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I am by no means a "fashionista" (far from it, actually), but I have developed a minor obsession with handbags. First, a handbag is a quick, simple and efficient way to make your wardrobe go farther. The right purse can take an outfit from blah to fab, or from casual to dressy in a snap. I tend to be fairly frugal, and when it comes to clothing style I try to stay clean, simple and classic (when you follow trends you tend to have to spend more, both up-front with the initial purchase and replacing everything when it goes out of style, which goes against my frugal leanings). My favorite way to make my simple black slacks work harder for me is with varying combinations of simple tops and fun bags and jewelry.
Secondly, handbags are a fab-fab-FABULOUS way to blast through your stash. Have you ever cut out a pattern from a fabric you LOVE, and while the scraps aren't really big enough to make anything you can't stand to throw them away? (Come on, admit it - we all do it) Well, what do you know! It doesn't take much fabric to make or line a pocket! Lining purses is a great way to use up smaller cuts of fabulous wovens that you can't make a whole wardrobe piece with, but still want to incorporate into your look (Hello hot-pink-and-black charmeuse satin!) Do you have lots of small pieces of coordinating fabrics? Most handbag pattern components are smaller, and who says the whole thing has to be made from the same fabric? You can do the pockets in one fabric, the main part in another fabric and the details in a third. Ta-daaaa! Stash-approved fashion!
Recently, Trudy from Hot Patterns asked us for some fabric to makes samples of some of her handbag patterns. We agreed, but with the stipulation that we would get to see (drool over) them. We got our package in the mail a few days ago, and we were promptly off to play dress-up. Here are the photos:
This first shot is of the Metropolitan Homage Tote. Trudy made this in a natural colored twill with a charmeuse satin lining. The funky detail at the top was created using gold paint.
This is the Queen of Hearts handbag made from city blocks and microsuede fabric. City blocks is one of our favorite fabrics around here because it's made from recycled plastics. It also comes in really nice colors and has great drape for a thicker, home-dec-like fabric.
My favorite bag of the group is undoubtedly the Plain and Simple Envelope Clutch made in a fabulous melon microsuede. It's simple design is clean and stylish, and the floral lining is super cute (we didn't get any shots, but I think Trudy might have some in her youtube video).
This one is the Urban Girl Mega Shopper. The body of the tote is done in a natural colored twill, with gingham accents and gingham lined pockets. I like this bag because it's sturdy and utilitarian while still fashionable. I'm thinking my sister-in-law, who is a teacher, might be getting one for her birthday.
Finally, this cute little number is the Classix Nouveau Pyramid bag. Well, it's not really little, but it is cute! It's made out of a white microsuede and lined with baby blue satin. I like how this one opens almost flat out. I tend to lose stuff in my purse, so this is the perfect design for gaining full access to every nook and cranny.
If you want to see more of these "hot" handbags, be sure to check out Trudy's videos on Youtube. Click here for part 1, and click here for part 2.
A few weeks ago our merchandising manager, Kristl Pelz, wrote about an easy way to make a scarf out of our silk burnout velvet in one of our email messages. We have received a few questions about the project, so I decided to do an extended set of instructions.
For this project you will need one yard of silk velvet burnout fabric and coordinating thread. A rolled-hem foot is optional, but makes finishing the edges SOOOOO much easier.
Start by evening out your fabric. The easiest way to do this is to make a tiny snip an inch or two above the cut edge and tear the fabric across the grain. This ensures that your cut edge is perfectly straight. Next, fold the fabric in half, matching the selvages, then cut down the fold to create two even pieces. Go ahead and trim the selvages off at this point, as well.
Next, place the pieces with wrong sides together and so that the fabric pattern is right-side up on both pieces. Use french seam to join the fabric at one of the shorter sides. To do this, stitch along one of the shorter sides of fabric using a 1/4" seam allowance.
Trim the seam allowance to 1/8" and press to one side using low heat.
Fold the fabric back along the seam so that the fabric is now right sides together and the seam allowance is in between. Pin and sew the stitched edge using a 3/8" seam allowance, encasing the raw edge of the first seam inside a nice little pocket.
Voila! Easy-peasy french seam.
Lastly, hem the edges of the scarf. I used a 6mm hemmer foot, which worked beautifully even with the unevenness of the fabric. I don't have the patience needed to create a rolled hem manually, so I would highly recommend using your hem foot if you have one. If you don't have one, I would suggest getting one. You could also finish the scarf off with a serged edge.
