Sometimes, it’s nice to sew something that is quick and easy and almost guaranteed to succeed. This is one of those projects.
It’s a small drawstring bag I made in between other projects. It was a gift.
The pattern is the Lined Drawstring Bag from Jeni Baker Patterns. It comes in eight sizes and this is the smallest. My finished bag is about 4.5″ by 3.25″ by 1.5″(or 11.5 cm by 8 cm by 4 cm).
This really is tiny – just the right size for a handful of dice. It’s not the first time I’ve used the pattern. You can see some other examples in an older post.
I used quilting cotton left over from a quilt I made. The flat cord is from Our Social Fabric, a non-profit fabric store selling donated deadstock fabric and supplies.
This pattern is pretty foolproof and I’d highly recommend it.
Summary
Pattern Review:Lined Drawstring Bag from Jeni Baker Patterns. Fabric: Quilting cotton (from my stash). Sizes: Available in eight sizes. This is the “Tiny” size. Cost: Pattern: $9 (but made four times). Fabric: 0$. Sewing Level: Easy. Modifications: I used cord instead of fabric ties. Results: Great!
I have been looking for the perfect sling bag, but they are always never quite right. Good thing I know how to sew!
My needs are pretty simple. I just want to be able to carry the basics without a lot of extra weight, keep everything zipped up for security, and keep everything dry on the occasional hike in the woods.
I chose the Sandhill Sling pattern by Noodlehead Patterns. It’s just the right size. It can carry all my daily basics, and then some. It also can fit an iPad mini (or an e-reader)!
The pattern is excellent in every way. The instructions are incredibly clear, and there is a sew-along with YouTube videos, photos, blog posts, and illustrations. It even has links/QR codes at key points that lead you right to those videos.
The bag comes with an outer zip pocket, and a main compartment with an inside pouch pocket. But if you are making the bag, you can always add extras. I added a swivel cord attachment for my keys, and a carry handle.
The outside fabric is black waxed cotton canvas, which is “cotton impregnated with a paraffin or natural beeswax based wax”. It’s water-resistant, but it feels dry and not at all sticky. Over time, it develops a distinctive worn-in appearance and patina.
This is my first time sewing with cotton canvas. It’s very odd fabric to sew with. In some ways it’s extra easy to work with, because it folds almost like cardboard and stays put. That’s good, because you can’t iron it.
It’s also a 441 gsm (13 oz/yard), which is really heavy fabric. There is one point where I needed to sew through 8 layers of it, and my sewing machine needed a tiny bit of encouragement, but she pulled through! I used a 16/100 jeans needle and that was about right.
The pattern calls for 0.53m of fabric for the outer bag, so I bought 1m which was wider than quilting cotton, and there is so much left! If you cut this carefully, with the accuracy you would cut fabric for a quilting project, there will probably be some extra for another project.
I chose black because I wanted a black bag, because that’s the colour of my soul! It also coordinates with my wardrobe really well. If I used a different colour the waxed cotton look would be a bit more visible.
I’ve used hardware in a colour called gunmetal because there was no black. But I’ve brightened it up with electric blue zippers.
If there is one thing I hate, it’s a black bag interior (how can anyone find anything in there?). So, I’ve used bright lime green quilting cotton for the interior. This was in my deep, deep stash.
There is also a bit of bright blue grosgrain ribbon I used to make the swivel cord attachment for my keys, and a tag on the front of the bag. This came from a deadstock non-profit fabric shop.
I am super happy about how this turned out. It’s a pretty heavy-duty bag but it doesn’t feel heavy when you wear it.
If I had to make it again, I might add an interior zipper pocket. I didn’t think the iPad mini would fit, but now that I do, I would add padding to the interior pouch pocket. I’d add a bit more topstitching, because it will produce a bit more of that crumply waxed canvas look over time. I’d also use a smoother, seatbelt-style webbing, and use that for the handle as well as the strap. But these are very small changes. This bag is amazing. I really love it.
I like the results so much, that I’m thinking about making another, which is good because there are already people at my house asking me when they can have a bag like mine.
