Appaloosa Bag by Sew Sweetness

With the change to cooler weather, I decided it was time for a new bag for me. I have been contemplating making this one for some time now and I finally went ahead and made it. I have sewn several purse/bag patterns by Sew Sweetness. I love the structure and sturdiness that these bags have. I also appreciate the simple construction and easy to follow patterns. This pattern was no exception. I was even able to modify the pattern to have a special feature.

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I adore the fabric that I used. It was on the clearance rack at Hobby Lobby so I picked it up not knowing what I would use it for. I think it's perfect for this bag. I also like the two front pockets located just under the flap. They are perfect for keeping items that you want easy access to.

I modified one of the pockets so that I could carry my essential oils with me. I like to take along my oils, but I don't like it when they are just thrown in my bag and then end up getting lost amidst all my other belongings. This modification keeps my oils close at hand and easy to find. It was really simple to modify. Once the pocket was sewn and before attaching it to the purse, I used knit elastic to create little holders for each of my oils. It has space to hold six 10ml roller bottles. I included a couple larger elastic holder slots to keep my hand sanitizer bottle and perhaps a larger bottle of oil. I like that it didn't add any bulk to that pocket and they are still secure within the front flap.

Another modification that I made is that I placed the zipper pocket on the outside of the back of the bag. I did this so I could have an easy to access place for my iPhone. It's perfect because it's secure and I don't have to dig through my bag or hold the flap open awkwardly while out and about. Next time I make this pattern, I will make that zipper pocket opening wider. Also I learned that attaching this kind of pocket doesn't work well with foam as an interfacing. Next time I'll interface the lining so the zipper pocket will install much easier.

Since the zipper pocket went on the outside, I added a simple patch pocket to the inside of the main compartment. I didn't want to go crazy with pockets but felt like maybe the main compartment would be too large and roomy and that I might want a smaller pocket for necessities that often get lost in the bottom of the bag.

The final adjustment that I made is that I extended the strap. I am a huge fan of cross body bags. Cross body bags also happen to work well for my body type, so naturally I would want to wear this one that way. The original length of the strap didn't allow the bag to hand at the desired height. I needed to extend the strap by about 15 inches to get the desired length so it would sit at my hip instead of my waist.

Are you inspired to make your own Appaloosa Bag?

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You can find the Appaloosa Bag pattern at UpCraft Club.

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Candy Corn--A Sewing Tutorial for Fall

Looking for a fun and easy project to sew for a little one? Check out the full tutorial that I wrote for (affiliate link) UpCraft Club to make this cute candy corn tag toy. While you are there, check out the host of new patterns--quilting, bags, women's clothes, kids clothes, even a pattern for men!

Looking for more inspiration and a different tag toy? Check out the free heart tag toy pattern that I wrote. You can download the pattern for free on Craftsy or read it directly from my blog.

What other tag projects would you like to see? I think it's time that I make another one!

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Back To School--Teacher Gift Idea

Back to school. I love that time of year. New backpacks. And books. And school supplies. Shoes. New clothes. It's all just so much fun...for the kids at least. This post includes a giveaway and links to other stops on today's back to school tour--so don't forget to read to the end for all that good stuff!

It's also a good time for sewing up new clothes for the kids. Last year I wrote about my favorite patterns for back to school. And this year I released my very first sewing pattern--a lunch bag (also a market tote). Now is the perfect time to sew a new tote as well! This month I'm offering a 50% discount on my pattern with the code BACK2SCHOOL2016 in my Etsy shop. Coupon is valid until the end of August 2016.

(This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase by using my affiliate links, I receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting my creative efforts!)

Even though I homeschool my kids, I decided to participate in the back to school blog tour anyway. I mean we are always learning and growing, and we do officially start our new school year in August. BUT instead of making something for the kids, I made this apple core mini quilt, which I picked up from UpCraft Club. It's a perfect seasonal quilt or one that's perfect for anytime. 

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I haven't quilted too much in my sewing career. I have made a couple rag quilts, also some quilts out of some amazing ModKid knit fabric. Last year I made a diamond quilt from an issue of One Thimble. I really love that one--the colors are amazing!

So mini quilts are really fun for me because they can be started and finished in one day (or several short sewing sessions). I happened to have an afternoon without any distractions, so I was able to finish it right away. And this pattern has instructions for making a larger quilt if you would prefer.

