A Little Temptation!

I have spent a little time working on some new bag samples for the store.  These are actually supposed to be part of the "Bag Window" that will be displayed for June and part of July.  Normally, I would be doing these at the last minute.  For some strange reason, I'm making them now!  Must be a sign of the apocalypse!

Anyway, instead of stashing these away until June, I wanted to show these pictures now because these would make some cute gift ideas for Mother's Day.  They take minimal time and minimal supplies.  The key element is the mesh fabric.  This is not the stiff stuff mesh like a window screen.  This is the soft mesh like that used in some athletic items.

Peek A Pouch by Sisters' Common Thread
8 1/2" x 6" x 2"

Jiffy Bags-Tall by Sisters' Common Thread
8 1/2" x 7" x 2 1/2" and 10" x 9" x 3 1/2" 

The Peek A Pouch requires just one fat quarter of fabric.  The zipper for that one is just the standard 14" zipper that we have in many colors and use in many little bags.  I did diverge from the directions just slightly, I used Soft & Stable instead of fusible batting in my sample.  I will probably make another one with the batting for comparison.  The Soft & Stable worked out great, but do remember to use your walking foot.  It stands up on its own and has room for all kinds of necessary items.  

The Jiffy Bags require only the mesh for the body of the bag, making it entirely transparent.  My adult kids love this kind of bag for packing in their suitcases.  They will put their underwear in one, socks in another, cords in another.  The pattern does call for a sport weight zipper for these, and that's what I used, but that could be replaced by the lighter weight zipper as used in the Peek A Pouch.  I used pretty ribbons to make the handle and grip at the ends of the zipper, but you could also make your tabs of fabric folded and topstitched.  These don't stand up on their own, I have them stuffed and propped for their picture.

If these look interesting to you, just ask us for the patterns.  We have some mesh packages in a couple of colors, and we will look for more colors, too.  And in June, look for these samples in the display window, along with more ideas.

Ladies' Bags (Not Bag Ladies!)

Bags, purses, totes---

whatever you call them, we love to make them!

First on our list of Quilt MN 2013 bags is the Claire Handbag by Lazy Girl Designs, sewn for us by Linda.  An excellent addition to your personal bag collection!  Numerous pockets make it easy to stow your necessities, and the size is very accommodating (10 1/4" w x 9 1/4"h x 4"d).  The Lazy Girl patterns are fully illustrated with color photos with step-by-step instructions 

and tips galore.

Claire Handbag by Lazy Girl

Second in our lineup is the Tabitha Jane bag, one of our Rose Card patterns from Villa Rosa Designs.  Debbie stitched up this sample--this is one bag that is completely reversible, so I am showing you both personalities of one bag--

This easy-going shoulder bag will be extremely handy for your quilt shop hopping, roomy enough (16 1/2" tall x 18" wide) to hold some super fibrous goodies.  This bag is made from 4 fat quarters, so pick any of your favorite themes or choose from our extensive supply of fat quarters in addition to our Quilt MN fabrics.  One of the bonus points with this bag is that the pattern, like all of the Rose Card patterns, is only $2.25!  What's not to love?!

Call us at 651-429-1039 to request and reserve your bag patterns!

All About Bags

We have previously enjoyed some of the great little bags and totes that are designed by Annie Unrein.  Now we have expanded our selection and added her zippers.  

Her patterns include lots of little details that make your bag have the look and feel of something that's not "homemade".  One key component is this:

 

 Soft and Stable is available in small packages or by the yard.  We love it for the firm yet soft stabilization that it gives to bags.  Most bag patterns call for fusible fleece or other battings/interfacings, and you might want to try substituting some Soft and Stable instead.

These are 4 of Annie's new bags.  Well, new to us, anyway!

 

 Ditty Bags includes 3 sizes from 6 1/2" x 4" on up to 10" x 6".  They call for only 3 fabrics, and fat quarters are big enough for even the large size.  A zipper is needed, and we have even the long ones.  Optional directions for a clear vinyl lining are included to make this water-resistant.

Project Bags includes 4 sizes ranging from 6 x 10 up to 16 x 16.  Perfect for storing and organizing blocks that need to lay flat, not folded.  Clear vinyl is sewn into the front of the bag so you can actually see what is inside at a glance.  Webbing is used for the handle but is covered with fabric to match your project, so you can use any color of webbing!

Cosmetic Clutches again offer 3 sizes , and instead of a zipper closure, magnetic snaps are used.

Cell Phone/Camera Case & Wallet is a multifunctional bag that will organize all your basic personal needs.  It closes securely with a zipper, and uses hardware to make the handle detachable.

An optional kit is available that contains the little hardware gadgets that you might have trouble finding.  We have similar "finishing kits" available for 2 more of her bags, On The Go bag and To Market, To Market.

Below are some of the zippers that we have purchased to supplement the large selection of 14" zippers that we know and love.  These are 24" and 30" long.  The 30" zipper is also a double pull, so is just what you need for those zipper placements that can open from either side.  The teeth are a little chunkier and the cloth tape is wider, making them ideal for sewing into bags with layers of interfacing and batting.

 Two more new bags from This & That--

The larger bag with the clear vinyl front is Whatcha Got, and the smaller one is Sew Uptown.

Sew Uptown is a cute little 4" x 6" bag with an internal zipper, a snap flap over a pleated pocket, and a convenient handle strap attached with a d-ring and claw clamp, which we carry as well.
Whatcha Got includes a small pouch (8x10) and a large pouch (10x14).  A zipper closes the top.

It's All About the Bag!

Fresh new bag samples stitched up for you and on display!

Book Club Bag by Around the Bobbin

Sassy Swing Bag by Around the Bobbin

Saffron Bucket Bag by Around the Bobbin (on the left)
and Ship Shape by Green Bee Design

Pen Pal by Prairie Sky Quilting 

Margo by Lazy Girl 

Sassy Tote Bag by Around the Bobbin

Karen's Tote by Totes by Sandy

Button Up Rick Rack Tote
from the pattern Six In the City by Artful Offerings

The Classic Clutch by Anka's Treasures

A Great Read

If you are a bag lady, or have the secret dream of becoming a bag lady, this is a book for you!  It would even make a great gift for a bag lady friend!

written by Lisa Lam, published by David and Charles, available at Bear Patch

There is a total of 12 unique bag designs in this book with full-size paper patterns included.  If you have ever looked at books published by David and Charles, you will recognize their ability to include lots of detailed photos and diagrams.  Lisa is an accomplished bag designer and blog writer from England and this is her second book.  The first was titled The Bag Making Bible.  This new book includes lots and lots of basic information and details and tips on making your bags look like a real professional worked on it!  There are 36 pages of information like the pictures below:

Details regarding fabrics (including laminates), hardware, pattern reading, zippers, interfacings, etc. are explained.  It is hard cover with that great spiral binding.  The book sells for $27.99 and is worth every penny! 

Variations on a Theme

Here's a fun project that is a great example of ways to personalize a simple bag pattern.  Three people started out with the same fabric but ended up with different looks.  We each found a different coordinating striped fabric for the trim.  Some pockets were altered, straps were changed, etc.  

The source for the ideas came from the Label Crew by Sweetwater.  The Label Crew delivers a little pattern and a set of custom labels to my mailbox every month.  This bag was the most recent arrival.  These are some of the labels included:

This bag is made with a product called Soft and Stable, which gives it the ability to stand up on its own power.  Available at Bear Patch, of course!  It was pretty easy to sew with and gave good results.  You should give it a try!