Sewing a Leather Zippered Case is Not Hard

My son requested a special Explorer's Pouch to keep his tiny flashlight, compass, bandaids and pocket knives.  I had some scraps of a soft black leather that were just the right size (roughly 8"x5").  I used regular all purpose thread and a regular needle.  Leather doesn't unravel so I didn't turn under or finish any edges.  I top stitched the zipper under the leather.  A small piece folded in 1/2 forms a loop.  Sew right sides together (leave zipper open for easy turning).  I boxed the 2 lower corners by pinching them and sewing across(forming small triangles in the seam allowance).  I don't backstitch on leather and it does stretch a little, but it really isn't scary or hard to sew. 

Try your hand at a small project first. 

Upcoming Class- Barbados Bag at Quilting Adventures

Barbados Bag Class at Quilting Adventures

Meet the Barbados Bag- possibly the perfect sized bag for your everyday needs!

Loads of pockets!  Class meets May1 and 15, 2013, 5:30-8:30pm

Come sew one with me at Quilting Adventures.

Sign up today!



Feline Friday-Vinal Cross Body Bag

My favorite red vinal shoulder bag that my daughter gave me 1 1/2 years ago is wearing out.  I needed a replacement.  Looking in the Feb/Mar. 2013 issue of Sew News magazine, I found the perfect bag.  I used red and orange marine vinal, a loud combo I know, but a statement bag for summer is what I want! 

It has swivel hooks and "D" rings to attach the straps.  The front and back look the same.

You can wear it with the flap up for more room.

A magnetic snap closes the bag securely.

Inside, there are 2 pockets.  Please notice the cats on the lining (it is Feline Friday after all!).

The textured panels called for a product I didn't have so I used tucks instead.

And of course, Emma wanted to be in the picture too.

A few notes- I left out the extra interfacing called for in the instructions.  I would use a stitch length of 3 but no longer.  Reinforce the strap tabs!  I love this purse!

Feline Friday- Japanese Knot Bag

This is an unusual bag in that the two straps aren't the same length as you can see.  It is carried by slipping the long strap through the short one.  I sewed this Japanese Knot Bag (with colorful cat faces on it!) using a tutorial from Helen Heath but when I tried to find it again, I couldn't.  Sorry!  

It is a really neat bag and very easy to sew.  It is actually reversible also.  I changed the side seams, slightly curving them out to make it easier to sew.

Purses from Old Sweaters

Here are two purses I finished recently.  I've been cleaning my sewing room and decided to use any odds and ends.  I already had the handles and the sweater was from a friend.  I wish you could feel this sweater, it is amazingly soft!  Like butter.  I'm guessing angora or cashmere?

So I washed it and dried it and used the bottom band for the left purse.  The right purse is from the neck.  Both are lined in cotton.  Here are complete instructions. 

Feline Friday

Sorting through my stash, this idea evolved.  Once I had finished, I decided it looks like a cat with an eye mask- Bandit Kitty!  The strap is reused from another purse, trim is faux suede, upholstery fabric.  I lined it with cotton.   

More Weekend Bags!

Maryse recently purchased my weekend bag instructions and wasted no time getting to work.  I love the owl fabric and how she added a fancy machine stitch below the piping!

 This is her second bag.  A change of fabrics completely changes the look.

 The inside zippered pocket is a great idea.

Maryse, you did a wonderful sewing job on these purses.  Thanks so much for sharing your pictures!

Reusable Snack Bags

Denise and Sarah over at Sewing Business have some great tutorials.  One that caught my eco-conscious eye is the reusable snack bags.  They seem really easy, washable and yes, I do remember the fold-over bags from elementary school!  I'm always looking for ways to cut down on waste.  We use cloth napkins at meals.  We use rags to clean and wipe up spills instead of paper towels.  We use reusable fabric lunch bags etc.  Thanks for sharing this tutorial, ladies! 

What's New At Cat Song Stitchery-Everything Bag!

The Everything Bag #410 is a new instruction booklet

now available at http://catsongstitchery.etsy.com/ .  The great thing about this is you can customize it to fit anything you need to carry using the instructions!  This example shown is a ballet bag I made for my niece's birthday.  She needed lots of specialized pockets.  The bag is softly structured using fleece.  Fun, easy, quick plus you get the bag you need!

Pattern Review: Vogue 7693 Wrap Dress

This pattern is a few years old, but the design is universally flattering.  I have yet to see someone look bad in a wrap style dress.  This vogue pattern has a built up neck and mock wrap front with a center back zipper.  Of course, I can't leave anything alone, so I changed it to a front zipper and a real wrap!  It looks great on.  I underlined the skirt since it is a white print (rayon twill).  I sewed this to wear to my 25th high school reunion-eeek!  Sometimes I have found Vogue patterns are more difficult than they really need to be, but this pattern was clearly written.  I also wanted a small bag to carry a camera and essentials in, so I just happened to have this fabric (I love it when this happens) that goes great with the shoes and dress!

I lined the bag in a purple quilted fabric for body.

I am really pleased with how it all came together.  Unbelievably, I only bought the shoes, the rest was made from fabrics, pattern and supplies I already had in my sewing room!

How to: Easy Drawstring Gift and Goody Bag

I am getting ready for my son's 8th birthday party.  Each year, I make fabric drawstring goody bags for his friends.  Sometimes I use a theme fabric, other times just party print.  I usually get the favors first and then make the bag the right size, then the children can use the bag at home to keep toys in, etc.

I cut two pieces of fabric the right size, 8"x8" for example.  Right sides together, sew around 3 sides, stopping 1 1/2" from the top edge on one side.  Turn down the 1 1/2" as shown in the picture and press with iron or just your fingers.  Remember: these bags don't have to be perfect!  I make 25 at a time. 

Next, turn down the top edge 3/4".  I should mention here that I serged all my seams and edges, but it works just fine to finish them another way (zigzag, pink).

After stitching the casing (which is really just a hem with an opening for a drawstring), cut a length of ribbon and thread it through the casing using a safety pin.

I tie a knot in the ends so the ribbon won't slide out.  The bag is ready to hold party favors, pinata treasures, or a gift for someone.  People love discovering that the bag is part of, and matches, the present!

Evening Purse

I made this to take to an upcoming wedding. The directions came from the Spring 2008 issue of CraftStylish Quick to Sew from the publishers of Threads Magazine ( www.CraftStylish.com ). It really was quick to sew! I lined it in a black cotton because that was in my drawer already. Instead of a button and loop, I used a magnetic purse snap (not hard to attach) and a decorative vintage glass button that matches the fabric beautifully! Roomy enough to hold my usual purse contents plus my camera.