Not every purse I make is done with characters or inspired fabric, some are just pretty! This is one of my favorite pretty custom fabrics from Blended Threads, and the Harriet from Swoon was so perfect to show off the bold design! I modified the bag by leaving off the little flap closure and using rivet magnetic snaps -- I didn't want to hide any of the gorgeous print!
 |
| That's a real backdrop, not AI! |
The best thing about custom fabric is the unique styles that come out of the fan art! This Mid Century Modern style fabric from KNITorious Fabrics is so fun and pretty! I used it to make the large Book Sleeve from Sewn Ideas.
 |
| Even has a Grogu zipper pull! |
This year I had to dig into the backlog of posts to find a good May the Fourth (be with you) post, and somehow I STILL missed getting it up in time! This was a project I did a few years ago and it turned out pretty fun! The pattern is a free one I found at Sew4Home, and I modified it a little to be a turned bag and left off the piping.
 |
| The light grey background has stars in it! |
The newest pre-order round from Knitorious fabric is "What's on the Telly" and it has some gorgeous options! I think this one is probably the prettiest Supernatural inspired fabric I've ever seen!
 |
| Driver picks the music, ALWAYS! |
When I got the half yard of fabric for the 'What's on the Telly' round Knitorious to use for my strike, I was worried I wouldn't have enough to make 2 projects. I used less than half of that for the Aurora Sling, and then I needed to find something that would really show off the awesome design of the print, so I decided to make a simple tote bag. At the same time, a new test for a Zipper and Phone Slip Pocket from ChrisW came along and needed testing, and it was PERFECT to spice up the simple tote!
 |
| I think this is the front. It's the fanciest side at least |
The latest pattern from The Styled Magnolia is the adorable Aurora Sling! It comes in 2 sizes and is a fun and fast pattern! I picked the smaller size, which doesn't have outside pockets, but that works great because I didn't want to hide any of the Oh So Pretty vinyl!
 |
| The print on this vinyl is so delicate looking! |
One of the great things about testing patterns is that I get to pick whatever supplies and accessories I feel like! The Armour Tote from the Styled Magnolia is a relatively quick bag with a lot of space to really show off a fun fabric, so I picked some Pac Man inspired water resistant canvas from Backstitch for the outside.
 |
| I love my shiny tags! |
Sometimes a fabric is too awesome to pass up, like these dinos on a gorgeous purple background from Knitorious fabrics!
 |
| I forgot to factor in the zipper flap when I cut the front, so the dinos almost lost their heads! |
Dearest Gentle Reader,
Do you dream of an elegant handbag that shows off your love of romance and drama? If so, this bag is for you! Any Debutante carrying this stylish bag will be the talk of the Ton and sure to garner the eye of the season's most eligible catch!
 |
| Proclaim to one and all that YOU are the diamond of the season! |
For some reason, the Sydney messenger bag from Swoon is just a great bag for mash-ups! This one has 5 different fabrics used, and I think nearly all of the companies have since shut down! Pretty sure the fabrics came from Hapa, Ohana, Affordable Fabrics and More, Snowy Owl, and Joanns.
 |
| It's a bright and colorful, but also dark purse! |
Sometimes I have all the motivation and energy and get everything done, and sometimes I take my time and try to enjoy working on projects. Right now I have a little breathing room in my schedule, so I'm not rushing on orders. I try to always pay attention to details and make everything the best I can, but when I'm behind and rushing, I feel like I have to push things out right away, instead of letting them rest and then going back with fresh eyes to double check for things that I missed, like stray thread ends.
 |
| Teal solid lining - I usually go for textures and designs, but the solid does look nice! |
The newest pattern from ChrisW Designs is the Whisper Crossbody bag, and it's so fun! There is also an extra add on pack that gives you a recessed zipper and some fun corner accents. The main pattern has a flap that secures both the back phone pocket and the top, but I need a zipper closure for total security! You could add on the flap to the zipper version, but I think it looks really nice even without it.
 |
| My new couch makes for a nice background! |
This fun Summit Sling was made with a customer provided fabric, with their school's mascot! I'm not sure where they had it printed, but the quality was good and the fabric was a canvas that gave it a little more structure.
 |
| This sling bag has a great shape! |
I decided to sneak in one last pattern testing before taking my (forced) break, and this was such a fast and fun bag to make! If you are looking for a quick and handy little bag, perfect for travel or a quick trip out, I suggest the Globetrot Travel Sling from ChrisW Designs!
 |
| Just a little bag! |
There have been a lot of similar shaped patterns lately, but I always love making a bag from ChrisW Designs because I feel like she really steps you through everything and the instructions are amazing! She also has a video, if you like watching to see how someone makes the bag. The Daily Drift Crossbody is a cute mid sized bag, with some great pockets and the lining is a PERFECT fit! No saggy lining or 'extra' in there, it looks so sharp!
 |
| Trying some different photo locations, the new couch is nice and neutral, but not perfect lighting.... |
I don't know about you, but circle bags are a little intimidating to me. With patience, many staples, and some seam ripping, I can make them work, but it's not my favorite shape to make. That being said, the bagmaker panels from Knitorious Fabric are super fun and cute, so I was willing to attempt it. Fortunately for me, I realized I don't HAVE to make it a circle! With a little bit of planning and some patchwork sewing, I was able to turn it into a fun tote bag, the Celine from Swoon!
 |
| The inside of my light box looks a little like a spaceship, so I decided to embrace it. |
I told you I couldn't resist all the fun tests! The new Crystaline Pencil Pouch from The Styled Magnolia was at least a quick project -- I spent more time finding materials than actually sewing!
 |
| Sorry for the glare, the new light box is much brighter, but the diffuser is not as good |
Sometimes you want a super fast and cute little pattern, and the Cadence Mini Pouch totally meets those requirements! I raided my scrap bin to make mine, which means that the inside actually has 2 fabrics, and my interfacing scraps were put to use too!
 |
| Big in pictures, small in real life! |
It's the last day of July, and that means tomorrow is August, and then next week will be Christmas! Ok, maybe not that fast, but it's going to feel like it! I'll be having a major surgery in October, so that means I'm going to lose at least 4-6 weeks of my busiest crafting times, and probably should limit my commitments so I can focus on healing. But I think I'll probably get a bit bored if I'm not constantly crafting and sewing...or maybe I'll finally catch up on my sleep?
 |
| A custom wallet order, haven't had one for a while! |
The Foodie round at Knitorious Fabric is in full swing, and this time I got a fun canvas MD Sack bagmaker set to promote! The Bagmaker sets are a fat half yard of fabric, with accents and other fun pieces included in the designs and some even have circle or other shapes designed in for easy placement! Depending on the bag, one roll might not be enough for the lining, so I combined mine with the burger silky nylon coordinate.
 |
| That's a mini happy meal box, not a giant backpack! |
