More Sakura Crossbody Bags

 

Sakura Crossbody Bag

A few weeks ago I went to my local furnishing shop looking for linen fabric. And as I browsed around the shop, I saw piles of faux leather in one corner. The shop keeper said they are on sale! And before I realized I came back with linen fabrics and few yards of various faux leather. I mean, how can you resist a sale, right? 

I've been making faux leather based keychains for my Etsy shop and I was on the trial phase of making Sakura crossbody bag. So the faux leather really came at the right time and that too at 50% OFF! The faux leathers are of high grade quality. 

Crossbody Bag - fabric faux leather combo

The red bag, I made with Kaffee Fasset's fabric and combined it with the faux leather. The KF Fabric I bought from a shop in Jakarta last year and I love how vibrant it turned out.  The bag size is approximately 7" W x 9" H and it has 3 compartment so it's very handy to keep your stuff organized. 

This bag actually inspired by my trip to the UK in summer . While traveling, I always like to carry a small crossbody bag to keep my phone and a few essentials. And as I get older, I prefer more simple bag that I can keep my phone, cards and few essentials like tissue, or sun glasses. I noticed many women of my age carry similar bag like the Sakura bag. This bag is not bulky and you can keep it close to you during the flight. 

Japan Linen Crossbody Bag

I also made crossbody bag with only fabric. This cute Matryoshka print bag is made of Japan linen. I did not use batting for this one and the fabric itself is thick. I only use all purpose interfacing. I happened to have this multi color zipper that match perfectly with the fabric! What do you think?

Matryoshka Crossbody Bag

Working is faux leather is not difficult. You just need to be more careful while sewing and of course use Teflon or plastic based sewing foot. I started buying faux leather just before the pandemic in the end of 2019 and early 2020 (it feels like along time ago!!).  I did a lot of trial and error and even made bad purchases a couple of times. 

If you want to start making bags with faux leather make sure to buy a good quality one. It maybe a little expensive but in the long run, it will benefit you more. I usually asked for sofa leather when in the furnishing shop. Some leatherette are pretty stiff, make sure you buy the softer one. I have not checked the gsm weight, but it should not be too thick. 

I made this pouch set which my son took it to college and still use it till now (4 years later) and it's still in good condition!  This crossbody phone bag I made for my mom and she loved it. She like to use it when she goes out because it's very handy to carry her phone when she moves about. 

Don't be afraid to try especially if you just starting out making bags and wallets. There will be bad results ( and I have plenty of them) and you will also learn a good lesson. 

ALSO READ: Sakura Crossbody Bag Sewing Pattern

Sakura Crossbody Bag Pattern

If you have any questions, write it down in the comment below, I'd be glad to help:)

Happy Sewing!

Elvira

VIDEO: Making an Adjustable Handle

 

Watch the Video

Hello,

Today I shared a short video for making an adjustable strap with a buckle for the mobile sling bag. This may look easy but for those who just started their journey in bag making, this can be a bit confusing.

In the video, I am making 3/4" wide strap with patchwork. The length of the strap can be varied, between 50" to 55" inches. If you're making it for kids, 50" should be long enough. 

Here's what you need to make the long strap: 

 * 2.75" W X 50" - 55" inches long fabric 

 * if making patchwork strap: 2.75" W x Wof (44") plus 2 - 2.75" W x 7" Long accent fabrics 

 * All-purpose interfacing: cut 1 - 2.75” W x 49” or 54” 

* If using interfacing roll: cut 2 – 1.25” W x 49” or 54” 

*  2 x 0.75" swivel hooks 

* 1 x 0.75" Buckle

First, if making a patchwork strap, sew the accent fabrics on each end of the main fabric. Then fuse the interfacing on the wrong side of the strap piece.

Let's watch the video:

This mobile sling bag is my fave project to go. I am using one regularly too when I go out also use it to store my hard disc and power bank. It's super versatile. Today I made one using this pretty bird print fabric that I have in my stash. 

