A New Purse for me- Merry Christmas to me!

I have actually had this fabric and pattern since fall. I bought it at my favorite shop, Mabelena's. The pattern is called An Everyday Bag by Favorite Things pattern designs. While I know you don't live near Mabelena's, you can find this pattern company on the web.

It is a cute bag, I think. It is quite roomy...a must for a mama. Yesterday on the way to a doctor's appointment, I was able to put someone's army helmet, walkietalkie, and compass in it. Sometimes mamas have to be able to do things like that and I as quite pleased my new bag would hold all of that plus my mittens, wallet, cell phone, and everything else I normally have crammed in my bag. I really like the side pockets for my cell phone, which typically seems to get lost inside my purse. While the purse pattern had 2 options for closures (one: loop and button; two: 2 straps and velcro), I skipped both and added a magnetic snap. The inside, as I previously mentioned, is roomy and has nice pockets. I used batting (and quilted it diagonally on the outside layer) and I used Pelon Heavy Weight Craft fuse on the inside). I am pleased to say it stands up on its own when you set it down and I am really pleased with my choices there.


Pattern Review:
Positives:
Nice heavy weight paper for the pattern.
Good sewing directions.
Two different handle options offer variety.
Tells you the finished bag dimensions.
Overall, this was a very easy bag to sew even a beginner would enjoy it, I think.

Wishes:
I found it very weird that the designer didn't show you a cutting diagram for laying out the bag on the material.
I wish the designer would have separated the fabric requirement amounts for people who may have wished to do the handles and pockets in separate colors from the outside material. I particularly find it odd because on the front of the pattern, they show a bag with different colored handles.

Moving on. . .

Thanks to everyone who has expressed interest in a Valentine's Swap. I will be announcing one right after the New Year, so keep checking back for that! I hope we get a lot of eager swappers.

Also, some of you may have seen The Fat Quarter Shop's Good Cheer Giveaway contest. I was tickled pink that my essay about my mom, was one of 5 winners! So, if you subscribe to their Jolly Jabber blog, be watching for the essay about Mary later in the week. . .you'll recognize buddy in the photo. The Fat Quarter Shop is my favorite online quilt shop and I enjoy keeping up with their blog normally. Mom won a 50 dollar gift certificate and I won a jelly roll! A special thanks to the Fat Quarter Shop for sharing their own Christmas cheer.

Now, you girls watch out for that spiked Egg Nogg at your family holidays!

Polka Dots and Rick Rack Swap Partner revealed

I signed up for Sharon's Polka Dots and Rick Swap. For this swap you had to make (sew or craft) something with polka dots and rick rack. The deadline isn't until Nov. 15th, but I have so much sewing left to do before Christmas I decided to get it out a bit early. My partner was Barbie Jo from Life With Cleo and Me. She is just the sweetest person! Those of you who aren't familiar with Barbie Jo should know that she designs patterns for quilt, needlepunch, stitchery, and rugs. I was a BIT nervous sewing for her, as I am sure she is quite the expert! At first, I thought perhaps Sharon had cracked her head when she assigned my partner. Didn't she read the fine print at the top of my header, it says BEGINNING QUILTER. LOL, I just put that worry aside and got to sewing. (Actually, I called my mother and she said to quit being so much of a worry-wart as she always likes what I sew.)

I was really pleased with the purse I made. It was my first time using this pattern, Manhattan Handbag by Pink Sand Beach Designs. By the way, it is a great pattern and makes a nice big purse. The directions are easy to follow. I looked and looked for some cute polka dot stuff to go with it, but I had a hard time. I did find some adorable thank you notes with polka dot envelopes.

I ended up making the EASIEST, CUTEST, MOST DARLING-ever tissue cover with some of the purse scraps and a really fast and fun checkbook cover using both of the tutorials I just linked. Let me tell you, I LOVED both these little gifty projects and will be doing more of them in the future. Many thanks to Amanda Jean and Craftapalooza for the tutorials. I love tutorials.

