New Best Bag

Over the last few weeks I have been working on a project that has kept me challenged.  Yesterday, I finished it....

I wanted to make myself a bag to carry projects and to take when I go on a day trip.  I had made a great bag using Elizabeth Hartman's tote pattern back here, and use it heaps.  The only failing of this bag is that is doesn't zip shut - it has only a magnetic closure.

So I thought about how I made that bag, using the multiple layers and QAYG.  I also thought about how I had played with the sizing of the latest Oliver+S Backpack (here) and how the lining was sewn in so cleanly.  I had in mind a smaller version of Amy Butler's Weekender bag, especially the one made by Elizabeth Hartman.  I do not own this pattern, but the style of the bag is fantastic and I drool over the projects being made using it on Instagram (#wsa2014).

Using all these inspirations I created my own pattern, planned fabric and then sewed!  My bag in quilted all over using QAYG (quilt as you go) and then the pieces trimmed and sewn together.

I used a selection of Sweetwater's Road 15 prints - mainly neutral and olive green.  I added in some Essex linen in olive, as well as using Kona cotton in (you guessed it) olive as well.  I had only just enough fabric so had to plan the cutting carefully, even needing to use some similar but different fabric to line the two large side pockets.  Unlike the Weekender bag I did not put pockets at the ends, preferring to just add some accent piping in.

The fantastic thing about designing your own bag is that you can specify the size of things - my side pockets are just large enough to hold an A4 sized magazine, and can be kept 'closed' by using the magnetic snaps I placed in them.

There are three pockets inside.  One (above) is 4" by 9" and allows for smaller items.

The other lining side has a zipped pocket, overlapped with a 6" by 7" pocket for my purse.

The lining is sewn in place into the bag (similar to what I did with K's backpack) and is not quite sized perfectly, but I'm super pleased with it.  I need to fine tune the pattern before sharing it - but this has been a BIG project so am not keen to do so just yet.  I have been pinching myself that it all turned out so well...

Maybe I should tidy my garden instead of planning day trips!

The bag finishes at approx 16" long, by 6" wide and 12" tall.  I've even worked out that it is just perfect as airline carry-on luggage.  Where shall I go to??

In the meantime I'll link up to Amanda Jean at 'Crazy Mom Quilts Finish it up Friday'.  What do you think of my bag?  I'd really love some feedback ...

More Practical Things

I am a practical person.  I am also a crafter who loves to create interesting, decorative and unique items - but I like to make practical things.

So I'm going to share two recent projects that are very practical - and will be well used.

Firstly - my new swimsuit.  I am no Sports Illustrated Model (though my H has found this amusing) so no 'live action' pics here...

I had used the same pattern about ten years ago to make my previous suit and they'd worked well for being in the pool with a child while still being somewhat flattering.  It is Kwik Sew 2868.  I made both the top and pants longer than the pattern specified.

The fabric I used is specialist swimwear fabric I found at a local fabric shop.  It is also very thick, with black and orange layers bonded together.  It's super strong!  I set up my overlocker (serger) with four threads and my sewing machine with twin needles for stretch and my walking foot.  It sewed fine.

While I had my machines set up for knits I started making some undies for K and I.  Now I've made us some both before and they were so successful it was a no-brainer to try again.

For K I re-used the 'That Darn Kat' pattern to make these from my stash of cotton lycra.

The blue stripe fabric was from an old top of mine. 

The hens on this green fabric are stamped on with 'Versacraft' ink and het set by my iron - I haven't done this before so will be interested how well the chickens last.

I also made myself some using a pattern I have developed over the last year.  I have tried a variety of cotton/lycra knickers and non have really impressed me - but these are the best! 

The front has a double thickness that could be made with any knit fabric inside.  They are completely made on the overlocker and the sewing is easy - the trickiest bit is pinning on the bands.

I'd love to share this pattern - and maybe trial making some different sizes.  If you are interested in trying some yourself now (in my size only at present) please email me at: 'forkandneedle@gmail.com' and I'll get a digital pattern to you.  I am still using a cardboard template so will need to do some work to create even a simple digital pattern.  I make them in a medium(ish) size with my hip measurement at 39" (99cm).

Simple... a little bit creative... but very practical!

More for Me

I've been wanting to make a skirt - so I took the gamble with the Liesl+Co 'Everyday Skirt' recently.  I was not optimistic about how a gathered skirt would look on my body shape so please understand that I have put these photos here for the sake of my craft - not as a form of flattery.

