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DIY Labels and a lot of quilted bags

Quilted coin purse


Hello,

Guess what? I finally made DIY fabric labels! Yes, using my the new printer and the iron on heat transfer paper. The paper is actually vinyl. So once you have your design in place, all you have to do is print it on your Inkjet printer, peel off the vinyl and iron it on to the fabric! It's such a quick process. The paper is available for laser printer also, but the result is not as good as inkjet. What's more, you can even draw on the vinyl - maybe using fabric pens. It's fun project. I bought the paper from Amazon (not affiliated link). 
I put a  short tutorial on my YOUTUBE channel
On the video I iron the labels onto fabrics. I also iron it directly on the wallets for personalization, like in this post






DIY handmade labels


I love how I can customized the labels according to my liking (mood).  And of course I have to start using the labels! I have many prepped pouches in my WIP bins, so that would be great projects to utilize the labels. It's fun because I can use the color that match the fabrics. Maybe next time I will make labels with colored background! 



Quilted Coin Purses



For the small makeup bags and pencil pouches, I made folded labels. It's 1" x 2" labels but it was a little too big. Next time, I will make 1" x 1.5". I wanted folded labels for a long time but could not find vendors who can do for a small quantity.  I guess, good things come to those who wait is true!! 


block print makeup bags
Block Print Small Makeup Bags

quilted pencil bags
Quilted Pencil Pouches


And, my happy mail this week is this book! I decided ( a little late) to join the embroidery journal bandwagon on my Sewing Circle whatsapp group. I am so bad at drawing icons and whatever I drew looked so weird! This book is a gem. It has so many designs! I will share my progress next time, for now let me catchup on the embroidery! I try to work on the embroidery before I am going to bed at night unless I have orders to finish. 




That's all for today, thank you so much for stopping by! 

Have a nice day,

Elvira





Block print passport wallets

passport wallet
Kalamkari Passport Holder


Last month, Etsy sent email stated  there was a bug on Etsy that they belatedly found  and as a result a lot of my listings were not charged for renewal for the past year. So by April 1st, Etsy deactivated all the affected listings, and I did not realize it until a few days ago when I saw my shop were practically empty! This both affected my fabric shop and my handmade shop! Now I have more than 200 listings to relist and as I am on it, I will rework on the SEO, etc before put them back on the listing. I think it's a blessing in disguise also, as I have been wanted to work on the SEO on some of my listings. But yeah it's a lot of work - I will do it one step at a time! 

Anyway, I have been busy making a few passport wallets last week. This time I am using block print fabrics! They have been on my WIP bins for a couple of months and finally I got time (and the mood) to finish them! 

I am super happy with how these kalamkari passport wallet turned out. I have made only the rustic indigo color in the past and as I got order for the same, I might as well finish the rest! 

For the kalamkari wallets, I offered 2 closure - zip around or snap button in my ETSY SHOP. 


Zipper Closure


Snap Button Closure


The next are these red and blue-ish grey floral passport holder. I really love these floral fabrics and I love how the wallets turned out. They are so unique and light weight, you can keep upto 4 passports  in it. 


Red & Blue Block Print Floral Passport Wallet




And if you love something vibrant and bright, the yellow floral passport wallet is perfect for you. The yellow floral fabric is chanderi cotton fabric and combined it with red tie dye fabric. 

I still have the fabric, maybe I will make something else. Let's see! 

Yellow Floral Passport Cover


All the passport wallets I finished and are already available in ETSY and my WEBSITE. What do you think?

So that was quite productive week for me. Batching work really works for me, especially as I am going through perimenopause stage now with all the weird symptoms and swing of energy level! When the mood is good and everything is prepped, I can complete more work in less time. 

Recently I love watching these small (sewing) business vlog by many young women (college girls) on YouTube, and I marvel at how they organize their work around the school work, online shop and even doing crafts shows! I do learn many things from them and it's lovely to see how enterprising they are! Very inspiring! 


Thank you so much for stopping by today! 

Have a nice day,


Elvira

Linking up to these wonderful BLOGS


Hello April



Hello, 
How time flies! We observed Ramadan and celebrated Eid  last month. This time I did not do much cooking since the boys are away in college. Feel a little bit sad especially for the younger one because he spent Ramadan and Eid away from the family for the first time. The elder son went to Indonesia to spend Eid with his grandma and aunts (my mom and sisters). He went for a week and had a blast! Alhamdulillah for the internet, even though we celebrated Eid in different countries, we still able to see each other on facetime. 

During Ramadan, I did not do much sewing except for a couple of custom orders. So after Eid, I am eager to start making a few things. 

