I am in LOVE! The Itsi Bag

I am completely head over heals in love with the Itsi Bag pattern by Cloudsplitter Bags. I love Cloudsplitter Bags anyway, but this is a fun fast little purse to whip up!  I was trying to find a way to use some of my fabric swatches from my fabric designs on spoonflower and this was just the ticket.  The swatches work well for everything except the zipper pocket lining which I used a piece of kona cotton in a solid color.

This is also my 2nd blog post in one day!  That never happens, lol.

Back to the bag, it has a zippered top, zipper pocket and slip pocket.  A key hook on the outside to keep them handy and a strap that can easily go over your neck for a secure purse! What more could a girl want!  You better run get this pattern now!!!

 Here are all the links to Cloudsplitter Bags :)

Official Facebook Page: Cloudsplitter Bags
Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CloudsplitterBags
Craftsy Shop: http://www.craftsy.com/user/4917135/pattern-store
Blog: https://cloudsplitterbags.wordpress.com/

 

Edited to Add: I made another bag for my daughter, she chose the fabrics!

Greenstyle Creations Lacy Slope Tank, Selfish Sewing

I scored some great clearance knit fabric at Joann's Fabrics and I knew immediately what pattern I would use.  The Lacy Slope tank.  I have tried the pattern before but didn't use my bust measurement....and it was too big. Lesson learned!  So this time I actually used my bust measurement.  It is such an easy pattern to whip up.  The armholes were still a bit big so I just took it in a little under the armpits. The fit is good, maybe a little snug for my liking, mostly because I am very self conscious. I love the style of the top, it also has a longer length option as well!  The best compliment of the day was when my husband asked me if I bought a new shirt.  I said no, I sewed it.  He responded "I can't tell the difference between the store bought and your sewing anymore." Yay!  Anyhow here are some quick pics my daughter took.  If you are in the market for tank top patterns, Greenstyle Creations has a few :)

Isn't the fabric pretty?

Cloudsplitter Bags Calypso Messenger Bag Now Available!

The Calypso messenger bag by Cloudsplitter Bags is a must have for laptops, tablets, school bags or for anything else you can fit in them.  I was able to participate in the testing of this beauty and I am in love with the bag pattern, I love all of Cloudsplitter Bags patterns. They are well written easy to understand and go together well. Sydney also has a facebook group for her pattern lovers.   https://www.facebook.com/groups/560775854062664/?hc_location=ufi 

My 13 yr old daughter picked the fabrics for my tester bag, and claimed it for her school bag.  I made the large size, which fits my 17" laptop perfectly, but there is a smaller size included in the pattern perfect for tablets, kindles and smaller items and is perfect for a kids bag. There is a hidden pocket in the flap perfect for carrying things like SD cards or jump drives. There is a large zipper pocket, and slip pockets for a cell phone, pens or whatever you would like to put in it. Plenty of padding to protect your computer or tablets without being super bulky. The flap is a fun design that keeps the messenger bag from being ordinary and plenty of options for customization. 

 Right now this wonderful pattern is 50% off so please run over and grab it up right now!  You won't be disappointed!
http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/accessory/calypso-messenger-2-sizes-50-off/156293

Sizing / Finished Measurements:

• Small Bag (Tablet): 11" wide x 9" tall x 2" deep Large Bag (Laptop): 15.5" wide x11" tall x 2.5" deep

Materials:

• 1.5 yard Exterior main fabric (quilters cotton or similar)/ 1 yard for small
• 1.5 yard lining fabric (quilters cotton)/ 1 yard for small
• Soft and Stable sew in foam stabilizer (may also use Pellon Shape Flex FF77 by the yard):: 20" x58" (a bit less than 1 pack) S&S (or 1.5 yard x 20" FF77)/Piece 16"x45" S&S for SMALL (or 1.25 yardx20" FF77)
• 3 yard lightweight-mid-weight fusible interfacing (such as Pellon SF101/ Pellon 931td)/2.5yard small
• 1/4 yard Pellon 71f fusible bag stabilizer
• 1/2 yard contrasting fabric for piping if making your own piping

