Tudor Bag

Have you seen the Tudor Bag by Sew Sweetness?! I was lucky enough to test this awesome "create your own adventure" style handbag a couple months ago. It's a beginner friendly tote style bag, that is chock full of optional features to make it uniquely yours. The finished size is 13.5" L x 12.5" T x 5"D it's a generously sized tote, but not so ginormous it couldn't be used as your everyday bag.

Depending on the features you choose, it's a super quick sew and can easily be done in an afternoon. For those looking for a challenge, add in a recessed zipper closure and extra zip pockets if you fancy.
I'm not a huge fan of zippered closures, only because I hate taking the time to unzip my bag when I want to get into it, so I left that out. The pattern calls for 1 yard of exterior print, but as I wasn't fussy cutting and added more accents in I was able to get mine out of about a 1/2 yard of the exterior print. (But I'm also psycho about conserving fabric when cutting...)

I loved this bag so much that I made a second one for a swap that I participated in, this time in a Cotton and Steel print I thought my partner would like.

This time I added a front slip pocket and omitted the accents along the bottom pieces. Also, I have fallen in love with gold thread! Look at the top stitching in the gold thread!!! I want to use the metallic thread ALL the time now. 

As with ALL of Sara's patterns, this is super easy to follow along with. Even though this bag is rated for a confident beginner, even an advanced bag maker would find it a satisfying with all the customizing that's possible.

Mabel Vintage Handbag

Last month I had the pleasure of testing the Mabel Vintage Handbag from Swoon Patterns. Mabel is a darling little handbag that is perfect for a night out, a little girl, bridesmaids gifts or, for a travel cosmetics case.

Mabel is a really quick sew and requires only a yard total of fabric, so she's perfect to use up those smaller cuts in your stash. Since I'm a BIG bag girl, I knew Mabel would make a perfect cosmetic case for me. With that in mind, this Frances Newcombe print was screaming to be used for Mabel.

Mabel was a very quick and satisfying sew, coming together in an afternoon. She calls for a turn lock closure, which I would highly recommend if using this as a handbag, as the closure will be supporting the weight of your bag and the contents. Since, I wasn't planning on using her that way, I opted for a magnetic snap so that I could showcase these lovely ladies on the flap. 

This is a beginner friendly project, even though it calls for a heavy stabilizer (Peltex 71) it's completely out of all seam allowances and none of the seams are bulky to get through. The only place you have to sew over it is when top stitching the flap. Mabel is a darling bag and is available for FREE over at the Pellon website.  

Geranium Dresses

Holy Moly how has 2 months passed since I've posted?! Maybe it's the baby brain, or the lack of sleep. Either way, Gah!!!

Although I haven't been posting, I've still been working on projects here and there. If you follow me on Instagram, then you know I've still been sewing here and there.

We found out that we will be welcoming a GIRL this spring and that was the green light I needed to start working on some baby projects. I do love to sew for my five year old guy but, I'm so excited to get to sew some ruffles and pink! The first project was the Geranium Dress, which is a free pattern for the 0-3 month size by Made by Rae. It was a super quick sew and required less than a yard of fabric. In fact, I'm fairly confident that I could get the bodice out of one fat quarter.

It was such a quick sew, and oh so satisfying! The seams in the bodice are completely enclosed in the lining which makes me feel all fancy. I did do a some variation of a French Seam on the only seam inside the skirt so all the seams are neatly finished.

I sewed up the first one in a couple hours time (including cutting) and the second in about an hour. Little Miss might end up with a bunch of these by the time we welcome her home.