This curtain for the side table is the first one. The main purpose is hide the ugly sights behind the curtain hahaha. The table has all sort of things, including my sons gaming consoles and accessories. I was inspired to make the curtain after watching Chiyo Kezuka post on Instagram. She had a small TV behind the curtain!! I love watching he video on Youtube too but never thought that there's TV behind it! 
I got the block print fabric from Meenakshi (Rustic Origin) maybe around 2years ago. I wanted to make noren curtain in between the TV room and my sewing room. But afterwards I am not so sure , maybe later I will find an inspiration and make one! 



Last month, I've been sending quite a lot of these cute keychains! I need to make more variety! I wanted to make a trip to the market to get more laces, but I always ended up buying online. It's  more practical that way, plus there are more choices online. 

One of a kind fabric keychains


I also made these crossbody phone bags for order. One is regular size that can fit smart phone upto 6" Height and the Plus size can for smart phone up to 6.5" height. This time, I used thin batting to give more structure since the linen is thin. Unlike the one I made last month.




And I am inspired by Rebekah's post on Instagram, I made a DIY note card using  flash card and left over  fabric from the bag. I cut the edges of the card and fabric using pinking scissors and then  simply glue it using fabric glue. it makes pretty cute little card note, don't you think? 





The son sent this photo - taken at his campus 

That's all for the first week of  April. Thank you for taking time to read my blog! 

Have a nice day,

Elvira





Phone Crossbody Bags

Coduroy Phone Bag
Corduroy Crossbody Phone Bag


Few days ago I went through my WIP drawers for the phone bag. I've been wanting to make a few bags for the shop. I have prepped a few and even sew the the flaps but somehow never got around to finish it. Here are the first 2 crossbody phone bags that I finished last week: 

I have the corduroy fabric for a long time, I think I made something with it but could not remember what! The corduroy is pretty study, so I decided to skip the interfacing for this bag. Instead, I used the interfacing on the lining just to give it enough structure but not too heavy. The flap I used indigo block print fabric. It's leftover fabric from making this quilt. You can check more Indigo fabrics HERE

For the strap and the D-ring tab, I also did not use interfacing and I kind of liking it! I was thinking to use faux leather strap that I have but somehow the color does not match. The result is roomy mini crossbody bag! I love it! 



mobile sling bag with pocket
Corduroy Block Print Combo Bag


Another thing I tried, is doing the drop lining method to put the bag together. This method will be easier for those with wrist problem like me! It's easier to "birth" the bag this way. I will try to record the video and take proper photos on my next bag. 

OK, next one is this Denim combo sling bag. The denim was already prepped with all purpose interfacing, so I just used that. But I did not use batting this time. The result is good and sturdy denim bag. For the strap, I did not use any interfacing since the denim is pretty heavy one. 


Denim Floral Phone Bag

mobile sling bag with zipper pocket
With zipper pocket!! 


The corduroy bag does not have zipper pocket because I forgot to add one! Thanks to my perimenopause brain. But if anyone want with zippered back pocket, I'll be happy to make one.  This is how it looks on my dress form! 



This mobile sling bag is my go to bag when I go for a walk,  for a quick errand and even when I travel. The pattern has 3 sizes and the phone bag is the smallest size. 


That's all for today, thank you so much for stopping by today! 

Have a nice day,

Elvira




 

Travel passport wallet set

Passport Wallet and mini backpack set
Passport Wallet & Mini Keychain Backpack

 

I have so much fun making this set of travel wallet and mini backpack! I have completed 2 sets now and have a few cuts and ready to sew. So stay tuned for more. 

This orange crazy patchwork print fabric has been in my stash for a long time. I found it in my stash and I know instantly it's going to be great for Voyage wallet and the Viola mini backpack! Now I am thinking of making a big or medium bag in the same print! Hmm...let's see. 


patchwork passport wallet

small passport holder
Orange Patchwork Passport Holder

Mini keychain backpack
Mini Keychain Backpack - Orange Patchwork


And the second set is this vintage print in black and grey! I made family passport wallet with the same fabric a few weeks ago and after making the small passport holder, I have a small piece leftover which is just enough to make the mini backpack! I did fussy cut for the backpack.  I really love how this set turned out! Now I wish I have a trip planned haha! 


vintage passport wallet and mini backpack

Vintage Style Passport Holder

Vintage Style Mini Keychain Backpack



*****


In case you're looking for bag patterns, The Big Bag Bundle Sale from Sew Modern Bag is still going on till Midnight on the 18th. There are 21 bag, purse and wallet patterns for only $21 - That means only $1 each pattern.*
This is really a great deal if you want to learn making different kind of bags! 
(*This post includes affiliate link)


Big Bag Bundle March 2025



That's all for today. Thank you for stopping by today! 

