Batik Quilted Sling Bag

Hello,

We have  quite stormy weather the last couple of days. Sometimes the sun comes out for a while and suddenly dark cloud with strong wind and rain come. But rainy days are always a good sewing day, right? 

I finally finished this Batik log cabin sling bag. It was sitting near my sewing table for a few weeks waiting to be completed. As usual I got side tracked doing a couple of wallets orders. 

I used this  purple aqua Fat Eighth bundle from the shop. I really love this combo!! 

I started piecing the log cabin  with nothing specially planned. I just trying out a couple of log cabin pattern from the book I bought last January at the Tokyo Quilt Festival. This book is really awesome!

I added a lightweight fusible interfacing before adding a fleece batting. The same way I did the previous sling bag. I liked the sturdy yet soft finish, after the quilting is done. 

This time I did a circle echo quilting using a subtle purple Calypso Thread. It is an embroidery thread which has a silky finished. Mostly used in machine embroidery. 

On the back, I decided to use a plain batik from my stash. The quilting is simple echo quilting in diamond shape inspired by this walking foot quilting by Christina Cameli. 

Instead of zipper closure, I decided to use magnetic snap closure the way I did for the passport covers. It's because the bag is quite small, so I just want it to be simple, no fuss kind of bag. I finished the top with binding. I used 1.5" wide binding strip, sewed it by machine on the lining side and finished it by hand on the exterior side. 

This bag would be perfect to take for your morning walk. It's quite spacious to fit in small water bottle, a phone and maybe a face towel. 

It was a fun satisfying little project, even though I took a little bit long to finish it but I am happy with the outcome. What do you think?

Bag stats:

Finished size : 8"W x 8.5" H

Style: Flat bottom

Closure: Magnetic snap

Fabric: Bali Batik Fat 8 bundle 

Quilting: Walking foot echo quilting

Thank you for stopping by. 

Until then,

Happy Sewing

This blog post is linking up to these wonderful BLOGS

Travel Wallets and a sling bag

Hello,

“If you can’t stop thinking about it, don’t stop working on it.”

— Michael Jordan

March was a pretty busy month for me, sewing wise. Not that I sew so much, but I started digging on my quilting UFO and decided to pick up where I left off. Let's see where this decision will take me next. 

Passport Holder Travel Wallet

In between digging up my UFO bins, I finished this Paris Travel Wallet order from my Etsy Shop. I love working with Japanese Linen. This travel wallet is another pattern of mine, which I have not time to finish writing the instructions. But I will, hopefully soon ;) 

It has plenty of pockets for passports, cards, ID card, Zipper Pocket and slip pocket. I love my wallets with binding since it gives the handmade look and we can always improvise with the binding colors/fabrics. Plus, the wallet will last longer, even if it's over loaded. 

Yellow Travel Wallet

Another finish is this Yellow Travel Wallet for a local order from a friend. I still need to one more for her, which will be done this week. You can get the pattern HERE.

The hardest part is to choose the matching color and how to make it one of a kind. 

One thing I still struggling till now is installing metal snap :( . I have all the tools that are needed to install the snap and even watching tutorial on YouTube but I always end up wasting more than half dozen of snaps. But I won't give up ^_^. 

If you follow me in Instagram, you must have seen this Indigo blue sling bag. I made that for hubby's aunt who visited us last week. I made a sling bag for her last year to take when she goes for her morning walk, now her friend wanted one. 

I made a simple one with zipper top and a front pocket which closes with magnetic snap button. I love this Indian print fabric, it is one of my fave print.  It was a fun quick project. I hope the lady who ordered it will love it. 

So that was a bit of late post from last week. I'm looking forward to finish up a couple of projects from my UFO bins this month! What about you?

Thank you for stopping by,

Happy Sewing

Linky Party:

Handmade Monday
Finish it Up Friday
Show Off Saturday.

Quilted Log Cabin Sling Bag

Hello,

I am so happy to finally finished this bag. For you who follow my Instagram must have seen I posted this sling bag progress from a few months ago. 

I followed this tutorial for the log cabin bag. The original was for mini tote bag but I thought the size is good for sling bag. It was really satisfying to work with small strip of fabrics.

I used up my fat eighth bundle and very happy with the result! 

The machine quilting took a bit of time since I did it in between working on my custom orders. 

I added one interior zipper pocket and one slip pocket in the interior and also top zipper. The bag is just enough to carry your smartphone and mini wallet or maybe a notebook.

I am hoping to make more of this bag this year. Make sure you subscribe to my blog or follow my instagram to get first update when new bags are up for sale ;)

Let me know what do you think in the comments below!

Until then,

Happy Sewing!

Linky Parties:

Finish it up Friday

Handmade Monday

The Linen Floral Sling Bag

Hello,

The wifi is not working properly since last week. I think due to the stormy weather. I've been quite busy finishing few orders and also managed to finish my tester bag for Namrata's newly released pattern. I told her, I won't be able to test in the beginning, but I managed to finish my Etsy orders in time and got 2 days before the due date.

The pattern is called Jasmine Sling Bag, the pattern is now available both on Etsy and Craftsy.

And here is my take on the pattern:

  I love making a small bag and have been asking Namrata to make the pattern and I love how she improvised it from the original design. The smart zippered flap is my favorite.

