Messenger Bags for my Nieces

I love a handmade Christmas. I think this year has been one of the biggest handmade Christmas's we have had in a long time, not just me giving handmade but others too. Understanding it doesn't have to be them making something either, just as long as someone has handmade the item.

One of the handmade times were these messenger bags I made for my Nieces. I knew they were getting a hand held tablet thingy, so I made cases for them. Not knowing exactly what they were and going by the dimensions only, I was a bit worried they weren't going to fit. But they fitted perfectly.

Messenger Bags

I wanted them to be really padded to protect the tablet. If I was to make these again with a lot of padding, I would make the inside slightly smaller or use a larger seam allowance. It ended up being slightly bulky at the base and hard to push the corners out. It worked out fine in the end. The added padding also made the flap shorter.

With the flap up

I love this front pocket, there is also one inside to put extra games or toys into.

View from the back

The back is super cute too

 

The back with the flap open

The flap opens all the way back so it's really easy for them to put everything in the bag.

Ready to be gifted

If you would like to make one of these bags head over to Michelle Patterns. You will need the Messenger Bag pattern and also the Just Pattern Pieces, for the extra smaller sizes. Happy sewing, if you do make one please let me know. I love to see all the different varieties people make.

How was your handmade Christmas?

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Mini grocery bag

Mini Grocery Bag

You may recall about a month ago I started making some mini sized grocery bags to get rid of some stash. If not it's here.

Well I got them finished, yay. I used Michelle's Grocery Bag pattern, but because I wanted to stick to the fat quarters I had to make them smaller than the small. I printed the small handles at 90%, and cut the fabric 5cm narrower and 4cm shorter. Worked out great. I've been using this one for taking my lunch to work, but I can see it being my small crochet project bag.

I'm adding the others I have made into our Madeit shop.

Michelle has a new pattern I'm eyeing off, will I break the pattern buying diet? ;-)

Messenger Bag

I keep forgetting to get a decent photo of my messenger bag. So here is one I got the hairy bloke to take while at the park on Sunday. It fit's everything I need in it for work, even a small crochet project.

My Messenger Bag

I stuck to the pattern except for adding a pocket to the back as well. Easy access for my travel card. It came together very quickly. Great bag to make if you're not too experienced.

Now that I've been wearing it a bit I know where I want it to sit and I can sew the straps down. Things you don't usually see, the buckle hangs too low and thread is sticking out!! Another thing to fix.

Inside and back

I want to make the small version to just take to the shops, it should fit just my keys and wallet. Another on the to do list. If you would like to make this bag you can grab the pattern from Michelle's Patterns.

It's finished

Messenger Bag Inside

Yay, Here is a sneak peek until I get better photos!!

Pattern here.

Fabric Selection

Fabric selection, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

So here is my fabric selection for making Michelle's Messenger bag (see previous post). I went out and bought all the proper interfacing and wadding so this bag will last for a while I hope. I even purchased some of the buckles that she uses in the pattern.

Are you making the bag too? If so pop a link in the comments so I can have a squiz.

If you want to make Michelle's Messenger Bag and join in, get the pattern here. She also has 2 more sizes for the bag on special till Monday, so grab them too while you're there. I'll be making the small one as soon as I've finished this one.

Happy sewing :-)

Finally

I'm back on the sewing machine. It's been far too long. I've just been too busy.

Curvy Wristlet

Roses are Red, Tractors are Green. That is what is printed on this fabric. Not my usual fabric choice! There is a very complicated story to go with this wristlet!

My sister's mother in law found this fabric, fell in love, had to buy it. They moved to the country a few years ago along with my sister and her family. She doesn't sew, at least I don't think she does, I do know she knits and makes very nice jam (has her own business). Anyway, she gave this fabric to my mum with the request of making some pj's for my nieces, which she did (sorry don't have any pics, very cute though). Mum had some fabric left over so asked me to make a purse or bag for my sister's MIL. So last night I finally got the urge to make it. I hadn't tried this pattern yet. Wish I had tried it first on something else. The fussy cutting I did on the flap didn't end up being in the right spot, you can kinda read it. I'm pretty happy with the bag. I think though to make it look it's best it would have to be full. Maybe I needed to use some thicker padding in it to give it more structure.

Curvy Wristlet - back

It was gifted to her today at a festival she had a stall at. She had no idea it was being made, I think she was happy. Not sure if she was showing off the material to everyone or the purse!! I think it was a success.