Have a nice day! 

Elvira






PATTERN SALE - 21 Bag Patterns for Only $21


Hello, 

The Big Bag Bundle  on Sew Modern Bag is back again! This time it's 21 patterns, including 4 new patterns, for ONLY  USD 21 !! That means $1 each pattern! 

If you plan to learn more about making bag in different style, this is the time to invest in the pattern! 

The SALE will end on March 18 @ "midnight" PDT /7 AM UTC/ 7:30 PM IST.


BUY THE BUNDLE NOW


** This post includes links that may earn me a commission**


Thank you so much for your supports!

Have a nice day,

Elvira

New Pattern - Viola Mini Backpack

Mini Bag Sewing pattern


Hello,

I'm so excited to introduce you to a charming sewing project suitable for everyone: The Viola Mini Backpack!!

Whether you're just starting out and need a simple, quick project, or you're an experienced sewist with fabric scraps to spare, this pattern is perfect for you. 

This delightful, micro-sized backpack is designed to carry small essentials and accessories, making it a versatile addition to your collection. Perfect for those who appreciate the art of creating miniature bags. Whether you use it as a doll accessories,  bag charm or for practical purposes such as carrying your daily essentials, this tiny backpack adds a touch of charm to your everyday life.

 
mini keychain backpacks

DETAILS

The pattern is perfect for beginners as well as seasoned sewists. This mini backpack comes with full scale templates and step by step video tutorial.

Dimension: 2.75” W x 3.75” H x 2” D (9 x 7 x 5 cm) -  It's compact in size but can fit in a lot of stuff! 

FEATURES:

QUICK & EASY: Designed for rapid completion, you can whip up this mini backpack in no time

SCRAP BUSTER FRIENDLY: Ideal for using up those fabric scraps you've been saving for the perfect project.

BEGINNERS FRIENDLY: Simple instructions make it accessible for beginners while still satisfying seasoned sewists.

CUSTOMIZABLE: Choose your favourite fabrics to create a mini bag that matches your personal style.

PRACTICAL USE: Perfect for holding daily essentials, money, makeup, charging cables and Air Pods, Emergency medicines, etc.



Great to store small items like Air Pods, charging cables, etc

Fully Lined - No bias binding involved :)


Faux Leather Version


Here's the video tutorial: 




Pattern details: 
  • Cotton fabric scraps
  • Zipper scraps (size5)
  • Keychain or key rings
  • Measurement in both Imperial and Metric
  • The pattern comes with full scale templates that can be printed on home printer using A4 size paper. 
  • Simple English instructions with clear step by step photo tutorial.

Whether you are looking to declutter your fabric stash or create a thoughtful handmade gift, this Viola Mini Backpack sewing pattern got you covered. This could the project to showcase those small fave fabrics pieces that you kept for a long time :)

The pattern is on 25% OFF from NOW to 13th March on both my WEBSITE and ETSY




Thank you so much for your continued support! 


Happy Sewing!

Elvira

Last week recap

small zipper wallet


Last week has been pretty busy for me. I finished a few order, working on a new stuff and also working on my website. 


1. This Sunbonnet Sue wallet is now done and delivered to Tamil Nadu. It's been a while since I made Nuno wallet. I was looking at my Nuno wallet WIPS yesterday and I really need to start making more! 


 
Here's the behind the seams video!



2. Trying out a couple more of DIY packaging for the keychains. I got the ideas from Instagram reels and Youtube Shorts. I think I like the one on the right with the part of the keychain exposed in the middle. What do you think?

faux leather keychains
Handmade Keychains


3. I finally bought Eco Tank inkjet printer and also bought HTV paper. Now I can make my own Iron on label and also do personalization for wallet. Here's the first one! I kinda like this result. 
I was thinking to buy Cricut but it's a bit too high for my budget right now. This Epson printer works perfectly for me for now. Can't wait to do more personalization! 

Personalised passport wallet
Personalized Family Passport Wallet


4. Sending out a few fabrics orders too! 

Hand woven shot cotton fabrics

Floral cotton fabrics
Floral Hand Block Print Fabrics

More block printed fabrics


5. A few random stuff!  

Don't throw the selvage, use it as ribbon substitute for hanging tag! I kind a love it :)



Trying out new Indonesian Caramel Cake recipe I saw on Instagram! It turned out well and hubby loved it! 



Had a meeting with Indonesian ambassador when she visited my city. She wanted to meet a few Indonesian who lives here (there are only 3 of us!!) and received lovely souvenirs from Indonesia! We had a lovely dinner and catching up on several news and issues. I am feeling very grateful. 





That's all for today, thank you so much for stopping by! 

Have a nice day,

Elvira

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