Last few for a while....

Ok, so I think I'm at the end of the mini bag phase! I've created a template for a slightly modified "one-piece" pattern that works great and I think I've perfected the lining technique. So here are my final few experiments in texture and design..... (the houndstooth is my favourite. I'll be keeping this one!)

The new design removed one of the seams, making a more streamlined front and all of it is done flat - buttons, lining, buttonhole - do its easier to get secure and consistent seams. Also, fewer seams mean less that can come apart!

I have also borrowed a stand from my parents to use on Sales Day. Looks pretty cool, I think!

Time for something new.... Now, what shall I choose??? Big bags, baby bags, library bags.. Maybe some more tool belts?? Dolly sleeping bags might be fun.... And use up some stash, too!!

Bags on display stand

No, its not a rocket ship... Its the mini bag pattern!!

Mini bags experiments...

Tried using a lighter fabric this time with iron on vilene to help prevent fraying and give some weight - a velvet with sequins and a light lining-type with sparkly spots on it. Inside is the upholstery velvet I have used previously.

I think they are a little too light, but maybe if I put the vilene on both pieces, not just on the outside pieces??

Methinks there is still more experiments to be done!!!

(I have put one little bag next to a 50c piece to give some kind of idea of size....)

Even more mini bags!!

Oohhh!! These are so much FUN!!

Here are 2 more from today...

The brown one is softer than the others so far, and I managed to forget one of the stitching lines and made the buttonhole far too big!! Turned out to my advantage, though, because I could use a far bigger button to brilliant effect...

The other is straight vinyl with curtain fabric inside. Seems it doesn't really matter what fabric I use, they all just seem to work out fine!!

I took them to Doll Club yesterday, and they are all keen to buy one, so now I have 4 weeks to make as many as possible to sell at Sales Day. I have so much fabric, I don't think I'll run out of colours or textures any time soon!

Bags gifted to Grandma....

We had a family Christmas lunch a couple of weeks ago, so I took the opportunity to give Grandma her new shopping bags (since the last ones were stolen, along with her scooter..).

They were put to good use when she left, carrying all her other Chrissy pressies... I'd call that a success!!!

(apologies for the quality of the shot - the lighting was terrible!!)

Library bags... Part 2..

Bought some zips, so all the pencil cases are DONE!!

These are the easiest thing to make, and I think they just finish the bags nicely.

I didn't realise quite how faded one part of the fabric was until I looked at the photos! Since it was recycled fabric, I wonder what it was used for?? Maybe it was next to the window for a looooonnnnng time?? The fabric quality is fine, just the slightly faded print.....

Library bags...

Bought these remnants a while ago. It was 2 pieces of curtain fabric approx 115cmx110cm, so with some careful planning I managed to get 4 library bags (so not too big, about 45cm square) and 4pencil cases (to be finished - no zips!!).

These will probably go to Santas Workshop but will try and sell them first and recoup some cash! I know they were only recycled remnants, but threads cost money, and then there is the power (iron, lights, sewing machine, etc) and time.....

And I sold NOTHING at Doll Club, not that I expected to. Maybe I will try a swap meet when it gets a bit warmer... Maybe....

Second bag done.....

Basically, same as first with different fabric pockets...

Although the base fabric looks quite yellow in the pictures, it's actually more green in real life......

One down....

My grandmother recently had her scooter stolen with the shopping bags I made for her in it, so for Christmas I thought this I would replace them with all new ones.

So far, one done, the other cut out and ready to go!! You will recognize the pocket fabric as leftovers from the aprons - waste not, want not!!

Since I miscalculate the aprons I ended up with a whole binding strip leftover. I used this for the handles and pieced the bigger leftover bits to make 2 pieces big enough for pockets. With that fabric you can hardly even tell!! Same style pocket on both sides.....

Next big distraction.....

Aprons!!! Kids sized aprons, oven mitts and pot holders. So CUTE!!!!

I found this wonderful remnant of striped cotton with Scotchguard already applied for only $1! A whole 1.5m gave me 3 complete sets of aprons, mitts and potholders (including one just for the Canning Show!!). measurements based on a purchased apron, the mitt was found online (and modified slightly) and the potholder is just a square. They will be great put with some kids cookie cutters or utensils. Canning Show entry has an apron, mitt, potholder and joined pocket mitt (the kind you put both hands into). Pics once the show is over!!



I did these ones first, so a little experimentation going on here! Apron - perfect. Mitts - a little small for my liking and a little difficult to sew - adjustments made. Potholders double as hot mitts with little pockets in them - a bit complex and time consuming, but successful. Its a bit hard to see, but the one on the right actually has a poccket at the top where it says "Tiger". I matched it so well you can't even see it!!

I delivered these to mum today to take to Santa's. I'm sure they will be pleased. I have taken a bunch of pics so will try and do a bit of a tutorial sometime in the future so stay tuned!!!

A swag of bags...

Since my big clean up a couple of weeks ago, I have not been able to find ANYTHING!! So, I have just been opening boxes of stuff and trying to finish the unfinished, before starting something new. We'll see how long it will last...... LOL!!

These bags started as a pre-printed cot bumper but ended up being the cutest little baby "essentials" gift bags for new mums. They have different prints on both sides. It is a light cotton, so I lined them with a light blockout curtaining. Not only does this give the bag support, it makes it almost waterproof inside. I also added a strip to the inside of the handles for the same reason. As they started off curved, I have topstitched the curve onto the striped fabric, squared up and treated as one piece. I was limited to the amount of stripe  so I had to use it sparingly. Finished size is about 40cm x 30cm.

This bag was a panel from a curtain that someone carefully cut out. I decided to use these as a library bag. It is fully lined in yellow cotton and the panels have a light batting to give support. I think it turned out great and soooooo easy!!!!

These are a couple of older library bags and pencil case sets I made for Santa's Workshop. They started out as blockout curtains. These didn't need to be lined as the fabric had enough support on its own and the seams got overlocked instead. They were filled with stuff for back to school.

So easy and so much fun! If you can draw a square and sew a straight line, you can make one of these bags!!