Wordless Wednesday ~ Envelope Clutch

I love my new clutch!!

Envelope Clutch pattern by Anna @ Noodlehead get yours here.
Fabric by Nani Iro.

x Leila

achoo!

I have been on the sofa buried under a mountain of tissues the last few days - yuck!
So I do not have anything of my own to share today, I can not bring myself to get up and take photo's. Instead I would like to show you three new patterns from three very talented blogging friends of mine.

First up is Amy - During Quiet Time latest paper piecing pattern. These text fabrics are perfect for the block and isn't that handle beautiful?!

Photo by Amy - During Quiet Time

Next up is Anna - Noodlehead, she made a beautiful envelope style clutch. The pattern has all sorts of options for a large or small clutch and different flap styles and pockets. So practical and stylish I love it!

Photo by Anna - Noodlehead

 Last but certainly not least is this amazing paper pieced pattern by Charise - Charise Creates. I remember seeing this block pop up in the Cocorico Bee group pool and my jaw just dropped! It is an absolute stunner don't you think?

Photo by Charise - Charise Creates

Simply click on the name links to buy your own copy of these patterns and on the photo's to leave these talented ladies lots of compliments :)

I will be back once the sneezing has stopped!

x Leila

Go Anywhere Bag

I was so excited when Anna asked me to test her new bag pattern a few weeks back!
She is such a talented pattern maker, I absolutely love the 241 tote so I had great expectations of her new pattern.

I was not disappointed!

The pattern is very clearly written and has photo's for each step along the way. I personally love a pattern with lots of pictures as I tend to not be the best pattern follower, and the pictures really help me stay on track.

The Go Anywhere Bag lives up to it's name as it holds so much you could go anywhere with this bag!
There are two large exterior pockets. The pleated front pocket is divided up in three pockets, a perfect place to put everything you need close at hand like your children's toys or baby bottles, shopping lists, sun glasses, camera or this time of year I like to carry a small umbrella.

The back pocket closes with a magnetic snap. It would be the perfect spot for a book, some magazines, a change of children's clothes, nappies or an extra sweater.
The Go Anywhere bag also has a slip pocket inside for your wallet, keys, phone and it even has a space to keep your pen.

There's a space and a pocket for pretty much anything you might need or want to carry with you. Which makes this bag super practical, despite it's size you can arrange it so that you always know where everything is!

I was a bit late posting pictures of my finished bag - sorry Anna!- I was waiting for my fabric to arrive. As soon as I spotted Hometown canvas I just knew this was the perfect fabric for this bag. What better than all these city names as a reminder that indeed you could Go Anywhere?!

The pattern is available on Anna's blog here.

x Leila

241 tote #2

I had so much fun sewing my 241 tote I couldn't resist making another one! I really enjoy rummaging through my stash looking for the perfect combination of fabrics for this bag.

I chose one of my favourite fabrics for the front panel, it's a vintage kitchen print by Yuwa. It's slightly heavier than normal cotton because it's textured. Perfect for bags and pouches. The stripes and pockets are normal home dec weight.

Like I did with my first bag it closes with a magnetic snap and I added a key chain and hand stamped label as well.
Since some of you asked, I purchased my stamp on Etsy here .Kerry recommended Tommie a while back and I fully agree she's lovely and makes wonderful handcarved stamps!

Since it would be pure greed to want to keep this 241 tote for myself as well, I decided to list it in my shop. But not before I have one last pose ;-)
It even matches my outfit!!

x Leila

241 Tote

I made a bag for me! I love my bees and swaps but sometimes it's so nice to sew something I get to keep.
Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel and drafting my own pattern I chose this wonderful pattern by Anna from Noodlehead fame. I really like the shape of the 241 tote especially the version with the exterior pockets so that's the one I decided to go for.

The front panel is a Nani Iro print, the pockets are something Japanese that I can't remember the name of and some Essex linen for the side panels. All slightly heavier weight fabrics than normal quilting weight cottons, I like my bags to be a bit sturdier.

I found this lovely linen look home dec weight fabric at Ikea that I used for the lining, this heavier weight lining helps to hold the shape of the bag without having to use the dreaded interfacing - bonus!
I added a little lobster clasp for my keys, and a hand stamped label just to make it look a bit professional ;-)
Doesn't my purse look great in this bag?!

I was hanging on to this old belt for a while knowing one day I'd find a good use for it, and it happened to go well with this bag. I love to recycle if I can!

This is definitely a pattern I will use again! You can buy one for yourself on Anna's lovely blog here.

x Leila