Curvy Wristlet - inside

This is the inside, it has a small pocket you could put a small mobile into. I didn't get a chance to try it!

This is made from a Keyka Lou pattern (click on the button on the right sidebar for more of her patterns). There are two smaller sizes in this pattern too. I think they might be better suited to have a wrist strap, I'm not sure if the large size needed it.

I think I'll make a few of these for our next market, not sure when that will be.

I've got a few softies on the to-do list next, birthdays coming up. I'll be getting the Melly and Me patterns out I think. It's been a while since I made a softie.

There have been a few softie pattern writers that, in the past week, have decided to let people sell softies made from their patterns (not in a mass produce way), which is pretty exciting for me. I would love to make them to sell but just don't have the time and brain space to create my own. We'll see what happens.

TTFN

Edit: This pattern is from:

Michelle Patterns, formerly Keyka Lou. 

(Affiliate link)

Camera Case Wristlet

Camera Case Wristlet, 

originally uploaded by MandyMade.

I've gone a bit crazy buying Keyka Lou's pattern's lately. Last week I bought this one, the Camera Case Wristlet. It came together quickly, but I am use to her patterns now and a lot of the construction is the same. This one will be gifted and I can see quite a few being made this year, either for gifts or to sell. I'm very glad I bought it. Can't wait to try out her latest pattern but have a few other things to sew before then.

TTFN

Not-so-big Backpack

I needed to make a backpack for Little O for childcare...

Not-so-big backpack pattern by Melissa Frantz
from Stitch Magazine Fall 2010 issue.

....so I did!!

I used a pattern in Stitch Magazine's Fall 2010 issue.

Inside

It was very easy to follow. The pattern didn't have a lining or base but I added them in anyway. I don't like exposed seems, maybe that's why I haven't got into clothes making!!

Back

This is the back. When I was making the back I had a look on the web for photos as there wasn't any in the pattern and I was finding it hard to picture it in my head how do it. I had trouble finding any, so here is mine. It worked out fine, don't know what I was worried about!

Side view

Hmm, you may notice the zip. I made the mistake of buying a zip that went all the way to the tape at the end and then had a huge gap at the pull end. So there is a gap. I may get tricky yet and sew something over it.

The pocket

I love the pocket. The pattern doesn't call for it but I lined it, couldn't help myself.

Taste test

And last but not least, the taste test. It got his approval. The bag ended up bigger than I thought it would. Perfect size for childcare and visiting friends.

I'm really happy with it. All up it took about a day, but would probably be less made in one sewing session without distractions.

I used a fat quarter for the pockets and straps with a little bit over and the jeans are an old pair of the hubby's.

I'll be back into purse making this week. I've been buying more of Keyka Lou's patterns. Just bought the brand new one. Couldn't help myself!!

TTFN

Baby Gift Set

Baby Gift Set, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

Poor neglected little blog. I haven't forgotten about you. The sewing machine has been getting a lot more attention than you lately but you have still been on my mind. I've been making heaps over the past couple of weeks, heaps of bibs, burp cloths and dummy straps. After we had the stall at our school fete we were approached by another school to have a stall at theirs. So we decided to add a few more items to our stock, yes we have stock now!! The market part of the fete wasn't in the best position, not much foot traffic. Oh well, we live and learn.

Have you sold at markets? Which ones tend to be the best?

Off to clean the very neglected house now, spring is nearly over, gotta get the spring cleaning done!

TTFN

PS. Bag pattern by Keyka Lou , shoe pattern by ithinksew, bib, burp cloth, change mat and dummy strap all made up by me.

200th post

Wow never thought I would get here but I have. 200 posts. Could have got here sooner if I blogged more!!

I'm taking a little break from sewing, after the marathon effort over the last couple of weeks, so I can now catch up on other things that have been a bit neglected. Like blogging and connecting with other people!! (Not to mention house work!)

Lego Box pouch for Billy

A couple of weeks ago I made another box pouch, this time for my cousins now 5 year old. I love this lego fabric, I wish I'd bought more.

This is what I've been busy making.

Lots of tiny shoes

Lots of Pocket Clutches

And a cute little Amigurumi mouse

I think I am now up to date in sharing what I have been making. Next will be for family and friends. It's been a good experience making for a market but I do get a lot more joy out of making for someone in mind. I'm looking forward to taking commissions though, there is a contact and I know where the product will end up.

Until next time.