That's it. Scarf complete! You could easily do this with any light to medium weight fabric with nice drape. The burnout velvet comes in a wide variety of colors and styles, but you could also do the same thing in charmeuse satin. For something a little less drapey, you could use dupioni silk or silk brocade. It only takes about an hour to make one of these scarves, making them a great last minute gift that won't look last minute at all.
Last week I showed you the various looks of the Cool, Calm and Cowl-Neck top, a free pattern from the fabulous folks at Hot Patterns. This week I tackled the Nomad Hobo Bag. While I can't show you 3 different looks to dress this bag up or down, I can tell you that it is fantastically stylish and fantastically easy to make. I already have at least 5 people who have either laid claim to it or have hinted that it would match their new pair of shoes...
This pattern wasn't quite as simple as the cowl-neck top, but it was still a breeze. From print to final stitch, it took me about 4 hours, but I included the optional pockets and did some extras that I wanted for myself (an extra pocket and some top-stitching). Now that I have the pattern printed and cut and know how the bag is assembled, I could probably make it in 3 hours or less.
For the outside of the back I used the Premium Faux Suede in Merlot for the outside and Alexander Henry's Nicoles Prints No Guts, No Glory Grey. When I pick bag lining, I like to use cotton prints that are wild and fun but not something I would use everyday.
If you are considering making this pattern but aren't quite sure what fabrics to use, I have a couple suggestions to get you started. Don't forget, we've also created a section in Creativity Headquarters witheven more fabric suggestions for the outside of bag. Please note, the first fabric pictured in the pair is the suggested outside, and the second is the lining. The linings are all cotton prints.
Lastly, I would go so far as to suggest that this pattern would be perfect for gifts. The Nomad Hobo Bag is stylish and easily customized for each recipient but won't take you ages to make. As I mentioned earlier, many people have hinted that they would like the one I made, and my mom seems to think she's getting it for Christmas. Looks like I have some sewing to do...
Thanks to Jenny in Merchandising for modeling for me!
During a recent fabric-related meeting (why yes, we sometimes have meetings where we discuss nothing but fabric) the topic of holiday fashion came up. This led to a conversation about the free Cool, Calm and Cowl-Necked Top pattern the by lovely folks at Hot Patterns. This top is perfect for you holiday and every day wardrobe for a number of reason, the first being that it is extremely versatile. The second reason I happen to love this pattern is that it's very easy to make. Also, did I mention it's free? To prove that the above reasons are true, I made the shirt and asked Crystal in marketing to play dress-up.
First, let me reiterate that this pattern is very easy to make. From the time I hit the print button to the last snip of the scissors, it only took me roughly 40 minutes to put the pattern together, which isn't significantly more than what it takes me to comprehend, cut out and press pieces from one of the "big three" pattern companies. From there, I was able to cut my fabric and sew the shirt together in one evening in less than two hours after putting my toddler to bed, and I still managed to get a full night's sleep. 
The fabrics I used are our Bamboo/Cotton Jersey Knit and the Bamboo Cotton Baby Rib Knit in lovely Lavender. I chose this fabric because it's super soft and can be used in both a casual and dressy styles. Plus, the various bamboo cotton knits are all coordinates which took the guess work out of picking a fabric for the waist band. It's light enough to wear in Spring or Summer, but can also be easily layered to wear in cooler climates.
The first look we went for was business casual. Crystal wore the top with a nice pair of black slacks and a black suit jacket. We added some simple jewelry, and her look was complete. We all noted that the shirt is a lot more comfy than some of the fussier dress shirts you see in stores.
Next, we took the look from day to "night out with the girls" by switching the black suit jacket for a fitted denim dacket, replacing the necklace with scarf and swapping her black pumps for ankle boots. Easy and fab.
Lastly, while playing dress-up, we remembered that Fabric.com just got in a shipment of some absolutely gorgeous Silk Velvet Burnouts that would be perfect for a shawl. After some hunting, I was able to borrow two pieces from Jennifer in customer care (Thank you again!) that coordinated wonderfully with the purple top. We used the burnout velvet as a shawl and paired it with a long skirt, nice jewelry and nice shoes to give Crystal a dressier look. Not only did our last-minute creativity work out, I think I might have to divert some of my own fabric funds for enough fabric for a couple shawls...
