March Bag | Polkadot Chair

Hello there!  I know it's been a while.  I took the month of June off of all social media and most other online stuff so I could focus on myself and my family.  And before that I was just overwhelmed, hence the need to take a break.  But I'm back now, so let me get to what this post is really about - My new chevron March Bag!

The pattern was written by Melissa Mortenson of Polkadot Chair.  I've actually had this pattern - along with the Sunday Bag, the June Bag, and the July Bag - for years.  Since way back when Melissa's pattern company was called Fourteen May.  Shame on me for just getting around to making it because this is a GREAT. BAG.

It's huge.  And it has big fun kangaroo pockets on both sides.  And a magnetic snap.  I omitted the slip pockets on the inside (because I never use them) and opted to add my own handles.  Melissa recently posted about adding handles/leather straps to a handmade purse, which is actually what reminded me to get in gear and make this bag already!

The outer fabric is from Premier Prints.  I decided to use this because I had a ton of it in my stash, and because it is home dec weight.  I like a sturdy bag, and sturdy this is since it uses a canvas interlining.  The inside lining and pocket linings are all a neon green solid that was also in my stash.  No pics of that because, well, boring.  

I started this bag in the morning and finished it the same evening.  I would have been done in a couple of hours, but my project took a back seat to hanging out with my family on this holiday weekend.  I hand-stitched the top band and the handles on while watching movies with my guys.

I can't wait to use this as my new church bag, because there is so much room for my bible (featuring a handmade cover - will blog about that soon), my notebook, all my usual purse contents, and the one thousand toys and books my child decides he needs to have with him during service.

If you like this bag, I totally recommend the pattern.  Fast and easy!

Works in Progress

I've got a mish-mosh of things to share today.  First up is this mini quilt for another Schnitzel & Boo Mini Quilt Swap member that ended up not receiving.  All the angels had already been assigned, so I went ahead and made another angel quilt.  Can't leave anyone out in the cold!  I used some fussy cuts I had been hoarding and a bunch of coordinating solids, and played along with the #economyblockalong on Instagram (using this tutorial from Red Pepper Quilts).  It's super bright and fun, and I hope my angel partner loves it.

Next are some blocks for Love Circle at do. Good Stitches for Ara Jane.  These are monochromatic courthouse steps, and I used the tutorial Ara Jane posted on her blog to get them just right.

 

And finally, I'm working on a low volume, patchwork Aeroplane Bag for my secret Sew Sew Modern 4 partner.  I blew through a large portion of this bag thanks to Hilary, who came over to sew with me.  She's making the same bag (in beautiful quilt-as-you-go Constellations!).  Having a sewing buddy for me and a playmate for LT is really helpful!

Catvent Quiltalong: Ferdinand Pouch

This was a Christmas gift for my sister, so it hasn't made an appearance on the blog yet.  If you read Oh, Fransson!, then you are aware of the #catventquiltalong.  I really liked the blocks, but I knew I wouldn't have time to devote to a whole quilt.  Since each block was perfectly sized for a pouch, I decided to go that route and make one for my sister with the Ferdinand block.

I used this fun zipper I picked up at Fall Quilt Festival.  The zipper tabs were a happy accident.  They were supposed to be flat, but I guess I did something wrong and they got kind of tucked in.  But I think they look kinda cool.  Almost like I meant to make them all triangular like that.

This print from Madrona Road was perfect for the lining.  I made the pouch to fit my sister's little tablet she takes everywhere for writing.  It's quilted to provide a little protection too.  I got sneaky and had my mom measure the tablet when my sister wasn't looking.  Then I added a lot of extra space, because I didn't want to make the same mistake I did with my selvage pouch.  Thankfully, it was perfect and there is enough extra room to comfortably store her detachable keyboard.  Score!

The black linen and cross hatch quilting were inspired by Elizabeth's original quilt.  Why mess with a good thing?  Plus, everyone loves linen.  

