Hi from Queensland! And finished bag #1!!!

Hi, I'm Rachael and I'm sewing in Queensland, Australia. My blog; All it took was just 1 stich. I've been sewing for a while, but suffer from the disease of grandiose plans and finishing phobia! So I thought a SAL was a good excuse to actually finish something and share that Amy obsession of mine with others who understand!

I've set my self a bit of a task for this sew-a-long. I've planned to make Amy Butler's Covington bag, the Swing bag and a box bag (b/c I am really petrified of zips!) using the tutorial available at Small Hands. I have been procrastinating a bit, and this morning I've just realised (!) why. I really don't like my chosen fabrics. I was going to use fabric from my stash, (a bit of "use what you have" and a bit of limited cash flow!), but sitting at my craft table this morning, staring at my choices, I decided to go for different combinations.

I think I'll be using this combination for the Swing bag,

Here it is! I'm gifting this one to my Mum for Mother's day (our's in in May) with a matching pin cushion, tape measure and needle book.

This combination for the box bag;

And I'm still working on the Covington combination.

But today, as I'm on holidays I plan to start the Swing bag. I'm hoping to get to my local quilt shop to pick out some new fabric, and stretch the craft budget just a tiny bit more for some fabric for Covington, we'll see. It's great to see what everyone else has come up with of late, very inspirational! Righto, I have a deadline, better go and sew!

Here is an origami wallet, made from directions at The Fitful Flog. You can see the details for making it in cloth at my blog. Having succeeded with this, I am intending to make a matching origami bag following the directions at this site.

Some progress at last...

So with one thing or another I hadn't touched any of the fabric I bought for potential bags but today I happen to wander by the fabric store and found a very spring/summery cotton print I just had to have to combat the rainy weather blues. Once I got home, the sewing urge kicked in and I finally made some headway on the bird purse I had decided to make (the bag with spots is on hold for now, though the knitting pouch version of it turned out well...if you have no idea what I am talking about, I posted about this here way back in March...you can find it too on my blog here and here). I managed to cut out all the purse pieces in all the various fabrics and finish most of the applique/stitching of the bird on the front.


(You can see my new cotton print in the upper right corner.) The front piece looks a bit funny since the tucks are only pinned and not yet sewn.
So anyway, yay! Maybe I'll have a new purse by the weekend.

Finished!

I finished my bag on Saturday!



"Right sides together" really means "right sides together." Don't let this happen to you.


I added a zipper (thanks to the tutorial someone here suggested to me) and a magnetic clasp. I found that adding a zipper to my bag was much easier than sewing the zipper for my skirt. You don't even need a zipper foot!

Pattern: McCall's 3136, View A

I'll probably make another bag soon, although I can't decide if I want to make a purse or a bigger tote for larger projects. This was a great project!

Jenny

Really basic tote bag

This is just a really simple tote bag I sewed up for the lady who did my taxes for me. She did it at a fabulous discount, and filed for two states plus federal. (She's a friend of my boyfriend's family). At least that's the plan for now. I might run across something she'd appreciate more in which case I'll give her that instead.

All that remains is sewing in the lining and straps. I haven't done that part yet because I'm considering adding a piece of plastic/cardboard to stabilize the bottom. I didn't use a particular pattern. The fabrics are Asian-inspired. The outside fabric has peacocks and other colorful birds and the inside fabric is some Victorian-esque Chinese print that I found in the reminants pile at Hobby Lobby. I only had half a yard of the peacock fabric so I couldn't be selective about how I cut it, which images would be preserved, etc.

A very simple tote, but all in all I like it. Nice and clean.

Forgot to add: There are two inside pockets to hold a cell phone, keys, etc.

Thanks for looking.
*karen

The tale of two bags....