The instructions for this quilt are simple and straightforward. I have not sewn this type of block before with curves. Naturally I was a bit hesitant to use any of my really nice fabric, but I just went ahead and used this lovely print that I really love. The instructions guided me to first cut strips of a certain width, cut them into squares, and then use the curved shapes to cut accurately. The quilt is a variation of the drunkards path. Once I had made one block, the others were really easy to churn out. The leaf shape and seeds are appliqued onto the quilt front after it is assembled.

I used solid white fabric for the background and the backing as well. The binding is the same print used in part of the apple. I also inserted pockets into the binding so I could hang it. I decided to quilt this mini quilt with a continuous spiral. It really wasn't as easy as I though it would be. And now I wish I had quilted with straight lines to be a contrast to the circular shape of the apple. But really, I'm quite pleased with the finished result.

I think I'm going to hang this in my kitchen area. I'm auditioning hanging spots, and I think I really like this one. (I received this pattern for free. I wasn't required to write a blog post about it, nor was I required to share about the pattern on social media. I only share with my readers those products and services that I love.)

What back to school sewing are you doing this year? Don't forget to check out UpCraft Club for all your sewing pattern needs!

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Check out the rest of today's stops on the tour:

Filles à Maman - Sew Happily Ever After - Tales of a Tester - 5 Out of 4 Patterns - The Crafting Fiend - Lulu & Celeste

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Summer of Sewing--Satya Romper

Rompers are simply adorable. And they are easy to sew. When rompers first started coming back into style, I had horrible flashbacks to my childhood of hideous styles and impossible to get off rompers when I had to go to the bathroom. Thankfully the Satya romper is not one of these styles! 

I'm honored to be participating in the Poolside Beach Party blog tour with lots of awesome bloggers. Check in each day on the Sprouting JubeJube blog for links to all the posts. Enter the different giveaways. And don't forget to read to the very end of my post for the discount coupon codes from a few generous shops! (This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through my affiliate links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my creative efforts!)

The Satya romper pattern was created by (affiliate link) Jennuine Designs. I first sewed this pattern last year when I was in her tester group. That was this bitty girl was a wee few months old. She was so tiny, that I made her the newborn size. This summer she is just over a year old and I was able to make her a 9-12 month. 

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I chose to make the romper and didn't include any snaps in the crotch. The romper is easy to remove for diaper changes, but really I think it would be more convenient to have snaps. So next time I will add the snaps.

I also chose to put elastic in the legs of the romper. I adore the little bubble look that it adds to the outfit. 

This gorgeous romper would be perfect to put on after a day at the pool or beach. It's cool and breezy and easy to put on when you are finished swimming. Use those adorable pockets for collecting shells or other treasures while you take a break from the water.

The back of the romper is just as cute as the front. Those straps are made out of fold-over elastic (FOE), which really has excellent stretch and recovery. FOE used to be a bit of a challenge to find, but I have noticed in recent years that many of the local shops are carrying a very nice selection. If you don't want to use FOE, instructions are given in the pattern for fabric covered elastic straps, which look equally adorable. Those FOE straps are what makes the romper easy to put on and easy to remove.

This pattern is available in sizes newborn through 12 years. I love sewing clothes in smaller sizes. They take very little fabric and sew up so quickly that you can easily have a new outfit in no time at all! Other options include:

• playsuit length
• romper length
• optional snaps added to the crotch
• FOE straps
• fabric covered elastic straps

I love to purchase my PDF patterns through the (affiliate link) UpCraft Club. Are you a member yet? There are 3 levels of membership available, so you can choose the one that best applies to your situation. You also receive free pattern credit to use each month as well as a convenient discount on any additional patterns you wish to purchase. And did I mention webinars? That's a fabulous perk to the membership. I adore that free pattern credit each month (and who can resist a discount anyway?). 

This little cutie thinks you should run (don't walk) and purchase your Satya romper soon! I would love to see what fabric you use for your romper. 

Now for the discounts: I'm giving all of my readers a 50% discount in my Etsy shop. Use the coupon code PoolSideParty16 to receive half off your pattern order. Code is valid until July 4, 2016. You can also receive a very generous 25% discount on any patterns in the Modkid shop using the code POOLSIDE2016. I have my eye on a couple patterns over there too.

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