Hosta Hobo

The Hosta Hobo by Blue Calla Patterns is one that I scooped up the second it was released last year. This is a rarity for me, as I always seem to have more patterns then I'll ever have time to sew. Something about Hosta pulled me in, and I had to have this pattern! 

However, as it often happens, after purchasing the pattern it got shelved for several months. Something else would always come up and another project would get in the way. A couple months ago I couldn't wait any longer and Hosta and I got acquainted. After sewing one I loved her even more. 

The Hosta comes in two sizes, and really was designed as a camera bag. The directions include foam camera inserts, but I adore her as a shoulder bag. The two front zippered pockets are the perfect size to stash your keys and phone to keep from having to dig around the inside of your bag. This version was a gift for a friend with two boys and she likes to use it as a small diaper bag when out and about.

I made the large size because I love them. Bigger is better! I did underestimate how big she is, she is a very large shoulder bag and would really work well as a small diaper bag or work bag.  For this Hosta, I used some of my beloved Alison Glass prints with natural cork from Sew Sweetness. I love the blues of the fabric againts the natural cork. 

I also sewed up this colorful version in one of the newest Joel Dewberry prints. This was a custom order and adore the fabrics she chose for this one!

If you have been looking for a new pattern to sew up up that has lots of verstality, you won't be dissapointed with Hosta. She comes together pretty quickly and I love the options you can add. Scoop up your copy of the pattern here. I've also just listed them as a custom order option in my shop if you don't want to sew your own. 

Designer Spotlight-- Anna of Noodlehead

Today's featured designer is Anna of Noodlehead. Head over to Happy Okapi to read more about this fab designer. Be sure to take the poll and enter in the giveaways...time is running out!

Designer Spotlight-- Janelle of Emmaline Bags

Today's featured designer for the Designer Spotlight Series is the one, the only Janelle of Emmaline Bags. Last and most certianly not least! Janelle is a bag lady extrodinaire. Her resume includes: bag and hardware designer, author, craftsy instructor, blogger, bling fairy and all around bag queen. Janelle has designed many beloved patterns and continues to enable us bagineers with gorgeous high quality hardware and bling. 

 How long have you been sewing and what inspired you to start designing your own patterns? 

I started sewing when I was 12 years old, so I have been sewing off and on for about 33 years. I started with clothing, and then quilting, and then caught the bag making bug around 2010. I didn’t start designing my own patterns until I started bag making. So I’ve been designing bag patterns for about 7 years. 

 
What do you love most about your job? 

There are so many things to love about my job! I love it that I am fortunate enough to work from home. I feel very lucky that I can work from home and be creative. I guess that is two things I love most! 

What is the hardest part of the design process for you? 

For me, the hardest part of the design process is selecting fabrics that will show my design in the best light. I am horrible at picking fabrics!  

What do you enjoy doing when you aren't working? 

When I am not working, I love to be outside. I just need to get outside to walk, listen to the birds, and watch the dogs run through the bush. It brings me the peace I need to get through a very busy week. Except for when I am screaming at the dogs to come back, that is not as peaceful.

  
What is your favorite pizza topping?  

Ham and Pineapple!  

What is your favorite thing about bag making? 

I love bag making because of the feeling of accomplishment I get after working out a method or process. When it comes together in the end, it feels great! 

What is your least favorite part of bag making? 

I really do not enjoy cutting fabrics and fusing interfacing. Uh, what a drag!  

Is there a pattern of yours that is your favorite? 

I LOVE my Prairie Girl pattern that I designed for the Bag of the Month Club in Dec 2016. It’s going to be released soon, and I can’t wait to share it because I am truly happy with the way it turned out. I have been carrying one for a long time, and I don’t need anything else. 

What is your favorite pattern by another designer? 

I have always loved the Blanche Barrel bag by Swoon. Alicia really did a wonderful job with it and darn, she beat me to it, but I still adore her!  

What is your favorite snack? 

Cheese. Cheese for breakfast, lunch and dinner and all snack times. It goes with every drink I like too….  

What is your favorite piece of bag hardware? 

