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

Linking Up  to these wonderful BLOGS. 

Phone Crossbody Bags

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: 

The corduroy bag!

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! 

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

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

Linking up to these wonderful BLOGS

 

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

*****

Linking up this these wonderful blogs

Mini Mobile Sling Bags

 

I've been working on a few mini mobile sling bags. This is one of my fave projects to make and gift.  I personally use it to keep my hard disc, to carry when I go for an errand, to keep my power bank, and even fit in my pocket camera (this is handy when I travel). 

One of my fellow Indian Etsy sellers asked me yesterday, how do I manage to do what I do? I really don't have a definite answer. I just enjoy what I am doing, sewing, embroidery,  quilting, making videos, tutorials, etc. But trust me, there's a lot of work before I posted an update on social media or blog. Like these Sling Bags, I started a few weeks ago. I am batching my work a lot and I have a box full of ongoing projects. Cutting, ironing, sewing, taking photos, editing and posting don't happen in one or two days. 

Sometimes, I don't get time to sew for a few days and when I am free at night I will not be in the mood to sew, that's when I pick up my hand sewing projects. 

Anyway, here are a few mobile pouches cum sling bags that are available in my Etsy Shop as well as my Webshop. I ship internationally from my Webshop too. 

Green Paisley Phone Bag | ETSY | WEBSHOP

This time, I use some of my fave Indian fabrics and combined them with linen fabric. 

Brown Paisley | ETSY| WEBSHOP

Red Riding Hood Bag 

This pink quotes sling bag is my current fave!  I got the fabric from my Japan trip Tokyo Quilt Festival 2 years ago and so glad I finally use it for this bag. 

Marie Curie Quote Bag | ETSY | WEBSHOP

Blue Warli Phone Bag | ETSY | WEBSHOP

This is another fave from this batch of sling bags. Love the combination of floral print and stripe. The floral fabric is popular in my fabric shop. I have another combo in a similar print. 

The best thing about this sling bag is you can use it as a waist/hipster bag. I used to wear it as a waist bag a couple of years ago but now I prefer it as a  sling bag or just make a wristlet and carry it in my hand. 

 I am a bit tired today from making pre-cut batting. I really need to resume my exercise. I got a whole roll of 60 meters of cotton batting and since I don't have a place to keep the roll (it's 100 inches long), I decided to make 3 meters cut and if you're in India and looking for cotton batting, do check it out in the shop. Only have a few packs though. It's bleached cotton 150 GSM and 100 Inches Wide. 

Cotton Batting 

That's all for today. I hope you keep creatively busy and stay safe! Thank you for reading my blog!

Happy Sewing,

Elvira

Linking Up to These Wonderful Blogs

{NEW PATTERN} Smart Phone Sleeve & Kindle Cover

Hello,

I'm so excited to announce my new pattern! It's now available on special Price in  ETSY and CHEZVIES 

The phone pouch with a detachable strap is one of the popular items in my shop. I keep getting repeated orders since it's perfect for everyone.

Check out some of my generous Facebook and Instagram friends who's willing to test it for me. Thank you! xo 

Now let's see what these talented ladies have come up with!

Hanie of Arewhana  made this cute Phone Pouch and Kindle Cover. Red and blue never goes wrong. It's one of my fave color combos.

Sudesh Jangra of Stitch a Memory came up with this one too. Aren't they perfect as a gift for him? 

I love these classic Batik version by Hernik from Ninu Handmade  . She used a leather strap which made her pouch stand out more. Batik and Leather always perfect combo. 

Don't you love these cute Mickey Mouse pouch by Mini Nirmal of Totes N' Beyond ? 

Divya from M'seams The Creative Stitches came up with pretty stars and beige combo. She said she takes the phone sleeve when she goes for her morning walk. Well, you can make one too!

Who doesn't love the classic black and white? More so if it has these unique prints! These beauties are from Shruti Pothnis, a dentist behind pretty bags at Miz T  Handmade .

And other unique Indian prints are used by Prabha Mathew of Quiltaholics.

This is a perfect pattern to use all those scraps you've been waiting to use. A great personalized gift to make or make for your next market stall or your Handmade Shop.

Why wait, grab the pattern now while it's still on Special Price. Valid thru This Weekends! No Code is needed.

Happy Sewing

-Elvira-