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?

Black and white

Improved version of my Emmaline Neccessary Clutch Wallet using black and white floral motif. These took a stretch of almost 2 months to complete due to my own schedule. It started early August when I cut the fabrics and stabilizers, then it stopped until this week. Since I have promised someone an Emmaline NCW for her wedding next week, I forced myself to complete them, at least one them.  Finally three of them were done yesterday.  A great accomplishment!

2 Emmaline NCW using the same fabric secured with heart shape twist lock.  It can be a clutch,  a wrislet and a sling purse (attached with an antique bronze chain).  Suitable for evening dinner

A zip around wallet with keyboard pattern cotton fabric.

Eco water bottle pouch

My daughter requested a pouch for her Tupperware Eco water bottle which she brings to school daily.  

 I managed to do pouches with sling for the 3 sizes of Tupperware Eco water bottles I have.  I also made extra two for my niece and nephew over in KL.  I sort of come out with the pattern after googling here and there.  The pattern is very simple - just need some math formula i.e the circumference formula as a start.

I used a combination of denim jeans fabric and printed cotton.  I used batting as stabilizer to support and somehow insulate the water a little bit.

 

Well, I may come out with the tutorial someday in the future.

For inquiry please pm or email me.

Feeling Blue with Emmaline Neccessary Clutch Wallet

I am inspired by the Emmaline Necessary Clutch Wallet (NCW) made by many in my sewing totes and purse facebook group.  So I decided to get the pattern online and tried my first one. Before that I purchased the heart shape twist lock online from MayMayShop.com.  I used a blue floral cotton (also from MayMay Shop) as the main fabric and the lining using blue and white checked cotton bought from a local fabric store.  I did not use the Pelton stabalizer as recommended in the pattern as I could not find it here in Malaysia, so I ended up with the ordinary stabilizer which I can get from my local craft supply shop here.  

 Well, it turned out to be not bad.  I struggled with the thick fabric and stabilizer with my ordinary sewing machine. I also tried to be as accurate as possible in measuring but still need a lot of practice. Phew...this first one really took me so much time to prepare the hardware and to read the instructions carefully again and again.  Although the 9 page instructions are quite helpful with lots of photos to guide, I read it a few times before I start this project and read it again during each step.

The NCW came with 12 card slots, 5 compartments and a zipper pocket.

After the first one, I have the courage to try a second one using denim jeans fabric. This time I downloaded a free tutorial on how to attach a sling and a wrislet handle on it.  So it turn out to be a clutch, a wrislet and a sling bag!

A clutch

A wrislet

A sling bag

 

My third NCW is made from quilting cotton by designed by Riley Blake which I purchased from Popularfabric.com.  I must admit that using the quilting cotton is much easier to handle than denim jeans and other fabric.  Their colours are very coordinated.

The coming NCW theme will be black and white.  

For inquiry , please pm or email me.

Pattern from http://www.emmalinebags.com/the-necessary-clutch-wallet/4575098877

Frame purses

I have been thinking of making frame purse after inspired by pictures and the sewing group I join in Facebook.  I looked through the various tutorials and videos online but still do not have the confident of doing one.  During my recent visit to Ipoh early this month, I was so excited to find this frame in one of the Daiso chain stores.  It only costs RM5.  It comes with a complete manual, just what I need.  

Purse frame from Daiso

Manual page 1

Manual page 2

I traced the pattern from the manual and made a template out of cardboard.  Then  I cut the fabric using the template, 2 for the outer layer (floral) and another 2 for the lining (polka dots).

I used a thin batting as the interfacing for the outer layer and a thin interfacing for the lining.  I did some free motion quilting on the outer fabric.

Then I sew according to the instruction.

The scariest part is to insert and fix the frame onto the sewn fabric.  I just used UHU glue.   I started with one side and after it dried, then I did the other one.  After completing them, I find it is not as difficult as I thought.  It is even easier than sewing zipper.

So sorry I didn't manage to snap pictures for the whole process as I was too excited to finish the whole thing.

The finished product:-)

I decided to sew a coin pouch and a stationery pouch with the remaining fabric.

A family of pouches

The inside.

Then I was a bit more confident.  I tried out with a combination of cotton and denim.  I came out with two designs- The flower and The Lace and Buttons.  I used a thick stabilizer as interfacing instead of batting as the denim fabric is stiff.  It turn out to be just nice - sturdy and not flimsy.

Denim with flower applique frame purse

Denim and buttons frame purse

For the computer geeks

I made this stationery case especially for the boys who most of them are computer geeks.  The fabric resemble the laptop keyboard and quilted for firmer structure.

Again, both of them are given away as gifts to my nephew and my son's good friend.

My collection of handmade denims pouches

I love denim jeans fabric as it is classic, durable and its stiffness make the pouches look more sturdy.

 This flat denim pouch decorated with lace and wooden button making it looks feminine.  The blue and white floral inner fabric adds to its beauty.

Simple flat denim pouch decorated with silver plated buttons

Box denim pouch with contrasting pockets and centre part decorated with antique bronze plated buttons

Box denim pouch decorated with antique bronze plated buttons and butterfly charms.  The zipper pull is a bee charm

Small denim box coin pouch with lace, wooden buttons and antique bronze plated charm.

Appreciating the Teachers

TO ALL  TEACHERS - HAPPY TEACHER'S DAY

These two months had been so busy but I try to finish all my important and urgent work to make time for making little pouches for Teacher's day.  Finally, I managed to do it  just in time for my children to give to their teachers. It is one way to appreciate their teachers' dedication and patience.

From the scratch:

 cotton fabric cuts, iron-on batting, zipper etc

give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:  18 

These two pouches are given to my daughter's teachers.

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90: 12

For one retired teacher and a dear friend who constantly encourages me and my family through her words and action.

"He has made everything beautiful in its time.  Ecc 3:11"

For someone who teaches the Word of God to my son in his confirmation class, a teacher, pastor and a friend. 

Charm is deceptive, beauty is fleeting; 

but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Proverbs 31: 30

Appreciating another confirmation class teacher, 

intercessor and friend whose faithfulness in serving the Lord is a great encouragement.

Praise the LORD.  How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!  Psalm 147:1

For my children music/ piano teacher.

What to give to man teachers?  I think I will probably make a stationery pouch either from jeans or man -ly themed cotton prints such as computer keyboard (shown partly in the first picture).  This will only be in the future coming teacher's day.  Any other suggestions?

Coin Pouches

Modified my handmade pencil case dimensions and come out with coin pouch with antique  silver plated charm

Dimension 5 inch x 4.5 inch

A feminine coin pouch with high heel charm.

(Given away to a special friend :-))

A combination of cotton jeans fabric and zakka plain linen cotton decorated with star applique and boot charm

(A new belonging of my daughter who booked it before its completion)

Batik pattern cotton with heart charm

( My small gift to my mom)

Owl applique from four different cotton fabric on zakka plain linen cotton with antique bronze butterfly charm.