Sewing with friends is FUN

Yes, it's lots of FUN cos you can always learn something new! 

Namrata of Bagstock {psst..she just opened her ETSY shop, go and take a look at her awesome bags!! }  and myself have been planning a bag sew-along since last year. Finally the chance came up after she told me about the new tote pattern from Bluecalla Pattern , the moonflower tote. 

In the beginning I was not sure whether to try it or not, but she convinced me that I should try and I can do it. After 2 days I decided to go ahead and buy the pattern, before the sale price ended ;)

and as it happened, my new handwoven fabric stock just arrived from the suppliers 

The fabric came with patchwork  border which just perfect for the moon  applique part. And even the orange patch is just the right size for the side pockets.

I used the bright orange cotton for the lining and used it as accent fabrics for the handle. 

the bag is very spacious. It has 2 interior pockets, one zipper and one slip halfmoon pocket which is very cute. 

This is just perfect for you, who like to carry around la lot  of things. The side pocket is perfect to carry your water bottle. Isn't it?

Namrata convinced me to try the zipper closure instead of the magnetic snap the pattern suggested. With her guidance and read THIS tutorial from Ikat Bag, I did it! Yay! 

if you are beginner bag maker and want to try this pattern, don't hesitate. Celine wrote a clear well written pattern with step by step pictures and included tips and tricks and even highlighted few important points. 

Absolutely agree with the quote!!

Thank you once again Namrata, we should do sew-along again soon-ish ;)

Until then,

Happy Sewing

Ella Bucket Bag

 I have this unique African print for few months. The print is huge. I put up for sale in my facebook page Chezvies Fabrics for a long time and there's no taker :(

I believe that all my fabrics will come of use someday {I think all the hoarders have the same believe ^_* ) and it's true. I was browsing Etsy for Totebag and found SOTAK handmade's pattern, The Ella Bucket Bag, and I know that it's perfect for my fabric.

Svetlana's pattern is very thorough and easy to follow. With step by step pictures which is a huge thing for me. I am one of those who cannot follow written instructions. So having step by step photo tutorial is really a big help.

I made few improvisation here, because of the print I decided to put the zipper pocket inside and I skipped the inner pocket.

And for the magnetic snap, instead of attach the snap onto the bag, I made a little button flaps and attach it to the bag. Since the fabric I use is Indian mulmul fabric which is quite lightweight, attaching the snap this way is safer.

The interface I used is fusible interfacing. I used in both exterior and lining. I added foam in the exterior fabric.

I definitely will make more of this bag. It's super easy. 

Bag will be available for custom order in 

www.chezvies.etsy.com

www.facebook.com/chezvies

Fabrics used are Indian cotton by Chezvies Fabrics

Until then,

Happy Sewing

Red Riding Hood Tote Bag

This is also a custom order from the Exotic Lady (that's her boutique's name) - the story in my previous post . She wanted a pink tote bag /diaper bag. 

I have this red riding hood fabric from my trip last year which she chose. It has a drawstring closure which is very convenient for diapers bag. 

I match it with a dark grey cotton. I used interfacing and batting for this bag and it's perfect. It's sturdy and soft. 

a wide box bottom give it enough space to carry baby's stuff around. 

polkadots is always my favorite lining. it gives a happy aura ..or is it just me ^_^

and of course my fave hexies has to be there. I spy Red Riding Hood hexies ^_^

Until then

Happy Sewing

Vigbyor Tote for a swap

Last August we at Desi Quilter had this Tote'lly Bag Swap. It was kind of mystery swap. We knew whom to send but we didn't know who will be our sender. Plus, each participant posted their mood board as a guidance.

The tough part is to get that 'aha' moments. I have to make tote for Nikhat and she posted this mood board:

The moment I saw her board, rainbow came to my mind. I browsed a lot of rainbow bags and quilt looking for inspiration but nothing click. I wanted something not too gaudy where she can tote it around. Looked into my fabric stash n settled for my Bali batiks. Using the method of "tour around the world" block I made this tote.

Size: 18" x 16"

Well, once I started sitting in my sewing machine, ideas started flowing. I used what's left to make a little detachable zip pouch {for small change or maybe lipstick ^^}

I quilted it using decorative stitch which I love to do so much :D

 

hmm look at the vibrant colors of the batik again. I simply love these bundles!

Now, DH cousin and aunt wanted the same thing ..hmm guess everyone loves a huge tote. 

Until then...

 Happy Sewing