Happy Sewing

TTFN

Edit: I would also like to thank those that read and comment on my blog, thanks heaps, I wouldn't have got to 200 without you :-).

Addicted to making bags

I admit it I love to make bags and purses. I'm always on the lookout for patterns and tutorials. Here are some I've made lately.

Pattern by Keyka Lou - Keychain Clutch

This is the second Keychain Clutch I've made, this time at the normal size (last one was at 150%). It's very cute and just fits my mobile, but it is the wrong shape for that so its now a coin purse. I've sewn a press stud to close instead of velcro, needs a button on the front.

Pattern by Keyka Lou - Lots of Pockets Tote

This is a very cute bag, just big enough for all the essentials. Great bag to go shopping, or take to the craft show as I did. Can't buy more stuff to put in it!! All the fabric is from ikea, great for bags I've decided. Instead of using quilt batting I used some polar fleece with the lining, which gives it a nice padding but made it too think so sew over around the top so I wont be doing that again. I would interface the outside pockets but not the lining. The pockets on the front of the bag are very handy. I attached a magnetic snap to close but I think it needs to be bigger, next time.

Pattern by Keyka Lou - Pocket Clutch

This clutch is very cute. Would be great for a night out, just need to have one! Would fit my mobile and small wallet with cards and notes.

Pattern by Keyka Lou - Keychain Clutch (small is 100% and large is 150%)

Same as the one at the top just increased the pattern size for the larger one. I've made this before. The point for turning the right way round is at the base, when I make this again I will try to have the turning point at the top, it's tricky to make a nice even closing stitch at the base, especially with this type of material. I used a hammer in snap closure this time, which I had no problem with, I expected to as others have said they are tricky.

Pattern by ithinksew - Zipper Pouch

Another pattern maker I discovered is ithinksew. Very cute baby shoes, which I will save for another post. This Zipper Pouch came as a free pattern when you buy other patterns. This little pouch has the zip behind the broken needle incident. It's easy (if you can sew zips) and quick to put together. I made it for Little A's friend who turned 7 on the weekend. I will definitely be making more of these.

Box Pouch

This box pouch came about after I was looking on the net for a small square bag for little girls. There are heaps of tutorials for a box pouch (still looking for a small bag). I started with this tutorial but ended up changing the construction slightly, and put a plastic base in the bottom. I would interface it next time (thought the type of material would be strong enough) though it does stand on it's own very well. I also made this for Little A's friend.

Well that's it for the bags at the moment. I do think I'll be making these for the school fete.

More Keyka Lou pouches waiting to be sewn up

These are some more Keyka Lou pouches waiting to be sewn up. Pleated pouches in 3 sizes and more keychain clutches.

TTFN

Productive Weekend

It's amazing how just adding one more day to the weekend you can get so much more done!! We got a few things done around the house which was nice, usually we get a bit overwhelmed with what needs to be done then go out for a coffee!! Well you have to start somewhere. So painting Oliver's room is nearly finished, we can now open the front door (the house needs re-stumping) Dad was handy with a temporary fix of one of the stumps, and the window sills to the boys rooms are now underway to getting fixed, yay.

Aidan has decided that he wants to share a room with Oliver and make the other room a play room. So while he is keen to do this we are going to give it a go. With 6 years difference between them I don't think it will last long but it will be nice for a while.

I was handy on the machine too. Aidan and I finally made his belt.

I gave up on the binding maker, the material just didn't want to go through evenly, I think I need a lesson. So I just used the folding method, seemed to work fine. I need to work on my thread tension, so don't look too closely!!

I also made Keyka Lou's Keychain Clutch.

I got the hubby to enlarge the pattern to 150% so I could fit more in. Well you can definitely fit more in! My phone, keys and maybe the correct size version would fit in. It needs a handle though which I thought it might so I added the extra strap. I'm going to give it a spin at pickup today and see how it goes. I don't like taking my whole handbag just for school pickup but still need the phone etc. so this should do the trick. I also want to try and make one attach to the front baby carrier, hmm I have ideas.

TTFN

Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mothers Day for yesterday.

This brekky was made for me by my lovely husband, my fave.  We had a nice day mostly at home, I could have stayed in the new slippers and dressing gown I was given all day. We did the extended family gatherings on saturday, which didn't go to plan as we'd been looking forward to. No thanks to a drunk driver early saturday morning, for wiping out the car my sister was driving on the way to a market. She was very lucky and walked away from the accident, not sure what happened to the other driver, or the puddings she was driving to the market. So she and her family unfortunately couldn't be with us. I would like to say a lot more about the drunk driver but wont at the mo, my language might get a bit worse than grr, and I just don't want to lower myself.

