Monday I made myself a B.I.G. bag. I used the free pattern by Nana Company called Riverside, except I super sized it. Why? Well, Tuesday I was teaching my first class at Cotton Creek Mill on how I bind my quilts fully by machine and I needed a bag to haul my sample and the quilt I was going to use to demo my technique. It was perfect! I have a feeling I will find many uses and excuses to use it. =)  

The stats:

28" across the top

21" across the bottom

19" tall

7 1/2" deep

Straps are 30" long

Fabric: Les Fleurs linen by Rifle Paper Co and Mochi linen dots by Moda.

Monday I made myself a B.I.G. bag. I used the free pattern by Nana Company called Riverside, except I super sized it. Why? Well, Tuesday I was teaching my first class at Cotton Creek Mill on how I bind my quilts fully by machine and I needed a bag to haul my sample and the quilt I was going to use to demo my technique. It was perfect! I have a feeling I will find many uses and excuses to use it. =)  

The stats:

28" across the top

21" across the bottom

19" tall

7 1/2" deep

Straps are 30" long

Fabric: Les Fleurs linen by Rifle Paper Co and Mochi linen dots by Moda.

At the recommendation of Lorna and Cheryl, I chose to give Ikaprint a try and have tag labels printed. They ship from France, so they take a while to get here, but they really are worth the wait! I am anxious to use them! For those who would be interested, I ordered the 1 ½" x ⅝" size. Be sure to check out Lorna and Cheryl's blogs to see their labels. 

One way I will use them is when I make bags like these. I am attempting to be brave and teach a zippered bag class at Cotton Creek Mill this fall. To prepare, I have been testing some patterns to see which one I want to teach. This pattern is called Easy Cosmetic Bag by So Sew Easy. It was very easy, but where I struggle is how to get the tabs at the end of the zipper just right so when you flip it right side out you don't have those dented corners. I detest dented corner zippered bags. This one I did pretty well to avoid it, but I am not consistent at getting them to look this good. *frustrating*

Cute lining, yes?

 The perfect pattern to use so you never have to worry about dented corners by the zipper ends is the Open Wide bag by Noodlehead (the gray bag) and another very similar version, Full Access Zipper Bag by Jedi Craft Girl (the sheep bag). I had never made this type of zipper bag before and I can say that they were very easy! The difference in the two patterns is how you sew the beginning of the zipper. In the Noodlehead Open Wide bag, the end of the zipper is folded back before the metal stop. The  Jedi Craft Girl Full Accesss Zipper bag, the zipper is curved down into the seam after the metal stop. Of the two patterns, I preferred the curved zipper technique. It was easier for me. Either way, there are no dented corners and that's what matters to me! This will be the type of bag I will teach at the class and probably the one ones I will make from now on. =)

Do you have a favorite zippered bag tutorial/pattern that you love? Please share! 

At the recommendation of Lorna and Cheryl, I chose to give Ikaprint a try and have tag labels printed. They ship from France, so they take a while to get here, but they really are worth the wait! I am anxious to use them! For those who would be interested, I ordered the 1 ½" x ⅝" size. Be sure to check out Lorna and Cheryl's blogs to see their labels. 

One way I will use them is when I make bags like these. I am attempting to be brave and teach a zippered bag class at Cotton Creek Mill this fall. To prepare, I have been testing some patterns to see which one I want to teach. This pattern is called Easy Cosmetic Bag by So Sew Easy. It was very easy, but where I struggle is how to get the tabs at the end of the zipper just right so when you flip it right side out you don't have those dented corners. I detest dented corner zippered bags. This one I did pretty well to avoid it, but I am not consistent at getting them to look this good. *frustrating*

Cute lining, yes?

 The perfect pattern to use so you never have to worry about dented corners by the zipper ends is the Open Wide bag by Noodlehead (the gray bag) and another very similar version, Full Access Zipper Bag by Jedi Craft Girl (the sheep bag). I had never made this type of zipper bag before and I can say that they were very easy! The difference in the two patterns is how you sew the beginning of the zipper. In the Noodlehead Open Wide bag, the end of the zipper is folded back before the metal stop. The  Jedi Craft Girl Full Accesss Zipper bag, the zipper is curved down into the seam after the metal stop. Of the two patterns, I preferred the curved zipper technique. It was easier for me. Either way, there are no dented corners and that's what matters to me! This will be the type of bag I will teach at the class and probably the one ones I will make from now on. =)

Do you have a favorite zippered bag tutorial/pattern that you love? Please share! 

