually have some control over my hands when wearing them :)

I used a layer of wool felt and a layer of Insul-bright to ensure the mitt will be heat proof. It's fully lined, too. Which is great since I like my mitts to look pretty not just on the outside, but on the inside as well.


I also whipped up a stack on un-paper towels as the ones I made a few years back were not looking so good anymore, obviously :)

You can find a tutorial for these here in case you'd like to make some of your own. It's just a super simple project using up what we have in our stashes, but so very practical. I find I use paper towels way less these days and since I just toss these with my regular laundry I don't feel like it's adding that much more in extra work or usage of water.

What fun projects have you been working on lately? Do tell.

Also, I do post to my IG account regularly so if you don't want to miss any projects I work on just follow me by clicking here.

Happy sewing friends. Svetlana


Thursday, May 30, 2019

boxy tool pouch (new pdf pattern)


Hello, welcome everyone!



I have a new pattern to share with you today :)

This Boxy Tool Pouch has been on my mind for way too long and it feels fantastic to have the pattern all finished. What do you think?



FINISHED MEASUREMENTS: (tall x wide x deep) 
SMALL – 2'' x 5'' x 2 ½''
MEDIUM - 2 ½'' x 6 ½'' x 3''
LARGE - 3'' x 8'' x 4''

I am quite a fan of boxy pouches (especially when they come in different sized) and have already been using quite a few of them daily.


Just like many of you, I don't like seeing any exposed or raw edges when I make my pouches. So, after doing a bit of  testing of different techniques, I decided adding fabric binding to finish inner edges was the way to go. This technique makes for a pretty easy pouch assembly and bound edges add extra stability and structure to a finished pouch, definitely a win - win.



See? I love how beautifully boxy they are :)

This middle size is absolutely perfect as a pencil pouch or make up bag.


I think the handle makes these cuties super practical.

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This is a measure and cut pattern, no templates needed!

MATERIALS NEEDED (for large size):
fabric A (pouch exterior) – 1 FQ
fabric B (pouch lining) – 1 FQ
fabric C (pull handle) - 3'' x 7'' strip
SF 101 interfacing (or similar medium weight fusible interfacing) – 1/2 yard
one - 11'' long metal or nylon zipper
(7'' long zipper for small size, 9'' long zipper for medium size)
one - 1/2'' - 3/4'' wide x 2'' long ribbon
one zipper pull - I used a 6'' long 1/8” wide leather lace (optional)

SUPPLIES:
rotary cutter, self healing cutting mat, acrylic ruler
wonder clips and/or pins
sharp fabric scissors
zipper foot for your sewing machine (optional)

I used metal zippers (purchased from Zipit on Etsy) for my pouches but you can definitely go with nylon ones if that's what you prefer/ have on hand.

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What do you say? Would you like to make some Boxy Tool Pouches of your own?

You can purchase Boxy Tool Pouch pattern by clicking on the button below, or by going to my Etsy shop (click here). 

And, now through Saturday (6-1), you can take advantage of an introductory price (25% discount, no coupon needed).

buy this pattern 


Happy sewing friends. Svetlana


Thursday, May 23, 2019

Finley Tote sew - along (week 4: final assembly)



Hello friends, how are your Finley Totes coming along? I hope you're having fun and are excited to have your lovely totes finished soon :)

This week we're going to tackle final bag assembly and add hardware to our adjustable straps. Pretty easy, isn't it?


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Follow Step 16 in your pattern for final bag assembly. And, as always, take your time lining things up, use a good amount of sewing clips to ensure all layers stay in place, and let the machine do the work, don't pull or tug at your bag as you sew.

Once your tote bag is finished give it a good press. I usually use iron on cotton setting and plenty of steam.


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All that's left to do now is add hardware to our straps. 


I used these lovely swivel hooks and strap slider in nickel finish to match the rest of my hardware as well as zippers. You can purchase this hardware + many others here.


Now, I know making an adjustable strap might seem a bit intimidating if you've never done it before, so take things slow, and read all the directions carefully. I'd suggest you use sewing clips to hold everything in place, check to make sure hardware is added correctly, and only then go ahead and stitch everything in place. You can also use rivets instead of stitching like I did for the straps in photos above.


You don't have to use rivets, of course. But if you do decide to add them to your straps you'll need a few basic tools - leather hole punch, rivets (my favorite are double cap 6-8 mm rivets), rivet setting tool, and mallet.

And, check out this tutorial if you need help setting your rivets.


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I had a blast working on my Finley Tote together with you all. Thank you for joining me friends.

