Totes and more….

Totes bags are wonderful for everyday use. When I worked in the city, my tote was filled to the brim with shoes, lunch, my purse, and things to do while I was traveling back and forth. Here’s a few totes to think about:

This is the Miranda Day Bag pattern by Lazy Girl Designs. This is a moderately sized tote bag with 10 pockets for organization. Size is 12" x 10" x 6".

This is the Sara Satchel pattern by Serendipity Studio. This tote bag comes in two sizes and includes instructions for organizers and a small zippered bag. Sizes are Tall Satchel: 14" high x 15" (at the base) wide x 6" deep, 14" high x 12" (at the top) wide x 6" deep, Short Satchel: 11" high x 18" (at the base) wide x 6" deep, 11" wide by 15" (at the top) wide x 6" deep.

This is the Bellanca Bag pattern by Lila Tueller Designs. Finished size is approximately 12" high x 15" wide x 5" deep.

This is the Brooke Bag by Bananafana. This is a large, roomy bag with an approximate finished size of 23" tall x 19 1/2" wide x 5" deep.

How about making some matching accessories for your tote bag? 

This is a e-Cozy Palooza pattern by Whistlepig Creek.  This is perfect for a personalized cover for your reader.

This is the Zippy Strippy bag pattern by Atkinson Designs. Great to keep things organized.

Hope your inspired to make a tote!

Happy Sewing!

Pillows for fall – inspiration plus!

Today inspiration is pillows.   Pillows are a great way to quickly change the look of your room. 

Here’s a few pillows to inspire for fall:

This lumbar pillow cover has 3 hand embroidered pumpkins.  The background is a 100% cotton with a hidden button closure.  Size is 16” x 26”.  It has a price tag of $69.50.  I think this could be duplicated using an osnaburg fabric or even a white or off-white muslin.  If you want a closer look, go to potterybarn.com and search for Pumpkin Embroidered Lumbar Pillow Cover.

This is an appliqued leaf pillow cover.   The background is 100% cotton with a hidden button closure.  Size is 24” square.  It has price tag of $49.50.  What a gorgeous pillow!  I think it would be fairly easy to do.  I would use an osnaburg to recreate this pillow.  It would be a little more rustic.  If you a closer look, go to potterybarn.com and search for Harvest Leaf Applique Embroidered Pillow Cover.

 

 This is a painted pumpkin outdoor pillow.  The background is woven polyester.  Size is 20”.  It has a price tag of $35.50. I can see this pillow on the rocking chair for my front porch.  I wouldn’t say that I’m a talented artist but I think I’m going to give this a try.  Has anyone used fabric paints on polyester? I would like to hear about this.   If you a closer look, go to potterybarn.com and search for Painted Pumpkins Outdoor Pillows. 

Here’s a few tutorials for fall pillows: 

Cluck Cluck Sew has a Scrap Buster Fall pillow tutorial -  http://www.cluckclucksew.com/2009/10/tutorial-scrap-buster-fall-pillow.html

 V & Co has a spray painted wheat pillow tutorial (oh, I can see many options for this) - http://www.vanessachristenson.com/2009/11/tutorial-spraypainted-wheat-pillows.html

 Make and take has a embroidered leaf pillow tutorial  (this one has a great way to make different leaf shapes) - http://www.makeandtakes.com/embroidered-fall-leaf-pillow

 Do you know of any other fall pillow tutorials?

 Here is a list of pillow patterns at the eBay store - Pillow Patterns.

 Happy Sewing!

Crossbody bags

Have you been looking for crossbody bags patterns?

This is the Madison Wallet Bag pattern by Serendipity Studio.  This bag has a wallet is built into the front of the bag as a separate flap that can hold your ID and credit/debit cards for easy access.  There are two zippered pockets, one on the outside, and one on the inside to keep everything organized.  The exterior pocket is perfect for holding a cell phone within a fingertip's reach.  The adjustable handle makes this bag an easy transition from a cross body to over the shoulder.  There are 4 variations offered to achieve different looks and suit all personalities.  Finished dimensions:  8" wide x 6" tall x 2" deep, with 52" adjustable handle.

This is the Rachel Cross Body Bag pattern by Serendipity Studio.  This is a fashionable, lightweight, easy to wear teardrop-shaped bag for the gal on the go.  The interior of the bag has two sets of divided pockets on either side to keep stuff in its place.  The roomy exterior pocket is perfect for stashing your cell phone, sun glasses, and keys.  Four different variations.   Size:  12" (at base), 9"(at opening) wide x 8" tall x 1/2" deep with a 42" long adjustable handle.   

This is the Crossover Carry All pattern by Indygo Junction. This stylish bag is made to wear across your body to keep your valuables secure and your hands free.  Instructions for shoulder style are also included.  It's so convenient for shopping.  Two side pockets on either side of the bag are perfect for a cell phone or bottle of water.  Two divided pockets inside will keep your bag tidy.  Size:  Approximately 12" high x 11" wide (13" wide at base) x 5" deep, excluding shoulder straps.

This is the Hex Messenger Bag pattern by Betz White. The Hex Messenger has a cute hexie shape that's fun to make.  Create a bold graphic look with solid colors or mix it up with your favorite prints.  The Hex Messenger can be made almost entirely with pre-cut quilt strips ("jelly rolls")  or a variety of fun fabric scraps from your stash.  Sizes: 9" high x 10" wide x 2".

This is only a few of the bags that I carry.  There are others that would also work.

Happy Creating!

Get Inspired with Fall Jackets!

Let’s get inspired for fall.   It will be here before you know it.  Today we’ll showcase two fabulous jackets. The first one is from Milly:

 

 

 

This motorcycle jacket is made from lambskin.  At $925, this would be a great jacket to use for inspiration for creating your own.  If you want a closer look, go to neimanmarcus.com and search for Milly motorcycle jacket.

Here’s another great jacket from Michael Kors:

 

 

This chain trimmed leather jacket is full of fabulous details.  Not only does it have the chain trim but the front is quilted.  It is made from sheepskin.  The styling very much reminds me of a Chanel jacket.  Price tag is $795.00.  If you want a closer look, go to neimanmarcus.com and search for Michael Kors Chain-Trim Leather Jacket. 

Happy Creating!