Okay, you’re not surprised are you – I made a top to match the skirt I blogged yesterday.
I headed upstairs to do the ironing – instead I sewed this. Very quick and easy, and she likes it. The pattern is Butterick 4118 lengthened about 2 inches then with a ruffle added to the bottom.
After all my hard work sewing the algae bag, I “needed” to make something that was quick and easy. Ta-da – a ruffled skirt for Miss Clare!
The fabric is from my stash (the print is a thrifted sheet) and I loosely followed this tutorial. She likes it, I like it – everyone happy!
My husband has christened this the “algae bag”.
It is the Diaper Bag pattern by Craft Apple. I used three coordinating fabrics from – you guessed it – Ikea.
I know that I’ll get lots of use from this bag. There is an exterior pocket for drink bottles:
Inside there are large interior pockets on both sides and a mobile phone pocket on one end. Of course, I have added a key fob as well.
There is a flap across the top of the bag with a magnetic snap to keep things secure. I made this bag almost entirely according to the pattern, but added purse feet to the base – because now that I know how, I’m likely to add them to everything!
There were a number of sewing machine needles broken throughout and loads of thread breakages. I think that my machine is due for a service. What I’d have given for an industrial machine when sewing this one! The fabric is thick, so by the time there is fabric, interfacing, wadding, then seam allowances, top-stitching became very difficult. But it has all led to a well-structured bag with loads of room (which I always need).
By the way – I love it! But Jodie, I don’t think that I’ll be carrying it while wearing my Ikea skirt!
Here’s another Hip Skirt (the pattern is by Favourite Things; I bought it from Sew Mama Sew). This is the pleated version.
The Heather Bailey fabric I used for the Snap Bag was originally bought to make this skirt, not the bag! Luckily I bought plenty.
The waist/hip band is very comfortable. Because it’s cut on the bias, there isn’t actually much elastic and gathering around the waist, but it still fits nicely. With my post-baby belly (if I’m honest, I had a pre-baby belly too) I really love elasticised waists, and because I never tuck anything in, you never see it. I don’t think that elasticised waists are very stylish! I think that the pattern does run large; I made this in a size 4 (after having made the hip skirt in ikea fabric in a size 10 and having to cut two inches out of each side seam) which seems to fit well. Measure the hip band against your measurements rather than going by the back of the pattern! I made it the length in the pattern and I’m short (only 5’2″) so if you were taller you might want to lengthen it.
Like Clare’s pleated hip skirt, it’s nice and twirly! This will be terrific for summer. Especially if I keep on sucking in that belly . . .
The blog has been quiet for the past week, but I’ve been busy working on a few projects at once. Here is the first completed one – the “Snap” purse!
I am lucky enough to occasionally be a test sewer for my friend Nikki of Nicole Mallalieu Design, who designs bag patterns. The Snap purse is one of her latest designs and will be out very soon.
I haven’t used a purse frame before, or bag feet, so this was a challenge for me! I think that it has turned out quite well.
The fabric is from the Freshcut range by Heather Bailey for Free Spirit. The purse is fully interfaced, and has a layer of wadding throughout. The base contains template plastic and heavy-weight interfacing. The bag feet were pretty easy to install. The purse frame took me a bit more thought, but I think that it is the sort of thing that you get the knack of with practice. I have another frame just waiting for my next try!
I love the design! Very cute and retro. It’s also a great size – the frame is 300mm wide. Next time I’ll do contrasting straps, base and lining.
Thanks Nikki! Lots of fun, with a cute result! You know that I love your patterns!
This terrific Melly and me pattern has been on my “to-make” list for a few months. Now it’s finished just in time for summer!
The fabrics are all from the Summer in the City range by Urban Chicks for Moda.
It’s made pretty much as per the pattern, although it has a layer of Pellon as well as interfacing throughout.
This is the first internal zipped pocket I’ve done like this – thanks to a great tutorial on the Sew Mama Sew blog. There is an internal patch pocket on the other side but you can’t really see it in this photo.
And there is the ubiquitous key fob!
I included a base made from fast-to-fuse, but possibly cut it a little too wide. This bag can hold a fair amount, so the structured base will help to support its shape. As usual, there are things that I will do differently the next time I make up this pattern. Anyway, I’ll be keeping this first go for myself!
The title says it all really, doesn’t it – an adult sized Hip Skirt, in Ikea fabric.
Super quick and easy to sew, although I originally made it way too big and had to cut it down. This is the “button” skirt from the pattern, but rather than have the overlapping fronts closed with buttons, I cut the back twice and made a very simple skirt.
Very funky – but I probably match someone’s cushions or couch. I really must get some fake tan for those legs before summer really hits too …
Another day, another bag! Happy 40th birthday Koula!
This is the Charming Handbag, from Amy Karol’s “Bend-the-rules Sewing”, made pretty much as per the pattern. I did add a light layer of Pellon throughout, and an interior pocket. Rather than the velvet ribbon in the book, I added a yo-yo brooch.
The fabric is Joel Dewberry. I’m not certain yet if this bag is really Koula’s style, but I like it! Hopefully she will too.
I can’t quite believe it – less than two weeks since I started, the Seashells & posies dress is finished!
I am SO happy with this dress! It contains many “firsts” for me. It’s the first time I’ve crocheted a lacy pattern.
It’s the first time I’ve crocheted a floral trim.
It’s the first time I’ve made buttonhole bands.
It’s the first time that I’ve made a complete garment, rather than a rug or a scarf!
It’s the first time that I’ve crocheted in a fine cotton yarn.
Now I am COMPLETELY addicted to crochet. Stella won’t fit into this until next summer, but I’m still pleased that I’ve made it now! I can look at it hanging in the cupboard and pat myself on the back. Thanks to Interweave Crochet for the pattern, and thanks to my parents for passing on the genes that help me to read patterns easily and follow instructions well!
Happy 40th Birthday Marcia! Here’s your present, finished this afternoon (I’m sorry that you won’t get it on time):
It’s the Pleated Beauty Handbag from Amy Karol’s book “Bend the rules sewing”, with a few modifications. The spotty canvas is from Spotlight; the lining fabric from G & J’s Fabrics. The whole bag is interlined with a soft but substantial interfacing, and has a firm base made from Fast-to-Fuse (there is a great tutorial for how to use it as a bag base on http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au). I also included a magnetic snap closure, two inside patch pockets, and a key fob.
And another view to finish off with:
(By the way, Marcia doesn’t read my blog, so this will still be a surprise!)
