Tote bag with front flap

So I tried to make a tutorial for this tote bag. It is so difficult to take photos of every step!!! I have missed a few steps, pic-wise because I got quite impatient and wanted to finish it as soon as I can.
2 external pockets
2 internal pockets
Front flap
Velcro sides (to make the bag look boxy)
Top Length: 14"
Bottom Length: 10"
Height: 8.75"
Width: 4" 

Here are the results, please excuse the toilet paper rolls!:

Below 2 pics, I added velcro to the top sides so it makes the bag look boxy (which I much prefer after taking it out for a spin today!)

 

All 4 pockets look like that. Unfortunately that is a bad call for this back pocket because it just open up too much when I hold the bag by the handles.... It's ok. Lesson learned!!

Cute little reversible lunch tote!

My colleague requested for a little lunch tote and gave me some rough measurements of what she wants it like + selecting the fabrics to go together so here's the result!

Approx. measurements: 10" x 8" x 4"
1 pocket (shown in 2nd picture)

 

I learned how to make the internal pocket via sewhappygeek.co.uk! Here's the link: http://sewhappygeek.co.uk/index.php/2011/10/27/guest-tutorial-katys-pocketed-cosmetic-bag/

It is SO MUCH EASIER for me to sew that than sewing a piece of fabric onto the bag to make the pocket for these sort of bags/totes.

Enjoy!! When I am better at sewing, I will start making tutorials!! :D

Cosmetic zipped pouch with lining

So I tried my hand at making a cosmetic zipped pouch with lining. I am so bad at it!!! Zips are not my forte, me thinks!

It came out ok but the lining at the end of both zips are... bad. :o( I used YouTube video tutorials but I just can't seem to make it as nice... If anyone out there could give me some tips, that would be great!!

Here are the links to the video tutorials that I took sewing tips from and tried to follow:
How to: Boxy Cosmetic Bag: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A55wjGmOXtE
Zippered box pouch tutorial-How to install a zipper: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BruF6Hk9NU

A4 Envelope Sized Flat Handbag (Satchel)!

Merry Christmas! Hope you're having an enjoyable time with your family and friends.

To BUSINESS!!

Please excuse the really bad quality of the photo!! 

The dark blue background level are pockets. The straps separate and make 3 pockets. Goes around the bag so that makes it 6 external pockets! 2 internal pockets. I LOVE POCKETS!! 

The bag is a big A4 sized envelope to hold documents and stuff.

This was initially made for my mum for Xmas but because it's not up to MY standards, I'm keeping it for myself and will make her a better bag! 

Enjoy and be safe!

Reversible messenger bag!

Here's my 2nd project that I stayed up till 3.30am to finish on Sunday morning!

It's a reversible messenger bag for my work's Kris Kringle. Hope she likes it!

I can provide the measurements but I didn't take photos of the process of making it. I took photos of the finished product tho! :D I adapted the pattern from No time to sew: Messenger Bag Tutorial and simplified it for myself.

2 sets (Coordinating fabric - For the main body and lining):

• 2 of 15" x 10.5" (Main)
• 1 of 12" x 10" (Flap)
• 2 of 7.5" x 10" (Lined pocket)
• 1 of 44"-45" (Strap)

Inbetween the main and lining, I used quilt batting to 'soften' the bag instead of fusible interfacing. I thought I'd just give the quilt batting idea a try because I've never sewn with quilt batting before:

• 2 of 15" x 10.5" (Body)
• 1 of 12" x 10" (Flap)

I ended up forgetting to sew one of the pockets to the main/outside fabric. I finished sewing up the main side before attaching the pocket. So I sew the 7.5" x 10" pocket and split into 2 pockets in the middle, to the inside lining. Also personal choice with the number of pockets and where to put them!

The finished messenger bag measurements: 

• Flap: 11" x 9"
• Bag: 14.5" x 8" x 3.5"
• Strap: 1 3/4" x 44"

Enjoy!! :o)

Janome 2160DC and my first project!!

I am a proud mummy to my birthday/early Xmas present, a Janome 2160DC  sewing machine! The first thing I felt was scared. Absolutely SCARED!!! I'm scared of needles, sewing needles and pins... but not injection needles when I get my vaccination jabs?? Weird!

The Janome 2160DC is a sweet little sewing machine introduced to me by Denice, who works at Liz's Sewing Centre at Boronia. Lovely, lovely lady! She sat me down (with my husband staring into space! haha) and taught me briefly how to use the sewing machine. I was intrigued! I've always wanted a sewing machine but that thought never eventuated until this year! HAH!

For the first time in my life, I know how to thread the sewing machine and the bobbin. It was a big achievement for me!! It was so much fun!! Then I started playing around with the machine, tested different stitches and different foot. Still a bit lost with the button holes but I'll learn somehow! Just be aware that the Janome 2160DC has a mind of its own when you go past almost 3/4 of the sewing speed.

I won't go into the whole spiel about the Janome 2160DC since that info can be found at the Janome website.

Today... Or yesterday rather, I decided to make a bag. I followed the instructions that Debbie Shore shared on YouTube. She is awesome!!! It took me much longer to make the bag because I sewed 2 pieces together a few times on the wrong sides so I had to unpick them. After some unlady-like swearing, I finally unpicked the pieces and got on with the sewing. After 1am, I finally got the result that I wanted!! VOILA!

I might try to make a bigger sized handbag with a zip! Goodie goodie!! Add some interfacing as well so the bag will be stronger to stand on its own.

If you're looking for a beginner's sewing machine, I'd highly, highly, highly and absolutely recommend the Janome 2160DC.

Enjoy!!! :D

Single Rose Bloom La Blanche stamp card idea/tutorial

Front of the Kraft card is embossed with the Mpress "Antique Flourish" embossing folder.

Stamped blank cardstock with La Blanche's gorgeous Single Rose Bloom stamp. Coloured it with Distress Inks: Barn Door, Fired Brick and Peeled Paint and Vintage Photo. Blended Vintage Photo lightly as background then ran the coloured/front image FACE DOWN through my Xyron "Create a Sticker", so the adhesive is on the FRONT. Sprinkle Alison Ellis "Crystal Fizz" glitter so the adhesive parts are covered with glitter.

For some reason the adhesive just wouldn't adhere onto the red parts of the rose!!! I think it's because I applied too much ink and it was still a bit damp-ish when I ran it through the Xyron. I even used a bone folder to scrape the crap out of it but when I peeled off the smooth paper, it still wouldn't adhere. Came out pretty nice though!! :D

I then adhered the stamped cardstock onto Peeled Paint distressed background and then layered it onto a pearly, slightly goldish cardstock. 

Lastly, I used pop-up 3D Glue Dots on the back of the stamped and layered cardstock then stuck it onto the centre of the card.