I recently received some Cotton + Steel fabrics, which meant I got to play with it and make a sample. =) 

I love the back!! The selvedge was so cute I kept it on. 

I was on a roll, so I dug into my stash and made another pillow cover for the couch. The picnic basket fabric is so cute! Being a larger print, I didn't want to cut it up so it is perfect for a pillow!

And one more small project using the make up print from the Jubilee line by Melody Miller. The bag pattern is a free tutorial by Lori Holt which can be found here: Quilty Zip Bag. I have no idea what I will use it for. I needed a quick small project that I could get done in a day. Zipper bags fit that need nicely. I need to make a boxy bag using this print to use for my make up. =)

What quick projects do you like to make? 

Have a happy Wednesday!!

I recently received some Cotton + Steel fabrics, which meant I got to play with it and make a sample. =) 

I love the back!! The selvedge was so cute I kept it on. 

I was on a roll, so I dug into my stash and made another pillow cover for the couch. The picnic basket fabric is so cute! Being a larger print, I didn't want to cut it up so it is perfect for a pillow!

And one more small project using the make up print from the Jubilee line by Melody Miller. The bag pattern is a free tutorial by Lori Holt which can be found here: Quilty Zip Bag. I have no idea what I will use it for. I needed a quick small project that I could get done in a day. Zipper bags fit that need nicely. I need to make a boxy bag using this print to use for my make up. =)

What quick projects do you like to make? 

Have a happy Wednesday!!

Some of my projects have been secret ones. Now that they are delivered I can finally share. =)

April's Sew Sweet Bee queen bee was Donna @ Donna's Lavender Nest. She asked for a strawberry block from Lori Holt's book, Farm Girl Vintage. So cute!!

For the Chosen Sister's Birthday swap, Pennie had asked for an Amy Butler Weekender Bag. I have made it once before, you can see it here, so I took on the challenge to make one for Pennie.  As it was the first time, it is a bag that takes a lot of time and you can't hurry through it. For a while I wanted to give up. Dare I confess, I wanted to throw it across the room? But for Pennie, I powered through and I am pleased with how it turned out, even with the flaws. Last weekend Pennie shared she took it to her first quilting retreat. =) That made all the struggle worth it. =) 

Terrible picture of the interior.

I send a hearty THANK YOU to my friend Capi, for graciously hand sewing the lining in for me. =) 

For the record, this may be the last one I attempt, or at least until I sufficiently forget how challenging it is to make. =D

Have a happy Wednesday!

Some of my projects have been secret ones. Now that they are delivered I can finally share. =)

April's Sew Sweet Bee queen bee was Donna @ Donna's Lavender Nest. She asked for a strawberry block from Lori Holt's book, Farm Girl Vintage. So cute!!

For the Chosen Sister's Birthday swap, Pennie had asked for an Amy Butler Weekender Bag. I have made it once before, you can see it here, so I took on the challenge to make one for Pennie.  As it was the first time, it is a bag that takes a lot of time and you can't hurry through it. For a while I wanted to give up. Dare I confess, I wanted to throw it across the room? But for Pennie, I powered through and I am pleased with how it turned out, even with the flaws. Last weekend Pennie shared she took it to her first quilting retreat. =) That made all the struggle worth it. =) 

Terrible picture of the interior.

I send a hearty THANK YOU to my friend Capi, for graciously hand sewing the lining in for me. =) 

For the record, this may be the last one I attempt, or at least until I sufficiently forget how challenging it is to make. =D

Have a happy Wednesday!

Russ and I took a long weekend motorcycle trip to Wisconsin this past weekend. We stayed in Richland Center and spent our time riding the back county roads. It was beautiful and relaxing! The only picture I took of the scenery was this Amish field. Aren't the stacks cute? We are going to go back soon!! Honestly, I wish we could live there. 

On our travels, we stopped in Onalaska to visit one of my all time favorite quilt shops, Olive Juice Quilts. If you love modern fabric, this shop is for you. The first fabric I saw as I walked in the door was sheep fabric in a linen blend by Kokka. I adore linen blend fabrics. The designer is Ellen Luckett Baker and its part of her Charm line. Olive Juice Quilts carries many Japanese prints. I don't know of any other shop that is remotley in my area that does. I have looked at this particular print on line many times, but hesitated to buy it without being able to see it, as it is a more expensive fabric at around $20 a yard. I carried it and hugged it the rest of my shopping time. I bought 2 yards to come live with me at home, as well as some Cotton + Steel to add to my collection. The yellow fabric with the triangles is by Art Gallery, but it played nicely with the Cotton + Steel. FYI, Olive Juice has an online shop, too. =)

This is the collection of Cotton + Steel I have so far. I ended up ordering on line some of the Picnic line by Melody Miller that was just released. Now I need to come up with a pattern to make up a quilt of this fabulous fabric! I want something simple so as not to cut the fabric too small. 

