Patterns and Pins

Striped tote bag

2009-02-22T11:58:00.000Z

I love this fabric. It was cheap but I love the nautical look. I've got some left so I think I'll make something sailory with it. I've got visions of a big red anchor appliqué...

Anyway, this bag was a gift for my sister-in-law. I didn't use a pattern. I just winged it with a simple rectangular shape. I squared off the corners too. I like this bag but the handles are a bit rubbish. They're not long enough to put over your shoulder and are quite thin. I think next time I'd do much longer and wider straps for comfort. The bag is strong enough to hold a few books though and is really quite cute.

Skull and Crossbones Shoulder Bag

2009-02-22T10:03:00.000Z

This was actually the first bag that I made and I've been waiting to get the pictures off my camera. I really like it but there are definitely major improvements to be made. I had some problems sewing the strap pieces together as my cutting wasn't great (using scissors only) but as it was just for me I wasn't too worried.

This tutorial from Tiny Happy has been doing the rounds for a while now and that's what I used for this bag. I think I'd change the size next time as I find that it's quite easy for things to fall out. The button is a little pirate ship to match the pirate theme and the pocket is big enough for my phone. The lining fabric is the same as the outer fabric but upside down.

Drawstring Backpack

2009-02-15T18:07:00.001Z

This bag was requested by my brother's girlfriend. She's always losing things and she found that when they were at Wacken Open Air festival last year she managed to return home with everything she left with. They were given a festival branded bag which seemed to do the trick. It was a drawstring backpack but it wasn't very big and was a little flimsy.

I made this one out of a kid's duvet set that I picked up at a charity shop for less than £2. I love the print on this, it's got stars in the lining. I used this tutorial from Happy Things which I found very simple to follow. There are raw edges inside but it should withstand some wear and tear. She got this one for Christmas and loves it. She has commissioned me to make a camera case for her birthday!

Introduction

2009-02-05T17:50:00.001Z

Hi! I've finally managed to set this blog up. It's taken me several days to find a name that made sense and wasn't taken. I've decided that I hate people who take the best names and then don't ever use the blogs. Very annoying.

Anyway, this blog will be used to document my sewing projects. I'm a beginner but am improving with every piece I make. I'm amazed how things seem to just work when you've done them a couple of times. I'll try and take pictures of everything that I make as I think it's important to be visual with a blog like this.

So, thanks for taking the time to visit and I hope you enjoy looking through the things I make and reading about my projects and feelings.