Free Style Messenger Bag

I have made a few bags or pouches in my sewing years...not enough to feel confident in making one without a pattern right by my side and following all the measurements and directions step by step....until today. Today I had a vision of a messenger type bag that was kinda boho kinda rustic all at the same time...something not like anyone else's bag that came from my own ideas. I wanted something bright and scrappy,  I went to my stash pulled out a few things, ironed them, and decided they weren't working...put them back and picked something else...ironed that and then the ideas started coming and I couldn't stop them!! I took my time, made it piece by piece...planning although out of order, planning how the strap should look, what accents and embellishments it  needed...I was having so much fun as the ideas came to me...I had to unsew here and there, but nothing major, things just came to me as I sewed.

All done!

The black trim on the front is an old t-shirt I cut in strips and ruffled it...the vintage button is from my button collection and the fabric is linen, the flowers were already stitched on it, I just echoed the stitching with free motion quilting for a decorative effect.

Old t-shirt ruffles and the selvage left for a fun flap.

I never used D rings before...I like the look!

 

I kept the selvage on the handle for some fun and to tie it in with the flap.

I ditched the scrappy idea when I found the linen fabric and the ideas started flowing. For the stabilizer I used Soft and Stable it was easy to work with and I like how bag keeps it's shape. I am going to make some more fun bags...I sure hope my muse is up for some more fun!!

Happy sewing!
Nini~

New & Exciting from Old & Boring!

I love the idea of making my own fabric to use in projects. When I say making my own fabric, I mean altering the surface of an old piece of fabric, not weaving fabric.  Any old fabric you don't like anymore can be made new again with some random stitches and scraps of fabric. The only problem is it slows down your productivity. I don't usually have a problem with slow productivity, but after signing up for a holiday craft show in November I have been thinking about it. I made some graffiti fabric for use in a project for the craft show, it was fun to do and I calculated the time into my schedule so it was all good. I love the final product, so I'm going to do it again!!!  Next time I might add paint  or fabric dyes to the mix!

I cut snips of my scraps and laid them out on my base fabric that was loaded on my start rite quilt frame so it was a nice flat surface to work on and it stayed right where I laid it.

I laid them out all over the fabric in no particular rhyme or reason...I just kept a constant color theme.

I laid tulle over one of the fabrics to keep all the edges down as I stitched over them.

This piece I stitched over with no tulle.  I used a  stylus to push down edges and corners as I was stitching like a mad woman.

This is the finished product...vintage buttons and graffiti fabric: these are a few of my favorite things!!

I'm linking to Small Blog Meet on Lily's Quilts! Thanks Lynne!

Have you ever made your own fabric to use in a project? I'd love to know what you did!

Happy crafting!

Nini~

A Two, Possibly Three Bagger!

This bag has hit it big! My friends have made not one but two or three of these handy bags! It is a nice size and has lots of pockets to hold all your possessions while shopping. I used mine at the Lancaster Quilt Show in March and found it very useful. I had been using a cross body pouch that was too small for all the things I want to carry with me. When it broke I made one of these bags and found it much more useful than my broken Michael Kors pouch.

Above is the back outside pocket to keep your phone readily accessible. I use my Notes App on my iPhone for all my shopping lists so I am always digging for my phone, with this handy pocket I don't have to search. 

The magnetic clasp was easy to put in the bag and is easy to use. I like the extra security of the clasp to keep it closed if I lay it down. 

I added a little interest to the front with a big vintage button. I like that I can carry a bottle of water, my large wallet, my phone and a little snack with me when I go shopping for the day. I see why all the ladies are making them and have them in many different prints and colors...they are the fashion accessory of Spring! 

If you want to make one for yourself the pattern is Flip Flap Bag, by Totes by Sandy. They don't sell retail, here's where to get the pattern on line. If you'd rather buy one already made, check our Etsy shop this one was just listed. If you'd rather have another color we can make one to order.

Happy Creating!

Nini~