Introducing Miss Julie: The Second Pattern in the Swoon Vintage Collection

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I have been doing quite a lot of bag sewing lately, although as usual, I am too lazy or busy to blog about them. However, I had to make an exception with the last bag I just sewed, as she is beyond fabulous! So I decided to roll out the red carpet (or in this case, five yards of interfacing) for this royal beauty's introduction.

I am pleased to introduce you to my tester version of Miss Julie, the Second Soon-To-Be released pattern of the Swoon Vintage Collection!

Julie: The Ring-Top Handbag

I am pretty much in love with her! I have to say that I set a record with this bag when it came to picking out the fabric I would use. Usually, it takes me forever to dig through my ridiculous stash of fabric, often coming away thinking I have nothing I like or trying to decide between different combinations. As soon as I went to look in my stash, this fabric, which I have had for close to two years, immediately caught my eye and there was no deliberating about it. I knew it was perfect! By the way, both the exterior and interior fabric are Benartex prints.

I have also had these bamboo handles (which I bought at Jo-Ann's) for ages and was thrilled to finally use them! One thing great about this pattern is you can make your own handles out of fabric and some inexpensive tubing or you can use pre-made ones, like I did. The pattern includes excellent instructions for making the handles. I will say, for me, the most difficult part of sewing this bag was top stitching along the bottom of those handles! But it can be done, with a little dose of patience and determination.

Another thing I love about Julie is her vintage look with a slight modern, convenient touch; that is her removable strap, which allows for hands-free carrying.

The strap is optional and even if you include it, it can be completely hidden as the strap connectors are tucked nicely away.

Julie has two slip pockets (both an interior and exterior) and plenty of room inside to tote around all the items you could need for a classy night on the town.

Julie will be released this week, and you will be able to purchase her two different ways, either as an individual pattern or you can purchase the Swoon Vintage Collection Subscription. The Swoon Vintage Collection Subscription includes all 12 vintage PDF patterns that Swoon will be releasing over the course of a year, at a very discounted bundle rate. You will receive each of the 12 patterns as they are released. In fact, you get them earlier than the general public! More details about Swoon's subscriptions are available on the Swoon website.

Now put on your pearls and heels and some lacy gloves and take Julie out on the town in style! :)

Introducing Melody: The Expandable Tote

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For anyone who has followed or read my blog, you know I have a thing for Swoon Sewing Patterns! Okay, maybe more than a thing, maybe a borderline obsession! ;) LOL I have had the privilege of testing Swoon patterns for over a year now, and you might think that eventually the patterns would become routine or you know, less surprising and impressive. After all, how many amazing designs can one person continue to create? Wouldn't they run out of ideas eventually??? Perhaps, this is true for some pattern designers, but it definitely isn't the case with Swoon!

Once again, the lovely Alicia has wowed me! It is my privilege to present to you Miss Melody: The Expandable Tote!

Isn't Miss Melody a classy, sweet girl? She has definitely won the affections of her Swoon testers! (Pssstt a little bird told me there are some lovely pictures at the end of this post of some other Swoon testers' Melody's!)

And why not!?!?! This girl has some special features that make her unique, beautiful, and functional. As said above, Melody is an expandable tote, which explains the need for her side magnetic snaps! Not only do they allow the bag to expand or close with a simple, quick snap, but when closed, I think they had an extra special dimensional touch! Also take note of her side seam stripes! Love this feature! Talk about adding a fun pop of color!

Another special touch: The SNAP TAB! Love this functional touch!

As you can tell, Melody also has her own unique style of handles, which I loved making! Vinyl tubing is an optional touch for the handles, which will give them more dimension. I didn't have any on hand, but the beautiful thing is that I can still add them! :) I also love the o-rings! Hardware just adds a special touch to any bag I think.

 
Melody also has a mediumish size interior pocket, perfect for holding your phone, keys, lip gloss, and some cash or a small wallet. (Please excuse her wrinkles! She is still a little rumpled from her turning!)

So my final verdict??? PERFECTLY SWEET! Melody is an easy sew for experienced baggers and a safe project for even the inexperienced bagger to approach! Regardless, it is a project with beautiful results! She is just the right size for toting around the essentials and adding some jazz to your style! :) Stylish, functional, and perfect like all things Swoon! Make sure to be watching for her release on the Swoon website! I think I heard a rumor that she will be released sometime this week, like maybe FRIDAY! Just in time to whip out say one or two or ten for Christmas presents!!! :) While you eagerly await her release, check out these other beautiful Melody's by some very talented Swoon testers! They are sure to inspire you!