As I was checking out, this pattern caught my eye by Sewn into the Fabric. The birds nestled into the left antler was the selling point for me. Had to have it! 

While I am writing, I figure I would share the bag I made for my friend Brenda. Brenda owns the Pink Pony, an ice cream shop in West Branch and is a frequent customer at Cotton Creek Mill.  She asked me to make her a sling bag. The pattern is free found at The Destashification Project. It took some studying to understand one of the steps, but as I was making it, it made sense and was really easy. It only took me a couple of hours to make it. I hope she likes it! 

I hope you are all enjoying these beautiful days of summer. =)

Have a happy Monday!

Russ and I took a long weekend motorcycle trip to Wisconsin this past weekend. We stayed in Richland Center and spent our time riding the back county roads. It was beautiful and relaxing! The only picture I took of the scenery was this Amish field. Aren't the stacks cute? We are going to go back soon!! Honestly, I wish we could live there. 

On our travels, we stopped in Onalaska to visit one of my all time favorite quilt shops, Olive Juice Quilts. If you love modern fabric, this shop is for you. The first fabric I saw as I walked in the door was sheep fabric in a linen blend by Kokka. I adore linen blend fabrics. The designer is Ellen Luckett Baker and its part of her Charm line. Olive Juice Quilts carries many Japanese prints. I don't know of any other shop that is remotley in my area that does. I have looked at this particular print on line many times, but hesitated to buy it without being able to see it, as it is a more expensive fabric at around $20 a yard. I carried it and hugged it the rest of my shopping time. I bought 2 yards to come live with me at home, as well as some Cotton + Steel to add to my collection. The yellow fabric with the triangles is by Art Gallery, but it played nicely with the Cotton + Steel. FYI, Olive Juice has an online shop, too. =)

This is the collection of Cotton + Steel I have so far. I ended up ordering on line some of the Picnic line by Melody Miller that was just released. Now I need to come up with a pattern to make up a quilt of this fabulous fabric! I want something simple so as not to cut the fabric too small. 

As I was checking out, this pattern caught my eye by Sewn into the Fabric. The birds nestled into the left antler was the selling point for me. Had to have it! 

While I am writing, I figure I would share the bag I made for my friend Brenda. Brenda owns the Pink Pony, an ice cream shop in West Branch and is a frequent customer at Cotton Creek Mill.  She asked me to make her a sling bag. The pattern is free found at The Destashification Project. It took some studying to understand one of the steps, but as I was making it, it made sense and was really easy. It only took me a couple of hours to make it. I hope she likes it! 

I hope you are all enjoying these beautiful days of summer. =)

Have a happy Monday!

Good Morning!! =)

I am here to share a pattern that I often looked at and considered buying, but never quite talked myself into clicking the BUY button. The Grocery Bag pattern by Michelle's Patterns. Last week, someone on IG mentioned they had two of these bags cut out and in their ufo pile. They were finally going got get theirs done. When I read that, I revisited Michelle's Patterns Etsy shop and committed by clicking the BUY button. For two days I cut and sewed 10...Yes, 10 of these bags. They are awesome bags!! I will be giving them away as gifts, as well as using them around my house. The pattern is clear, easy and so fun! They go together like a dream. I had zero problems getting them to go together and look nice. Every one of them turned out perfectly. Love it when that happens!! They are reversible, too, so twice the fun and they are a great way to use up stash that has been sitting around for far too long. The patten includes instructions for three sizes, S, M, L. The ones pictured are medium, which is my favorite size, but if you are going to use them to get groceries, the large would be the way to go. It will hold a lot! She also gives you permission to make them and sell them in your own shop, just make sure you give the pattern credit to her. Michelle has no idea I am blogging about her pattern today, so, in other words, my review is all on my own and I am not receiving anything for it. =) 

When I wasn't sewing bags, I made up this baby quilt for a new baby girl born in our church. I love her name!! It's not one we hear very often these days. =) 

Her mom dresses up her older sisters in fun frilly dresses, so this fabric was meant to be used for their new baby sister's quilt. 

It will be wrapped up in a new grocery bag, of course. =) 

Have a happy Sunday!!

