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

Make-Up Pouch {and the unfortunate peanutbutter incident}

So, a while back my make-up pouch and I got involved in an unfortunate peanutbutter incident. I'll spare you the gruesome details but the poor pouch could not be saved. Ever since my make-up has lived in the plastic ziplock-bag you need to put your liquids in at the airport. They filed many complaints untill today I just couldn't ignore their pleas anymore and decided to give them more fitting accomodation.



Plus the fabric for my borders arrived today so after this little diversion it's back to stitching those last blocks and putting my quilt top together.




Have a nice day!

Green Bag Lady

A while ago I posted about winning the 'take one make one' give away hosted by Green Bag Lady
And yesterday my parcel arrived look!

It's red and it has tulips how appropriate for a dutch girl like me :-)

I also received lovely organic fabric to make another bag to give away. So I just had to put all other projects aside and make it immediatly!



And since mine had a Green Bag Lady label I had to make one for the other bag as well.


I'm thinking about just giving it randomly to someone on the street or at the supermarket...what do you think?

Enjoy your day!

Sew, Mama, Sew Give away day

Last week was give away day hosted by Sew, Mama, Sew. This was all new to me I just happened to stumble acros the Sew, Mama, Sew blog two days before 'The Day', lucky me! I admit I went a bit crazy once I saw all the lovelies that were up for grabs. I entered loads and loads of give aways! And I even won!

First this cute owl pattern by Carmen Rigby from It's A Wonderful Life

This picture I took from her blog It's A Wonderful Life. Once I find time to make my own little owl I'll be sure to post some pictures of it. Thanks Carmen, so very generous of you to give away your pattern to everyone that commented!

I also was one of the 100 lucky ones that won a 'take one make one' bag from Green Bag Lady.

(picture from their blog)

A wonderful initiative to get people all over the world to trade in their plastic shopping bags for a fabric one. I'm all for going green and this is just such a lovely project. Visit the site at http://greenbaglady.blogspot.com/ for the simple bag pattern and how to video.

I think I'll have to join in the fun next give away day and host a give away of my own... So wonderful to see all those blogs from all over the world!

Totes

This is what I've been working on over the last couple of days...

Just a straight forward tote I made for my friends daughter, she's got her tenth birthday party tonight! I machine quilted it in straight lines, no fuss wich is great! and made a butterfly applique from the same fabric as the lining.

I also made a little wallet to go with it from this great tutorial I found here here



This is the front with a space to put your ID in. Unfortunately the vynil I used got creased from turning the wallet back after adding the binding. Think I might have put a pin through it as well. ooops! First time is hardly ever perfect when I make something.



And on the back it has a little pouch where you can stick your mobile phone, I just love this design it's so compact and practical, and not to forget cute!

I attached a keychain to it so she can have everything with her in one go, money, ID, phone and keys.


And just because I loved it so much I wanted it for myself I made another tote and wallet :-) A bit bigger this one...
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Front of the wallet, I love how the peacocks head pops out over the window. I was extra carefull not to damage the vinyl this time!

And the back with the phone pocket.


Enjoy your day!