Please share your finished totes on IG using #finleytotesewalong.

Svetlana


Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Finley Tote sew - along (week 3: lining)


Happy Wednesday to you all!


Welcome back to week 3 of Finley Tote sew - along. I hope you had tons of fun working on the exterior of your totes last week.

This week we'll work on adding two kinds of pockets to our linings and add the main zipper closure. Ready? Let's start :)

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I am a huge fan of pockets and usually add at least one zipper pocket and one slip pocket to my bag lining. You can, however, mix things up a bit if you wish and add just one kind of a pocket or none at all. It's totally up to you and what your needs are.

Here are a few tips you might find helpful when adding your zipper pocket:

- it's very, very important to measure everything correctly as no one wants to end up with a crooked pocket. I find it very useful to line my panel and pocket lining up on a cutting mat and use the lines on the mat to help with ensuring everything is placed perfectly.

- precise cutting is also very important. To cut along the middle line of the pocket, I first make a few inch cut along the line using ruler and rotary cutter and then finish cutting using my very sharp fabric scissors. Make sure though NOT  to cut into any of your stitches. You want to come as close to your stitches as possible without cutting into them.



- I like to do a few back and forth stitches along zipper tape on open end of zipper and add a bit of regular glue within seam allowance to help zipper stay in place as this makes for an easier assembly. You could, of course, use pins only to keep zipper in place but I find glue makes things just a tiny bit easier for me.



- And, once again, I have a quick video on IG showing how I add zipper to my pocket if you're interested. Just click here.

The wonderful thing about these pockets is that once you learn how to install them you can add them to pretty much any bag or pouch you wish :)


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Now go ahead and follow directions in Step 12 to add a pleated slip pocket to your second lining panel.

I must say, this is the first time I added pleats to my slip pockets and I absolutely love how handy and roomy they are.


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Time to work on adding main closure. If you decide to go with zipper closure like I did, just go ahead and follow directions in Steps 13 and 14 in your patterns.

You can, however, skip adding zipper and do a simple magnetic snap closure instead.

If you do decide to go with magnetic snaps, simply attach lining facing to main lining using 1/4'' SA, press seam towards facing and topstitch using 1/8'' SA.


Fold lining in half, pinch gently to mark the middle of the panel as shown in photo above, and use magnetic snap's washer to mark the snap's placement 3/4'' above the seam. Cut through two marked lines and add magnetic snap closure to both facings.


All you need to do then is proceed with lining assembly the same way you would if you added a zipper (Step 15 in your pattern).


This is where we stop for this week. Not bad, right? We're quite close to having our totes finished :)

Any questions? Leave them in comments below.


Oh, and don't forget to share your progress photos with us all on IG using #finleytotesewalong.


Happy sewing all . Svetlana


Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Finley Tote sew - along (week 2: bag exterior)


Welcome to week two of our Finley Tote sew - along.




How did all the prep work go? And how about sewing up your handles and straps? All ready for our next steps?

This week we'll be installing an exterior zipper pocket as well as doing the exterior assembly. We'll be working through Steps 5 - 9 of the pattern.


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If you haven't subcut your front exterior panel already do so now (follow Step 5A on page 5 of  your pattern). 

Here are a few tips you might find helpful before you start working on your exterior zipper pocket:

- read all the directions carefully before you start sewing

- sew slow, take your time to line things up, press and trim as you go for best final results. And, as always, measure twice, cut once.

- if you do make a mistake, which totally happens to all of us, pull out your seam ripper and fix the mistake right away. I always recommend fixing crooked, skipped, uneven stitches rather plowing through and being unhappy with the finished bag later.

- I don't use a zipper foot to install my zipper pocket as my Juki standard presser foot is pretty slim and it gives me a perfect scant 1/4'' SA (seam allowance) needed. If, however, your machine's presser foot is too wide or you just prefer using zipper foot to install zippers definitely use one.

- we're all familiar with 1/4'' SA right? Well, scant 1/4'' SA is just a tiny bit less than 1/4'' (about 1/16'' less). I use scant 1/4'' SA for attaching my zippers.

- last but definitely not least, always move zipper pull out of the way when stitching around it to ensure that your stitch line stays all neat and straight.

If you'd like a bit more help you can watch this video I recorded a little while back installing the same zipper pocket, just on a smaller scale.


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Enough talking, time to sew :) 

Follow Steps 5 and 6 to install exterior zipper pocket as well as add a contrasting exterior bottom to your zipper pocket panel. 