Good Morning!! =)

I am here to share a pattern that I often looked at and considered buying, but never quite talked myself into clicking the BUY button. The Grocery Bag pattern by Michelle's Patterns. Last week, someone on IG mentioned they had two of these bags cut out and in their ufo pile. They were finally going got get theirs done. When I read that, I revisited Michelle's Patterns Etsy shop and committed by clicking the BUY button. For two days I cut and sewed 10...Yes, 10 of these bags. They are awesome bags!! I will be giving them away as gifts, as well as using them around my house. The pattern is clear, easy and so fun! They go together like a dream. I had zero problems getting them to go together and look nice. Every one of them turned out perfectly. Love it when that happens!! They are reversible, too, so twice the fun and they are a great way to use up stash that has been sitting around for far too long. The patten includes instructions for three sizes, S, M, L. The ones pictured are medium, which is my favorite size, but if you are going to use them to get groceries, the large would be the way to go. It will hold a lot! She also gives you permission to make them and sell them in your own shop, just make sure you give the pattern credit to her. Michelle has no idea I am blogging about her pattern today, so, in other words, my review is all on my own and I am not receiving anything for it. =) 

When I wasn't sewing bags, I made up this baby quilt for a new baby girl born in our church. I love her name!! It's not one we hear very often these days. =) 

Her mom dresses up her older sisters in fun frilly dresses, so this fabric was meant to be used for their new baby sister's quilt. 

It will be wrapped up in a new grocery bag, of course. =) 

Have a happy Sunday!!

Can you help a gal out? I need to make a decision on what fabric to use and get going on my Farmer's Wife Revival quilt. =) I am paralyzed by indecision...

I have the full fat quarter collections of each of theses in my stash. Which one should I choose? 

1 - Vintage Happy by Lori Holt

2 - Scrumptious by Bonnie and Camille

3 - Pam Kitty Picnic (as well as some Pam Kitty Love and Pam Kitty Morning)

4 - Go shopping!!

If it helps any, I have been leaning hard about using the Pam Kitty fabrics. I just need a push...

When I am stuck in an indecisive place, I like to make a "quick" project. The last couple of days, I worked on a new bag. There isn't a pattern for this one. I just made it up as I went. To make it structured, I used the same method as my Amy Butler Weekender bag. 

Next time I need to add a little something to the back panel. I wasn't thinking...

My first attempt at a recessed zipper. Really like it!

Slip pockets and a zippered pocket in the lining. 

I need to get out of the square rut and make a bag with some shape. 

Thanks in advance, for helping me get off the fence and make a decision on my Farmer's Wife Quilt. =D

Have a happy Thursday!!

Can you help a gal out? I need to make a decision on what fabric to use and get going on my Farmer's Wife Revival quilt. =) I am paralyzed by indecision...

I have the full fat quarter collections of each of theses in my stash. Which one should I choose? 

1 - Vintage Happy by Lori Holt

2 - Scrumptious by Bonnie and Camille

3 - Pam Kitty Picnic (as well as some Pam Kitty Love and Pam Kitty Morning)

4 - Go shopping!!

If it helps any, I have been leaning hard about using the Pam Kitty fabrics. I just need a push...

When I am stuck in an indecisive place, I like to make a "quick" project. The last couple of days, I worked on a new bag. There isn't a pattern for this one. I just made it up as I went. To make it structured, I used the same method as my Amy Butler Weekender bag. 

Next time I need to add a little something to the back panel. I wasn't thinking...

My first attempt at a recessed zipper. Really like it!

Slip pockets and a zippered pocket in the lining. 

I need to get out of the square rut and make a bag with some shape. 

Thanks in advance, for helping me get off the fence and make a decision on my Farmer's Wife Quilt. =D

Have a happy Thursday!!

After years of wanting one, weeks of planning, a few false starts, I have finished my first Amy Butler Weekender Bag. 

I used the quilt as you go method as explained by Elizabeth Hartman. Her method makes a super sturdy and solid bag without all that interfacing. 

Next time, I want to sew in the lining by machine. Chrissy @ Sew Lux Fabric shared a tutorial on how to do it. 

I'll also add more pockets to the inside of the bag. 

The worst part for me was sewing around the curves of the bag. The bulk almost got the best of me. 

Match your thread to your project. It hides the less than perfect sewing nicely. ;)

There is no need to fear making this bag. I won't say it's easy, but it is doable. Take your time, study the instructions and read the helpful tips and ideas from the other bloggers out there who have made this bag. Google and Pinterest were my friends. =) 

Here is a link to my Pinterest board with the links I found to be very helpful. 

http://www.pinterest.com/redeemedsheep/amy-butler-weekender-bag/

Have a happy week! I'll be posting another giveaway soon. =)

After years of wanting one, weeks of planning, a few false starts, I have finished my first Amy Butler Weekender Bag. 

