Boutique Bag for Charity Auction

So, the above picture is the Boutique Bag pattern that I wanted to make it for this charity auction for a fundraiser for foster kids to go to camp. I really liked this pattern and for some reason, only made it once before. Probably cause I feel in love with brocade fabric and it just wouldn't work with the casing. Anyway, here is the very first one I made . . . 

I wish I would have picked a different color for the lining, and looking back at it now, all the colors in general. But, hey, it looked good to me at the time!

Here is the one I made for the auction.

The colors are more subdued than I normally go with, which I think is a good thing. I'm not 100% sure on the bow, I keep thinking yellow would have been a better choice, but I go back and forth! I tried to keep in mind that not everyone likes weird contrasting colors like I seem to be drawn to, so maybe the bow is just fine as is (its the same as the lining). I made quite a few changes this time around too . . .

- First, I moved the location of the bow because I thought it being in the middle was obnoxious (which I also did the first time around). Just a personal perference.
- I also shortened the strap length so the purse curves right underneath your arm and added interfacing inside of the straps so they hold their shape better. That was one problem I remember having with the first one. Plus it adds stability and just looks better.
- I've also made the purse smaller in width because the original pattern is HUGE and downsizing it helps give it more of a purse feel.
- I also didn't put four pockets on the inside, just two because, again, four was just obnoxious and too much. Seriously, who needs four freaking pockets?!

Anyway, I totally love it and am sad that I must see it go, but hopefully who ever wins it will love it!

Inspiration!

 

To quote the first line, I wish some one had told me this when I first started sewing!

Clutch!

I've been wanting to whip up a clutch for months now, but never really got around to it, but recently, my step mom asked me if I would make some purses for a charity auction that would raise money for foster kids. I figured two purses would be a bit ambitious, since I take so long with them, so I settled for one purse and one clutch. I found this super easy, super cute clutch tutorial (you can find it here) and gave it a try!

I've had this fabric for years and I finally just decided to use it for a practice clutch, but it turned out awesome! I modifed the the "pattern" by doing the ruffled front on both sides and added a handle (which I made a bit too long). One thing I was super excited about was how she did the zipper with two tabs at each end that are sewn into the purse so it lays flat. Mine did not turn out that way, I think next time I will make the zipper just a tad smaller than she says to make it so I have more room to sew it all together (if you read the tutorial, you will know what I am talking about).

 Anyway, here is the lining . . .

Another problem I had was the lining not fitting very well at all. As you can see, it's a bit puffy by the zipper and it just doesn't lay right. Next time, I'm increasing the seam allowance to 5/8" which will help with the zipper problem and enough seam allowance to press open after it's all sewn together. Also, I want more rufflage (I know that isn't a word), so I'm going to increase the length by an inch or two.

Well, that is my big accomplishment! Enjoy!

It's been awhile

Well, I have really lost touch with blogging my sewn creations. I must admit, after seeing all the other sewing blogs, I felt more than inadequate. All these other ladies make such amazing, beautiful, well-made things with the coveted Amy Butler fabric that my small hometown seems to hate selling. Not only that, but the photos are perfect and look like they are done by experts! I'm not an expert. I'm a sub-par seamstress on a limited budget with a short attention span. I also get discouraged and feel like my projects are just ok.

BUT, the silver lining is Pinterest. Pinterest as sparked such amazing inspirations in me, I cant' even begin to explain. Sliced bread doesn't hold a candle to this website. So, while this particular post does not have a project or anything, I can say there are more to come! I have seen HUNDREDS of crafts I want to dabble in, but I have so much going on in other areas of my life! Time consuming projects just aren't holding my interest. I want something simple and can be finished within the span of two days and I have found tons!
 

So, I want to start this up again, but kinda redesign it. Other websites have tutorials, patterns, tips and so on and I want that too. What's another thing to add to my long list of goals?


More to come (promise)