Super Tote Pattern Review

No doubt you have seen this bag plenty of times already, since I am a little late to the game.  There is a reason why it is so popular.  The Super Tote by Anna Graham of Noodlehead is easy to follow and produces a functional, giftable, unique structured bag.  I will absolutely make it again (and again and again).

 

When I purchased my pattern about a month ago, all I knew was that I wanted to make this bag to carry around quilt market and festival.  I had not given any thought to fabrics or techniques, I just wanted to make the bag.  After reading through the pattern a few times, I eventually became overwhelmed with the task of picking fabric.  Does this happen to you as well?  I shelved the project for a few weeks.

 

One night it came to me, as things usually do, while I lay in bed thinking.  Quilt as you go!  I could use lots of fabrics.  I did not have to decide which fabric to feature as a main print, I could use them all.  I did some fussy cutting and lots of scrap diving to round out this patchwork of awesomeness for the front pocket.  I added the embroidered "THINGS + stuff" using my own handwriting and a water soluble pencil.

I quilted the back in an uneven herringbone pattern, inspired by one of my favorite prints: Joel Dewberry's Herringbone from Modern Meadow.  I first quilted the three sets of vertical lines, evenly spaced across the panel.  Then I used the 45 degree line on my ruler and some washi tape to mark about five diagonal lines at varying widths down each section to use as guides.  Some lines were made by lining up the edge of my walking foot with the washi tape or previous quilted line, some are just eyeballed. 

I lined the bag in a bright blue Kona (possibly Caribbean?).  I omitted the pockets from the pattern since I do not usually use pockets like that.  I did add a slip pocket to hold my phone.

I knew I wanted to use this yarn dyed Essex Linen, but I did not want to use my whole piece on the lining.  Instead, I just made the recessed zipper and the top part of the lining from it.  I had to do a little math and piecing to make the gusset lining match.  I used a metal zipper, which I think really makes the bag look sharp.

Finally, here are some of my notes, in case they will be helpful for you.

- For the outer main pocket, I used a quilt as you go method.  Layers are quilter's cotton/linen blends (the patchwork), batting, and then cotton duck.  The whole piece was zigzagged around the perimeter and is also interfaced with SF101.  Some of the fabrics I used are Melody Miller Ruby Star Sparkle (the phone), various Echino prints, and some scraps of AMH, Joel Dewberry, Lotta Jansdotter, and Lizzy House.

- For the outer back exterior panel, I used Essex Linen Blend (not yarn dyed) in Natural, and quilted it with the same layers/interfacing as the main pocket.

- For the front main exterior panel, which is not visible under the main pocket, I simply basted on some cotton duck, and fused on Craft Fuse (808) and SF101.  No quilting.

- Digital Pattern notes:  I purchased my digital pattern in PDF form from Noodlehead.  It was $8.00.  A fantastic price, especially because I know I will make more.  The pattern is 21 total pages.  The first two are full color, the rest are fine to print in greyscale.  I printed pages 10 through 21 (12 pages) for the pattern pieces only and read the rest in PDF form on my laptop.  There are a lot of pattern pieces and you have cut multiples from each piece.  It got a little overwhelming for me, but in the end it was worth it.  If you pay really close attention, some of the pieces do not need to be printed and cut out, because they are rectangular and have the measurements noted on the piece.

- Definitely use the magnetic snap for the pocket (especially if you plan to quilt that part).  After a few days of use, I am most annoyed by the fact that when the bag is full of stuff, the pocket WILL bow out.

- On the straps, definitely use more interfacing and/or batting for the straps if you do not plan to use a heavy fabric.  I used linen blends and only the recommended SF101 (one layer).  As a result, my straps are pretty flimsy, and I wish I would have used more interfacing.  I also cut my straps 2 inches shorter, just because I wanted to use a certain fabric and did not have quite enough.  It worked out fine, the straps are still a good length for me.