I posted before with a pix of the fabric I was using to make my bag. My problem is that I hate to measure. So I laid out the fabric and got a sewing. I found the bag a bit too big. (it was sooo big that I could've fit my 17 month old daughter in there and carry her around) needless to say.... I ripped it apart and started over again so my final bag is now the size of a tote. Not bad I used it this weekend for my clothes and what not. As you can tell there's a shine. I used some clear vinyl for the outside of the bag. I wanted to use it for durability. It worked good. I like this bag I sewed a few pockets in the inside for different things. I think this bag will be nice for the beach, over night, and lets not forget knitting things. (of course what else?) but I was still upset that the bag was a tote and not a purse and small knitting project bag. So I stopped at walmart and picked up some more fabric while looking for some magnetic closures.. which I didn't find there but later today I found them at Michaels. So I then proceeded to cut the fabric a little smaller (ok tons smaller) and then sewed up a storm. I have 2 pockets one rather large and the other smaller. I also sewed in some elastic for pens and knitting notions! The metal snaps you can see in the bottom left of the pix, were really easy to put in. I really love the colors of the fabric. In both bags. Now I'm thinking I should've added the vinyl to this bag also but I was really just testing the water. The bags didn't take very long really. Once I got the hang of it. I plan of measuring more next and then making more to sell in my etsy shop. So what do you think of my bags?

Zig Zag issues.

I am having trouble with getting a proper zig zag out of my sewing machine. I am still pretty new and don't really have any trouble shooting abilities, so I wondered if anyone here could help me diagnose. The picture I am putting up shows the top side of the stitch and it is pulling the bottom stitch through to the front making this funny shape. I have tried adjusting the tension on the bobbin, but feel like I am just making things worse!

Please help me, this is really slowing down my sewing (to nothing).

Thanks, Rhiannon

Fabric Fun

I have this book Quilted Bags in a Weekend by Ellen Kharade. Very cool book with diagrams in the instructions for each bag.

I ran into Jo Ann’s Fabric store Saturday to grab a zipper to complete something I am making for my colorswap pal. I don’t know what I was thinking. I grabbed a cart (like a zipper is hard to carry). They were having a sale. I meandered down each aisle lusting after all the fabrics. I managed to pick out a handful all in the range of $3 a yard.
This is what I found:





Can't wait to get started! I am over at Alpaca Rose.

origami thoughts

I'm wearing and enjoying the skirts I made for the skirtalong segment, but have only been thinking about the bagalong. I have determined to make an origami bag or set of bags, but have yet to move beyond paper to actual fabric. You can find the details of my struggles at my blog, and I would love to hear from anyone who has actually made an origami bag.

Knit? I Sew!

Or at least cut out the fabric for my Amy Butler Ultimate Arts and Crafts Bag. Here are what some of the parts look like.  There are an awful lot of parts, to create a lot of pockets. I still have some interfacing and/or batting to cut out. This much took a couple of hours. I had four fabrics, and it calls for five. Oh well, mine will be a variation. These are three Michael Miller fabrics.

Inspiration for my bag

Hi all,
How about your knitting and sewing life ?I think...you have good time.
Because this sewalong is so fun.
So I'm just thinking...about the design and fabric for my bag.
Anyway I'm going to buy some materials this weekend or next week.
Maybe I'll make a bag like this pic.
Next time I'll post it when I get some materials.

from: jibun de tsukuru, nunoawase bag2

My first blog-a-long

Hi! My name is Elizabeth K and I live in Austin, Texas. I'm very excited to joining y'all in this sew?Iknit! I started sewing, mostly by hand, when I was a little girl and made clothes for my Barbies. By the time I was in high school I was thinking of fashion design as a career, but after taking two different sewing classes I decided that I would rather keep sewing as a hobby. Not much sewing has been done in the last 15 years, but I have made some pillows over the years.

My knitting obsession began in 2002 but it took me nearly two years to finish my first scarf. Since then I have made several scarves and just finished my first hat last weekend.