I used the quilt as you go method as explained by Elizabeth Hartman. Her method makes a super sturdy and solid bag without all that interfacing. 

Next time, I want to sew in the lining by machine. Chrissy @ Sew Lux Fabric shared a tutorial on how to do it. 

I'll also add more pockets to the inside of the bag. 

The worst part for me was sewing around the curves of the bag. The bulk almost got the best of me. 

Match your thread to your project. It hides the less than perfect sewing nicely. ;)

There is no need to fear making this bag. I won't say it's easy, but it is doable. Take your time, study the instructions and read the helpful tips and ideas from the other bloggers out there who have made this bag. Google and Pinterest were my friends. =) 

Here is a link to my Pinterest board with the links I found to be very helpful. 

http://www.pinterest.com/redeemedsheep/amy-butler-weekender-bag/

Have a happy week! I'll be posting another giveaway soon. =)

Today is a resting day. I am recovering from a migraine that was triggered by the eye appointment I had on Thursday. And they wonder why I don't make yearly appointments? =/

This last week, I played with scraps....

Got some orphan blocks out of storage and made into mini quilts. 

What do you do with your orphan blocks?

Today is a resting day. I am recovering from a migraine that was triggered by the eye appointment I had on Thursday. And they wonder why I don't make yearly appointments? =/

This last week, I played with scraps....

Got some orphan blocks out of storage and made into mini quilts. 

What do you do with your orphan blocks?

I have been commissioned to make a very special little girl some accessories for her 6th birthday. Yes, my darling Brooklyn is turning 6 next month! From her Grandma Loretta, she is getting an American Girl doll. =) Brooklyn's mommy bought her an Ikea doll bed to go with the new doll and she asked me if I would make a mattress and a quilt for the bed. She requested I use some of the same fabric I used for Brooklyn's quilt for the doll's quilt. Of course I will and I did...All it needs is binding. I need to get some supplies so I can start making mattress. 

My other commissioned work was for a gal at church. She and her family are moving back to their home country Mexico to be missionaries. =) She asked if I would make her sisters new make up bags for her to take to them for gifts and told me to do whatever I wanted. So I did! I made fabric out of scraps so they are all the same, and yet, they aren't. I hope they like them. =)

 

I am thankful to be able to make things for others. =)

I have been commissioned to make a very special little girl some accessories for her 6th birthday. Yes, my darling Brooklyn is turning 6 next month! From her Grandma Loretta, she is getting an American Girl doll. =) Brooklyn's mommy bought her an Ikea doll bed to go with the new doll and she asked me if I would make a mattress and a quilt for the bed. She requested I use some of the same fabric I used for Brooklyn's quilt for the doll's quilt. Of course I will and I did...All it needs is binding. I need to get some supplies so I can start making mattress. 

My other commissioned work was for a gal at church. She and her family are moving back to their home country Mexico to be missionaries. =) She asked if I would make her sisters new make up bags for her to take to them for gifts and told me to do whatever I wanted. So I did! I made fabric out of scraps so they are all the same, and yet, they aren't. I hope they like them. =)

 

I am thankful to be able to make things for others. =)

Have you seen Pink Penguin's lunch bag tutorial? It's one of my favorites! After I made my lamb bag, I knew I had to make another one just a little bit larger for take along sewing projects. 

What do you think??

I added a zippered pocket in the lining to keep my needles, thimble and other small stuff. 

I ended up adding 3" to the height and width. It's a perfect size at 15" wide at the top, 10" wide at the bottom, 11" tall, and 5 1/2" deep. 

 This has nothing to do with the bag, but I wanted to show you these pretty zippers I bought yesterday on our motorcycle ride. Aren't the colors great!? I don't have any projects in mind. I just had to have them for "just in case." 

Have you seen Pink Penguin's lunch bag tutorial? It's one of my favorites! After I made my lamb bag, I knew I had to make another one just a little bit larger for take along sewing projects. 

What do you think??

I added a zippered pocket in the lining to keep my needles, thimble and other small stuff. 

I ended up adding 3" to the height and width. It's a perfect size at 15" wide at the top, 10" wide at the bottom, 11" tall, and 5 1/2" deep. 

 This has nothing to do with the bag, but I wanted to show you these pretty zippers I bought yesterday on our motorcycle ride. Aren't the colors great!? I don't have any projects in mind. I just had to have them for "just in case."