Sling bags

 I recovered one of my old bags in my closet and decided to use it during the recent school holidays.  It was a sling bag and I found it is so convenient especially with children.  I used it for marketing, go on errands, travelling etc.  The only thing is that it looks a bit casual and old.

Nevertheless this inspires me to make my own sling bags from all my available fabrics.  After experimenting with two sling bags, I finally improvise the size and my techniques.   I come out with a design which is 9 inches wide, 10 inches tall and 1.5 inches deep.  The bag comes with a  front pocket with magnetic snap button, recessed zipper for the main inner compartment and also a small pocket on the inner compartment.  The sling is cotton webbing measuring around 45 - 50 inches and not adjustable.  The body of the bag is made with various combination of cotton fabric available.  I feel accomplished after completing all of them and quite satisfied with them.  I even name each of them.

Summer Red

Winter black and white

Spring purple

Autmn brown

Next, I used with denim fabrics and decorated them with fancy pockets.  The sling is made using the same denim fabric instead of cotton webbing.  I hand sew some flowers and beads to 2 of the bags.  These denim bags come with zipper pockets at the back. At first,  I was quite reluctant to do this as it looks difficult and troublesome.  However after some encouragement from a friend (who also sew bags) and the help from You Tube, I decided to try.  The zipper pocket turns out not bad :-)

Denim with pink

Denim with blue stripes

Simple denim

For improvement, I think I will make it slightly bigger so that at least I can put in IPad mini or small water bottle.  I will add in the zipper pockets at the back..  As for the slings, I will make it adjustable by attaching the necessary rings or parts.  To be more durable, the fabric used should be thicker such as jeans or canvas.  Well these are just my reflections and hopefully I can improve in future.

More Stationery cases and coin pouches

I made more than 30 plus of simple stationery cases and coin pouches over one week.����
I used different type of fabrics mainly small left overs of cotton, cotton linen, denim jeans and waterproof fabric.

There are appliques on some plain ones such as the unbleached cotton linen and denim. My favourite is the cupcake applique on the denim��
I also love the Paris vintage cotton linen��

Before giving them away, I hope to further decorate them with silver or antique bronze charms as an extra personal touch��

Next project will be tote and sling bag hopefully by the end of December.��

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?