I was thinking of which gifts I could make for my nieces and remembered this book I received for review. As I looked through it I realized I will be making bags for them AND for me in the next few weeks. Style and Swing by Susan Dunlop showcases 12 projects including a wallet, satchel, tote, and clutch. I really liked the sections "Recommended Equipment and Tools" and the "Bag-Making Techniques": they take the guesswork out of choosing interfaces, boxing the bag base, and how to apply various … [Read more...] about Awesome bag patterns
crafts
Wool Embroidery Tote
Today I turned a wool applique' block I made last year into a tote. First, I surrounded it with borders using same wool from the applique', then I used its background fabric for the back, bottom, and sides of tote. It measures 19" x 17", with lots of room for books, a tablet, wallet, etc. I framed the center block by couching two strands of colorful yarn. Instead of batting, I used ByAnnie Soft and Stable (I found it here) which gives body to the bag. However, I am not sure you can quilt … [Read more...] about Wool Embroidery Tote
Fall table runner
I have very few Fall decorations (I am not one to decorate the entire house according to the season, except for Christmas), and this table runner is my favorite. The block is simple but lovely, and I have used it in a few projects. The border fabric had all the colors I was using, so it had to be included. The backing fabric is wildly orange. You can barely see the quilting, which followed the block lines with SITD. This same pattern can be used for every occasion, don't you … [Read more...] about Fall table runner
Quick Jeans bag Tutorial
I could not donate one of my 12-year-old's jeans as it was ripped on the knees. Repairing it was not a question as this skinny jeans did no fit on his waist anymore. So, I came up with this bag in less than two hours! Some patterns for jeans bags are very complicated (I have one half done in a drawer, after a whole day of ripping pockets off and sewing them back in place later!). So, If you are ready to make a quick and stylish bag, look at the pictures below. You will need: Old jeans Lining … [Read more...] about Quick Jeans bag Tutorial
Landscape quilts
Since I came back from our trip to the East Coast I have been so aware of the stark contrast in landscape between Utah and Maryland/Delaware... As I started thinking about which landscape quilt I would make next, I brought out of the closet this quilt I made a few years ago. The flowers were cut out, glued on with fabric glue, and sewn (broderie perse). I looked outside at the mountains and kept cutting shapes... Up to now, when I make landscape quilts I start from a picture on my mind. … [Read more...] about Landscape quilts
Wool Applique Tote
Funny thing happened when I tried to turn the wool applique blocks into a wall hanging - I could not do it! As I was auditioning fabrics for sashing, I wasn't happy with any of the combinations... The quilt fairy then whispered three words: Make A Tote! And so it is that I made a wool tote. It stands on its own (I did not put anything inside it for the pictures), it is lightweight, hand finished. I added I couple of 'bees' (buttons - seen on top right of the applique block), used DMC floss to … [Read more...] about Wool Applique Tote