Summary
Pattern Review: Digital Sandhill Sling by Noodlehead Patterns, available in just the one size. Fabric: Waxed cotton canvas in black from Blackbird Fabrics for the outside. The inside is made with quilting cotton. The print is from the Jack & Jenny collection by Laurie Wisburn for Robert Kaufman from my deep stash. Notions and Equipment: Needle: jeans 16/100. Zippers and bag hardware in “gunmetal” colour from Wawak. I also used some grosgrain ribbon from Our Social Fabric. The smaller swivel hook was left over from a previous project. I didn’t use interfacing.
Size: One size. Cost: Pattern: $10 USD. Fabric: About $40. Webbing: $3. Hardware: About $15. Although there is enough of the hardware for a second bag, and enough fabric for three. Sewing Level: Advanced, if using waxed cotton canvas. Average, otherwise. Modifications: I added a swivel cord attachment for my keys, and a carry handle. Results: Amazing!
Apparently, lime green is on trend, and so are the 90s – though maybe not this part of the 90s. Lol. Hopefully this reads a bit more Colors of Benetton and a bit less Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Either way, it’s lots of fun.
I have a couple more lime green pieces in the sewing queue, so hopefully I can get some full outfit photos soon.
The fabric is a cotton french terry from l’Oiseau Fabrics that I bought ages ago. The lime green cotton ribbing is leftover from some t-shirts I made when my kids were really little.
This pattern is Jalie 3355 Sweatshirt, Hoodie and Sweat Pants. Jalie uses their own sizing system, and this is size AA. This is this is the equivalent of a size 14 in ready-to-wear.
The pattern instructions say to “use the size corresponding to full bust measurement for the sweatshirt”. Haha! No. Don’t do this. I mean, I know I’m a D-cup, but this is a knit!
I did try this first, but the sweatshirt was huge and very unflattering. It would be “ok”, if you had a drapey fabric and were looking for an oversize look. And yes, this is on trend right now! But for this project, I wanted something a bit more “standard” in terms of sizing. And the fabric I used is a more structured cotton terry.
So I recut in the size that matched what I usually buy in a ready-to-wear sweatshirt (two sizes below what the pattern maker recommends), and that was indeed the right size.
I made a couple of changes. The neck band looked a little wide in lime green, so I made it a bit more narrow. I think it would look great as is, if I had chosen monochromatic ribbing though.
I added a little tag to the back so you can tell which way the shirt goes.
I also removed 3″ (about 7.5 cm) from the length. I didn’t want this to look cropped, but I also didn’t want it too long. This fabric is a bit structured, so it doesn’t pool nicely at the waist. But in another project, depending on the look you want and fabric you choose, the length might work. With the reduced length, the waistband just covers the waistband of my jeans.
If I make this again, I might make the body narrow a bit more towards the waist, instead of the more rectangular default cut. I have a store-bought sweatshirt like that and I find it’s flattering on my figure. But it will depend on the project.
The instructions were great. Again, I love having the instructions as a PDF download. I usually sew with my tablet nearby, and this is very convenient.
Summary
Pattern Review:Jalie 3355 Sweatshirt, Hoodie and Sweat Pants. View B. Fabric: Cotton french terry from l’Oiseau Fabrics and cotton ribbing from my stash. Size: Available in sizes size 2T (toddler) to about size 22. This is size AA, the equivalent of a 14. Cost: Pattern: About $14. Fabric: I can’t remember! Sewing Level: Beginner Modifications: I reduced the with of the ribbing at the neck, and removed 3″ (about 7.5 cm) from the length. Results: Fun!
My kids have gotten into Dungeons & Dragons, so I made them tiny bags to hold their dice.
The pattern is the Lined Drawstring Bag from Jeni Baker Patterns. It comes in eight sizes and this is the smallest. My finished bags are about 4.5″ by 3.25″ by 1.5″(or 11.5 cm by 8 cm by 4 cm).
They really are tiny – just the right size for a handful of dice.
These were really fast to sew up. The pattern is very clear and this would be a great pattern for a beginner. The pattern maker has also done a sewalong with this pattern and there is an expansion pack.
The larger sizes would make a good replacement for wrapping paper, but here the bag is the gift. These were Christmas gifts, but I have a bit of a blogging backlog, so I’m just posting to these photos now.
The fabric is all from my scrap bin. You can use any quilting cotton, and buy fat quarters of course. But this is also a great stash-busting project if you do any quilting.
Each bag uses three different fabrics, so there is a lot of room for making these really unique. Each bag I made matches the personality and preferences of each of my four kids.