Mobile Sling Bag

Mini Sling Bag

On the home front, not much sewing happened last week, except finishing a few wallet orders. Instead, I was busy trying out a few recipes I found on Youtube. I've been craving lemon tart after I watched one Cdrama. We used to have a few shops selling in my town before the pandemic but I am not sure now. I decided to look up the recipes on Youtube and the result is yummy! Well, I am not much of a baker, when this turned out good (my boys approved), I feel good. 

Resource: Tart Shell | Lemon Curd

I hope you enjoy the video and thank you so much for stopping by. 

The weather is changing, so stay safe & healthy!

Happy Sewing,

Elvira

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Linking up this these wonderful blogs

Cell Phone Pouch Video Tutorial

Mobile Phone Bag

Hello, finally the better version of the Mobile Phone Pouch Video Tutorial is now live on Youtube. Working on video is not easy and though the recording part is fun, the editing part is really hard for me. Or maybe I just need more practice:)

I made the video a few weeks ago, but only able to edit it recently. I hope you can learn something from the video. 

The video was shot using my Sony WX500 which is quite convenient. If you see a slight movement in the video, that's because I put the stand on my sewing table. I should put it on another table next time. Well, we live and learn!

                     

I've been mostly making face masks since March this year and I almost forgot how quickly this bag comes together. I really enjoyed sewing this bag that I have a few cut and ready to sew. (I still have to finish a few batches of face masks). Insha Allah after next week or so. 

Pattern: Mobile Phone & Kindle Cover

Fabric: Linen & Glace Cotton Fabric

Hardware: Magnetic Snap, Swivel Hooks.

Interfacing: All-Purpose Interfacing

Thank you for stopping by!

Stay Safe & Happy Sewing,

Elvira

Mini Make-up Pouch Bag

I made this mini make up pouch cum sling bag for Jasmine. My friend's daughter who recently had her 5th birthday party. Too bad I could not go to her party because hubby had to work late that day and I don't drive (anymore). 

I filled up the pouch with nail polish and lip glosses. I simply love watching her doing her girly stuff. 

Finally I gave her the bag on Sunday and she was thrilled. She wouldn't let anybody to touch her bag:D

Yes, I believe handmade gift is always the best! 

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On second note, I've been using Snapseed for editing my photos and I've been trying to write blog from my iPad but could not write /edit properly. For example, the page won't scroll down after the second photos are uploaded. Sometimes there are so many things I want to write and I am too busy or tired to sit and write on my laptop. What I do nowadays is I click the photos with my camera, transfer them to iPad and upload to my blog as a draft post and edit it when I have time. 

Bt the way, I am using blogger here. What about you? Do you blog from iPad/Mobile? How do you go about it? 

Please let me know in the comment if you have any tips for blogging from mobile/iPad, I'd really love to hear about it. 

Thank you for stopping by!

Have a nice day!

-Elvira- 

Interfacing Guide for Handmade Bag in India

Hello,

Today I want to share about interfacing. Not the famous brand interfacing because we don't have those branded interfacings here in India. I often receive a message asking what interfacing I used in my bags, pouches, and wallets.

Many of you probably already read interfacing guide by Sew Sweetness but since we - in India - don't have all those brands, we are back to square one, right?

I have been experimenting with many kinds and quality of interfacings. Which interfacing to use depends on what kind of project and what look that I want. Floppy, firm, sturdy, quilted, etc.

I recently purchased a roll of heavy woven interfacing and I am happy that I finally found it. It took me several trips to the wholesaler. He was kind enough to let me check through all kinds of interfacings without asking  "what are you making, ma'am?" which is pretty much the habit of an Indian (male) shopkeeper/salesperson. And it always pisses me off, cos what I am making is none of his business ^^.

Anyway, I found what works best for my projects.