This time last year I went to the stitches and craft show with my mum. I bought Nikki's make-up purse pattern and some fabric from amitie with the intension of making a purse for mum last mothers day. Well a year later and I finally did it!! I had two problems stopping me from making the purse, what design to put on it and the zip. I've always been a bit scared of sewing zips, don't know why just have.

When Aidan came home from school the other day, we'd been discussing making something for Grandma for mothers day, he sat down and drew a monster. He's not one for sitting down and doing anything with pencil and paper so you can imagine my surprise when he came up with the above design, complete with dashed lines where the sewing was to go, a name for the monster, Straud, and a whole back story. The back story I wasn't so surprised about, his imagination is enormous. So that was one side of the purse designed, the other I traced around both boys hands, Oliver was a bit harder to do, he still wants to clench his fist. I don't think his hand will fit inside Aidan's for much longer though, he's growing at a rate of knots, 11 weeks now, it's gone so fast.

I used iron on applique paper to transfer the design onto the material, then hand sewed around it. I need to learn free motion on the sewing machine. It came together pretty quickly, Aidan was happy with it. He wanted me to make a softie out of the design too but I explained that he drew a more 2D monster and he'd have to draw it again for me to make a 3D object, he just looked at me as if to say, you got this much out of me, now you want more? Oh what to do with a 6 year old.

I needn't have been scared of sewing the zip in. I did have one unpicking incident but apparently even the professionals do that!! I'm happy with how it's turned out. I could have the applique a bit higher up, I'll know for next time.

Oh, and I finally got the crazy nine patch lattice quilt top finished. Now I just have to decide how to back it, quilt it and bind it. May take another year. Hopefully not. Any ideas?

TTFN

Finally...

I started and finished my first Nicole Mallalieu bag. I've only had the pattern since mothers day last year!!

Large Satchel, Design by Nicole Mallalieu, Handmade by MandyMade

Print Fabric by Aunty Cookie

I don't know what took me so long. Once I started I found the pattern really easy to follow, I didn't have any problems at all. The only thing I would change if I made this bag again would be the interfacing I used, and add some padding. I wasn't thinking straight and used the interfacing I bought for backing my stitcheries. Oh well, we live and learn. Thanks Nikki for a great pattern.

I will be back soon I promise with all the news from Sew It Together. I'm still recovering!! I now have a cold and no voice, so the energy level just hasn't been up to blogging!! I have been checking out others posts though and de-lerking as much as possible!!

TTFN

Still here!!

Don't worry, I'm still here, although you would get the impression that I'd gone walkabout!! Poor neglected blog, and so close to the bloggy spectacular that is Sew It Together!!

I have been making stuff, some secret stuff, some not so. We had a long weekend last weekend so I got to get up north to see my sister on her property. (That sounds rather grand doesn't it!!) It was very relaxing, got to have lots of cuddles with baby niece and ate scones :-). While wandering around we came across some awesome looking toad stools, you can just see the little pixie living under this one can't you?

I've been keeping busy and out of trouble on the train for the past couple of weeks making a gigantic granny square rug for Little A. I finally finished yesterday. I used Lincraft double knitting yarn with 4.5 hook. I used the granny square pattern from Meet Me at Mike's book and I finished the edges with triple crochet. Final measurement 1m square. If anyone needs something crocheted I'm looking for a new train project, just let me know.

I also finally got around to making Little A's school library bag. Only a term late!! I made it the same as this one but it came out skinnier, still fits books though. I bought the material from amitie last year at the craft show, finally got around to using it.

That's it for me today. Off to finally make Nikki's bag so I can take it to show her next week at the stitches and craft show, can't wait, if it's anything like last year, should be ace.

TTFN

Library Bag for James

I may have mentioned a few posts ago that I was off to make a library bag for Little A. We'll I ended up making one for my friends son James instead, don't worry, Little A's will be made!!

I ended up making up the pattern, not too difficult. I just used bits and pieces of what I have learnt on bag making over the past year. If anyone is interested in a tutorial please let me know. When I get around to making the next one I'll document it as I go.

I'm going to have to put the crazy nine patch quilt on hold for a bit, my sister gave birth to a daughter yesterday so now I'm busy planning on something special for her. Very exciting :-).