The only change I made was to use cording instead of sewing ties for the bags. That made the project a little quicker and I like the look. The cording was leftover from makinggym bags.
Summary
Pattern Review:Lined Drawstring Bag from Jeni Baker Patterns. Fabric: Quilting cotton (from my stash). Sizes: Available in eight sizes. This is the “Tiny” size. Cost: Pattern: $9. Fabric: 0$. Sewing Level: Easy. Modifications: I used cord instead of fabric ties. Results: Great!
What do you need for easter, besides a large quantity of chocolate eggs? Bunnies!
I used a free tutorial from ikatbag.com for Spring Bunnies. This is a very simple pattern – the most difficult part is embroidering the faces.
I used some fleece I had leftover from making Arctic Trapper Hats. It’s maybe a little thick for this project, but I made it work. It does make them a little more hard-wearing.
I used silk embroidery floss for the faces. My embroidery skills are nothing to write home about but these turned out all right. I should probably practise a little. lol
The cutest part of this pattern: tiny bunny tails!
We do a chocolate egg hunt every year and these bunnies helped out and have been dragged around the house ever since.
Summary
Pattern Review:Spring Bunnies from ikatbag. Fabric: I used some leftover fleece, in two colours, from another project. Cost: Pattern: $0. Fabric: 0$. Sewing Level: Easy. Modifications: None. Results: Great!
I can’t believe summer is almost over. I just added fabric for a swimsuit to my stash and created a caftan inspiration board on Pinterest. But really, it’s just the right time to get started sewing for fall.
So to get in the right state of mind, I’ve collected some of the best new patterns for early fall sewing. Because even when you’re stash busting, it’s fun to have something shiny and pretty.
The big four pattern companies have just released there fall patterns, or sometimes just their “early fall” patterns and there a few really good ones.
I sometimes find that Butterick patterns don’t really grab my attention, so I was really happy to see three new patterns I like. Gertie has a new vintage-inspired dress pattern, Butterick B6380. Lisette has a great coat pattern, B6385, with various cup-sizes included. And I also spotted a cute and original dress pattern, B8388, that looks great for knits.
Vogue has some new patterns, but one real stand out, V1517, an amazing Anne Klein jacket with skinny pants.
Over at Simplicity, Mimi G has a really cute motorcycle jacket, 8174. I just wish you could still buy Simplicity patterns in Canada.
Not many indie pattern companies have released their fall lines, but quite a few have some nice spring patterns that also work for fall. Oki-Style has a very unique cowl-neck dress. Vanessa Pouzet has her Folk dress, which could work for work or evening. And Named patterns has released a sleeve addition for their very popular Kiehlo dress, making it a great addition to a fall/winter wardrobe.
In separates, there is the new Rosarí skirt by Pauline Alice. Closet Case has the new Morgan boyfriend jeans pattern. And over at Bootstrap Fashion, the tunic with yoke, though an older pattern, I think, would make turn everything into a little mini capsule wardrobe.
And finally, over at Waffle patterns, is the Tosti utility jacket. I think this one is my favourite.
Now that summer is officially over and the kids are all back to school, it’s time to bust that stash!
For a couple of years, I’ve been participating in the Stashbusting Sew along. It’s a very casual sew along, where the goal is to use up the fabric (and patterns and sewing notions) that you already have. There are themes each month and people are encouraged to participate when they can – which is exactly the type of easy going sew along I like best.
Brindille & Twig slouchy beanie.
This year, there are guest leaders, and this month it’s me! My theme is outerwear, and seasonal change- both of which are perfect for september sewing.
In my sewing room, the one fabric that keeps piling up is fabric for outerwear – but often it’s “reserved” for big, complicated projects that I never seem to get around to. So my goal this month is to complete some outerwear projects.
Arctic Trapper Hat sewing pattern from See Kate Sew.
But I also wanted to share some cool links for outerwear projects to help get people in the mood. I decided to feature some independent patterns that you might not have spotted before, and to choose ones that are especially quick to make. Hope you see something that inspires you!
The Spring Showers Jacket sewing pattern by Elegance & Elephants.
For the third year in a row I’ll be taking part in the Stashbusting Sewalong and this year I’m also a monthly theme leader. It’s a super casual sew-along where everyone is encouraged to use what they already have. Instead of going fabric shopping, we try to shop our fabric stash.