All joking aside, a special thanks to Sharon, for organizing the swap. I know it is a lot of work and I really enjoyed it!

Guess I am just a Bag Lady Lately

Editor's note: After you read about these cute bags, head on over to Polka Dots & Rick Rack for a blogaversory celebration!

I have been sewing up a storm around here. Literally the lint dust is still settling and I seem to be finding pieces of fabric and thread everywhere. That is probably due to cutting all of those pieces for my house quilt (FIG TREE QUILTS) that I am working on, but that is a story for another day.

Last Christmas my darling husband bought me this Amy Butler pattern, Frenchy Bags. It came in a kit. Okay, so maybe....I ordered it myself for the computer fearing husband, but it still counts, right? This is the shoulder bag that came from that kit.




My almost-no-sewing-rather-have-her-teeth-pulled-out friend, Meg, went to a quilt shop with me in the spring. I showed her the bag pattern I was going to make. She really liked it and she loved the Amy Butler fabrics at the shop. So, she picked out some for a handbag version that I promised to make her for her birthday.



So, seeing that her birthday is TODAY. . .I kicked it into gear this week to get these projects done. I wish there was a picture of the two bags side by side. The handbag is a lot smaller. In fact, I worry that it may be a bit small for the size of purse my gal pal normally carries.
PATTERN REVIEW

• Amy Butler writes simple patterns for just about any level of sewer to follow.


• She uses diagrams, which I love.


• The pattern is already printed on sturdy paper.


• My only suggestion would be to use fusible interfacing and save yourself all of those basting steps.


• I also chose to sew sections into the interior pockets because I thought they would be TOO big, and this would help keep your purse organized.


• I love the pockets now.


• I will definitely continue to purchase Amy Butler patterns. They are a snap to follow.

OKAY, now Anna hold onto your thimble...but I installed my very first magnetic snap, so I think I might be ready for a zipper now. LOL Just to jazz up my shoulder bag, I monogrammed my initials on the bottom. I thought it turned out quite nice!

Finally, here is a picture of my husband's 7th grade cousin's messenger bag she purchased at the Pottery Barn outlet. I monogrammed her initials on the front. She chose the colors and font. I think she made some great choices.

This post is getting quite long, but I want to say how neat I think it is that ALL of you have read the Elm Creek series. Thanks for sharing. Well, I am off to create a whirlwind of cleaning around the house. Buddy is having a friend over in a bit and I'd like to at least have a start at it before that happens.

New Aprons and Pattern Review

I have been busy sewing aprons for 2 bridal showers and apron swap. I used Mary Mulari's Church Lady Apron Pattern. Let me tell you, I have Mary's Favorite Reversible Apron pattern and it is a great starter apron pattern. It is simple to follow and produces a quality apron every time. So, I was eager to try this pattern out. Here are some of my thoughts about this apron pattern.

Positive Thoughts

• The pattern cost me $6.00, which is reasonable.


• It is reversible. It is like 2 aprons in one!


• The pattern has lots of suggestions for personalization and how to make each apron a bit unique.


• I like that it has a spot to write down who you have made the apron for and the date.


• It comes with nice sturdy pattern paper.


• The waist ties are wide and easy to turn.


• easy to shop for, you just need a yard of 2 complimentary fabrics


• It is an overall easy pattern to follow, and the directions are quite clear.

Buyer Beware

If you want 2 double pockets on each side of your apron, then you should buy extra material.

I did have troubles getting the tops of my pockets to point when I folder them under. The directions didn't really address this small little point. (The pockets did turn out cute though; I am sorry you cannot see them better in this picture.)

Overall, I'd recommend this apron pattern. I would definitely buy more of Mary Mulari's patterns.

Editor's note: I will post my Halloween Apron Swap apron after I am sure that my partner has received it.

Also, there is a great giveaway over at Debbie's blog. You should check out all of the cool sewing tools. Also, Lisa has posted a cool tutorial for making a neat cover on a tape measure. Don't you just love blogging??? I know I do. Thanks, gals for your gifties and projects!