Since I've been such an absent blogger lately I have lots of long finished things to show off. The problem is...I can't remember what they are!! So I guess I will just have to post about them as I come across them :). Today's forgotten find is my Wonderland Bag. It was the April bag for the Big City Bags SAL.
I did have many, many issue with this bag. Some of them were of my own making, some not.
First let me say that I love the fabrics I chose! I overall I like the design of the bag.
Now onto some of the problems:
#1- The pattern calls for manufactured straps. My local stores didn't carry any in the correct size and I didn't like the ones that they did have enough to try to make them work.
#2- I decided to just make my own cloth straps but I didn't have enough fabric for my straps and I really didn't want to go to the store. So I used some ribbon I had left over from another project. It's not very pretty, but it worked.
#3- I really loved this polka dot fabric and was determined to make the piping out of it despite the fact that I've never made piping before.
#4- I thought I could figure out how to make piping. Should have Googled it : /! It does not sit flush against the bag and just looks cheap and poorly made.
#5- Installation of the zipper was not pretty. I am typically pretty good at zippers and am not really sure what went wrong here except that the end result looks like someone is puckering their lips (best way I can think to describe it). Needless to say the zipper flaps DO NOT lay flat and look pretty silly. Pretty sure this is my fault and has nothing to do with the fabric.
#6- The bottom piece of the bag is too small for the exterior and therefore creates a pucker. I read about another person who had the same problem so this is an error in the pattern and if you are making one I highly recommend adding a 1/2" to the length of your bottom piece when cutting it. I could fix this fairly easily...I just haven't had the time and frankly, I'm not sure it's worth the effort with all of the other issues.
I got so frustrated with this bag that I never actually finished it. All of the interior pieces are inside of the bag. They are already cut and would be quick and simply to put together. I just haven't gotten to the point that I can start working on it again.
All things crafting with a little bit of cooking, baking, reading, parenting, etc. thrown in.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Monday, May 19, 2014
A Successful Test
A little while back I signed up to be a tester for See Kate Sew. I didn't think I would actually end up getting a chance to test any of the patterns due the the number of other people that signed up...but wouldn't you know I started getting e-mails about a week later :).
One thing you must know about me is that I cannot resist a chance to test out a pattern. It doesn't matter if it is a paper pieced block, a quilt pattern, garments, or a softie, I'M IN!!
This is the first of 3 (yes, three!) new shirts/dresses I will be sharing with you this week. Kate is releasing all of the patterns today. There are a total of six new ones -- and they are all wonderful!
The first one I want to show off is the Emaline Top.
This was my first time using box pleats on a garment. I have done them before on a bag but for some reason I struggled with it a little this time. Despite that, I eventually made it work even though they are slightly different than the pattern called for and the fit was perfect right off the bat (yay, no alterations!!!) and I'm happy with the way I look in it.
The top is originally meant to be worn with the bow on the front but since I'm a bit self conscious of my chest I though I'd see what happened when I put it on backward...I LOVE IT!! If I was to make it again (and I probably will) I would lower the neckline in the back just a touch so that it could easily be worn both ways. The pattern was an easy sew and as always had great instructions. I would expect nothing less from such a great designer :). So be sure and check out all of the new patterns here. And be sure to check back here over the course of the rest of the week to see my versions of the patterns!
As an added bonus it looks like there are a couple of coupon codes for the new patterns. The codes are only good for a limited time so hurry on over and get started!
Hubby, aka The Photographer for this shoot, told me that this goof shot was his favorite so I thought I'd include it :) And my front porch really needs some help!!! One more project for the never ending list...
Monday, May 12, 2014
Big City Bags Sew Along May
This month has totally gotten away with me but I wanted to let you know about this month's prizes before it was too late.
The project of the month is the Bee Sweet Bag.