Okay, about my bag. My pattern is from Simplicity 4670, view C. The main fabric is a pink & green floral from Amy Butler and the interior fabric is one I found at the store. I think it's an Alexander Henry and it has a green background with yellow and white dots. My plan for the weekend is to cut out the pattern pieces.

My first finished bag.

I used the jordy bag pattern. It was really easy peasy!! It only took about an hour of actual sewing (an hour and a half total time with cutting out the pieces). As a beginner sewer I would recommend it as a great basic bag pattern.

Since I want to make a bag each weekend, I ordered the Amy Butler swing bag pattern from Island girl handbags. I'm not sure what fabric I will use for it yet. I think maybe this:







While I wait for it I'm going to use this craftster tute for a pleated tote to make my sister a birthday gift.

I've got some cool skeleton/skull fabric that she will love!

Sock Knitting Bags

I've decided to make sock knitting bags. One for me (on the right) and one for my Sockapaloooza Pal (on the left). Sock knitting bags are of course different from regular knitting bags because - they're for knitting socks! I maybe have a sock knitting problem (finishing up pair number 10 for the year) and its maybe out of control, but at least I'll have a bag to put my problem in. With lots of little pockets to keep stuff. Obsessive compulsive? Who me? NEVER!If you're really, really curious about what I'm planning on putting in the pockets, you can check out my blog. I'm going to make my own pattern (the better to have the perfect combination of pockets!) so I've got to go measure some yarn!

Iron on interfacing

Hi everyone. I went to Joann's and purchased my fabric for my bag. I am using home decorating fabric which is sturdy in itself. But wondering if I should use interfacing to make it stronger??? Sturdier??? Any suggestions? I have never made a bag before and want it to hold up. Thanks!!
Vanessa J.

Choices, choices

I am so impressed by all the wonderful work I see here! There seems to be a river of creativity that just keeps flowing, and it's full of BAGS.
I on the other hand, need some help deciding....which bag?
Those of you who went to my site thinking there were pictures of bags have been disappointed. Due to inclement weather I have not posted for awhile.
So here you go. Please vote for your favorite! I'll go with the majority.
All my choices come from a Japanese kitcheny-craft book. This bag is the largest, and has pockets inside and out. I like it because it looks so French...chic for a trip to the farmer's market, or to put my knitting in.
I love the shape of the bag on the right. It actually is a bag IN a bag, with a sweet embroidered detail. (sorry for the bad pics) On the left is a sweet makeup bag and tissue holder that I don't really need but might make a good gift. Hard to see is the neat little bobble on the zipper pull. Love the bobble!
And speaking of bags within bags, here are some to toss in your purse before going to the grocery store. So eco - friendly! I could see making these as gifts too. I think they are made from kitchen towels, as are many of the other projects in this book.
And speaking of bobbles, here's a better shot. Would these count as bags?! They are so tiny and adorable. I think they look like dumplings. The shape is just so edible.
Last we have a good, all-around bag with little bags that attach and coordinate, which appeals to my resourceful nature that says I must use up every little scap of fabric I have. Again with the bobbles here on the little change purse. I must say the fabrics are adorable, I especially like the clean linen towel with the sweet little floral print.
So there you have it...I'll be waiting for votes! OK! Thanks!

Spring Bag

My first bag is finished! I´m combining this project with use what you have and I´m enjoying trying different colour combinations by using only fabrics from my stash. Once you´ve tried log cabin squares, they become addictive and I love the unique patterns that arise. I used my own pattern which is really easy. The bag is lined with a sturdy, water resistant fabric (I buy shower curtains when they´re on sale and cut them up) so it can be used as a beach bag, for shopping or whatever.

Some Assembly Required

I got the rest of the fabric in for my knitting bag, using a Simplicity pattern. But then some of the enablers, er members around here, introduced me to Amy Butler. I have an Ultimate Arts and Crafts bag pattern on its way from eBay to me. I had never seen one of her patterns til recently. The black in the background is pre-quilted fabric for the needle roll on the side of the bag. I am not fond of zippers, sigh.

