LAGOM STORAGE BINS (new pdf pattern)

 Hello friends, how have you all been? What have you been up to? Any fun sewing projects?

I've been busy trying to sort out all the many, many ideas going through my head 😁 and focus on finishing up some of the patterns.

And today I'm super excited to show you my newest Lagom Storage Bins pattern.

What do you think?

These super handy reversible bins come in FIVE sizes and look, they beautifully nest inside each other. Just like the sweet matryoshka dolls I used to have as a child.

These bins are a perfect beginner friendly project so if you ever wanted to dip your toes into bagmaking but wasn't sure where to start, this project is for you 😊.

If you're a seasoned maker though, I'm sure you'll enjoy being able to whip these up quickly and with very little effort.

I think I'll be making quite a few of these to pack some Christmas presents in. It's always fun to get a gift inside a gift, don't you agree?

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  

I'm happy to offer this pattern in both imperial and metric measurements and here are the finished dimensions plus a supply list for you:

+  +  +  +  +

I hope you'll be as excited to start making these storage bins as I am. You can now get this pattern at a 25% off  introductory price (sale ends Wednesday, Nov. 17th midnight CET).

Click here to go to my Etsy shop or click on the link below to purchase this pattern.

Buy This Pattern

Thank you for your support, friends! And happy sewing 😀.

Svetlana

CUMBRIA TOTE BAG (new pdf sewing pattern)

 

Hello lovely makers, 

how are you all doing? Has fall arrived to where you live? We've had some cool, quite autumn-y weather last few days and it felt absolutely amazing. I'm definitely ready for some sweater weather 😀.

And today I'm happy to share my brand new bag pattern, Cumbria Tote Bag!

I love the two print exterior of these totes but I especially love the inner zipper pocket divider.

What do you guys think? Pretty handy, isn't it?

Of course there's an additional zipper pocket and a slip pocket for an added convenience 😀.

I made so many of these totes over the last few weeks and I love all the possibilities when it comes to combining fabrics together. I sometimes like to use prints that match, other times I prefer them to clash a bit.

The large bag finishes at 13'' wide on bottom x 12'' tall x 5'' deep and it can fit a ton.

The small bag is 10'' wide on bottom x 9'' tall x 4'' deep and it makes a lovely everyday tote or it would also work well as a project bag.

+  +  +  +  +  +  +

And now I'm excited to show you the fabulous tote bags my amazingly talented pattern testers created. Ready? Here we go!

My wonderful friend Ingrid @inghelhoe sewed up these two beautiful totes. Such gorgeous makes! I love that Ingrid upcycled her zippers as well as the denim she used. Such a clever idea.

This beauty was created by super talented Priscilla @cottonstitchca. She's a master at working with beautiful prints and check out that amazing zipper! Absolutely stunning!

And how pretty are these two totes sewn by Fani @faninoulika. I love that Fani played with a different placement of the handles to make these beautiful totes.

+  +  +  +  +  +  +

As usual, I'm offering this brand new pattern at a 25% off discounted introductory price for the next few days (offer ends Saturday, Oct. 2nd midnight CEST). No coupon needed, price is already adjusted.

You can purchase Cumbria Tote Bag pattern by clicking on the button below of by going to my Etsy Shop.

 Buy This Pattern

Happy sewing everyone! Wishing you all a lovely and creative day.

Svetlana

AURORA CLUTCH (new pdf pattern)

 

Hello friends, I'm excited to introduce my newest pdf pattern to you today!

Aurora Clutch is a perfect everyday wallet/ clutch and comes in two different sizes. 

Small size: approx. 4'' tall x 7 1/4'' wide when closed

Large size: approx. 4 1/2'' tall x 8 1/2'' wide when closed

My most favorite thing about this clutch are the card slots on the inside. I love having a special place for my bank cards and an ID. The small size features three card slots, and the large one four. 

I also like the wonderfully roomy front slip pocket which is great for receipts but can also keep one's glasses or even some phones safely inside.

The clutch also features a super handy zipper pocket on the back, a perfect place for cash, keys, or some other smaller items we need to carry with us.

And, there's the addition of an optional removable wrist strap as it's always nice to have choices 😁.

