Music Bag

This bag was ordered to be used for a Church Bag and she picked out this musical fabric. It's hard to see in the photo, but there in the front is a long pocket that goes all the way across the front with lines sewn on the sides for pens and two in the front to put things like keys and cell phones. Then on the inside, there are two patch pockets in a simular colored fabric. It also sports two handles that would go over the shoulder easily and still be able to carry the heavy scriptures and all the books that go with Sunday. :)

The tassel I made as the bag seemd to need a little 'bling'. There is also a flap on the top that closes with a magnetic snap. Oh...the bag is also big enough for a binder.

Soooooooo...if you want a bag like this for your books and things...let me know!

An American Day

The morning started off early by getting Scott up to the church so that he could participate in the Flag Raising Ceremony. When we arrived, he jumped in and started helping by carrying out chairs that were then set up in a semi circle around the flag pole.

Scott is wearing his red vest and is leading the procession. This is his first time working together with the Boy Scouts in raising the Flag and was willing to get up early for the opportunity.

I love this picture of all the Scouts saluting the Flag.

Last night I tried to finish my bag, but my back rebelled and so it waited for me to do the ending details today. On the outside there are two big pockets to hold my calendar and journal, and pen and pencil pockets on the sides. Inside I put two patch pockets to hold my keys and cell phone. More importantly, I learned a new thing...by putting in a magnetic snap closure. Yeah...it works!

Just the right size for me. :)

Sure hope you are all having a fun and safe Independence Day!

Green & Pink Purse

Remember the red purse I made last week or so? Well, here is the pink and green one from the same pattern, but modified! I made the body bigger, put the handle on the side and used D rings on the inside. And instead of that strange 'u' shaped piece, I cut a long 2" strip that was sewn long enough to hold those D rings. Also, the side of the band was sewn flat instead of sticking out on the sides. Minor differences, but I like this bag much better!

Again I used one of the scarfs/kerchief that my mother had given me and the green fabric was found in the remnant section at Walmart. There was barely enough to complete this! I need to so a little embellishment, but otherwise I am really pleased with the result here!

This is the back side...my photos are not really showing how the green of the handle and top match some of the green in the pink fabric...oh well. I know it works.

Red Purse

A few weeks ago I decided to try out a new purse pattern. My friend Eva was over and she had the pattern in a book and on the cover of the book it looked really cool. So I got everything cut out and then the pieces sat on the counter for a few days. I was actually scared to get started. This purse was totally different from any other I had ever made. It also had strange sounding instructions that were difficult for me to understand. So for a few days I just stared at the cut pieces.

FYI, the exterior fabric of the bag comes from a scarf made of 100% cotton that was given to me by my Mom. She has given me several scarves to see what I can do with them...

The strangest piece to me was the 'u' shaped piece that needed to be sewn between the two side pieces of both the outside and the lining. The exterior also got pleated, but the lining was not. That part I could figure out...no problem.

Once I finally got started, it went pretty well. That 'u' shaped thing though needed lots and lots of pins to make sure I really got it right.

Here is the final result of the exterior before I get the top sewed on.

The pattern called for just sewing in some loops to attach wood handles, and as you can see, I opted for traditional handles.

Then there was the challenge of getting the tops sewed to the base of the bag. What you don't see is that I had to pin and re-pin this three times! It was after the first pinning when I figured out that this was also when I needed to be sewing in the lining. I also learned after this purse was done to iron a little flap on the lining side of the top before any pinning and sewing is done...just a little short cut I learned in the process of the doing.

Here is the final result! This has got to be the hardest sewing project I have ever done to date and I learned a lot in the process. Already I know where I would change things. First, I would make the body of the bag bigger. Second, that 'u' shaped thing has got to be changed! Third, the entire bag does not need to be stiffened with pellon.


So with the things I have learned...I have already cut out another bag, this time a pink and green one.

Christmas bag I made

Good Morning! I stayed up late last night making a Christmas bag. I made it with pockets on all sides, both in and out...so it is reversable. What do you think? I used 5 different coordinating fabrics, one of which was just for the strap. As for the strap, I had to cut two strips and sew them together before it was long enough for me. I had fun putting it together and I was amazed at how quickly it went too. Of course, I was listening to one of the Harry Potter books on CD, so that helped the time go quicker too. :)