TTFN

Electronics Case

I made this for my sister for her birthday. I gave her a clutch purse last year, she was being very inventive and using it as a case for her hard drive, so I thought I'd make her another one with a bit more padding!! Again, the pattern is from the Sewing Calendar 2010. This little calendar is coming in very useful for little projects. I quilted it with radiating straight lines from the centre, spiral like, and used a press stud instead of a button. I tried making a button hole with a sample but my machine just wasn't coping, layers were a bit thick I think.

Edit: I also changed the size so it would fit an external hard drive.

The design is by Ayumi Takahashi of Pink Penguin. You can also find the pattern on her website as a tutorial, along with some other lovely looking tutorials which I'm going to have to try.

TTFN

Grocery Bag Dispenser

Grocery Bag Dispenser, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

Another domestic project complete. Now all my plastic bags are off the floor of the laundry and neatly tucked away in my new plastic bag dispenser!! I ended up using the tutorial from Rachel Griffith at p.s i quilt. The tutorial is also on the moda blog. I used 2 fabrics instead of multi. It was hard enough deciding on these. I don't know if you can read the text but it's all about saving the planet with recycling etc. The fabric is all from my stash and originally from spotlight. I quilted it with straight lines offset from the seam joins.

The thing about this tutorial is that it taught me why it's good to iron the seems one way. When piecing it together all of the joins lined up perfectly. Definitely sold me on doing this now, I have usually always ironed them flat. I used the basting spray again for making the quilt sandwich. I think I've emptied the can. This was only the second project I used it on, thought it would last much longer than that, it's not like I over did it either. Oh well.

Back later with my another finished project.

TTFN

100th Post

Mum's Birthday Bag
Originally uploaded by MandyMade

Wow, i have reached my 100th post, how exciting, who would have thought :-) I have seen lots of other blogs give stuff away when they reach their centenaries, but I have been racking my brain as to what I could do. So I think I may leave it up to the few readers that I have, after all this kinda thing is about the reader!! So if you have seen something in the past that I have made, my coffee cuffs for example, and you would like me to make something for you, please leave a comment, I'll either choose randomly or the best idea!! It all depends on the response :-). I'm sorry but I will only be able to accept Australian residents only unless you have a way for me to get a package to you os. I will give you until the end of September to comment. How exciting ;-)

Now to Mum's bag. I made another of Anna Maria Horner's Taxi Tote's for my mum for her birthday. She chose the fabric ages ago and was just sitting there waiting to be made. I used pre-made bias tape this time, saved me heaps of time and fabric, still need to work on the joins though. I put some magnetic snaps in this time so the bag will close on the outer edges. I found with the one I made myself that it gaped too much and I was worried about hands that could get in there!! I added a base to the bag again, following Nicole Mallalieu's tutorial.

Well there you go, 100 posts. Thank you to the people that read my blog, I know that posts can be few and far between but I like to spend more time behind the sewing machine than the computer!! I do that enough in the day job. I'm going to do a re-haul on the site soon, needs a spring clean and a fresh look so stay tuned....

TTFN

Mandy

Anna Maria Horner's Taxi Tote from Seams to Me. Handmade by MandyMade
Bag base variation, I added a base to this bag using Nicole Mallalieu's tutorial found here

Happy Birthday Becca

Gifts for my sisters
Originally uploaded by MandyMade

For our birthdays this year my sisters and I decided to go see a show (Billy Elliot) together and that would be our birthday present to each other. That was back in April. But I felt funny about not giving her anything for today, so I made the cute as a button clutch from Meet me at Mikes book. It was quick and easy to whip up, my over stitching still needs a bit of work though, it's the machine, definitely the machine!!!

Gifts for my sisters
Originally uploaded by MandyMade

And cos I couldn't leave the other sister out I made one for Jo'e too. Happy birthday Bec and happy un-birthday Jo'e :-).

TTFN

"Cute as a button vintage clutch" from book Meet me at Mikes, Project by Kara Smith, Handmade by MandyMade.
Fabric from Spotlight.

Edit: Since I posted this I have read a tute from Pepperberry & Co about how to take photos of purses, I need to now note that my photos were taken a second after they were finished and seconds after that, wrapped and given to my sisters. I know I need to work on my camera skills and thanks to people like Sandra for posting such great tutes :-) may my purse photography be ever better in the future.

PS. I've been playing around using Picnik in flickr, can you tell?!!!