This is not a hard question for me. When I designed the Metal Bag Labels that say “handmade” or “handcrafted”, etc., I had a desire to create a label that bragged “Handmade” but also gave bag makers a label, and a shiny focal point on their bag exteriors where something just looked missing. They really are that final touch that make a bag exterior look complete to me and they say “This is handmade and I am proud of it.” I love them!  

What machine do you sew on most often? 

For bag making I use my Juki TL2010Q. It’s very powerful, has a huge throat space, and has speeeeeeed!  

What advice would you give to someone who is new to bag making? 

Have FUN! Sewing is supposed to be fun, and not stressing. If you have to rip out stitches, sigh, smile to yourself, rip those stitches, and sew again. We all mess up, it’s all part of it!  

Who is your favorite fabric designer? 

There are so many fabrics and designers that I love. I can’t do that. It’s like picking a favorite child, you just can’t! 

What is the best compliment you've received as a designer?

When a customer emails me to tell me how pleased they are with themselves, and how happy and proud they are to have made something they love so much, it makes my day. I love that I am part of that feeling of accomplishment. It makes it so worthwhile.  

How organized is your sewing space? Are you a mess maker or everything in its place kind of person? 

A total disaster. I am the messiest maker. There is fabric, thread, tools, and hardware everywhere. I have to clean before I start, or push things aside to even find the table top. It really is horrible and something needs to change. Right, tomorrow I will change.  
What is your favorite color? Blue! Aqua, teal, royal, denim - all shades of blue make me feel calm and happy and not blue at all!  

What is your favorite thing to listen to while working? 

Silence. A lot of people listen to shows or watch TV, but really there is so much chatter and noise going on in my head already, that I can’t add anything to that. I need quiet.  

Is there anything you wish others knew about you or what you do?  
“I'm just a girl, sitting in front of a sewing machine, asking it to have consistent tension.” 
I am always trying to be funny, and I use humor to diffuse stressful situations. If there something very important to discuss, chances are I will say something stupid.  

How do you make sure that your patterns are accessible to bagineers? How do you promote your work?
I like to promote my work on my blog, newsletters, instagram and social media. Basically, I get it out there and hope that it is well received and enjoyed and it will get good reviews and be recommended. 

You can connect with Emmaline on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or Twitter . We love it when you share your projects with Emmaline patterns or Emmaline hardware! Use our hashtags when you post so we can see too: #emmalinebags, #emmalinehardware or #emmalinepatterns. 

We also have an active and helpful Facebook group for Emmaline Patterns and Hardware...we love to see how you use our hardware on ANY pattern! It's a great place to get help, ideas, share your makes or just find encouragement. 

Follow our blog here, and join our newsletter to stay up to date on announcements and new items. 

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Designer Spotlight--Samanatha of Mrs. H

Today's featured designer is Samantha of Sewing Patterns by Mrs. H. Head over to Happy Okapi to get the scoop on our beloved designer from across the pond.

Designer Spotlight-- Kylie of Little Moo

Today's Spotlight Designer is Kylie of Little Moo. 

Established in 2009, Little Moo Designs began with a focus on children’s clothing and accessories and then quickly took a turn in specialising in bespoke hobby horses. After a number of years of custom orders, Kylie decided to put pen to paper and put some of my patterns out to the big wide world.

Little Moo Designs patterns aim to teach skills which can be readily interchanged between your sewing projects, making them valuable learning tools in your own creative journey.

Etched with a bohemian vibe, Little Moo Designs patterns are created for levels from beginner to intermediate. With a love of textile blends, they gear towards mixing leather and cork fabrics with woven fabrics.

Based in South West Queensland, Kylie is a self-taught sewing artisan with a passion for sharing her love of sewing with others.

Let's learn a bit more about Kylie: 

How long have you been sewing and what inspired you to start designing your
own patterns?
I have been sewing since my childhood, both my nan and mum taught me. However, I
really became addicted to sewing after my first daughter was born, 8 years ago and I
was excited to make clothes for her.
My inspiration for designing patterns was a natural progression from many years of
making bespoke custom hobby horses in my business. So much ‘design’ went in to each
and every order that the next step for me was to put my sketches into sewing patterns.

What do you love most about your job?
I really love the whole process of pattern design. From the initial sketch of a bag design
to completion of the pattern. What makes me the happiest is seeing the design being
made by my customers all around the world! I do a little happy dance each time I see a
finished bag made using a Little Moo pattern, it is such an honour to me.

