Category Archives: sewing

Emma Clutch Tote Pattern Hack

Wow it’s been too long.  I’ve been busy working in my new job as well as behind the scenes planning for some super exciting times ahead for L&D.  If you’re here because you want to make amazing bags that’s awesome, me too and I look forward to seeing yours.  You can keep up to date with new releases over on fb here 🙂 and of course right here on the blog.

Before I go and release the first pattern for 2016 which might I just say is super cute and stylish and I hope you love it as much as I do….I’ve finally put a tutorial together to add grommet handles into the Emma Clutch Tote.  If you haven’t got this pattern yet you can find it here or in the shop.   Here’s my little hack!

The Emma Clutch Tote without grommet handles

The Emma Clutch Tote without grommet handles

Emma Clutch Tote Pattern Hack
Adding Metal Grommet Handles to your Clutch
When you get to the section “Make the Handles – Steps 26 – 35”  follow these steps instead:
PLEASE NOTE: 
You will need to cut the following (and DO NOT require Pattern pieces B & C)
·      Cut 2 pieces  14” across x 11” high from your Handle Fabric
·      Cut 2 pieces  14” x 11”  of fusible interfacing

 1. Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of fabric as per manufacturing instruction

 2. Place the fabric pieces right sides together and sew the side seams to make a tube.

 3. Clip the seam ends and make a notch in the middle of the seam allowance on each side.  Press seams out.

4. Turn the tube inside out to fold it in half.  Wrong sides should be together.  Top stitch ¼” around the folded edge.

5.  Measure 1 from the top edge centred (folded edge).   Place the handle grommet in position and using a fabric marker trace around the centre of the grommet. 

6. Cut this hole out a little bit bigger than the markings.

7. Position the front of the grommet in place and attach the back to the inside securing it with the prongs or screws depending on your grommet.

Continue pattern at Step 36 – Adding Magnetic Clasp

And thats the hack!  I can’t show you the finished bag yet as its a present but as soon as its received I’ll be sure to share over on Insta

Until next time, happy bag making!

Pattern Testing – The Everyday Tote

Last week I was able to reveal my first sewing project of the year, you guessed it – a bag!  My lovely friend Emma from For my Little Monster has turned her hand to pattern writing and I was lucky enough to be one of the testers for this amazingly roomy bag – The Everyday Tote.

 

I made it using the pink What a Gem Arrows by Allison Cole and I love how it works with my denim on the wrong side.  It has 4 pockets in total and is super roomy.

So how do you get your hands on this pattern you ask?
You can purchase the pattern from here and here.
And
You can win a copy.
All you need to do is leave a comment telling me what you’d find in your bag.  The most creative answer will win a digital copy of this pattern.   I will choose a winner on Friday 13th February at 7pm (AEST).

Welcoming in the New Year 2015

Here are some highlights from 2014

The year started with the birth of this gorgeous boy.  Here he is playing on the quilt I made his brother during a photo shoot with Kipindi.

I wrote a couple of tutorials here and over at And Sew We Craft for a zipper purse and card wallet 

I designed my first clutch and wrote a pattern which WILL be released soon.

I also had a ball joining in the charm swaps with Ms Midge and have received an amazing collection of fabrics by Kate SpainBonnie & Camille and Amy Butler.  I’m still to use my Amy Butler.

The beginning of the year always gets me thinking about where to next.  I’m looking forward to sewing my way through the year making lots of clutch purses, releasing a few patterns and maybe working on some new designs.  I have also been playing with patchwork lately so I’m sure there might be some quilted designs too.

I have set myself a challenge which you can read about at And Sew We Craft.  I look forward to sharing the journey with you.  Don’t forget you can also follow along on Instagram too.

Wednesday WIP – Strap Clutch

It’s always a good feeling when I get a bit of sewing in and thanks to a little sewing day with some lovely ladies on Saturday I was able to get started on July’s sewing challenge with Lil Pip.  This was my second project for the day so I got more cutting than sewing done but I always find cutting to be the longest part of a project.

I’ve been sharing my progress over on instagram and I’m loving how it’s coming along.  How cute are the corners?!  I know this looks complete but it’s only the outer bag.  I still need to make the lining and sew it all together.   Hopefully I can finish it in July.  I still have a day to get it done.

Linking up with Little White Dove