One Thimble No.18 - Full Review

I can never get enough of One Thimble! There's always a surprise waiting for us inside and this time in Issue No.18 (affiliate link) is no different.

One huge surprise for me is the Origami top, I'm wishing it came in my size! I haven't sewn it up yet, but just looking at the photographs in the magazine you can bet it's right up there on my list of want-to-make projects. I did however make the Ladies' Ballerina tie top by The Wolf and the Tree and the Linnden Tote by Annie Zorzo.

First thing about this pattern by The Wolf and the Tree, actually it should be true for any pattern, not just this pattern ... take your measurements and follow the chart. Don't let the size you come up with scare you if its bigger than what you would usually make because in the end it's only a number. The important thing is that it fits you the way you want and that you're comfortable wearing it. Sizing on this pattern in on point when following the size chart! 

The fabric was purchased in a little shop, just a 20 minute drive away, and there's always something to discover in this shop at a really great price! I can't be sure of the composition but there's probably some polyester, rayon and spandex. I can tell you that it's soft and cozy and I made sure I had at least 25% stretch to this lovely knit. I could have easily used a cotton lycra blend and it would have been as cozy. 

For the ties I decided against making them lined simply due to the fact that I was afraid the ties would be too heavy and add extra bulk where I didn't need it. 

And I seem to be noticing a trend here, I may like grey fabric just a little too much. The last three tops I made myself are grey, oh well! 

I also made the Linnden Tote. The fabric is from my stash, I've had it for a few years. It's a heavier upholstery fabric. This bag was meant to have leather, cork or vinyl accents, and straps but I didn't have leather to work with and I don't have a sewing machine strong enough for it either. I figured I should try it with all fabric to give others the inspiration to make without the leather accents if they so desired. 

The only thing I really regret not doing is putting interfacing in my straps. About the design; the tote is big enough, the bottom meausres 17.5 inches by 6 inches. It was designed without a lining but there is an interior  zipper pocket, perfect for a cell phone and small wallet. I think its the perfect shopping companion. I do wish there was an option to include a way to snap the bag at the top opening, and I think I'll put that on my next Linnden that I make. 

More things to sew! I have to make sure that JubeJube and Amelia don't get to see these photos because you know they'll ask me to make every single pattern! One of their favorite things is to dress up and well, dress up ballerina style and pretending to be a ballerina do go hand in hand and  there's nothing wrong with that but I can hear JubeJubes now,  "No Amelia, jeté not plié" and this before 7am!  

Besides all the patterns available in One Thimble No.18 you need to check out the articles... Some of you might know I love just about everything vintage, my favorite are vintage sewing machines. Bec Wood in her article, Not Made in China, tells us about her vintage love. 

Follow the rest of the tour for more sewing inspiration from One Thimble! 

2/15

Pattern Revolution
Inspinration

Call Ajaire

2/16

House of Estrela

Beri Bee Designs

Katewillknit

2/17

Seams Sew Lo

Once Upon a Sewing Machine

Lily Shine Creates

2/18

GAAFmachine

That's-Sew Kari

2/19

Kathy's kwilts and more

Stitches by Laura

Sprouting JubeJube

2/20

Elli & Nels

Candice Ayala

Pear Berry Lane

2/21

Made by Sara

The Crafting Fiend

Stitched by Jennie

Until next time,

Sandy's Beach Bag by the Handmaiden's Cottage

So off AGAIN to the beach...I can't complain. I've been making my way so oftern to the sand and sun this summer that I don't want it to end! The joys of my job!

This time its all about a beach bag, Sandy's Beach bag from the Handmaiden's Cottage.

I used a beautiful canvas for this one. The shape of the bag is pretty basic with a flat bottom, but all the details that have been added like the outer and inside pockets, the loops for the drawsting and all the top stitching make this bag so stylish and durable.

Clear instructions on bar tracks and top stitching to create this beautiful bag are in the tutorial along with step-by-step photos.

And look at those fun loops at the top of the bag opening for the drawstring.

So I've fit 3 beach towels, my book, sun glasses and a couple of water bottles in my bag, and we're ready to go!

Ok, kids are looking at me asking if I'm ready to go to the beach! Summer isn't over, you still have time to make your own!

Until next time, xx

My Little Planner Pouch Addiction

I'm addicted to journals, day planners, "Sharpies" of all different colors and most of all having a fun little place to store them all and not get them all mixed up with the rest of my stuff in my purse. So now imagine that I got to test the Planner Addiction Pouch by Rabbit Rabbit Creations, its like Christmas morning for me!

This cute little pouch features inside pockets for phone or small tablet or divide them up and fit your favorite pens and pencils. Slide that day planner in the middle and you'll always have everything you need for scheduling meetings, appointments or playdates. Also think of this as being an activity pouch for kids when going on road trips, the restaurant or waiting rooms when kids tend to become a little restless.

If you like this pattern you need to join Planner Addiction Pouch and Fauxdori - sewing circle with Jasmin of Rabbit Rabbit Creations. You'll have access to great tips and tricks for sewing up this pouch, extra tutorials on how to change the dimensions of you bag, and most fun of all you get to share your creations! 

Ok, time for me to go sew, I have some pouches to go make, haha! 

Until next time, xx.

Ultimate DIY Bundle - Sleep Over Tote By Gingercake

These past few days have been all about the Ultimate DIY Bundle*. We colored some Doodle Art, Amelia got a new Norah, I looked over some recipes for cookies, cakes and breads in Gift it From Scratch and today I'll show you what JubeJube asked for, the Sleep Over Tote.