Personally, I have trouble finding the time to sew all the things I plan. That means that the fabric (and patterns!) start to pile up. Making a game out of using up what I have helps keep everything under control. I also like that this sew-along is very low-key. My favourite kind of sew-along is the kind where there are no deadlines and no pressure.
I just added everything up and it looks like this year I sewed about 47 metres of stash fabric. Crazy! And that’s not counting all the notions, batting, buttons, etc. I used every piece of batting I have larger than a place mat. Next year, I’ll try for 10 pieces of fabric. I’ll count up the metres at the end of the year.
This year there will also be monthly leaders and I’m one of them! I’m super excited! I will be stash busting outerwear this September. Will I finally get that wool coat made? A cape? Or maybe a Minoru jacket? Find out this fall!
If you’ve followed the sew-along before, you’ll notice there are new themes, and project sew-alongs too. But you can also participate by sewing whatever you like, as long as it is from your stash.
Christmas was a largely handmade affair at our house this year, and one of my last finishes of the year was a table runner for my mother-in-law.
This table runner was built entirely from fabrics and batting in my stash.
This project used only fabrics from my stash, in various shades of blue and neutral. My daughter thought it was hilarious, because she was able to point out all the clothes she owned that were made in the same fabrics, like these shorts, and this skirt and blouse set. It also uses fabric from a blue cross quilt I made last year.
I used a simple, wonky star block.
This is one of the most satisfying parts of quilting because you really do get to use up every bit of fabric that you have.
For the quilting I simply outlined the shape of the stars a few times.
This project is also a little bittersweet, because a number of these fabrics came from my participation in the Warp & Weft Sewing Society. Warp & Weft, an online fabric shop is closing on January 10 (there are some great deals until then) and so the Sewing Society will be no more. But it sure was fun while it lasted.
I’m not sure how your October was, but mine was crazy! October is when work gets busy, homework piles us and then, Halloween! I managed to get a bit of sewing done for Kids Clothing Week (KCW). But did I get around to blogging it? Of course not.
The Field Trip Raglan T-shirt sewing pattern by Oliver + S, as sewn by The Finished Garment.
I try to sew my kids what they need, so with the approach of crisp fall weather, some long-sleeved tees seemed like a great project. I used the Field Trip Raglan T-shirt pattern by Oliver + S, and sewed it up in sizes 2, 4, and 6.
This is a super fast project. The instructions are great and there are only a few pattern pieces. The only change I made was to add bands to the sleeves. Partly, this was because I like the look, and partly this was because my kids are on the tall skinny size and I wanted to be sure the shirts last through the winter. Next time, I might go up a size, at least for the three bigger kids.
I added bands to the sleeves for a bit of extra length.
I used my regular sewing machine, as a I don’t have a serger, but this worked really well.
Love those stripes.
The polkadots are fun too
Who doesn’t love rainbows?
Love this colour combination.
The kids picked these fabrics themselves ages ago. Mostly I used cotton jersey from the Riley Blake collection, but the dark grey is from the Robert Kaufman Laguna collection. The Riley Blake colours are really bright, which I love, and the kids do too.
This pattern looks great colour blocked, especially with stripes. I’m seriously considering copying at least one of these tees using a grown-up pattern.
Jersey is usually about 60″ (150 cm) wide, so I found I had a lot of extra fabric left over. But that just meant that I had enough for a couple more cute projects that I’ll be blogging soon. Yay!
This is the shirt in size 2.
This is the size 4.
This is also a size 6, but Kid No 1 is just a bit taller.
This is the size 6.
I really, really love these shirts. Even though they were super quick and easy projects, I’m really happy with the results. It’s really hard to find t-shirts that are fun and bright but that aren’t pink with sparkles or covered with logos. I’ll definitely be making more.
Cotton Jersey in Heathered Knit Pepper from the Laguna collection by Robert Kaufman.
Cotton Jersey in small chevron in aqua, small chevron in rainbow, small dots in red, solid red, and 1/2″ stripes in red, all from the Riley Blake Knits collection.
Sizes: 2, 4, and 6. Cost: Pattern: (gift). Fabric: About $10/shirt. Sewing Level: Beginner. Modifications: I added bands to the sleeves, and didn’t put pockets on all the shirts. Results: Amazing. My kids love these shirts and wear them at least once a week.
