My new Bag

Hello! Just completed my new bag  last night!  This one I made a zippered pocket on the inside.  Actually it is getting easier and easier the more I make.  The handle has double layer of firm interfacing along with the top band.  I interfaced with duck cloth between the outside and inside fabric layers.  I also made 2 fabric flowers not seen in the pictures.  I love the magnetic snap, and it is super easy to install, in fact I got two so I can add one to my diaper bag.  Look for more as I have been asked to make more so I will post an update soon!  Happy crafting!

New Fall Diaper Bag

 Say hello to Sophia's new diaper bag!  Over labor Day I picked up some very pretty fabric from a local boutique in Savannah.  With this beautiful new fabric I decided to make a handbag, but I have never made one before-what if I mess up and waste fabric?  The solution?  Make a practice one.  As Sophia's old diaper bag was a little worse for wear I used some of my fabric in stock and made her a new one.  I definitely like the style but I think I will make it a bit deeper.  The width is great and I love the one strap-it is very comfortable on my shoulder. 

 It has enough room for a paper book, my diaper clutch (pattern coming soon) 3 extra diapers, plastic bag with stuff (medicine, spoons, bibs, pacifiers, etc) and extra lovie.  I could probably fit my phone, wallet and keys in a pinch.  Has a button on the inside to keep things closed plus keeps my 18 month old out. 

I used duck cloth for lining and strengthening the outside fabric on the bag and two layers of stiff interfacing at the top and one layer of interfacing for the strap.

The pattern is free and found here.  I widened the bag by 5 inches but left the top of the bag the same and used only one strap instead of two.

Happy bag making!

Welcome Fall with new curtains

Fabric from Joann home decor-approx $30 a yard

Fall is all about redecorating!  This valance style curtain is simple to make and hangs on a regular curtain rod.  To make this curtain measure your window length and width, either inside the frame or outside depending on what look you want.  Add at least 1 inch for seams on top of the width and at least 3 inches to the length for your rod to go through (using a 1 inch rod, so you'll need more if you are using a larger rod) Cut out fabric and lining.  If you plan to not use lining add 2 inches to the window width for a seam allowance.

Picture Back with curtain rod allowance

For curtains with a lining-read here-
Pin together and sew 3 of the four sides leaving the top open, right side to right side. (for those unfamiliar with this term, right side is the side that will be viewed such as the outside of a dress or shirt.  The wrong side is the side that will be hidden by lining).  Once that is completed turn fabric right side out (side that will be viewed), iron flat making sure to lightly roll the top material towards the back so that when it is top stitched the lining will not be easily be seen from the front.  Pin to hold and top stitch the 3 sides.

For curtains without a lining read here-

Iron seams for 3 sides (not the top)  double fold 1/2 seams  so you have a neat edge.  Top sew the three edges.

Finished pleats

Measure you allowance for your curtain rod, you should measure 2 1/2 inches from the top and fold down towards lining and iron.  Tuck the end about 1/2 inch for the completed edge on the back.  Iron and pin in place.  Top sew seam on the backside of the curtain..  The curtain back should look like the picture above. For the bottom pleats-accordion fold the ends for the desired look hand sew in place.  And you done!
 Happy redecorating!