This month our lovely sponsor Pattern Crush has offered up a great pattern by Ms. Sara Lawson! The pattern up for grabs is the Paparazzi Bag. I've had this one for awhile but haven't had a chance to make it :(. Maybe our lucky winner will stitch it up and give us some feedback...
As always I will leave you with a reminder of the rules we go by :)
(Photo used with permission of Martingale Publishing. Photograph by Brent Kane.)
This month our lovely sponsor Pattern Crush has offered up a great pattern by Ms. Sara Lawson! The pattern up for grabs is the Paparazzi Bag. I've had this one for awhile but haven't had a chance to make it :(. Maybe our lucky winner will stitch it up and give us some feedback...
As always I will leave you with a reminder of the rules we go by :)
- We will be sewing the books in the order they are in the book. Only the bag for that specific month will be eligible for the link up.
- The bag must be complete to qualify for prizes.
- On the first of every month I will announce a new project and prize.
- You will have from May 25, 2014 until midnight on May 31, 2014 CST to link up your project for a chance to win that month's prize.
- Join the Flickr group to see all the projects that have been made.
Our Generous sponsors:
And a special offer from zipit: 15% off of all orders for those sewing along
Use code sewingwithsqueak at checkout to apply the discount
Friday, May 2, 2014
We Have a Winner!
Congrats Madelyn!
I can't find your email address on your profile page so please email me or comment on this post so I can get your information and get you this month's prize :)
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Big City Bags SAL April Link Up
It is once again time to link up your finished bag for the month.
I am as always running a little behind. But it is my project for the night and I hope to have a new bag to show you on Monday.
This month one lucky person will win a $25 gift certificate from Pink Chalk Fabrics.
So many things to choose from!!
Link up below for YOUR chance to win.
I am as always running a little behind. But it is my project for the night and I hope to have a new bag to show you on Monday.
This month one lucky person will win a $25 gift certificate from Pink Chalk Fabrics.
So many things to choose from!!
Link up below for YOUR chance to win.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
The March Winner Is...
My apologies to all of the sew along ladies out there. This post was originally published on April 2...or so I thought.
So without any further delay...
CeLynn! I'll be emailing you very shorty. I hope you'll share with us the goodies you pick out using your gift certificate :)
It's not too early to get started on next month's bag...more on that tomorrow.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Big City Sew Along-Wonderland Bag
Sorry I'm so late with this month's post! There have been some big changes happening around our house. I'll try to do better, I promise :)
This month's Big-City Bags project is the Wonderland Bag. I've got my exterior fabric ready and will be going to the store for the rest of the supplies this evening if everything goes as planned. Hopefully you've already got some idea of what you want to do!
This month's sponsor is an online fabric shop I have used more times than I care to admit :)...Pink Chalk Fabrics.
Always a great selection of fabric and patterns at wonderful prices. They have offered up a $25 gift card to this month's winner.
As always a reminder of the rules:
This month's Big-City Bags project is the Wonderland Bag. I've got my exterior fabric ready and will be going to the store for the rest of the supplies this evening if everything goes as planned. Hopefully you've already got some idea of what you want to do!
(Photo used with permission of Martingale Publishing. Photograph by Brent Kane.)
This month's sponsor is an online fabric shop I have used more times than I care to admit :)...Pink Chalk Fabrics.
Always a great selection of fabric and patterns at wonderful prices. They have offered up a $25 gift card to this month's winner.
As always a reminder of the rules:
- We will be sewing the books in the order they are in the book. Only the bag for that specific month will be eligible for the link up.
- The bag must be complete to qualify for prizes.
- On the first of every month I will announce a new project and prize.
- You will have from April 25 until midnight on April 30 CST to link up your project for a chance to win that month's prize.
- I hope to have some wonderful ladies help me out by sharing their takes on the project, as well as with their tips and tricks for completing them.
- Join the Flickr group to see all the projects that have been made.
Our Generous sponsors:
And a special offer from zipit: 15% off of all orders for those sewing along
Use code sewingwithsqueak at checkout to apply the discount
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