+  +  +  +  +

As usual, I had some super talented makers test the pattern for me and I'm excited to show off their beautiful clutches. Enjoy!

My wonderful friend and a super talented sewist / knitter Ingrid @inghelhoe sewed up this beautiful set of clutches.

These beauties in gorgeous Rifle & Co print and Essex linen were sewn by the amazing Priscilla @cottonstitchca who also sells lots of her stunning makes.

Alexis @hughesam416 sewed up this sweet clutch, and check out that lining! So, so fun!

Last, but definitely not least, we have this pretty clutch sewn by Rebekah @bekahomekah. Love the bright green solid combined with the dainty flowers.

+  +  +  +  +

What do you say, friends? Would you like to make an Aurora Clutch of your own? Here is a list of materials needed to make one (fabric requirements are based on 42'' wide fabric):

1 FE (fat eighth) of fabric measures 9'' x 21''

FABRIC A (exterior flap, optional wrist strap) – 1 FE
FABRIC B (back exterior + inner pocket) – 1 FE
FABRIC C (lining + card pockets + zipper pocket lining) – 1/4 yard
INTERFACING (Pellon SF101 or Vlieseline G700) – 1/4 yard
FUSIBLE FLEECE (Pellon TP971 or Vlieseline H640) – 1/8 yard
ZIPPER - 5'' long metal or nylon zipper for SMALL SIZE
6'' long metal or nylon zipper for LARGE SIZE
KAM SNAPS or 15mm HEAVY DUTY SNAPS – two (2)
1/2'' SWIVEL HOOK (optional) – one (1)
1/2'' D-RING (optional) – one (1)
DOUBLE-CAP RIVET (optional) – one (1)
ZIPPER PULL (optional) - one (1)

+  +  +  +  +

As usual, I'm offering this brand new pattern at a 25% off discounted price for the next few days (offer ends Saturday, July 10th midnight CEST). No coupon needed, price is already adjusted.

You can purchase the pattern by clicking on the bottom below or by going to my Etsy Shop.

buy this pattern

Happy sewing, friends! Svetlana

Tiny Foldover Pouch (free YouTube video)

 Hello friends, 

today I'd like to share a super adorable little pouch I designed for my YouTube channel. 

I think these Tiny Foldover Pouches are absolutely precious. They finish at approx. 3'' wide x 3 1/4'' tall x 1'' deep and are just the right size to keep one's earbuds or small sewing notions and tools. Or, it could be used as a nice little coin pouch.

To make one of these cuties you will need two panels of quilting cotton for the *exterior, two panels for the lining, and two panels of interfacing (I used Pellon SF101). Each panel is 5'' wide and 6'' tall (13cm wide x 15cm tall). Oh, and the 3 1/2'' long ribbon or leather lace and a button.

*use non-directional print for the exterior 

You can find instructions and a full video on how to make these pouches on my YouTube channel, just click here.

I hope you'll enjoy making (and using) these sweet little cuties.

Wishing you all a happy and creative day. Svetlana

CHUBBY TOTE BAG (pdf pattern in four sizes)

 

Hello lovelies, I hope you are all doing well. 

How are things in your neck of the woods? I was hoping for some nice spring weather by now but instead we've been getting daily rainstorms with heavy winds 😞 here in the Netherlands. It definitely makes me appreciate little bits of sunshine we get here and there even more than usual.

All this dreary weather didn't deter me from my sewing, of course. And today I'm happy to introduce my newest pdf pattern - Chubby Tote Bag.

I first designed this bag for my YouTube channel and the response to this super handy tote bag was absolutely fabulous, thank you. Many of you asked for some additional sizes, so I worked out the dimensions and it's all ready for you now 😁.

You have lots of options with this bag as it comes in four sizes. The small one would make a great child's tote or a reusable gift bag. I like to use my medium sized bag as an everyday tote, the large one makes a great shopper, and the x-large one would work well as a beach bag or a super sized shopping bag (I use it for my Ikea trips).

This is a beginner friendly bag which makes it a suitable project for someone who'd like to give bag making a try but it's also a quick and satisfying make for a more seasoned sewist.