I made a reversed version from what the pattern called. I used solid linen for the main body and accented with floral linen just because I want the flap in floral ^^.

This bag surprisingly quite spacious. Besides the zippered flap, it has a slip pocket which I find it very handy. I also used a cute snap button I got from my recent trip to Japan.

Since the time was short, I decided to use the ready-made leather strap I got from Indonesia.

I've been using this bag a lot and it fits in my wallet, phone and a little notebook that I always carry.  I think I will be adding this bag to the shop after I come back from the holiday next August.

Meanwhile, I have a couple of projects I have to complete before I go for the holiday. Making list helps me to focus. And here's this week list :

1. Finish and send out the London Passport Holder.

2. Cutting few interfacings for Wallet and Crossbody bag for gifts to take back home.

3. Fabric Pull for The Artisan Corina Quilt Swap - I'm late  :(

4. Shop for gifts and souvenirs - this gotta be fun !!

Those I wanted to complete this week. I hope I can finish it !! Ganbatte!! :D

That's all for today, let's go back to the sewing machine now :)

Until then,

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Something New

Hello again,

Few days ago, I was reading my past blog posts from way back in 2009 and 2010. I even read the comments and checked the profile of the commentator. Most of the bloggers are no longer writing. After the Facebook and Instagram, many people think writing a blog is too time-consuming. I was also caught up in the same trend. I mean, isn't it easier and more practical to just click photos and upload it to Facebook and Instagram, instead of writing all the details on the blog. The thing is, Facebook and Instagram is a fast moving, it's difficult to track what you have posted, even with the hashtag. Unlike a blog, where everything is properly documented. It's like a diary. We can always go back and read. Some cute moment, some ridiculous photos, and of course it warms my heart to read all those. Anyway enough of feeling nostalgic.

Yesteday, in between finishining my orders, I made this cute hipster cross body bag. It's been on my mind for several days, and it sort of bug me (you know what I mean?), so after cutting interfacings and fabrics for my Passport Holder orders, I draft the pattern and here it goes:

Pleated Hipster Crossbody Bag 

Originally, I wanted to make the pleat slightly closed, but I changed my mind. I love how the pleat turned out here.  It gives a patchwork look which was my initial intention.

I also made the front exterior pocket with hidden/concealed zipper. From far it will look like a slip pocket when it's actually a zippered pocket. 

Concealed Zipper Pocket

I was thinking to finish the top without a zipper, I guess that can always be an option later. I use beige linen for the solid and an orange diamond print fabric. 

Also, don't miss the patchwork removable strap! I love patchwork strap. 

Besides that, I finished another mini crossbody bag from my Phone sleeve pattern. I used the kindle size for this one which turned out pretty cool.

Red and White Mini Sling Bag

It's such a fast sewing and how scrap friendly this pattern is. The paisley fabric is just perfect, it's like waiting for the right project to come along. 

and of course the additional zippered pocket is always great option, right? Especially when you are traveling and want to keep all the small necessities with you without having to rummage the big backpack. 

That's all for today. I have to go and take the boys to their music classes today and I hope the weather holds.  

Until then,

Have a nice crafty weekends

This post is linking to Finish it up Friday 

Supplies Links : 

Mini Cross Body Bag Pattern

Linen Fabrics

Triangle Print Fabric 

Bright Orange Fabric

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

Simple Zippy Pouch and another Heidi

Remember I made Shibori Heidi foldover clutch last week? I simply love white and blue shibori, so I decided to make this simple zippy pouch and combined it with blue denims

Sometimes this simple thing that can make you happy. 

this zippy pouch is perfect to carry in your big purse. I always keep at least 2 pouches in my purse. It's so handy to keep your bag organized. 

I added this simple pouch in my Etsy shop and the shibori fabric is available in my fabric shop.

And I finished another Heidi in Japanese linen. The fabrics were from long ago. I found it when I was looking for another fabric. That was some kind of aha moment. I thought of doing similar to the previous one with the accent at the bottom. But as I was ironing the interfacing I was thinking why not using 2 different fabrics? Et voila, la Heidi with vintage floral linen and newspaper print linen. 

For the strap, I cut my genuine leather sheet I got from my last trip to Indonesia. I simply cut 3/4" x 115 cm and added swivel hook at both ends. I didn't have a slider yet, maybe I should get some. 

This is the smaller size of the Heidi pattern by Swoonpatterns. It's perfect size to make sling bag. I still have enough fabric to make another one. 

I know I'm going to make more Heidi, maybe a little variations. 

That's all I finished this week, until next time

Happy Sewing

More Mobile Phone Pouches

I've been having fun sewing these cell phone pouches in the past few days. 

I love gifting mobile phone pouch for my friends. Everyone need one, after all your phone is your best buddy :D

Beige Blockprint & Linen

Like this Halloween theme one. I love this riley blake fabric I picked up on my last trip.

Cute Halloween Pouch 

or this Indigo and Red. Oh I love indigo blue, who doesn't? and with indigo blue you can match it with almost all colors. Pink, green, red, name it and it always looks great. 

Indigo Red Pouch

This handmade phone pouch may look similar, but they are different. Like this Japanese doll one. It looks cute with red , green or pink. 

Japanese Doll Pouch 

Please visit my SHOP for details of each. and if you don't find what you're looking for, just send me message. 

So, what are you sewing these days? 

Until then,

Happy Sewing