To summarize, this pattern really is easy, fantastic and versatile. Plus, it's free. As usual, I would strongly advise you to make a muslin prior to chopping into your nicer fabric. We found that the top part wasn't as full as we thought it would be, which was fine, but you may want to play with various levels of room in the top and fit in the band. Also, if the jersey isn't dressy enough for what you need, this pattern could easily be made with another knit with a bit of shimmer to it. Either way, have fun with it and get the pattern soon - it's only available until November 12!
My 16-month old has developed an obsession with Eric Carle's Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (Also known as "bo-bah" in our house). For Halloween this year I will be making him a brown bear costume using Kwik Sew's baby and toddler pattern KP-3099, and to pull it all together I have made him a "Brown Bear" trick-or-treat bag.
Bags are surprisingly simple to make. There are a couple different ways that you can construct a bag from practically scraps. I picked two methods to show here. The first style, for the outside of the bag, has a front and back panel and a long strip for the gusset (3 total pieces). The second style I used for the lining, and has only two pieces with boxed corners to create the bottom and sides shape. While I label the parts of this bag as "inside" and "outside", in reality the bag is actually reversible.
QUICK NOTE - This tutorial is geared more towards someone who is still fairly beginner level, but basically knows their way around a sewing machine. Those with more experience will probably already know everything below, plus better ways to do it (Please feel free to leave a comment and share any nifty variations and tips!).
DOUBLE NOTE - There will be math. I promise I will try to keep it simple, and I will also give definite measurements. However, my goal is to give you the basic principles for how to construct a bag no matter what size you want it. The bag I made is child-sized, but once you know the basics of construction you can scale yours up, down and everything in between.
Brown Bear Bag
Measurments: 11.5" x 11.5" x 4"
3/8" seam allowance
Materials:
1 Brown Bear panel (BV-907)
1/2 yd coordinating cotton print (I used BV-951)
1 yd light or medium weight fusible interfacing (optional)
If you do not want to use the panel you can just find another 1/2 yd coordinate. The panel fabric was a little more transparent than I would have liked, so I used the interfacing to make it less see through and give it body without being too stiff. You may exclude this step if your fabric is dark or if you do not care if your bag is floppy.
Creating the outside:
- Cut out two 12.25"x"12.25" squares consisting of 4 panel motifs. Each square should be 2 smaller squares across and 2 down. The easiest way to cut it without measuring is to just cut around the outer edge of the green border surrounding the four small squares. The green border will essentially be the seam allowance.
- Cut the striped strip of fabric from the edge of the panel, trimming the selvage. This will become the bag handles.
- From the coordinating fabric, cut a 36"x4.75" strip of fabric for the gusset.
- If you are using interfacing, cut two 12.25"x12.25" squares and a 36"x4.75" strip.
- Apply the interfacing to the panels and gusset strip according to the instructions.
- For the top two squares on each of the right sides of the front panels, measure and mark the middle of top of each square (roughly 2.75" from the begining of the white space). This is where you will line up the handles.
- To create the handles, fold the striped fabric in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Press. Fold the raw edges in toward the middle crease, leaving you with 4 layers of fabric (see image). Press. Cut two 9" pieces from this strip and edge stitch the long, open side (you can leave the ends open).
- To assemble the outside, lay the gusset piece on top of one of the panels, right sides together, with the short edge of the gusset lined up with the top l and the long side lined up with the right side of the panel. Pin in place. Bring the gusset side up and and around the corner, and continue pinning it to the bottom of the panel, then back up the left hand side (Hint - to make going around the corners easier, try making a tiny snip in the seam allowance of the gusset right at the corners). Once it's all pinned, you should have the basic shape of the two sides and bottom of the bag, with the ends of the gusset lining up with the top of the panel (if not, try repinning it). Stitch in place.
- Pin the second panel to the other side of the gusset. Stitch. You should now be able to tell it's a bag (yay!). Press the seams.
- Position the straps inside the two markings you made earlier, lining up the outer edge of the strap with the mark. The raw edges of the straps should be in line with the top of the panel, so that the strap is upside down. Pin in place.
To create the lining:
- From the coordinating fabric, cut two 14.25"x16.25" squares.
- Sew together along sides and bottom, leaving the top open. Press seam allowances open.
- At the bottom corners, measure 3" up and 3" over from corner. Draw a square. Using the square as a guide, bring the side and bottom seams together and box the corners (See Moda Bake Shop for better instructions). Trim 1/4" from the seams.
To bring it all together:
- Line the two bag pieces up with right sides together. The Side seams of the lining should be in the middle of the gusset sides. Pin in place.