This tote was a fun little project, and its the perfect size for a sleep over. The drawsting opening makes it easy for a little to pack her own bag and keep everything she needs inside.

I used a canvas from my stash (that I've had for the past 5 years) for the outer shell and handles, and the inside is a quilters weight cotton. Depending on what you'll be using this bag for you might want to add interfacing to the wrong side of the outer shell fabric to reinforce the handles. I used a wide twill tape for the drawstings.

There are two inside pockets perfect for thoothbrush and hair brush. 

The instructions are really clear and easy to follow, and there are many helpful suggestions on how to make this bag smaller or bigger depending on your needs. 

The more I look at this cute tote the more I want one for me! Its a great size for a day at the beach or going to the store (and not use any of those plastic bags). Its just a great on the go tote!

Only the 25th and the 26th of January left to buy this huge bundle...Already the e-books I've used total 29.99 (the Norah Pattern - 9.00$, the 2 Doodle Art books - 10.00$, Gift it From Scratch - 3.99$, Sleep Over Tote - 7.00$) not to mention I have the Parisian top pattern ready to go so I can make something for me (12.00$), and I have had a good look at the DIY Organic Beauty Recipes (24.95$). That's only 7 of the 76 combined e-books and e-courses that are included in this bundle.

Tomorrow is another day, maybe I'll have time for one last post on this amazing offer...

Until next time, xx.

Disclosure: I have included affiliate links in this post. Read the fine print about this bundle and read the answers to frequently asked questions about the bundle.

Boxy Bag by So Sew Easy

I think I may have just found my new go-to gift for this year. The Boxy Bag Pattern by So Sew Easy is a fun sew and as soon as I was finished my first one Amelia asked me if it was for her to put her toys in. Ha, no! This one's for me!

These little bags don't take up a lot of fabric, I was able to use left overs from another project.

I decided to really use what I have on hand and not purchase anything for this little project. I didn't have any fusible fleece on had so the next best thing was to use quilters batting and do some top stitching to to keep the batting in place. Quilting the fabric did take some time but I love how it turned out. I also added some zipper tabs to the bag.

The approximate finished measurements are 7.5 inches long, 4.5 inches wide and 5 inches tall (not including the length of the straps). The size makes this bag perfect for lunch boxes simply line the bag with PUL fabric or insulated lining to keep things cool, cosmetics, a small hobby bag or anything else you can think of. 

I love that the zipper goes part way down the sides, it really allows for a big opening and it really makes getting things in and out of the bag easy.

Just so you know, I did get this pattern for free in exchange for the review, but all opinions are my own.

Will I make more of these, you better believe it!

Until next time, xx.

Perfect Pattern Parcel #7 Inspiration Tour

So here it is, the last day to grab your Parcel #7. Just a few reasons why you want to grab it now, you help support indie designers, you help support a good cause (read more about it here), and you get a bunch of great patterns at a price you choose to pay! When I saw the list of patterns I knew I wanted to make myself the Betty Bowler from Swoon Patterns (affiliate link). I had been swooning over it for quite some time now. 

Honestly I had never made a bag like this before, with all the required interfacing and hardware. I must say that I can't wait to make another!  Some of you may have recognized the coloring book fabric from IKEA, I've had it in my stash for almost a year now. Its a little heavier than the suggested fabrics so I omited using the fleece. I also had to omit the zipper tabs seeing that my fabric was so thick, but I will put some in using a small amount of twill tape. I realized how important those zipper tabs were when it was time to zip and unzip my new bag! I asked Amelia to help me out so you could see just how big this bag is. Its the perfect size for an over night bag. There are other purse patterns in the parcel that aren't so big like the Butterfly Sling purse (my next project!). 

 

I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for, and right before Christmas, these bags are perfect for gift giving!
There are other stops on the inspiration tour, go check them out! Don't take too long because there's only a few hours left to purchase Parcel #7, and when its gone, its gone!



Parcel #7Inspiration Tour Schedule:

Friday, November 7 Stitched || Sew Exhausted

Saturday, November 8 Made by Sara ||Oliver's Fancy || Strawberry Patch Ramblings

Sunday, November 9 from a box || Mia's Creations || MOMENTS

Monday, November 10 owen's olivia || While she was sleeping

Tuesday, November 11 Nutta || Radiant Home Studio || La Pantigana

Wednesday, November 12 Sew Fishsticks || Stacy Sews || Stitching Insane || GnomeAngel

Thursday, November 13 Needle and Ted || Patchouli Moon Studio || Sprouting JubeJube || The Crazy Tailor

Friday, November 14 Casa Crafty || A Jennuine Life || 'So, Zo... What do you know?'

Saturday, November 15 Stitches by Laura || Rebekah Sews || Serger Pepper

Sunday, November 16 Blogs Like A Mother || Vicky Myers creations || Blossom Heart Quilts

Monday, November 17 Shanni Loves || So Sew Easy || GYCT Designs || Tiger In A Tornado

Tuesday, November 18 The Nosy Pepper || Keep Calm and Carrion || There & Back || Sewing Sober

Wednesday, November 19 Sew Like My Mom || Knot Sew Normal || Stacy Sews || sewVery

Thursday, November 20 Mimi's Mom || Our Family Four || shades of BOLD || Modern Handcraft

Friday, November 21 Shawnta Sews || Lulu & Celeste || Amanda Rose || Robin's Fabric Nest || House of Pinheiro Until next time, xx.