1. All Purpose Microdot interfacing/Interlining

I use this very frequently to make small projects like small pouches or pencil pouch, and also bags.  This will make cotton fabric feel like home decor weight fabric. Not as thick as canvas though. I used this to make the Phone Pouch and Kindle Cover, pencil pouch, and Tote bag.  With this interlining, adding batting to the pouch won't be a problem.

Phone Sling Bag

Result: Soft /floppy and wrinkle-free, which means you can smoothen it with a warm iron.

2.  Medium Woven Interfacing

I discovered this recently. It's thicker than all-purpose interlining. It gives a good shape to the bag and pouches.

You can see the fabric print more prominent on the all purpose interlining
Medium = MCL 3001 Madura Coats India

I use this for a  pouch or any purse that I don't need to be padded or add batting, but more sturdy without being too stiff.  Sometimes I use this interfacing for wallet or passport wallet too, combined it with Heavy Interfacing.

Heidi Mini Foldover Bag

3. Heavy interfacing.

This is also woven but heavier. This will make your fabric feels like canvas.

MCL 1616 (Madura Coats India)

I use this for my family passport wallets and women's wallets. The result is a firm/sturdy but soft wallet. Since it's a cotton base, it makes the hand sewing less painful.

4. Buckram 

This is my alternative if I could not get the heavy interfacing for my wallet. This is the one with a papery feeling and it makes the fabric very stiff. I only use this for wallets. Since I don't have to do "birthing", it works out fine. You can read HERE to learn more about Buckram.

I remember I made a tote bag with buckram and it wrinkled beyond repair LOL. I used it for a shopping bag. (Update: I stopped using buckram for my bag and wallet projects) 

All the above are iron-on or fusible. Which means one side is glue coated. I normally spray the fabric with water and place the glue side on the wrong side of the fabric, and iron it on a cotton setting. For lighter interlining use a setting in between wool and cotton.

5. Lightweight Non-Woven Interfacing.

This transparent fusible interfacing is called "pasting" in India. I use this a lot for my wallet card slots, quilted pouches, and also applique. 

It's good to give just enough thickness especially for card slots, or the inner pocket of a bag. But you have to be extra careful because it will shrink and wrinkled if the iron is too hot. I use a wool setting while ironing this interfacing. If you're careful, you will get a nice and smooth result. 

Card slot from Trifold Women's Wallet

I always use this interfacing to make a quilted purse. With this interfacing, the quilted bag or purse will be soft but sturdy, even after washing 

I also use this for quilted pouches and bags, especially when I work with Indian Fabric.

You can easily buy this interfacing in a "button shop" in India. Sometimes, they sell it meterage, but I always buy in a full package. It's around INR 150 for a pack of 10 meters.

Quilted Zipper Pouch 

UPDATE: There are many brands of interfacing in India, what I wrote here is the one I am using and that works best for me. 

Where to buy it?

I bought my interfacings from a local dealer in the market. You can get them online on Amazon India or other websites, but make sure to contact the seller first. Because there is no clear description in the listing that I saw in Amazon India, and the seller will casually write interfacing or interlining as buckram. 

That's all for today. Don't be scared to experiment. Make the best of what you can find locally. I hope this simple guide will be useful for you. 

Thank you for stopping by and read my blog. Don't hesitate to leave a comment or two.

Until then,

Elvira

{Coming Soon} New Pattern ~ Something Simple and Practical

I love to something simple. Simple to sew and practical. I've been making this phone pouch with detachable strap for the last 2 years.  Many customers always come back for more. 

This pattern will be a great project to use up your scrap or to use your favorite fabrics.




It's a perfect gift for all ages.
I will be making few for my sons' teachers, now that the session is ending.  

The pattern will have full colorful diagram, which I really enjoy drafting it. I included pattern for Kindle / E-Reader too. 

Personally I prefer separate file for instructions and pattern templates, but since it's small pattern, the instructions and templates will be in one file. 

If you plan to make one, subscribe to my newsletter at the top right corner of this blog to get first preview of the release.

Until then,

Happy Sewing