Bagmaking: The Layla Bag by Cozy Nest Design

I'm now what I consider a 'regular' tester for Sarah of Cozy Nest Design. Her mind works in incredible ways, and this latest bag, Layla, is no exception.

I had been fretting for ages about what bag to take to my mother in laws wedding, and when the testing call went out for this bag, I knew I had to make it.

Its such a clean, cute design. You can either make with, or without the metal handles (now stocked by Emmaline bags in Canada, but hopefully soon by Bobbin Girl in the UK) but for me there was no question of using them!

The pattern, as usual, is easy to follow. I wouldn't call it a beginners pattern though - more beginner to intermediate. I would tackle it if you have made a couple of bags already and know the basics.

I chose to add piping all the way around the gusset. This was kind of tricky due to construction and I would omit this the first time you make this bag if you're a beginner, so you know how the bag comes together.

It doesn't take too long to make either. This would be great for a night out. 

There is one inner zipped pocket which is always useful. The bag is plenty big enough to fit purse, keys, makeup. Even a pair of ballerina pumps!

In the end I didn't use the bag for the wedding due to a last minute outfit change. I did make it specifically to go with a dress and these shoes, but the shoes hurt too much. (I love Irregular Choice though. )

Bagmaking: The Companion Carpet Bag - Vinyl & Cats!

Ta da!!

I have finally finished this commission. It was a real labour of love. Emma, who I made it for, provided me with this amazing cat fabric. You can get this on ebay. It frays like a b*gger so I had to use a LOT of fray stop.

She wanted a doctors style bag and she wanted vinyl. I said I had some turquoise vinyl which would probably go well, and we went from there.

The sewing pattern I used was the companion carpet bag by Mrs H (not yet available unless you're in the bag of the month club).
You can see other examples of this bag here  I've made it twice before in Cath Kidston fabric, but this one is the larger size.

A LOT of work went into this. I machine quilted the vinyl, and I also hand quilted parts of the cats on the front and side so they would 'pop'. I made the handles (the rivets aren't quite straight - lets gloss over that) and you can't see the cute little nickel bag feet on the bottom here.

There is an inner zip pocket and some slip pockets too. 

The stripey tabs are to make opening it easier, as it has a large snap frame in there. 

I cut the heart out of the vinyl before sewing the cat in there and using the polka binding. I used soft and stable foam to keep it a bit more rigid.

I'm really pleased with the way this turned out. Its a unique bag thats for sure!

Crafting - making a cushion cover Family Tree (ish)

I just wanted to show you this. I made a cushion!

(I know - that's one of the least thrilling statements of the year) 

A good friend of mine is going through the adoption process and welcomed their new daughter into their home a couple of weeks ago. I wanted to make something special to celebrate this. So I thought I'd make a simple family tree cushion.

Then I saw this Amy Butler Lark fabric upstairs and figured I'd go family-tree ish, but incorporate the flowers instead.

So this is the back:

This is the front. Obviously I cut out some of the flowers and leaves. 

Then I appliqued them on using very very close zig zag. 

I used the linen from the background to machine embroider their names (youngests name is hidden as they cannot disclose it legally), and I then added midnight blue piping (no you can't really see it in this photo) to finish before sewing it all up. It does have a zip.

I'm quite pleased with how it turned out. I think she is too, although its always a gamble gifting something handmade. 

Next up, more bags (sneaky peak of current commission below)

Bag of the Month - Companion Carpet Bag

This year I decided to join the bag of the month club. Basically, its a bag pattern download club - you don't know which patterns you are going to get in advance - its all a bit secret (although you do know which designers are contributing)

I am already behind, but I did finally get the January bag finished!

January - Samantha from Sewing Patterns with Mrs H designed this Companion Carpet Bag (mine is in the smaller size)

I used some of my Cath Kidston fabric for this. Clocks for the outside, floral for the inside.

There is one zip pocket and two slot pockets. There is also an external pocket with a magnetic closure.

I used premade bias binding to make the green piping. 

Looking at it, I think maybe I should have put it along the top edge between the contrast and the main fabric, but hindsight is a wonderful thing. The straps are pre-made. I've not used those before so this was a first.

Overall I'm really happy with it. I love the frame feature and I already have taken an order for another one of these (this one sold straight away)

In which I actually get a bag finished! Its another Queen Bee. And this time it fits the frame!

I don't know what I did last time, but at some point I really messed up my attempt at the U-Handbag Queen bee, and had to patch over the bits that just didn't fit in the frame (see evidence at the bottom of the page. I also completely forgot to add binding. I still liked it, because I love that Viva Frida fabric, but I wasn't happy. )

This time, I got it right. I don't really know what I did differently as I followed the instructions like last time. I must have messed up on seam allowances or something last time.

This is my 'Shopping for Shoes' bag. I've had this fabric in my stash a while - I bought it at an actual fabric shop which is rare - Fabritastic had an opening night event and this Shoe fabric is one of the yards I bought.

I wanted to embellish one of the 'frames' so I added on a few sequins and beads and some bronze roses to the peeptoe shoes. Its quite hard to see the details in my shots, but believe me they are there!

I also felt I should add a little 'fancy' hence the bow and brooch. This is on a clip so can be removed. 

Lots of shoes on the rear. I used gold satin bias binding to use for piping. It was a b&*tard to sew. I made the right choice adding it, but boy I wish I'd found some ready made flanged piping. 

The inner fabric I bought on sale online. Somewhere. I don't remember. Its bleeding hearts but I think It complements the colours of the shoe fabric very well. I will use this combination again.

Leetle purse feet. 

And below: the bag that failed to fit the frame. Artfully concealed with bits of lace LOL!