MicroMod Tote Bags

My latest acquisition in fabric was a couple of prints from the MicroMod collection for Cloud9 fabrics.  I was only able to get a few of the prints and only a limited amount but I knew I wanted to make totes with them.  It was fun mixing and matching the fabrics.

I just love the 241Tote pattern by Noodle Head!  I bought several of her patterns and they are really well written and you don't have to be an expert to sew them.  Making each bag look different is easy.

I also just finished a Super Tote.  This fabric was called Zombie and I thought it was pretty appropriately named.

With this bag I made several adjustments to the pattern.  For starters I added an adjustable strap to the bag instead of the two handles the pattern originally called for.  This is the first time I've ever attempted an adjustable strap.  Something that has been on my to learn list for a long time.  I was surprised out how easy it was to do.  I learned a few things too and plan on making up a tutorial for adjustable straps and how to add them to almost any bag pattern.

The second adjustment I made was the inner pocket.  The pattern called for a gathered pocket that can be divided up to make smaller pockets.  I wanted something a little more structured with a cleaner look.

So I made a lined pocket with homemade piping using some scraps of black crosshatch Architextures fabric.  LOVE!  Oh! and the Geekly Chic Glasses!!! Perfect for a book bag ;)

I would love to hear about your favorite bag pattern hacks.  What changes do you make to bag patterns?

Little Red

Over the weekend I started making this cute little doll "Little Red" a pattern by Larissa Holland.
  

This of course is my version,
 "Little Bell Blue"

I picked Shelburne Falls fabric by Denyse Schmidt.  

I think the retro feel of the fabric is perfect for a handmade doll.  

I also used some scraps of Essex in flax.  

The yarn dyed weave gives the face and arms great texture.

On my next one, and yes I will  make more,

 i think I need to work on her facial expression. 

 She seems well...

 a little blue

 or scared?

But she was tons of fun to make and the pattern was written well.  

You can find the pattern here on Craftsy.

I do have a suggestion that will make things a little faster. 

 In the instructions it tells you to mark stitching lines on the fabric with a fabric pen.  

I skipped this step. 

 Instead i used a fabric glue stick to hold the pattern on the fabric.

Then i just stitched over the lines...

 much like you would when paper piecing.

 And then just ripped the paper off when i was finished. 

No marking! 

I can't wait to make more.

The fabric combinations are endless...

Swoon Block Pillows

It has been so hard for me to find time sewing. And when i make time i feel guilty because there are so many other things with deadlines that i should be doing.  However, i did take a little time to work on the Swoon block pillows that i promised to my sister-in-law when i gave her the Swoon quilt.  I've actually had the blocks put together for quit awhile but i ran out of the flax yarn dyed linen and it was very hard to come by.  I finally just ordered a full bolt so i'll have some for my projects and some to sell.  So if you've been looking to get your hands on some Essex Yarn Dyed Flax, Denim, or Black you can get it here, here, and here!

I decided to do these a little different than the Quilt and deviated from the directions that called for just 2 fabric prints and went with 3.  I ran out of the fabrics used in the quilt so i wanted to find a way to make the pillows look different but still cohesive with the quilt.  I had scraps from the quilt back left (the blue/white dot) so i used it in both of the pillows to tie them together. And by using the blue for the flying geese i was able to save enough of the small flower fabric to use in both of the blocks.

This one is my favorite!

I think it will look pretty good when it's all done.  Now I just have to figure out how i want to do the pillow part.  Zipper?  Envelope?  Will see...

Get back to WIP Wenesday click here

~alician