This Blue-Eyed Beauty was made by Sincerely Jen!

This Alice Wonder was made by Heather of Squatch!

This Featherlicious Delight was made by Sandra of Sew Sandra!

This Pop of Elegance was made by Trish of Lemon Drop Creations

This Budding Blossom was made by Amy of Silly Sea Turtle!

This Suave Suede was made by Sheri of Sassypants Satchels!

And last, but definitely not least, is this Floral Gem made by Amanda of In Stitches!

If these lovely Melodies don't inspire you, then I am afraid nothing will! ;) But I know that won't be the case! :)

The Secret Mess of Bags and Life

Today, I was thinking about sewing, as I often do, but instead of my normal sewing thoughts (what project can I make next? which fabric should I choose? when can I justify my next Girl Charlee order?), I was thinking about the sewing process, particularly the inside of the bags I have sewn. Don't ask me how I got on that thought! I have no idea. But this led me to thinking about how hidden between the beautiful finished lining and exterior of a bag is a mess.....a mess of white interfacing, thread pieces, seam allowances,

stitching lines, zipper tape, and the wrong side of a zipper pocket.

No one but the sewer usually sees this concealed mess. Mostly everyone else just sees the finished product, all neat and tidy, picture perfect!

But this unseen, unsung mess is what gives the outward picture its perfect form and beauty. Without it, the final product would not be there. This is kind of like people and life. So many people just see the outward, put-together person, and not the inner, tangled threads that have shaped and formed that visible persona. Often times, we don't take the time, think about, or even care to know what lies behind the surface, but perhaps if we could see, we would appreciate the outer all the more.

Who would have guessed that thoughts of sewing and bags could be so philosophical!?!? ;)

*Bag pictured is the Stella Weekender by Swoon Sewing Patterns (affiliate link)!

Introducing Sophia: The Beach Tote

Hello again blogging world! I know it has been forever! But at last, I am back with my latest project to share. And of course, it is only fitting that it is a Swoon bag! Let me introduce to you the soon to be released Sophia Beach Tote!

Isn't she a beauty??? I am in love already!

One of the coolest things about Sophia is her handles. I have never made handles like this, but today I became a huge fan of them. The handles are one long piece that wrap around the bag and are held in place with loops and button holes. So guess what that means???

They adjust to fit and hold your beach towel! Isn't that the coolest thing????

Of course, Sophia has enough room to hold your towel on the inside as well, along with everything else you might need on a beach trip or day at the lake.

Make sure you bring some hydration, a good book (or your nook/kindle/e-reader), sun glasses, sandals, and of course, sunscreen. Oh and maybe even a hat or a MeMe Mae cinched turban to keep that hair in place if the ocean breeze gets a little crazy. ;)

So let's get down to the specs of Sophia. As already mentioned, she has adjustable handles, which can hold a towel or even two. Sophia is massive, so she does require a rather generous amount of fabric. She has tons of room for everything you could possibly need for a day in the sun. She is even big enough for a weekend getaway! Honestly, Sophia is very versatile and should not be restricted to a beach tote alone! She has two pockets. The interior zipper pocket is perfect for keeping those valuables secure.

The exterior patch pocket is perfect for those things you want quick access to, such as your cell phone or sunglasses. This pocket has a magnetic snap closure.

The whole bag is also kept closed with a magnetic snap. Oh, and I spy one of my new labels. This is the second time I have gotten to use them.

As usual, the pattern is clear and easy to follow, with excellent instructions and visuals. I would rate this as an intermediate pattern, perfect for someone who has some bag making skills and experience with buttonholes, which really are easier than they sound. If you are a daring beginner, then I think you would be able to tackle Sophia because the directions really are so detailed.

Isn't she lovely??? Don't be jealous! Sophia is set to be released Friday, and then you can make one for yourself. If you need some inspiration, go to Swoon's facebook page and check out some of the other versions of Sophia made by some very talented Swoon testers. Or if you don't sew, Diedelbug Handmade makes beautiful Swoon bags and I am sure Sophia will be available in her shop soon.

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Welcome to the Newest Swoon Pattern: India Hobo Bag

I am so excited to share with you the newest Swoon Pattern that has just been released today!!! I know I love them all, but the India Hobo Bag is now my favorite bag! Check out my own special India!

Is she not dreamy?????? I keep staring at her and can't seem to leave the house without her, even if I don't need a bag!

Doesn't she just hang so nicely??? The strap width and length is perfect! Leave it long and wear it crossbody style or tie a knot and throw it over your shoulder and wear it shorty style!

