Currently Stitching: Sewing New Patterns

This week in the studio I've been trying to make headway on some new projects. It can be so freeing, and sometimes frustrating, to take something you're familiar with and completely change it. (With no pattern!) I think we're up to the challenge!

For this new clutch, I used a mini charm pack. I laid out the pieces and then trimmed the blocks down to 8 x 6. I have been enjoying these smaller bags because they're so useful! They're ideal for holding smaller objects, like makeup, small electronics or cords, or whatever generally gets lost in a big purse or backpack.

For this one, the speckled gold lining and black zipper were the perfect fit. Usually I use 80/20 batting to line the bags, but this time I went with fusible fleece. It was fairly easy to work with - not hard to cut or fuse. It created a stiffer lining which helps the bag stand on its own.

I marked a 1 1/4 inch box in the corners, and trimmed them away. Then I cut an angle from the top corner to the trimmed box. This helps keep the bag from being  wonky once sewn shut. I cut two 2 1/2 inch squares to frame the zipper. Once it was framed, I cut that down to 7 1/4. It was ready to be installed! 

Voila! It's pretty dang adorable, if I do say so myself! I think the bright lining, light multicolor exterior, and black zipper go nicely together! 

I think this could become quite the versatile pattern. Use different arrays of fabric, or go with solids, multiple quilting methods, etc. It's handy to have the endless possibilities.

I picked up this canvas bag panel am making it for a store sample. Originally it was just the outside, the straps and the pocket. I beefed it up with fusible fleece, added a cotton lining in coordinating fabric, and made the straps thicker and stronger.

After adding the lining to the exterior and the straps, I quilted them both. I used a crosshatch on the bag and did alternating wavy lines for the straps. I also added a lining to the pocket and an embellishment along the top to making it more interesting.

Once the majority of the pieces were completed, I cut and sewed the corners so the bag will stand up by itself. To tell you the truth, I like the way it looks a lot more than I expected. This is not fabric I would normally work with. I am very glad I added the extra material from the rest of the line. I put like sides together, with lining on the outside, placed and pinned the straps. 

I flipped it right side out and sewed up the hole in the bottom. (You leave a hole on purpose so you can pull the bag through). I think it turned out great! It's very Spring/ Summery! The straps make me think of watermelon. 

Also on my list was an extremely long table runner. It was 124 inches in total! Phew! She  said she made it for her niece. Which would make me ask what her niece is doing with a table that size. How many folks are you entertaining at once?! 

She did a beautiful job on the piecing and colors, and the Fall leaf long arming is gorgeous! We de decided to go with gold binding to keep the front nice and bright. It took me quite a while to get the strips cut, pressed and pieced. It took me a good chunk of time to get it sewn on, but it gave just the right finishing touch.

Also on the agenda this week was embroidered Valentine's Day cards.

This type of appliqué required like four stabilizers. It's wild to me how there are so many stabilizers... But despite the sometimes cumbersome nature of embroidery, it does make me want to do more every opportunity I can. This was my first time making a card, and I think I'll do an episode on it down the road!