Bags and Pillows

Had to take a break from the lavender sachets.  I've been wanting a smaller purse for a while now since I don't carry around that much stuff anymore.  I could never find anything in my bag.  So, I decided to prowl the various craft sites on the Internet to see if I could find something easy to do.  Through clicking links, I ended up on the So Sew Easy blog and found the "Make it Yours" one piece clutch bag.  How much easier can you get? The pattern comes in a small and a larger size. I first made the smaller bag using dragonfly designs From the Needle of Ann.  Decided I needed just a little larger, so made the next size up using designs from Mountain Thread Art.  The pattern calls for magnetic clasps, but I didn't have any so Velcro came in handy.  I also used key rings for the strap and tabs and used fabric scraps from my stash. I've since ordered some magnetic clasps, so the next bags I make will be finished a little nicer.  I think I will also alter this pattern some by making the flap a little longer with more rounded corners. I will be making some for sale in our local gift gallery. 

This is the front of the dragonfly clutch I made with some scrap home decorator fabric.

And the back of the clutch.

I added a little pocket and the lining was also a piece of scrap material.

This is the larger size made with denim from my scrap stash.  Front.

Back

Well, I didn't want you to see the purse contents.....the lining is nice flower design.  Forgot to add the inside pocket on this one.

Then I was going through all my completed counted cross stitch designs and found some pansies I stitched several years ago.  Just happened to have some coordinating material on hand and decided to make a small tote bag.   This pattern is  Kwik Sew pattern 3133.  (These patterns are available in fabric stores and I believe in Walmart, too.)  Another easy pattern.  Couldn't make just one, so another one came after using Carolyn Shores Wright graphic designs from Betty's Original Embroideries.  I kind of like the simplicity of these bags as the embroidery is not obscured by highly patterned fabric.  However, I might embellish the upper bands if I use plain fabric with some coordinating designs and include more pockets and maybe a hanging key chain with charms.

Carolyn Shores Wright graphic artwork.  Designs by Betty's Original Embroideries.  Front of bag.

Back of bag.

Inside with some pockets. Nice to have articles with no unsightly seams showing. 

My counted cross stitch design.  No pockets on the inside of this one.  Just a plain carry tote.

Well, a couple small pockets on the outside.  I do like embroidery on both sides, though.

Have I told you yet that I really like the designs from Betty's Original Embroideries?   She makes some really cute designs and always includes a project or two to highlight the designs.  Each month Betty provides a complimentary set of designs for a monthly contest.  I entered her contests a couple times several years ago, and have not been following her on the Yahoo Group until this month.  For her June contest she created a "Smallest Things" set of designs.  I decided to try my hand at making a pieced pillow top using the designs.  I might make something else for the contest as the pillow top includes strawberry lace designs from Sonia Showalter Designs.  Don't think it would be appropriate to submit a project in a contest that also features another digitizer's designs. I might make another pillow cover in my heirloom style.  At any rate, I like this cheery little pillow and those strawberries look very delicious.

Front of the pillow.  This is an 18 inch pillow form.  I used fabric scraps from my stash to make this pillow.

Back of the pillow.  I added some velcro tabs to tack down the top flap.

Next on my agenda is to make some small coin purses.  Am in the process of ordering the decorative top clasps.  Hopefully, by the end of the year holidays, I will have an assorted inventory of gift items for our local gallery. 

Until the next time....

Best Regards,
Jan