Sirdar Weekend Denim, Style Arc Laura Top and a Satchel

After my last knitting marathon, I was determined to find a pattern that would better suit my needs (that is = easier, quicker) ...

Button from Newtown - All Buttons Great and Small

The lovely people at Stitch Bliss suggested this knitting pattern book ...

I chose this design ...Design I .... and I used Sirdar Denim Ultra Yarn (60% Acrylic, 25% cotton, 15% wool), Shade 502 ...

They also recommended this book which is a fantastic resource, I didn't even have to ask mum to help me make this one - everything is explained ....

step by step with lovely clear photographs

 ... but even armed with all this I failed to change needles after starting the rib rows, by the time I realised I had already made good progress, and my family urged me not to undo what I'd done ... I was willing to .. anyway, I was so carrried away with enthusiasm that I just carried on and so the finished garment is a little out of "whack" - I really don't care - it's wearable - and I've learnt a great lesson!!! This was a great project to work on - very quick and straight forward - I'm keen to make another one - properly this time!

I made a long sleeve tee from my Laura Dress Pattern from Style Arc - just taped together the yoke and main pieces, and of course made it shorter. This is a great pattern - too easy!

And to close with ... one of my students recently finished her Satchel bag, using the Large Tote and Satchel Pattern from NicoleM Design - a very popular pattern around these parts! She chose a great Japanese inspired quilting cotton for the flap. The pattern was modified slightly - made a tad larger. Great work Nic!!!

I've tried 3 times to insert this photo correctly! Arrrrgh! Just stretch your neck gently to the right .... lovely!

Preschool Backpack and a Satchel

I couldn't wait to make this ....

A super cute little backpack ...

In "Transportation" fabric - with a nostalgic bent ...

From this rather excellent book .....

In fact, it was so much fun that I made a slightly larger version:

 .. in corduroy with a pretty print ....  I think Nikki is at the Melbourne Quilt Show this weekend - buy a book a she'll sign it for you!!

Sewing Notes:
Nicole Mallalieu's recent book "You Sew Girl" covers sewing skills (equipment, gadgets, all about patterns and techniques) and projects including accessories, bags and purses and pattern free clothes. There are 19 sewing projects in total.

The patterns are printed on separate pieces of nice quality paper - you don't have to open out a huge road map to find your project pattern.


 Fabric:
For the preschool backpack I used a solid green organic cotton canvas from Marcus Brothers - this is a lovely quality fabric - as well as coming from organic cotton they also claim that the fabric was dyed in an eco friendly manner - I believe that this particular fabric has been discontinued - but you may still find it around. For the contrast I used a "Transportation" panel from Marcus Brothers - the colours and authenticity of the vintage style is delightful. For the larger backpack I used two baby cords with a small floral print from a little patchwork shop at Nundle, NSW.

General notes:

• You may need to think about very strong sewing machine needles if you're going to use a fabric other than quilting cotton weight - parts of this project require you to sew through many layers - you need a machine with grunt!!
• The instructions are very well laid out - the spiral bound book is great to just flip and concentrate on one page at a time.
• All requirements for the project are clearly set out.
• The seam allowances are 1/2 inch - which converts to 1.26cm - at times the instructions say 12.6mm or 1.25cm - I know that it's all the same - but it may confuse some people.
• EDITED TO ADD:  on page 99, the diagram under point 1 is incorrect (edited to add: actually the diagram is not incorrect - I do apologise for this - the way I interpreted the diagram was that the long edge of the Back piece was being stitched to a long edge of the front piece, when actually it is stitched to the short side of the Front - the diagram in the book shows that the Back piece is sitting ON TOP of the whole Front piece - it's the underneath parts that I didn't see - thanks Nikki for clarifying this) , all other diagrams are very well set out and the photographs are very helpful as well. There are handy tips throughout the instructions.
  
• If I make this again, I would add a little strap as a mini handle in between the top of the straps.
• A bias maker is a handy little gadget to make the bias for around the flap - I use mine all the time.
• p 103 - Line the Bag - the pattern suggests as 12cm gap for the turning through, but as mine was made with a fabric on the heavier side I would suggest leaving a larger gap - otherwise the turning the bag the right side out can become an anxious experience.
• Finish the Bag (p103) Step 1 - slip stitch the CB seam closed - strictly speaking it is not a CB seam but a side seam - and I pretty much always machine stitch the gap together.
• I used a plastic toggle to fasten the cord around the 
• This is a great sewing project. The finish is neat and professional. The use of the metal slide adjusters and rings adds that special touch. There are lots of possibilities for contrasting fabrics. A strong, sturdy and special backpack for children.
• To make the larger bag, I just experimented with making the pieces wider and longer. It's really not that difficult - make the basic preschool one first and then modify accordingly.
• Looking forward to making other projects from this book!

The Perfect Canvas

Nicki describes this bag as "the perfect canvas for embellishment". And indeed it is.
Sometime ago I played with screen printing some foil adhesive and applying metallic foils. I printed some denim and put it away.
I cut out this bag, and put it away.
Finally, it has been made!
All pieces (except for the strap) were interfaced and pelloned.
Magnetic closure inserted.Template plastic used for a firm bottom.

I used decorative stitch #86 on my Bernina Activa - which has a double or triple hand stitch type of effect - one of my faves!

Plenty of further scope for play with this pattern - and highly suitable for males!

Large Tote and Satchel Bag

One of my absolute beginner sewing students, Nicole, has completed her very first bag project.....
She chose one of Nicole M's bag patterns ......
the Large Tote and Stachel .....
Trimmed with a lovely deep olive green piping and some covered buttons, it came up a treat ....

Congratulations Nicole!
This is a great bag design and great value because the range of variations is extensive.
I think she HAS the sewing bug!!!!