What is the hardest part of the design process for you?
I am a bit of a procrastinator, I get easily distracted and while I am writing one pattern up
I have 3-4 others on the go….it is hard to stay focused on just one idea at a time.

What do you enjoy doing when you aren't working?
I live in Queensland, Australia where we have the most amazing beaches and country
escapes. I love camping with my family and catching up with my friends and enjoying the
outdoors.

What is your favorite pizza topping?
BBQ Chicken and pineapple.

What is your favorite thing about bag making?
I am a big lover of textures. So my favourite part of bag making would have to be
matching fabrics with cork and leather and hardware. I often spend hours on this to try
and get it right. With so many options in fabric it is easy to get lost doing this!

What is your least favorite part of bag making?
Cleaning up….

Is there a pattern of yours that is your favorite?
I am a pretty big fan of clutches, so I would have to say the Gossip Clutch and The
Tainted Love Clutch are equal favs.

What is your favorite pattern by another designer?
I love and admire a lot of designers work. My absolute favourite is Jen Kennedy from
One Thimble and Ainslee Fox Boutique. Jen’s designs are so much fun to make and
stretch my skills which I love.

What is your favorite snack?
Strawberries and blueberries.

What is your favorite piece of bag hardware?
Rivets! I seem to rivet everything these days.

What machine do you sew on most often?
When I am designing, I use my Brother NS-50 as I like to ensure my designs can be
sewn on domestic sewing machines, this is important to me. When I am using leather, I
use a Vintage Singer, it is a workhorse and was $10 at a garage sale! I don’t believe you
need expensive sewing machines to sew bags, knowing your machines capabilities is
the most important skill you can learn.

What advice would you give to someone who is new to bag making?
Ask for help if you need it, read the pattern a few times before you begin including all the
tips and tricks that the designer gives you. Give it a go, what is the worst that can
happen! And in my Masterclasses, I always say, “we don’t make mistakes, they are
design features.”

Who is your favorite fabric designer?
That is easy, Hawthorne Threads hands down.

What is the best compliment you've received as a designer?
“I have never sewn a bag before, I always thought they were too hard, but I used your
patterns and had great success.”
I LOVE that people are willing to give things a go!

How organized is your sewing space? Are you a mess maker or everything in
it's place kind of person?
I wish my sewing space was neater. Let’s say I am a mess maker but I know where
everything is.

What is your favorite color?
I really love all colours, but at the moment I love mustard and black.

What is your favorite thing to listen to while working?
I do love Pandora Radio and usually shuffle through songs on there. I love old school
R&B, Fleetwood Mac and blues. But I listen to most music.

Is there anything you wish others knew about you or what you do?I am a huge
believer that we can use sewing to make positive change in this World. The mission
behind Little Moo Designs is exactly that. Keeping sewing alive through the generations
with on trend sewing patterns, teaching masterclasses and being the Australian
Ambassador for the Sew Powerful Purse Project are what I hope to continue to
undertake so that positive growth continues.

How do you make sure that your patterns are accessible to bagineers? How do
you promote your work?
I use the social media platforms of FB and Instagram and I sell my patterns on my
website, Etsy and Craftsy. I travel teaching masterclasses and sewing retreats which are
extremely popular (and fun!)

Check out all the patterns that Little Moo has to offer on her website, Etsy shop, or on Craftsy. 

While your there, pick up Kylie's latest pattern, the Gossip Clutch!

You can connect with Little Moo on facebook, the Little Moo Facebook group or on Instagram.

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Designer Spotlight- Lisa of Andrie

Today's Designer Spotlight designer is Lisa of Andrie Designs:

Andrie has just launched the Andrie Designs Classics collection; a collection of patterns designed to be simple and quick to construct, yet effective and classic in design. The first pattern in this collection is the Classic Carry All and Handbag Tote pattern. They are patterns designed for all kinds of makers, both for those who sew to sell or just for themselves. 

Andrie features a wide range of sewing patterns for all levels of sewing and with easy to follow instructions and unique designs. Let's learn a little bit more about Lisa:

How long have you been sewing and what inspired you to start designing your own patterns?

