Denim Phoebe Bag

I like to sew small, simple and quick projects like pouches, pencil cases and book covers.  Projects like tote, bags and Emmaline NCW take a lot of my time and effort.  It requires a great deal of motivation and determination.  During the recent short festive holiday here, I decided to sew a Phoebe bag inspired by the many completed project in 'sewing tote bags and purses' facebook group.  It looks simple and stylish. This bag is designed by  Rebeka Lambert and the pattern can be downloaded  from http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/accessory/phoebe-bag/104430.
  I decided to use the denim jeans fabric combined with a plain cotton and polka dot as the lining fabric.

Some random thoughts and reflections:
1.  The pattern is simple and straightforward.  Easy to follow instruction.
2.  The front pocket is not in the instruction and pattern.  I got the basic instruction from one of the files in 'sewing tote bags and purses' facebook group.  Then I just figure out how to assemble them which is quite easy.
3.  Working with jeans fabric is a bit challenging for a normal sewing machine.
-   I broke one needle during the project,
-   Because of its thickness and stiffness, it makes the turning the fabric right side out quite difficult especially the flap.
-   The shape of this bag is a bit edgy especially around the darts compared the smooth corners of the cotton fabric.
-  The thickness also made it difficult to top stitch the sides of the opening.
-  I use walking foot throughout this project.

4.  I find it difficult to straighten the inner lining fabric.  So my inner lining looks a bit untidy.
5.    I use the wrong side of the jeans fabric as the bias to line the sides of the pocket.  I love the combination of denim blue and beige cotton.
6.   I did not manage to sew a good symmetrical curve of the flap.  Initially I thought of using the beige fabric as the flap (it will be a very nice contrast), but it will really make my sewing flaws even more obvious.  So I just stick to denim flap.  To hide the flaws I decorate the flap with a big antique bronze button so that the focus will be on the button instead of the asymmetrical flap.

Denim Phoebe bag with magnetic snap button

Simple and stylish

Conclusion: Despite of the flaws here and there, I love the colour combination, the simplicity and the style.  What do you think?

Experimenting with waterproof fabric

I have been very curious about waterproof material but never had the courage to purchase one until recently.  I cannot resist the cute doggy design on one of the waterproof material with a reasonable price in a local online craft supply store.  So I decided to purchase not 1 but 2  waterproof fabric. 

 The first thing came into my mind when I received and opened the package was ' Oh no, I bought a plastic table cloth!'  Yes, it really looks and feels like those vinyl table cloth sold by meter in the local sundry shops here.  And yes...I should have done a bit of research and made some inquiry from craft supply store before purchasing them.

Lollipop and Tiny dog

Well, apparently there are many types of waterproof fabric but the ones I purchased just stated 'waterproof fabric'.  They look like oily cloth except that they are less shiny.  Anyway, since I have bought them, I just need to experiment with them.  I decided to make mini back pack coin pouch ( pattern by Katherine Greaves  from www.sewmesomethinggood.blogspot.ca) and simple pencil cases.

Here are my findings:

1.  To my surprise, they very manageable with the normal sewing and zipper foot.  There is no need to use roller foot.
2.  They are easy to cut and sketch/draw on.  
3.  It does not fray and not stretchable
4.  They are pliable and easy to work on.
5.  No need interfacing or stabilizer as the material has its own stiffness
6.  Use pins only at the seams.
7.  Ripping off seams will leave many tiny holes on the fabric.  Try to get it right the first time (which I find difficult for the mini back pack coin pouch....)
8.  Do not iron on the material.

Conclusion:  Overall, I find the fabric is very easy to work on and I am very happy with the outcome :-)

So here they are a set of pouches for 'him and her'.

A set of pouches from tiny dog waterproof fabric - just nice for the boys.

A set of pouches from lollipop waterproof fabric - sweetly for the girls