+  +  +  +  +

Finished dimensions of these bags are (tall x wide on bottom x deep):  

SMALL - 8 1/2'' x 9'' x 5''

MEDIUM - 11'' x 11'' x 6''

LARGE - 13 1/2'' x 13'' x 7''

X-LARGE - 16'' x 15'' x 8''

Here is a list of materials needed : (fabric requirements are based on 42'' wide fabric)

                                       

FABRIC A (exterior)  - 1/2 yard (S,M, L)      1 ¼ yard (XL)

FABRIC B (lining)      - 1/2 yard (S,M,L)     1 ¼ yard (XL)

FABRIC C (handles)  - 1/8 yard (S,M,L,XL)

*INTERFACING        - 1 yard (S,M)    1 ¼ yard (L)    2 yards (XL)

*use medium weight fusible interfacing, Pellon SF101 or Vlieseline G700 (you could also use Soft and  Stable by Annie if you want your bag to be super sturdy and stand on its own)

And suggested fabrics: 

FABRIC A, B: Designer cotton canvas, duck canvas, denim, Essex linen, cotton/linen blend or medium weight home décor fabrics are recommended. Waxed canvas or oilcloth could also be used for the exterior of the bag (no need to add fusible interfacing in that case). 

FABRIC C: Essex linen or medium weight quilting cotton.

+  +  +  +  +

What do you say? Would you like to make a Chubby Tote Bag of your own? Then click here for the pattern.

buy this pattern

You can now purchase this pattern at a 25% off introductory price for the next two days, sale ends Thursday May 27th.

Happy sewing, and thank you for your support! Svetlana

ASHFORD HANDBAG (new pdf pattern)

 

Hello friends, welcome!

I'm beyond excited to introduce my newest bag pattern to you today 😁😁.

What do you guys think? Isn't she quite something?

Finished size of this bag is 11 1/2'' tall x 13'' wide on bottom x 4'' deep which makes it a fabulously roomy everyday handbag. 

It features an easy to install, super handy zipper pocket in the lining as well as the main zipper closure to keep one's items safely inside.

And check out those zipper tabs! I think they add so much to an overall professional finish.

As you probably noticed, I'm quite a fan of adding leather handles to my bags. I do understand though that's it's not for everyone, so I included instructions on how to make your own fabric handles instead.

What do you say? Would you like to make an Ashford Handbag of your own?

MATERIALS NEEDED:

FABRIC A (main exterior) – 1/4 yard

FABRIC B (contrasting exterior bottom) – 1/4 yard

FABRIC C (lining) – 3/4 yard

FUSIBLE FLEECE (Pellon TP971 or Vlieseline H640) – 1/2 yard

INTERFACING (Pellon SF101 or Vlieseline G700) – 3/4 yard

one (1) – 10'' long or longer standard #3 NYLON ZIPPER

one (1) - 18'' long or longer bagmaking #4.5 or #5 NYLON ZIPPER

two (2) – 3/4'' wide x 29'' leather strips for handles

eight (8) – 8mm x 6mm RIVETS

two (2) – zipper pulls (optional)

SUGGESTED FABRICS:

EXTERIOR (FABRIC A, FABRIC B) – designer cotton canvas, Essex linen, cotton/linen blend fabric, or medium weight quilting cotton are recommended. Waxed canvas could also be used (no need to add fusible fleece in that case).

LINING (FABRIC C) – quilting cotton

+  +  +  +  +

You can purchase an Ashford Handbag pattern by clicking here.

And, now through Saturday May 8th (midnight, Amsterdam time), you can get this pattern at a 25% OFF Introductory Price. No coupon needed, the price is already adjusted.

Buy This Pattern

Oh, and in case you're interested in an additional resource, Crafty Monkies is offering a video recording of my Ashford Handbag workshop (approx. 3 hours of instructions) at a discounted price as well. Click here to it check out.

Happy sewing all! Svetlana

How to Sew an Exposed Zipper Pocket

 

Hello friends, happy Monday to you all!

I love making my own bags but what I love even more is the ability to customize them to meet my needs. So, I add pockets to my bags all the time, I love adding them both to the exterior as well as the lining 😁.

One of my most favorite pockets is an exposed (or welt) zipper pocket.

