New Video and Pattern Update

 Hello,

MiniMax Crossbody Bag

It's been a long time and I hope you all are doing great. There are a lot of things happening right now at ChezVies, some are sewing related and some are not.

At my sewing corner, recently I updated the Phone & Kindle Pouch pattern after getting a lot of constructive feedback via emails as well as comments on Youtube. Oh, I also name it the MiniMax Crossbody bag. It's a mini bag with maximum utility. Truly giving a name to a pattern is not easy, it took me 3 days to find the name that I feel will match the bag. 

So what's new with this updated pattern?

First, I added one more template to accommodate larger smartphones. I made a tutorial on how to scale up the pattern in my blog so I thought, I will add it to the new updated MiniMax Crossbody Bag pattern.

For the second one, I also added instructions for adding a back zipper pocket, which I also previously shared in my blog.

 

 

In the new version, instead of a picture diagram, I used real photos in the tutorial with clear step-by-step instructions. I also added a video tutorial for using faux leather or vinyl.

WATCH VIDEO

I hope you enjoy the videos and if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or email me with your questions.

Don't forget to check other tutorials on my Youtube Channel.

If you have not purchased the pattern, head to my website and use code CVG20 to get 20% off. The coupon is valid for ALL Patterns.

Download the pattern

Thank you for being part of my sewing journey and this creative community! If you shared on social media please use hashtag #chezviespatterns. I would love to see your lovely creations.

Elvira

Linking up to these wonderful BLOGS

Mini Sling Bag Pattern Hack

Hello, how's everyone doing? I've been pretty busy making masks and few custom orders. I really appreciate your supports in the past few months since the pandemic started. It's been very tough for everyone, especially with heartbreaking news everywhere. Let's stay positive,  be kind, and help each other. Do what we can as an individual as well as a community. 

Today I will share how to scale up the mini sling bag the easy way without any computer involved. I know it's frustrating to scale up the pattern on the computer and print it a few times before you get the size that you want. 

This mobile sling bag pattern is very versatile. You can easily adjust the pattern based on 2 things:

1. Phone model
2. Whether or not it has a softcover. Softcover makes the phone slightly thicker. 

The basic is if you scale up the height of one part of the pattern do the same with the rest of the pattern pieces too. If you increase the height of the main body panel, increase the height/length of the pocket and flap too. Unless you want a shorter flap. Since the pattern pieces are mostly rectangle it's easy to increase the length or the height.

This basic rule applied if you want to increase the width too. I'd suggest increasing the width especially if you want to add a thicker batting or wadding.  Now, here's how to increase the width of the curvy flap:

1. Take one piece of paper and fold it in half lengthwise. From the fold, mark how much you want to increase by drawing a straight line e.g 0.5 inches away from the fold. 
2. Fold the original pattern lengthwise and place the fold on the line you just made and trace the pattern.






3. Now it will look like picture # 3. Cut along the line you just traced.
4. Your new wider pattern is done. This will increase the overall width by 1 inch. If you want to increase the overall width by 0.5 inches, draw the line 0.25 inches from the fold.

This matryoshka phone sling bag is to fit the new iPhone 11 and the newest android phone. I increase the length and width using the method above. 

If you want to learn how to make this mini sling bag, you can get the pattern on ETSY or my Webshop. 

Here is a supporting video I made a few months ago. I'll make better video when time permits :)

More Pattern Hack/Update

How to Add Zipper Pocket

Thank you for stopping by.

Take care & stay safe!

- Elvira- 

Dotty Purse ~ Tester Photos

Here I will share some Dotty Purse tester photos! These ladies are so talented and they really helped me to shape up the pattern and take it to another level!

I love Ulrike's  Denim and Leather version of Dotty Purse. The grid quilting in denim really pretty and the denim leather strap is really neat and professionally done. Check out more products The Busy Sewing Room, she makes lovely bags and wallets. 

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The #dottypurse by @chezvies is now available! Isn't this the cutest little purse 😍 #newpattern #patternrelease #chezviespatterns #denimpurse #denimhandbag #custommade #handmade #bagmaking #bagineer #madebyme #hmukfamily #hmukshop #hmuk #madeinyorkshire #justacard #smallbizuk #isewbags #smallbusiness #makersgonnamake #bagmaker #handmadeisbest #hellosmallshop #thebusysewingroom

A post shared by TheBusySewingRoom (@thebusysewingroom) on Dec 2, 2019 at 8:23am

Maria's love for floral is contagious LOL. I just have to check her Instagram to be inspired! This Dotty Purse in Quilt as You Go Patchwork is really really pretty. Now you can turn those orphan blocks into something pretty and usable!

