I don't make New Year's resolutions because I would never keep them. However, I did decide that 2016 is going to be a year that I am going to sew for myself and my family by making fun things. Designing patterns is and has always been my passion and I'm so lucky to be able to make my living doing so. Back in 1993 when I had my first design published in a magazine this was my dream, and now with the Internet, it is happening.
Since starting my business, I forgot what it was like to sew strictly for enjoyment. No taking photos of progress, no jotting down notes, no making prototypes, and no need for pattern testers. It's all about relaxing and fun sewing. It is so rewarding!
When I say "Sharing the Love" I mean that in two ways. First, all the little gifts and things I'm making for family, and second, showing off my creations from other designer's patterns. Yes, I purchase patterns from other designers, and follow their blog tutorials too!
Most recently I created the items you see in the photo. The Bionic Gear Bag is probably one of the most creative and unique things I've ever seen! As soon as I saw it I knew I needed a couple of them. I made one to keep my everyday sewing supplies in, and another to store my electronic gear such as my point and shoot camera, spare batteries, chargers, flash drives, etc. There's even room in there to stash some of my favorite teas, and other things I'll need when traveling. After I made mine, I made one small adjustment to the pattern (changed up the front tray) and made one for both of my moms. I have a couple more in the works. I hope my family isn't reading this post.
I also whipped up these simple potholders that I found on Stitching With 2 Strings blog. My poor old things were actually wearing so badly that I was burning my hands. These could not have been any easier or quicker. It took more time to choose the fabrics than it did assemble them! I'll be making more, and I'll be making some smaller ones to use as coasters. My folded paper towel on my stone coaster isn't very pretty.
I made up a whole bunch of these little earbud cases or coin purses and gave them to the ladies in my family on a recent trip to the Smokey Mountains.
I don't even know where to begin with all the little snack bags, zipper bags, and other little bags I've been making. As for wristlets, I just listed one and yet I'm still making more. My daughter claimed one of them so I made another one exactly the same, then I thought, I really need more of these!
I spent one day making some cute and personalized labels for my personal and business projects. They came out so cute that I shared them with the So Sew Easy website. You can find the tutorial to make your own right HERE.
BTW....I often find the need for pattern testers. If you would like to be one of my testers, just click the link at the top of the page that says Pattern Testers, or click HERE. I'll be needing them again soon!
I am so excited about my most recent article and tutorial at So Sew Easy! I spent an entire day making lots of labels to test out the different techniques and I share them all with you in this article. These are so fun and easy to make, you'll wonder why you never made the before. If you have a business or you enjoy making gifts for friends and family, you can make awesome and personalized labels. You work hard on your projects, take it to the next level and give it the label it deserves! I will show you how right HERE!
When I put a call out for pattern testers, I got an overwhelming response. Not only were there a lot of them, it seems as though I got the best of the best! They were asked to make this purse, or wristlet, or both. They gave me great advice and found all my typos and boo boos. The pattern they were testing is for my Paige Crossbody Hipster Bag and matching Paige Wristlet or Cellphone Case. They certainly didn't disappoint!
Maxine used two different nurse themed fabrics to create her purse and wristlet. Love this theme, in fact, I can think of several people who would love these bags!
Sally chose this cute purse themed fabric. She also added a cute little purse charm on the front zipper. Be sure to stop by her blog and shop http://www.sallysaidsew.com.
Jen's purse is made up of this bright and colorful animal print. I'm loving the colors she chose for her zippers. She is going to be in full purse fashion when she's on various outings with the family!
Rose chose this soft print fabric in greens and golds. Love the way the purse matches the wristlet. It makes me think of spring!
Janet used this bright and cheerful deep pink, green, gold, and white fabric. Another fun color combination!
Lorraine went with this very sophisticated print. I just love the contrast of the lining fabric with the exterior of the bag.
Alex created her bag from this awesome big leaf fabric. The contrast of the browns and tans against the white background is stunning!
Trish went completely fun and colorful with the fishies on the purse (I say fishies because it's my two year old granddaughter's favorite thing), and the LOVE themed wristlet. Be sure to follow her on instagram https://www.instagram.com/trishhfly/ where you can see all her great projects.
Celia's purse is full of pretty wildflowers. I love the pink and blue accents, and those sunglasses too! I notice she uses decorative stitches for her top stitching. I really need to try that on some of my bags. So creative and clever! You can visit her facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SerendipityHandbags and see all the fun bags she makes.
Donna completed both bags from this super hero fabric. Who doesn't love and appreciate Wonder Woman? I love the use of the black hardware. It's a perfect match for these bags!
Shanna used this pretty floral print on both of her bags. Great colors and the lining is perfect! Definitely makes me think of spring! Stop by her facebook page and look at all the bags she's been busy making https://www.facebook.com/ifISAYsew
Thanks again to all my talented testers. Your time is so much appreciated. If any of my readers would be interested in becoming a pattern tester for future patterns, stop by my website for information.
If you'd like to make these bags for yourself, you can find them at my Craftsy Shop and my Etsy Shop.
For the first 48 hours, they can be purchased for a special introductory price. On Thursday night (Feb 4th, 2016, Chicago timezone) they will go up to their everyday price.
