(sew)everyday notions

A very practical toddler backpack that isn't covered in licensed cartoon characters is hard to find. So I made my own. I love the navy/orange combination & also the individuality of this bag (so you can't mistake it for anyone else's). Pattern: Penguin Backpack, Oliver +  S (obviously I didn't use the optional penguin styling pieces- although I think they are super cute). From Book Little Things to Sew Fabric: Navy-white stripe cotton canvas, IKEA. Lining, cotton chambray, Spotlight. (Both stash) Also used: High-vis neon orange bias binding (front stripe), orange travel strapping. White strap connectors. Navy plastic heavy duty zip. -Lincraft. Some notes: I found the Oliver + S book at my local library & traced the pattern. The directions were great & the bag came together very easily.  I added in a front hanging loop to make the bag easier to carry, and allow for less strain if there was just one hanging strap. Of course I end up carrying...

a perfect little clutch. take it by itself, with a wrist strap, or across body. fabric outter: chevron cotton duck, black upholstery canvas, scrap  leather lining: quilting cotton Shoes & bags. Yep they're my thing. But I can't make shoes, so bags it is! I love to carry around a big hold-it-all tote, but find my purse/keys/phone invariably get lost. This is the perfect sized clutch for those necessities. Take it by itself or throw in in the tote & you're good to go. I winged the construction, it's just a lined zippered bag (and there are about a thousand tutorials on the interwebs if you're looking for one. I saw a free patter n on Craftsy by Pattern Runway that looked good). A few notes: I sewed the chevron & black canvas pieces together first & top stitched either side of the seam. I then interfaced it as one piece (basting stitches around the edge) , and did a stich-in-the-ditch through the interfacing & canvas t...

tory birch laser cut leather clutch. This stunning emerald green leather is from The Fabric Store (Brisbane). Using their tutorial on their blog , with black leather strapping from Spotlight as "thread".  Such a quick & easy little project, looks fab, and would make a great gift. I might change up the clasp, but for now this button from my stash will do just fine (anchored into laser cuts with some hat elastic).

pattern: portside duffle bag, Grainline Patterns fabric outer: upholstery weight black cotton canvas, chevron cotton duckcloth, leather zipper pull.  strap: cotton twill tape (double layer, sewed together). fabric lining: cotton linen, (upcycled pillowcases!) notions: metal zip, thread, interfacing. This duffle has just spent a week beach-side with me, so I can definitely say it's the perfect travel bag. I am such a sucker for bags & luggage & knew this pattern would join my stash when it was released. This duffle is a great size, its bigger than I thought it would be, big enough for a week away. (I am such a bad packer, this really does fit all my junk in).  I took a while finding the right outer fabric. When I saw this chevron I knew it was a winner. I wanted a black base & handles to hide the dirt. (I've seen some lovely white handled bags but I just know I'll get it too dirty).  I also wanted a light-coloured lining so I could find thi...