- Time.  This project took me about 3 days, to accommodate for the quilting, and the fact that I had a preschooler running around the entire time.  I think it is entirely possible to finish in one day if you are not quilting it and do not have distractions, or two days if you need a break.

Again, I most definitely recommend this pattern.  Even if you only use it one time, it is absolutely worth the price and the time and fabric investment.  You will not be sorry!

Straight Stitch Society Have It All Wallet Pattern Review

All you need to know is that yes, I definitely recommend this pattern, so go for it if you're still considering.  This pattern was so easy to read and follow.  I spent more time pulling and deciding on the combination of fabrics than I did sewing.  Honestly, that was the most difficult part.  The finished wallet is so simple and pretty and, with tons of pockets, I have a place for everything.

Here's what I liked about the pattern:

- Fun quips and encouragement printed right there in the steps.

- Clear, easy to interpret pictures.

- Grid lines on the digital pattern for matching up pages before joining and cutting.

The only thing I would have wanted in the pattern was mention of which pattern piece BY NUMBER I was supposed to be using for that step.  When marking my fabric, I use the pattern number (not description of the piece) to label it.  It's not even a big deal, because you use the pieces in numerical order anyways, but it would have helped me at a glance.  I ended up noting on the pattern which piece is used for each step, so like I said, not a big deal.

Finally, here are some of my notes, in case they will be helpful for you.

Fabric Choices.  

- For the outer main fabric, use a non-directional print.  I almost used the hedgies on the outside because they're so cute, but then I realized some would be upside-down when the wallet is folded up!  The inside main doesn't matter as much, because the only time you'll be seeing it is when the wallet is open.  

- For the card pockets, use something that will still be recognizable in little chunks, since you'll be folding the fabric to create the pockets.  

- For the zipper pocket, it isn't going to show very much, so probably don't use a prized piece of fabric on this part.  The pocket is created by folding here, so if you use a directional print, it will be upside-down on one side.  I lined mine with hedgies and they are upside-down inside the zipper pouch, so I made sure to keep that side towards the front so it's not noticible when looking into the zipper pouch.

- Interfacing.  The pattern calls for an extra-firm, sew-in interfacing.  I am not an interfacing expert AT ALL, but I am assuming that Peltex would work here.  I did not use Peltex, because it felt too stiff.  I used Pellon 809, which is fusible and that worked out just fine.  There's enough body and structure, plus, way easier to maneuver through my machine.

- Topstitching.  When going around the outer edges of the wallet, increase your stitch length a little.  I usually piece at 2.5, but I always raise it up to 3.5 for topstitching.  The stitches look more even and it's easier for the machine to get through all those layers.  Also, go slower than normal.

- Other notes.  I purchased my digital pattern in PDF form from Oliver + S.  It was $8.95.  I feel like this is a good price for making at least one wallet, and a fantastic price considering you can make a lot of these quickly and easily to give as gifts.  At checkout, I was offered another pattern at a discount.  The pattern is 15 total pages.  The first two are full color, the rest is fine to print in greyscale.  I printed pages 3 through 15 so I could make notes, but you really only need to print pages 10 through 15 (six pages) for the actual pattern pieces.

Again, I most definitely recommend this pattern.  I can't think of a single reason why you'd ever regret buying it.  Now that I have one under my belt and know how easy it is, I'm thinking of doing a quilted patchwork version, because - why not?

Have you used this pattern?  I'd love to see your version, so link it up in the comments!

Toddler Backpack

We're going to Disney World in about two weeks.  Now, when we're planning a Disney trip, I go all out.  Because I'm obsessed with Disney, and I'm pretty Type A, I make lists.  In fact, there may even be a list of the lists I need to make to prepare for the trip.  One of these lists is a packing list.  In making this list, I realized that I was making myself a pack mule by mentally adding all of the boy's plane entertainment to my bag.  Then it dawned on me.  My kid needs his own bag.  He's two and a half.  He can totally handle it!