You Will Also Need:

• 1 magnetic snap (preferably a medium-large size)
• 2 metal D-rings, O-rings, or square rings 1.5" wide
• One 1.5" tri-glide slider or buckle slide (for an adjustable strap)
• 4 yards 1/8"-1/4" piping cord (or pre-made piping)/ 3 yards for small
• For SMALL tablet size bag: 1 4" nylon zipper for secret flap pocket 1 11" or longer nylon zipper for zip-slip front pocket
• For LARGE laptop size bag: 1 6" nylon zipper for secret flap pocket 1 16" or longer nylon zipper for front zip-slip pocket

Lark & Lola Cash Envelope Wallet and Beaser Bags Town and Country Bag

Hello! I hope everyone is enjoying spring! I don't know about you but I am craving fun pretty spring designs right now.  Since I am testing the Town and Country Bag by Beaser Bags I thought that would be a great place to include some gorgeous fabric.  This bag is just in it's beginning of the testing phase, but I love how it turned out.  One of the main reason's I test patterns is to challenge myself. This pattern uses rivets which I have not used before.  I did learn that the dritz rivet kit is not good for this bag....the hard way.  But I powered through and came out with a bag I am excited to tote around!  The fabric is a JoAnn's home decor fabric and the straps are from a purple leather that I have had in my stash for years!  I was so excited to finally use the leather!  I just love the hardware on this bag, some of which I purchased from Being Bag on Etsy. I will certainly order from them again! Keep your eyes open for this pattern to hit the market and you can also see Angie's other bag designs! http://beaserbags.com/ 

 

Zipit Zippers has some fun zipper pulls!

I think my daughter may want to steal this bag!

 

Since I bought plenty of extra fabric I decided I needed a new cash envelope wallet system.  We do the Dave Ramsey cash envelope system but the paper envelopes just fall apart and frustrate me. So I did some searching, actually a lot.  I knew in my mind what I wanted, I just had to find it.  I came across Lark & Lola's cash envelope wallet tutorial and knew it was the one.  The tutorial has great step by step instructions and photos, nothing fancy, unless you are scared of zippers.  It didn't take much time at all to whip this up. Thankfully I had just bought some new zippers and inherited a ton from my grandma so I could do different colors. A new favorite zipper shop I have is Zipit Zippers on Etsy, quick shipping and great customer service! I embroidered the pockets on my embroidery machine so I could easily tell which envelope was which.  It is so fun getting to use multiple machines for a project!  I definitely recommend this tutorial to anyone looking for a new cash envelope wallet! Even if you are scared of zippers, the instructions are very clear and this is an easy way to sew zippers. 

So now I have a fantastic matching purse and wallet.  It has been a while since that has happened!  

Best advice?  Well that would have to be to invest in a good hole punch and rivet setter, because if you don't you will get to use your cuss word vocabulary to the maximum!  I know this about sewing tools too, but sometimes I think I can save a little money, in the end its not worth the extra pain and suffering ;)

Now Available Cloudsplitter Bags NEW Pandora Hipster

I am excited to announce that I was part of the testing for Cloudsplitter Bags NEW Pandora Hipster. Really the pattern was practically perfect at the beginning of testing.  I have been looking for a great pattern for a similar bag for a while now.  I don't have to look any farther and either do you.

While this cross body bag is designed for an intermediate seamstress it goes together well.The directions are great and has just enough pictures to show the steps without having to print way too many.  I would say some of the seams are thick so be prepared to go slow, but that is about the only suggestion I would make.

This bag has a great front zipper pocket, just the right size for keeping keys and other items handy and accessible. There are plenty more pockets on the inside including, pleated, zippered and slip pockets. The Pandora Hipster has great potential for gorgeous fabric combinations.

The bag is approximately 12" tall x 10.5"wide x 3.5" deep.

I originally intended to keep this bag for myself but my almost teen daughter stole it until I can make her another bag.  And anything that pleases a teen must be great, right? Here are some more photos so you can be inspired to make your own.