I like how easy it is to add this pocket to pretty much any bag or pouch panel without having to adjust any of the panel's measurements at all.

 

And, in case you'd like to learn how to install these pockets in your projects, I have a free video tutorial for you today.

In my tutorial I added a welt zipper pocket to the exterior panel of my Juniper Basket, but you can easily adjust the provided instructions to work with a different size of the zipper/ pocket.

And, in case you'd like to give this lovely basket a try, click here for the pattern.

Happy sewing, lovely makers!

Talk soon. Svetlana

Quick and Easy French Seams Tote Bag

 

Hello lovely makers, happy Friday to you all!

I think it's quite obvious by now that tote bags are one of my favorite things to sew. And today I'm going to share with you one of the easiest totes ever 😊.

All you need to make this unlined bag is just a 1/2 yard of medium to heavy weight fabric (canvas, denim, home decor, or even waxed canvas) and some webbing for the handles and you're good to go.

I love that the French Seams make for neat, finished edges and the bag is super light but sturdy at the same time. 

I keep one of these totes in my purse in case I need to pop in the shop real quick. They also make great library bags, or just simple everyday tote bags.

These bags finish at approximately 14'' wide X 16'' tall but the nice thing is you can use the instructions I provide in my YouTube tutorial to make bags of many different sizes.

Here's the link to the tutorial if you want to check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcikcfc97Qc

Happy sewing, friends!

Svetlana

Chubby Tote Bag (free video tutorial)

 

Hello lovely makers, I hope your week is off to a good start.

A little while ago I designed this wonderfully roomy, easy to sew Chubby Tote Bag for my YouTube channel and ever since then I've loved using these cuties as my shopping bags. They are just the right size to put your groceries in but not so large that you struggle to carry them 😂. 

FINISHED SIZE: 11'' wide on bottom X 11'' tall X 6'' deep

When I first designed these totes I used leather handles as I really love the classy look they add to pretty much any bag. But, I like options, so I tried to make some Chubby Totes with fabric handles and I love this all washable version equally as much.

I used canvas and cotton/linen prints for both the exterior and the lining of this bag and I added a layer of Pellon SF101 interfacing to my exterior panels which makes for a soft, but sturdy bag.

I think I'm going to make a few in Merchant and Mills dry oilskin next. Or maybe in waxed canvas? Oh, the possibilities 😀😀. I have to raid my stash to see what I have on hand.

I hope you'll enjoy making (and using) these cuties as much as I do.

Click here for a link to a free Chubby Tote Bag tutorial.

And here for a tutorial on how to make your own Fabric Handles.

Happy sewing, friends!

Svetlana

Portland Tote (tester versions)

 

Hello everyone!

As promised, I'm back to share the beautiful Portland Totes my super talented pattern testers created. I love how different these bags are, and how well they represent each of the maker's style.

Let's get to it, shall we?

Dorothy @casoncreativedesigns on IG created this beautiful Portland Tote. I love the fabric Dorothy chose as well as the fabulous details she added to her adjustable strap. 

I love this travel inspired bag sewn by the lovely Fani @faninoulika on IG. So sweet, and would definitely make a lovely handbag to be taken on trips.

Next we have this stylish bag sewn by the incredibly talented Priscilla @cottonstitchcollective on IG. 

And here is a lighter version of the bag. I love them both so much, isn't Priscilla just so very clever with her fabric choices? Love, love, love.

This pretty Portland Tote sewn by Vicki @vpquilter on IG makes me smile every time I look at it. Such a happy bag, and I love that Vicki quilted the main body of the bag to give it some extra stability. 

Last, but definitely not least, we have this beautiful low volume bag sewn by my lovely friend Ingrid @inghelhoe. Such a classic little number. Just beautiful!

*  *  *  *  *

What do you think, friends? Are you as impressed as I was when I saw all these beautiful creations?

I'm grateful to each and every one of these amazing ladies for testing my pattern and making such gorgeous bags along the way. 

You can purchase my Portland Tote pattern here . And don't forget, you can still get the pattern at a 25% off introductory price (sale ends at midnight, tonight Feb. 4th).

Wishing you all a happy and creative day. 

Svetlana