Check it out

here's the fabric I'm making my bag out of. It's really kinda washed out in the pix I'll try to get a more color accurate pix when I'm finished. I picked up the flower fabric some time ago and the stripped just today at walmart. I'm thinking the stripes will be the inside. And the flowers outer. But I'm not positive I'll have to see when I get to sewing.
I'm not using any pattern per say. I'm jumping off the Jordy pattern from craftster and the super eggplant pattern. I'm just going to make it up myself. I want to have pockets for my knitting projects and pockets for the pattern and anything else I want to carry
anyway the sewing bug has bit me again and I'm going to a ball game this weekend and a new bag that carries the knitting things I want to bring along with my wallet and phone would be excellent. So I hope to have this finished by Friday!
I'll TTYAL have a great time sewing!

Bagalong

Greetings! I'm Carol and am excited to be part of this sewalong! I've been knitting for about two years, but have had to curtail my knitting in the past few months due to repetitive stress injury in my left hand. So I'm trying to give my hands a break and also vary my crafty efforts, and attempt something new! My sewing skills are rather limited, so I am a bit nervous. I plan to make the Amy Butler Nappy Bag with these fabrics:


Little floral print for the outside, striped big flowers for the lining

Hopefully it will not be too lime-y! I made a drawstring bag years ago, and a couple of zipper pouches more recently. I want to gift this bag to a friend who is expecting, so I hope it will turn out successfully!

Swing Bag

May I present the ever popular Swing Bag designed by Amy Butler. I started this project three weeks ago and just finished putting all the pieces together over the weekend. I spend an hour to have all the pieces cut out, that usually takes me the longest in order to make sure I'm cutting it right. It took me about 3 hours to sew and about 10 minutes to hand-stitch the opening close section after turning the bag inside-out .

Since this is a reversible bag, I've decided not to add pockets to the interior of the bag. Surprisingly, the pattern is really not that hard for beginner. The only tedious thing I learned is that you have to turn the bag inside-out after sewing around the whole bag with the exterior and reversible side facing each other. Overall I think this is a super fun and easy project for a beginner. I'm loving it!

Another Intro

Hi Everyone! I'm Deborah, and this is my first along. Actually, I don't have a blog either, so it's my first attempt at any sort of interface like this. I'm hoping not only to get acquainted with my machine, which is sadly underused, but also to get some practice with a blog so maybe I can start one of my own.

My mother used to teach Home-Ec, and she taught me to sew in 4th grade. I also took the standard Home-Ec class in Junior High as well, and have done verrry little since then. I'd like to do a lot more, but I'll admit, my machine intimidates me. So sad to be intimidated by machinery, especially something capable of making such beatiful things. I know the basics, but nothing intricate, like ummm...zippers.

I haven't decided what pattern and what material. I'm leaning toward this Vogue pattern to start with, (it's the smaller version of the purse in the upper left) and maybe embellish it with a little embroidery (which is also something I haven't done in ages). Oh, and no buckles and different handles. I only have a mini fabric stash, and when I sorted through it last night I was only able to come up with this combo.

Which I like, but it seems awfully fallish, and I'd love something more summery. However, that would mean more fabric....will somebody please twist my arm??

I'm also thinking about making a tote bag for my knitting out of a patchwork of these felted sweaters, lining it and putting in lots of pockets...and maybe even a zipper. I think I just had chills.
I'm so happy to be doing this, and can't wait to see how everyone's bags turn out.