- Stitch around the top of the bag, stopping a few inches short to leave an opening to turn. Press the seams.
- Turn the bag right side out and top stitch to finish the top edge of the bag and to reinforce the handles.
- Voila! All done! Your bag is now ready for whatever your little one might put in it. Plus, it's reversible!
Let's say you don't want to make a Brown Bear, Brown Bear bag. How do you go about figuring out how much to cut? Math time!
To make a gusseted bag:
For the front and back panels -
Length = Finished length + 2xSeam Allowances
Width = Finished width = 2xSeam Allowances
For the Gusset -
Gusset Length = Panel side Length + Panel side length + Panel Width
Gusset Width = Finished width + 2xSeam Allowance
YIKES! Here's an easy example. You want a bag that is 14"x12"x5" with a 1/2" seam allowance
Length = 14+.5+.5 = 15"
Width = 12+.5+.5 = 13"
Gusset Length = 15+13+15 = 43"
Gusset Width = 5+.5+.5 = 6"
Easy!
To make the boxed-corner bag:
Length = Finished length + 1xSeam Allowance + 1/2 Finished Depth
Width = Finished width + 2xSeam Allowance + 1x Finished Depth
Example: You want a bag that is 14"x12"x5" with a 1/2" Seam allowance.
Length = 14+.5+2.5 = 17"
Width = 12+1+5 = 18"
To make the guide for the boxed corners, mark ad 5"x5" square at the bottom corners.
Halloween is right around the corner. Instead of sending the kids out with boring pillow cases or generic, store-bought containers, make them a trick-or-treat bag that goes with their costume!
Happy stitching!
In putting together the email announcing the new Fabric.com exclusive free Hot Patterns downloads (available August 12 through November 12) we asked Jeremy from Hot Patterns to give us a brief history of how the company came to be. The document he provided us was much longer than would fit in our email, but I couldn't bring myself to edit it down. His take on the events leading up to the develpment of one of Fabric.com's favorite pattern lines provided fun and witty insight. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. (Click the link below to read the whole story).
Accepting my own challenge, I took up the hunt for the right raglan-sleeved t-shirt pattern (not too sporty, seams in the right place, simple neck line), which was surprisingly hard to find. After weeks of judging the merits of this pattern over that, the wonderful ladies in merchandising told me about the new line of Textile Studios Patterns we now carry, including the Santa Monica Tee. Even nicer, I discovered a small stash of remnants of some knits we just put in the store and took a gamble that I would have enough to at least practice on.
fabric right-sides together and stitching along the top. Next, I sewed the sleeves to the front bodice, stopping at the 4" mark I made earlier. At the point where I stopped stitching, I folded the seam allowance back and top stitched from the casing on the sleeve, down to the seam where the sleeve and bodice were joined, and back up to the top of the bodice casing (making a big "V"). This step finished off the edges and made the key-hole clean and pronounced. After finishing the top stitching on both sides of the front bodice, I then repeated the whole process to join the back bodice piece to the sleeves.
them shut about 1/8" from the edge, creating that rod pocket affect. From there, I finished the sleeves and bottom hem by following the pattern instructions. I used brown satin ribbon at the neckline and tied it in a bow, but since it is not attached I can change it out whenever I want. After all was said and done, I would say the top took me less than 2 hours (not including time I spent goofing off with my stretch stitches). The pattern was simple and easy to follow, which makes it perfect for both a quick top or as a jumping-off point for some creative license.
Some quick notes about changes I would consider on my next go - I think I would
probably make the casing larger by about a half to a full inch. This would give more room to add a sturdier ribbon or bulkier sash. Also, my husband gravely expressed his disdain for the bow at the shoulder (many, many times). I might play around with some buttons, buckles or brooches to secure the ribbon and add a decorative touch.
Be sure to enter the Ultimate Sewing Room Contest brought to you by Craft Stylish and Fabric.com! Just design your dream sewing space (including furniture, decor, equipment and more) then save your masterpiece in the gallery for other to vote on it. The grand prize is worth over $7,000, including a $1,500 shopping spree to Fabric.com! Enter today!
Hey Everyone!
Don't forget to enter the Fabric.com "Sew" Sweet Giveaway before it ends Friday (10/31)! This is your last chance to enter in the drawing for one of two great prize packages worth over $1000 each! You can enter in once a day, so that gives you 3 more entries until the end. Click the image below to go to the "Sew" Sweet webpage. Good luck!