I have been sewing since I was around 8 years old I think (so a good wee while! LOL!). I started out designing my own patterns purely though identifying a gap in the market so to speak - I was after an insulated lunch bag pattern to fit a specific sized lunchbox and couldn’t find one so had a go at creating my own!

What do you love most about your job?

Probably seeing all the gorgeous creations my customers make with my patterns! Everyone has such wonderfully different approaches to fabric combinations etc., and it’s just SO awe-inspiring to see what they come up with! I love it!

What is the hardest part of the design process for you?

Making all the pieces or features of my design ‘fit’ just right in reality. I have a bit of an OCD tendency and can be quite particular with my designs and how they come together in the end.

What do you enjoy doing when you aren't working?

Spending time with my two young children, my husband and our mini fox terrier Toby.

What is your favorite pizza topping?

Haha random! I probably love chicken, mozzarella, mushrooms and onion with barbecue sauce and smokey barbecue drizzle at the moment (I think!)

What is your favorite thing about bag making?

Probably getting to play with gorgeous fabric and hardware etc. and transforming them into something practical and eye catching.

What is your least favorite part of bag making?

Cutting out all the pieces! If someone could do that for me, and interface them all as well, that would be SUPER!

Is there a pattern of yours that is your favorite? 

At the moment I’m probably loving my Classic Carryall Handbag & Tote pattern the most.

What is your favorite pattern by another designer?

I really like the Break The Rules Wristlet by Emkie Designs. The piecing on the outer panels is so fun and a great way to use up scraps!

What is your favorite snack?

I don’t think I can pick just one sorry! It would have to be a good coffee and Lindt chocolate balls…

What is your favorite piece of bag hardware?

Hmm…. As boring as it sounds, probably the rings - D-rings, O-rings and rectangular rings! For me, they seem to be an integral part of bag making and are just so versatile!

What machine do you sew on most often?

I have two Bernina’s so use both of them when sewing - my B350PE is my newer one that I saved up and bought myself a couple of years ago, and my 1120 is one my mum bought around the time I was born and is what I learnt to sew on all those moons ago. She’s since gifted it to me and it will be treasured for a long time yet I reckon! Plus, it runs as good as the day she bought it which is fantastic too!

What advice would you give to someone who is new to bag making?

Start slow with a few easy, entry level bag patterns from reputable designers who provide clear and thorough instructions, and don’t be afraid to ask questions  We all have to start somewhere, and asking questions is a great way to learn and clarify exactly WHY things are done the way they are.

Who is your favorite fabric designer?

At the moment I’m crushing on Alison Glass but I am keen to try some of Libs Elliott’s Tattooed collection at some point too… Seem to have a thing for all things colourful and rainbow-like! LOL! :)

What is the best compliment you've received as a designer? 

Ooh… Um… I guess the best compliment I’ve received would be to do with how well written my patterns are, how easy they are to follow, and how clever they are with all the pieces “magically fitting together” in the end.

How organized is your sewing space? Are you a mess maker or everything in its place kind of person?

Haha I’m definitely an ‘everything in it’s place’ kind of gal! I’ve always been tidy and organised… I think it goes hand in hand with the OCD traits and being ‘particular’ about things LOL :D

What is your favorite color?

At the moment it would have to be a combination of teals, aquas, dark/peacock blues and purples! <3

What is your favorite thing to listen to while working? 

Usually I prefer the silence funnily enough as when the rest of my family are home it’s pretty noisy haha. However if I decide to pop some music on, it’s usually Ed Sheeran’s Divide album these days (SUCH a great album!!).

Is there anything you wish others knew about you or what you do?

I guess I would like readers to know how particular I am and that it most definitely flows through to my patterns and style of writing. I don’t like the term ‘perfectionist’ as I don’t believe anyone or anything can be ‘perfect’, but I definitely strive to produce top quality patterns that are super easy to follow and will give professional results each and every time.

How do you make sure that your patterns are accessible to bagineers? How do you promote your work?

My patterns are all available via my website (www.andriedesigns.com), my Etsy shop and Craftsy store. I also share on my social media (Instagram and Facebook) and will usually share my customers makes rather than mine as I feel they’re a LOT more inspiring!

Don't forget to head over and take the poll here

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