My Bag

Here is my first finished bag. Hopefully, there will be at least one more this month. I deviated from the original plan because 1) I was too lazy to do the math to make the size I wanted, 2) I didn't have the zipper size I wanted on hand, 3) I didn't have black cotton that I wanted for contrast on hand, 4) Too lazy and too cheap to go to the store and buy what I had in mind. This is what I made instead. I still quilted the fabric because I think that is what I liked about the duffle. I let my husband talk me out of the zipper, not that it took much, and who knew he would have an opinion about the opening of a tote? I put two pockets in, one small one on the side for phone and keys and one larger one for whatever. The closure is a snap. I have to say that I really like this bag. I told myself that I would give it to my sister, but I really like this bag. I do have more of the Roosters, but not the batik. And I assure you that my sister would not carry a bag if she even thought that I had one just like it, even though we live 400 miles apart. Little sisters. *sheesh*

Thank you for the suggestion of pintucks to bring my dragonflies closer together. that will make for a roomier interior, too, I would think. Great Idea! Now I need to go look into this Amy Butler and her bags, I was not aware of her before. Thanks for all the inspiration!

Another Amy Butler Bag Fan

I've decided to sew up the Velma bag from Amy Butler. I first fell in love withthe idea of making my own bags when I saw this bag in an issue of Better Homes and Gardens Sewing magazine, but I really didn't have the cash to buy the pattern AND the fabric. So I waited... and this fabric got discontinued. All I can say is thank goodness for EBAY because I found the pattern and fabric about two months for a nice deal. I've been in the process of moving, so everything has been packed away for a little while, but now, since I'm part of this group, I have to start the bag. I'm so excited about this! I think I'm going to make a couple of other bags this month, too, because I LOVE LOVE LOVE sewing bags.

Intro

Hi, I am Heather D over there on the sidebar and I am a very novice seamstress, though I've been knitting since I was knee-high. The last thing I remember completing sewing was back in 4th grade when our teacher made us handsew something that was supposed to look like Snoopy because she thought that all boys and girls should have basic sewing skills. Er, actually. I'm not positive that I ever finished that second ear...but I am fairly enterprising, so I'm sure that I'll be able to finish my project by the end of the month.

I own a sewing machine, but I am in the same situation as someone else who recently posted, in that it is stored thousands of miles away.

So, I'll be hand sewing the Amy Butler Swing Bag, which the pattern claims is reversible, even though I haven't seen a photo of the reversed side.

I have a bunch of fabric that I bought while I was living in Kinshasa (thus the blogger ID), which you can find matched up in complementary sets called "deux temps" like the set below -- I haven't decided which one I'm using yet, and the pattern is still in the mail.

Handles & Yarn

Just wanted to give a heads-up to a great resource for handles (and yarn) for this project, if you are looking to go in that direction with your bag.

Webs is also having a kick-butt sale right now too.

Happy Sewing!

Heather

I love sewing bags....

but I usually make it up as I go along. Not this time though. I'm using this vintage fabric:



(which is a heavy cotton duck) and the amazingly cool Jordy bag tutorial on craftster. I'll also be adding a zipper pocket using this tute.

I plan on making a few bags this month so I can't wait to see what you guys whip up! I need some inspiration!

Hello Everyone...

Hope you are all having a crafty time today. My name is Amanda and I missed out on the first round, you all made such wonderful skirts. I am a super newbie sewer, to date I have made one tote bag and poor little earless bear. Although I have become a master of sewing buttons back onto shirts. I love bags and I plan on a couple this month. One of my first projects will be a little bag to keep all my sock knitting necessities in. I plan on designing it myself. Here is the fabric I am going to use for my first bag....



Happy Sewing Everyone...
Amanda

Hello! My name badge says my name is Heather...

Lovely skirts were what drew me into this "along". I have been quilting & sewing off and on (more often off) for years. This will be a great help to getting something actually finished!

Just wanted to say "hi" and introduce myself. For this project I hope to be using some of my stash to make the Amy Butler Madison bag with these possible fabrics, I am liking the idea of April being Use What you Have (also nice timing for Earth Day)

I am leaning towards #2 from the left, with a blue silk shantung lining, also from my stash.

Good luck to everyone! Stop by and say hi sometime...