I normally do not fuss over my cutting but for India, I took my time and made sure I  cut the fabric so the bird would be front and center! I was very pleased with how it turned out! By the way, both the interior and exterior fabric are Premier Prints and home decor fabric. Both were purchased online through fabric.com.

 Anyways, enough showing her off! Let's get to the pattern specifics! The India Hobo bag pattern comes with two size options! (The size option shown here is the larger one) The specific dimensions of each size are listed on the pattern. This is a fairly easy sew. Not as easy or quick as Coraline by any means, but I think she may be slightly easier than Eleanor. If you are familiar with Swoon Patterns, you will recognize those patterns. If not, check them out! They are great too! But back to India. She will probably take you around three hours to cut and sew, maybe more, maybe less depending on your skill level. The only supplies required are fabric, interfacing, and two 7" zippers. There is no hardware. You can use either home decor or quilting cotton fabric. As I said, I used home decor for both fabrics and I did not use interfacing, since this was duck cloth, a much thicker fabric. I love the thickness of it and yet it slouches just perfectly. Some people still prefer to use interfacing even with the home decor fabric, so follow your preference.

As to her style, India is completely reversible, so you can get two looks in one bag! There are two zipper pockets, one on the outside and one on the inside. The outside zip pocket is perfect for you cell phone and keys; things you want easy access too but don't want to slip out!

There are also two slip pockets, again one on the outside and the other on the inside, both right below the zipper pockets. These are excellent for holding your e-reader or sunglasses perhaps! Your wallet can go inside the bag or safely tuck it in the interior zipper pocket!  Obviously, you have plenty of storing options with this bag!

This bag is truly amazing and a must have! Every time I throw it on, it reminds me that spring and summer are nearing! Why??? Maybe it is because the sun has been shinning this week and I have filled India with my sunglasses and nook and headed out to read in the sun! Or maybe it is just because looking at this bag brightens my day! haha

Well what are you waiting for?? Go check out the India Hobo Bag out at Swoon Sewing Patterns today! Happy Sewing!

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What a Betty!

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Today is a VERY special day! :) Well yes, it is my birthday, so of course, I am partial to this day! :) However, today is also Betty's birthday (or debut)! Who is Betty you ask??? Why she is the newly released (as in TODAY) Betty Bowler Bag by Swoon Sewing Patterns !!!!
Can I just say I LOVE this pattern????? Yes, I know I say this about every Swoon pattern, but Betty is my most favorite (Sorry Stella, Eleanor, and Rosie! I still love you all too)!!!! There is just something about her. She really is a true Betty! A classic/vintage beauty, a babe of a bag!

So without further ado, here is .....(drum roll)....BETTY Swoon Sewing Patterns!!!

Isn't she one classy lady?!?!?! Can't you see why she is my ultimate fav????? Now that you have gotten some good visuals, let's discuss her specs!

First, she has great structure, as you can tell from her photo shoot above. This structure is created using Craft Fuse and Fleece interfacing. This was my first time using Craft Fuse and I love it! It sure adds structure and crispness to fabric! Like Stella, she also has a stiff bottom that is made using two pieces of Peltex. (All of the interfacing/stabilizers used to make this bag are Pellon products and can be purchased at Jo-Ann's.)

Secondly, she has beautiful piping that really adds to her classic beauty. This was my first time with piping (well minus one other attempt but I never completed that project and it was only a short straight line)! I was nervous but it really turned out well. There are so many tutorials out there too that really help you overcome any piping apprehensions! And if you are just too scared, you can make Betty without piping, as a few of the Swoon testers did (and they were all lovely!). The pattern also shows you how to make your own piping, which is nice since it is often hard to find pre-made piping that matches your fabric choices perfectly. I got lucky, so I went the easy (lazy) route. :)

By the way, this video showed me an easy method for connecting piping.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZESVL1Fmiw


Thirdly, this pattern is so versatile. She has different handle options. You can use hardware like I did or you can make them without. Instructions are given for both.  (Hardware purchased from strapworks.com)

Her stripe panels add to her versatility, for you can use just one stripe or none at all, or you can adjust the width to your liking. Like I said above, the piping is optional too. No two Betty's will ever look alike, unless of course, you want to make twins. :)


Concerning compartments, this girl has a very cool vertical, exterior zipper pocket, which is the perfect size for your passport or cell phone or both (Betty is a perfect carry-on bag)!

Passport

Passport and Cell phone

On one of the inside panels, there is one long slip pocket that extends the length of the bag; perfect for your Nook or Tablet! :)

Now lets have a size comparison. Here is a picture of Betty alongside Stella, so you can see the difference.