And he does have his own bag for daily use, which I usually leave in the car with his extra clothes (in case of potty accidents) and a snack or two.  However, that bag just happens to also be the bag I use in the parks when we go to Disney.  This is the worlds longest way to say:  I needed to make my kid a backpack.

One Pinterest search later, I came across Rae Hoekstra's Toddler Backpack sewing pattern.  After a quick rummage through my stash - Yes, the perfect fabric!  Oh wait, it's not heavy enough.  Oooh, stiff interfacing, check!  Wait, what about a zipper?  I happen to have a handful of metal zippers in the perfect length.  Score, not one, but TWO packs of coordinating piping!  And so on and so forth, you get the picture... - after checking my stash, I decided to go ahead and go for it, purchases would be minimal and I could get the things I needed to finish the bag at my local Joann's.

I cut the fabric that night.  The main fabric is Etsuko Furuya's mini cars for Echino in blue - gifted to me by my lovely sister (LT does have the best.aunt.ever).  For the straps I just used some black duck from Joann.  The lining is some random grey with black dots from my stash.  I think it is from a craft store because it isn't the best quality.  But it works for a toddler's backpack lining!

I also applied the interfacing, attached the zipper, sewed together the size panels, put together the entire lining, and even made up some elasticized pockets based on the instructions Lindsey from LRStitched gave the Sew South ladies for adding a pocket like this to the duffle they made at the retreat (which I didn't end up going to - more on that later).  You can find those instructions through the Sew South flickr page.  Full disclosure, there was only supposed to be one pocket - the big one for holding a sippy cup.  But I measured the cup in the wrong spot somehow and ended up with a seriously too short pocket.  But, as Rebecca pointed out on my Threadbias post about this project, it's perfect for some Hot Wheels!

After a trip to Joann's I was able to finish the bag. I thought the pattern was very straightforward and mostly easy, until I got to the part where I had to sew the front and back pieces to the side/bottom panels.  I had some issues that didn't really have any thing to do with the pattern, and will probably resolve themselves with practice.  I had to rip out some stitches and finish the corners by hand resulting in some crumply looking corners, but that's okay because it's handmade.  

And guess what?  He loves it.  So much that he wouldn't take it off all morning.  And that's probably the best compliment ever.

Embroidered Patchwork Pouch

I love embroidery.  And Joel Dewberry.  And zippy pouches.  So I combined them.  

My husband is really in tune to my hobbies knows about my Things I Want board on Pinterest, and on it he found out that I wanted a bunch of stuff from Jenny Hart's store Sublime Stitching.  So he hooked me up for Christmas!  My gift included the ENTIRE set of the new Sublime Flosses, this sweet book, and a Q-Snap frame.  (Side note:  according to the shop, this was the last copy of the book, and it was "rough around the edges" - something I didn't notice - so they very sweetly included some little extras in the front pocket.  Much appreciated!)

This little chandelier was actually going to be for the front of a planner cover.  But (keeping it real) I couldn't figure out how to make a cover that accommodated for a large spiral.  Well, actually, I might have been able to, but I kind of got bored with the idea of trying.  Ah well!  So I made a zippy pouch instead.  I used Elizabeth Hartman's pattern for Perfect Zip Bags.  This is a small Style C.  What am I keeping in this pouch? I don't know yet.  I'm sure I'll think of something.

I'm not sure if you can tell, but I used some metallic DMC floss for the gold part of the chandelier.  I like that a lot better than the Kreinik blending filament I used in the blue French knots.  That particular filament never shows up, even in person (definitely not on camera!).  Plus it's kind of a pain to work with.  But now I know that I prefer metallic floss to blending filaments, so I'm glad I tried it!

First finish of 2013!  I kind of love it.  

Linking to Fabric Tuesday on Quilt Story and Crazy Mom Quilts.

