Using Fancy Fabric

Most of my purses and bags are made with high-quality woven cotton fabric - designer quilter's cottons are the best!  I also like using batiks, which are a tightly-woven cotton.  I find them easy to use, they'll take the high heat I'm used to (being a quilter), and I love the novelty prints.

There is no reason, however, you can't use "fancy" fabrics with my patterns!  I made this Journey Purse from upcycled fabrics supplied by my sister-in-law.  

Just remember these tips to keep your fabric and sewing machine 'safe' and your purse results outstanding!

Luggage Tags Are EASY!

We're always trying to distinguish our black suitcase from all the other black suitcases on the luggage ramp!  I've had some cute plastic ones which the baggage handlers have ripped off (accidentally or literally stolen).  This tag was developed to open easily to insert your information but once it's on your suitcase it is secure.

It's easy to make and only takes a little fabric!

You can even use patchwork scraps or a contrasting fabric for the Back!!

Where's the Lip Balm? Case

The question my daughters have always asked me is "Where's the Lip Balm?"  This easy case will solve the problem!  Make it with a keyring to attach your keys or a swivel snap to clip onto a bookbag, purse, wallet, or to easily clip and remove from your keyring!

The little case is perfectly sized for a lip balm, lipstick, or even a usb drive!

It's so easy to make and they make great stocking stuffers or birthday gifts.  If you're giving cash, roll a couple of dollars around a lip balm to make the cutest gift!  It only uses scraps of fabric so all you need is a zipper and a keychain or hook.

Easy Placemats for a Round Table Free Pattern

I have a 54" round table in my breakfast room that fits the four of us perfectly!  When my sister and my dad come to visit, we like to sit at the table but rectangular placemats won't work when there are six!  So I make placemats that fit 6 perfectly at a round table.

Two different fabrics make them reversible - if you get a small spot at lunch, flip them over for dinner!  I like to use cotton batting instead of polyester fleece or batting because you can then use them for hot plates (polyester may melt from the heat),

Patch your Bag!

I like colorful and I like variety!  So my latest purse is a favorite!

I used the pre-cut squares from a quilt kit to make a Sheila Purse.  Whether you buy a Charm Pack or use your scraps, here's a quick tutorial on how to use patches to make a purse.

I Wish That Purse Was Just A Little Bigger...

My purse and bag patterns are all made with rectangles - rotary cutting makes them easier.  The best thing about this fact is that the finished size is easily adjusted!

Strip Your Purse!

Ever wanted to use a luscious jellyroll (collections of 2.5" strips) to make a bag?  Have scraps you'd love to use to  make a purse?  Can't choose between bolts of a fabric collection?  Use strips to make a purse. 

    

Don't Fear the Zipper Foot!

 

Every sewing machine has a zipper foot (sometimes called the Zip Foot). Either the foot stays in place and the needle is moved or the foot can snap to one side or the other of the presser foot arm.

I like to use a zipper foot with an adjustable guide.  Normally, when you use the zipper foot to sew a zipper, you use the guide at the edge of the fabric.

But, you can feel where the zipper teeth are and use that to guide where your seam is sewn!  I find the “finger” on the end of the adjustable guide will glide right along the zipper teeth to keep your seam in the right place.

A New Look at the Jeans Purse

Upcycle Your Jeans into a Modern Bag!

We’ve all been recycling jeans into shoulder bags since I was a girl.  When I started designing bags, I challenged myself to use jeans to make classy, creative bags that are a cut above what I made in the 70s!

Any upcycling project will require “working with what you have”.  Read all instructions first, then adapt my steps to your jeans and fabric.  By repeatedly laying out and trial-fitting your pattern, you will insure having a creative, good-looking purse!

Want a Firm Bottom? (in your purse!)

Sometimes, especially if you stuff your purse like I do, its bottom tends to be droopy and/or it loses its shape.  A firm bottom can solve this.

This type of bottom is ideal for the Zippy Hobo, Jamie Purse, Tailored Tote, and Charmer Tote.

I like to make a firm bottom out of very stiff cardboard, covered in fabric.  You can cover in the same fabric you use for the lining or use a coordinating fabric.

Remember this is a removable bottom.  Remove before washing bag!!

How to Make an Adjustable Strap

Some of my purse patterns include an adjustable strap (Adventure Bag, Mimi Messenger Bag, Lizzie Purse) but a couple of my patterns which could take an adjustable strap don't include the instructions. So here's a free tutorial on how to make an adjustable strap for any purse pattern that has one strap!!

The Sheila Purse & Joey Purse have a long strap which I use cross-body or as a shoulder strap.  But you can use these instructions to make a longer strap that can adjust!  In my patterns, it works for these 2 purses or for the Travel Purse or even the Jamie Purse!