Here's my finished front exterior panel. As you can see I decided to use the same fabric for my whole bag so my bottom panel is the same fabric as the rest of the exterior panel.


And here's what my panel looks like on the wrong side.

All we need to do now is assemble back exterior panel by adding bottom panel to the main one (Step 7) and then following Step 8 for exterior assembly. Should be easy :)


Oh, and let's not forget to attach handles and D-ring tabs. I'm using leather handles as I really, really love the look  and I'm super excited to see how it all is coming together.

I hope you'll share your progress photos with us all by using #finleytotesewalong on Instagram.


Any questions? Leave them in comments below.

See you next week when we'll work on our Lining Panels. 

Happy sewing. Svetlana


Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Finley Tote sew - along (cutting + strap and handles)



Hello lovelies, so glad you're here.

Are you ready to start making your Finley Totes? I definitely am.

This week is mostly about doing all the necessary prep work (cutting out all the fabric panels and fusing interfacing). There will be some sewing though too, as we'll also be making our handles and a strap. Should be fun :)

And, in case you're new here and would like to join us you can purchase the pattern here and read all about materials and supplies here.

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I will be using Merchant and Mills Dry Oilskin for the exterior of my tote and striped cotton for the lining. I really love how well these two fabrics look together and oilskin exterior will be perfect for our unpredictable Dutch weather. What fabrics have you chosen?

By the way, you can share all your fabric choices as well as progress photos on IG using #finleytotesewalong.

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Now remember, this is a measure and cut pattern meaning there's no need for printing any templates as we do all the cutting using ruler, rotary cutter, and self-healing cutting mat.

All the cutting measurements are provided on page 3 of your pattern. Please make sure to label your panels as you cut to prevent any confusion during construction (you can find labels on page 15 of your pattern).


You have a few options when it comes to cutting your fabric A exterior front panel.


You can either use the same fabric for the whole main exterior of your tote and follow the directions as described in the pattern. You will cut one piece of fabric A front panel, interface it, and then subcut it into four different panels as directed in step 5A. 


Or, you can decide to change the direction of you print like I did for this Finley Tote. This layout works great for striped prints.


Another option is to use a focal print for your pocket and frame it using some neutral fabric like I did here. It's a perfect way to showcase your favorite print. This way you can use bold print but not overwhelm the bag.


IMPORTANT NOTE: If you do decide to go with alternative layouts, just remember to skip cutting front exterior panel from fabric A as directed in cutting instructions and use panel measurements in Step 5A on page 5 for your cutting measurements. You'll be cutting each of your four (A,B, C, and D) panels separately. Pay attention to width and height of your panels so they each end up in the direction you wish them to go. (the same goes for interfacing meaning if you cut your main panel using instructions in Step 5A, cut your interfacing using the same measurements)

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Once all the cutting is done it's time to do a bit more prep work. Follow Step 2 on page 3 of your pattern to adhere interfacing to all the corresponding panels. Follow manufacturer's directions and take your time with this step as you want to make sure all the interfacing is adhered evenly, no puckers of bubbles as that would affect the finished look of your bag.

I found this and this very useful article on interfacing in case you need a bit more help.

Please note no interfacing is fused to your strap fabric at this point as that will be added once the strips are sewn together.

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We have one more thing to tackle this week -  follow directions in Steps 3 and 4 on how make the strap, handles and D-ring tabs.

I've made my share of fabric handles and straps and wanted to share a few helpful tips:
- I like to use sewing clips to hold the open edges of my strips together, they are super strong and keep all the layers neatly in place


- Use a slightly longer stitch (I normally use 2.5 for regular sewing and 3 for topstitching).

- Use good quality thread. I usually use coordinating thread for my sewing as I like the thread to sort of  "disappear" into my project. I find this way I don't have to stress so much if some stitches don't end up being perfectly straight and a little wobble sneaks in here and there. You could, of course, use a contrasting thread as it does add a lovely finishing touch to your strap and handles, but beware that all the little mistakes are going to be quite visible.

- Hold both top and bobbin thread with your fingers as you start topstitching - this will prevent any knots from forming on the underside of your handle.


- Let the machine do most of the work. Your hands are there to guide the strap/ handle, no pulling or tugging.

- Don't sew too fast or too slow. Find the speed that works for you and be consistent.

- Make sure your needle is in the down position every time you stop.

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Oh, and I posted a quick little video on making a handle to my Instagram in case you're interested. Just click here.

I think that's it for this week. Please leave any questions or suggestions in comments below.

Happy sewing everyone! Svetlana


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