They are very similar in height; however, Stella is longer and a little bulkier. Honestly, if you are torn between the two, you should really just make yourself both! A matching set even! Won't you be the Bell of the airport, with a Betty and Stella on each arm!!! :)

Well I have gone on enough about my new love Betty, so I will be silent now. But I will leave you with the following song. The start of the chorus is perfect for Betty! And I don't know about you but I just felt that Betty deserved a song on her big day! :) And she sure is "strong and steady" but don't worry, you won't have to sell your jalopy to buy her. ;) (Listen to the song and you'll get it)

A Stellar Announcement

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Yesterday,  Swoon Sewing Patterns released yet another great pattern to its already marvelous collection of PDF sewing patterns! Let's all give a warm welcome to the Stella Weekender Bag ! As many of you have probably already guessed (due to many blog posts featuring a Swoon project), I really am in love with all things Swoon! This pattern is no exception! I became a Swoon pattern tester about a month ago, my first tester project being the little girl's cardigan. Stella, however, is my first bag to test, so she is extra special!

So without further ado, let me introduce you to Stella (well at least my version of Stella)!

Front Pic

Back Pic

Isn't she amazing??? The evening I finished her, I just sat and stared, hardly believing I had actually made such a bag! Trust me, it wasn't like I just snapped my fingers and presto, there she was! This girl takes work, but as you can see, the end result is kind of worth all that hard work. :)

So what makes Stella so special? Well let's put her under the microscope. Stella is full of some serious interfacing and stabilizer! Her exterior pieces are reinforced with fleece, while her lining pieces are reinforced with a lightweight interfacing. Her handles and bottom are reinforced with Peltex, a seriously wicked stabilizer. Before attaching the lining to the exterior part, I actually snapped a picture of her insides. Poor Stella would be so mortified. ;)

She definitely has plenty of body! Can I be biased and say that my stitching looks pretty darn good, even on the inside?!?!?! :)

On top of excellent structure and form, this girl is fully lined.  

I LOVE the chocolate polka dots!

She has carrying options. If your hands need a rest, throw her over your shoulder with her removable strap. I added a nice shoulder pad to my Stella, which I purchased from Strapworks.com. This is also where I purchased her strap loops and swivel snaps. Strapworks is the place to buy bag hardware (and straps of course)! Seriously, you won't be able to find better deals!

Another fabulous feature of Stella is all her room! She definitely has enough compartments to hold all you need for a quick weekend getaway or the necessary essentials to carry on your flight in case the worst happens: your luggage fails to make it to your vacation destination. Stella is also the perfect size for a roomy diaper bag. Who says diaper bags can't have style??? I packed my Stella with some perfect weekender/travel essentials just so you could see how roomy this girl is.

Speaking of room and compartments, does this girl have pockets!!! Stella is the queen of pockets! She has pockets on the outside and pockets on the inside.

She has an exterior zipper pocket,

cargo pockets (my first time making!!!),

open pockets (inside and outside),

Inside Open Pockets

Outside Open Pockets

and even side pockets.

After such an impressive resume, are you really that surprised by her name? She really is out of this world great!

Now, I must be honest with you. This bag is not a simple project. If you are looking for a quick afternoon project, Stella is NOT your girl.  Stella takes time, patience, and determination. My suggestion is to tackle Stella in parts. Spend an afternoon (or two) cutting out all her pieces, another fusing all that interfacing to the fabric, and another (or two) putting her together. Take your time and enjoy the project, keeping a mental picture of the beautiful finished project in your mind. And honestly, if you can get past the cutting and fusing, you've accomplished over half the battle. Putting her together is the fun part! Don't be intimidated! I have only been sewing for a little over a year and look at my Stella! The instructions to this pattern are so clear and detailed, and the accompanying illustrations are an added bonus! You really can do this!

So what are you waiting for??? Go visit Swoon Sewing Patterns today and pick up Stella ! Make yourself a weekender bag that everyone will be talking about! Make one for someone on your Christmas list!

Material Credits:

Exterior fabric (Home Decor)- Premier Prints Traditions French Blue/Brown (purchased on fabric.com)
Interior/lining fabric (Quilting Cotton)- Spot On II Polka Dots White/Brown (purchased on fabric.com 

Pellon Products-
Pellon 971F (Fleece)
Pellon 911FF (Lightweight interfacing)
Peltex 71F (Stabilizer)

Hardware and Notions-
Magnetic snaps (cargo pocket closures)-Jo-Ann's 
Zippers-purchased from http://www.etsy.com/shop/zipit
Strap loops, swivel snaps, and shoulder pad-purchased from strapworks.com