'Stache Bags

My kid and his buddy have a play date at least once a week.  His mom and I happen to have a weekly play date as well, so it's convenient for us to do it together.  ;)

They're that age where they insist on bringing every single toy they own with them anywhere they go.  Plus the other momma is pregnant and needs to make room in her bag for more baby gear and less Hot Wheels and Buzz Lightyear action figures.  So these guys needed a place to 'stache stash their little toys.

When I saw this Alexander Henry mustache fabric at Hobby Lobby, I knew I was destined to make these zipper pouches for the boys.  I used Anna's (Noodlehead) tutorial again and this time added a contrast bottom and left out the pocket.  Since the bags would be otherwise identical, I hand embroidered their initials on the contrast.  The black is Kona, and the interior is just some random zig zag from Hobby Lobby.  They have it in a few colorways, and it doesn't feel all scratchy and cheap.  I also used some red ric rac as a zipper pull, because someone's chubby little toddler fingers were having trouble grasping the tiny zipper.



So, I mustache you a question...what do you think?  My guy is pretty impressed with his own little bag, even if he doesn't get the humor.

Linking up to:

Crazy Mom Quilts
From the Blue Chair

New Tote!

Houston International Quilt Festival Tote, a photo by doodledodesigns on Flickr.

This tote is loosely based on the Jane Market Tote (for dimensions). I changed it a lot by using patchwork, quilting it, adding a triple pocket to the interior, and lengthening, widening, and padding the straps. I also didn't box out the corners to make it square.

I made it to use at the Houston International Quilt Festival to carry purchases and hold my things so I don't need a purse + shopping bags. The pockets will come in handy for business cards and fliers.

This bag is really huge! I think it will hold a lot of stuff. Maybe too much! I made the interior pockets the perfect size to hold my phone snug, as well as my Field Notes + Sharpie Pen (fave!), and some lip gloss and junk.

So that makes two bags in a few days.  I guess that's what happens when you're #notgoingtosewingsummit.  ;)

Linking up to:

Amy Lou Who
Crazy Mom Quilts

Friday Finish - 241 Tote

I made a bag!  I rarely sew purses.  1) I'm just not very good at it.  2) I prefer designer bags.  ;)

Enter the Noodlehead 241 Tote.  For some reason, I just really wanted one of these bad boys.  I decided I needed to "make a muslin" to practice the whole bag-making thing.  I grabbed some home dec fabric from my stash for the exterior, and a quilting cotton for the lining.

This was a really fast sew.  And easy!  It only took a few hours.  Because I used home dec weight fabric for the exterior, I didn't need any interfacing.  It's nice and sturdy feeling, not at all floppy.

I really like all the pockets.  It fits all my typical daily stuff (big zipper wallet, phone, keys, Field Notes, Sharpie, head band, small hairbrush, 330,983,453 tubes of lip gloss, various toys and pacifiers and snacks and a sippy cup) with some room to spare.

I'm not sure if I'll make another with some good designer fabric right away.  When I do, I'll lengthen the strap and add some hardware to make it adjustable.  I've just gotten so used to wearing my purse cross-body style.  It's very hands-free.  Shoulder bags are always sliding off my shoulder.  But that should be an easy fix!

Stay tuned for a quilted patchwork Jane Market Bag!  I want a nice big sturdy tote to carry around Quilt Festival.  I'm thinking of adding some pockets to the interior for my phone, lip gloss, and Field Notes/Sharpie.  And a zipper wristlet that I can clip around the handles to dangle inside to hold my money.  That way I can shop with just one bag, instead of a purse and a bunch of shopping bags.  

Linking up to:
Crazy Mom Quilts

Open Wide Pouch

What better to do on WIP Wednesday than completely abandon all projects and start something new?

I made this pouch using Anna's Open Wide Pouch tutorial on Noodlehead.  I wanted a place to store my embroidery stuff.  This is the medium size.  I added the little pocket to hold little snips and small things.

Fabric is Hello Betty by Chloe's Closet for Moda.