The fabric is a very thin brown 'slubby' cotton that I found in my stash and could have been there for 10+ years.  It was so thin that I needed to line it.  This was not an easy task, considering how the skirt is constructed, but it ignoring a couple of little gaps in the side seams, it works.

The pattern was great to follow and fun to sew.  I did have to follow Liesl's advice and wait until the garment was finished before passing judgement - it did look slightly odd mid-way.

The lining makes it a super comfy skirt to wear and it is nice to have room for movement - especially on hot summer days.  Size wise - I made the medium but used a longer waistband to cover my stomach.  I don't think I'd need to do this next time as the skirt size really depends on the hip width only.

I would, probably, make this again.  It would depend on the fabric, as I'd like a balance between drape and weight.  I'm not going to wear it when 'going to town' but it will do for local trips and days at home.

Scout and Iris

I've been busy doing some sewing for myself.

This is the 'Scout' top by Grainline Studio and the 'Iris' shorts by Colette Patterns.

I made the top from some fabric I got from the offcuts basket at the Chalkydigits warehouse sale.  It is a very fine cotton voile and I think I paid $5 for about a metre.  Chalkydigits is a Christchurch based clothing label that produces beautiful garments, made locally and using stunning fabric.  I have been lucky enough to pick up a variety of their remnants and have many more home-sewn garments planned.

No - that isn't a wet patch!

I sewed the voile using french seams and although I made a muslin first I am not quite satisfied with the fitting, especially the line of the seams.  This should be quite easy to fix and I'll do so soon.  I also have to wear a slip underneath the 'Scout' because is so see-through. 

The shorts are made in a grey stretch twill.  I made a muslin first for these as well - and I am not perfectly happy with their fit either.  The invisible zip was a new adventure for me, as although I have been sewing for years I've managed to avoid them.  The Colette pattern had no instructions for this kind of zipper and you were advised to go to their website - but I got out my Oliver + S pattern for the 'Fairy Tale Dress' and used Liesl's awesome directions instead.  I must have damaged my zipper in the process and after having a bit of trouble with it I'm planning to finish my next one below the waistband and add a tab above.  I think that would suit my body shape better anyway.

These photos were taken on a gorgeous day out by our apple trees.  I've been playing with the self-timer, needless to say it took a while to get good photos!

Be My Buttercup

Sometimes I think I am on another planet to most other people - and yesterday when I discovered the 'Buttercup Bag' by Rae Hoekstra I was quite certain of it.  I found hundreds of beautiful examples of this bag which is possibly also due to it being a free download that was first published five years ago!  The other bonus of this pattern is that you can make it out of two fat quarters (yard).  One for the outer and one for the lining.

So last night I cut out, and this morning I sewed together my own buttercup bag.  I used some essex linen in 'pewter' (again) and a small floral print from 'The Ladies Stitching Club' by Liesl Gibson.

It is a great pattern - simple and stylish.  There is room for interpretation, I added some faux piping.  I also interfaced the lining and fused thin pellon to the outer and strap.  I also sewed the strap into the top seam, leaving about 1/2" of the strap hanging inside the seam.  I've found with previous bags that this makes the handle stronger.

Next time I might make it an inch or so longer and add a zip.  There are some alterations written about here.

I photographed my bag on my oak china cabinet - inherited from my Nan - and the tins behind are from the Robert Gordon 'Liberty' range from Australia.  I love the china in this collection!

Summer Getaway (Blouse)

Me... go away on holiday at the moment???  Not a chance!

In among the Christmas sewing I snatched the chance to make this blouse for myself:

It is the "Weekend Getaway Blouse (and Dress)" by Liesl+Co.

The fabric I purchased at Spotlight - it is a very lightweight cotton voile and will need to be worn with some type of singlet.  A lovely top to wear on hot summer days. 

It was difficult to photograph - especially as the above image was by a photographer who is under five and standing on a picnic chair - so I have included a close up of the print.

I'm mostly pleased with the blouse - it was super easy to make (no buttons etc) and the pattern gave great advice on finishing techniques and sizing.

I'm not quite sure if I got the sizing right, or even whether it is the right style for me.  I think I'll try making it in a darker print and maybe go a size down next time.  I will make it again - I'll just have to hunt for another great fabric.