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It was so much fun testing this cute little purse by @chezvies_shop Can be used as a crossbody bag, clutch or makeup bag. The Dotty Mini Purse is the perfect pattern if you are looking to learn new techniques, patchwork, binding, recessed zipper, and cardslots.The pattern is available now at a 20% discount till the end of the week. #dottyminipurse #chezviespatterns #handmade #patchwork #crossbodybag #clutch #makeupbag #bagineer #florals #floralfabric #binding #cardslots

A post shared by Maria (@miacreates) on Dec 2, 2019 at 9:54am PST

And the Boho Style Dotty Purse by Madhavi! She used her Indian fabric scraps and it turn out very unique! She has more unique bags and purses on her Etsy Shop.

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New product. 😍 Dotty Sling Purse - a pattern by @chezvies_shop this is such a cute sling bag. Enough to carry your keys, goggles, wallet. Also has card slots inside. It's a lovely cute sling. We are now taking pre-orders for this one. #kaarukriti #creationsdilse #handmadebags #chucktheplastic #handmadegoodness #sewing #sewists #sewistsofinstagram #gothandsmake #supportmompreneurs #supportsmallbusiness #buyhandmade #handcraftedgoodness #grateful #bringyourownbag #sunglasspouch #sunnies #slingbags #crossbodybags #momlife #supportmompreneurs #empowerher #liftherup #bagmakers #workfromhome #imakebags #iamabagmaker #isewbags #lifeinuk

A post shared by Maddy (@maddzz78) on Dec 2, 2019 at 7:42am PST

This  classic beauty Black & White and Red patchwork Dotty from Crystal is a real winner! You must check her Instagram to see all her tiny patchwork blocks she made. They are gorgeous!!

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Such a fun sew!!! ❤️🖤❤️ I am SO HAPPY to share my #dottiepatchworkminipurse @chezvies_shop It’s the perfect size for a crossbody or a pouch to hold all of your essentials. ⏪⏪Swipe ⏩⏩ #bagmaker #bags #quiltedbag #sewing #diy #bonnieandcamillefabric #makersgonnamake #imadethis #isewbags #handmade #quilting #sewingpatterns #chezviespatterns #dottieminipurse #littlesnippetsfabric #patchwork

A post shared by Crystal Harrison (@sewtava) on Dec 2, 2019 at 5:05pm PST

That's all for today! More Dotty Purse photos, I will share in the next few post! I hope I can inspire you enough to dig out your scraps and start sewing those stash!! 

Thank you for checking in. 

Happy Sewing! 

- Elvira-  

*****

You can buy Dotty Mini Purse from : 

Etsy
Webshop

New Pattern - Dotty Mini Patchwork Purse and Giveaway Link

Dotty Mini Pure
ETSY  | WEBSHOP

If you love sewing, the chance is you have lots of fabric scraps! Now, here's one pattern that you can make totally from scraps. This Dotty Mini Purse  really need very little  fabrics. Barely one FQ for lining and the rest you can use the scraps. 

Add long strap for crossbody bag

I am a scrap hoarders, as you may see in many of my posts. Scrappy quilts always amaze me and now I can turn them into pretty bags!! Yay! This pattern is super easy that you can get it done in one afternoon (if the family leave you alone :D ). I made 5 so far with denim, linen, yarn dye fabrics, etc. I will share them in my next few posts along with the fabulous talented tester whom without them, this would not be possible! Stay tuned for the tester photos! 

The Dotty Line Up

Truly, writing pattern is not easy. I told Namrata of Bagstock Design, that I wish I paid more attention during the English class LOL. This bag pattern is written in a simple English, that I hope people whose English is not their first language can understand. 

The bag itself is pretty basic. I included basic patchwork piecing technique for those who wants to learn making patchwork/quilt bag. Really, it's not a rocket science. 

The lining is pretty straightforward, with card slot pocket. I took this out several times and got a lot of compliments! 

By the way Sequoia Lynn Sews is going to have sew along in her brand new YouTube Channel and we'll have giveaway on her Blog and Youtube! Be sure you'll check it out. I will re-post it here, once it's live!! So excited!! 

Happy Sewing!

- Elvira -

Read the Review :

Sequoia Lynn Sews