New Pattern: The Daisy Cross Body bag

I have been busy working on new pattern ideas lately - so many ideas, so little time! My latest pattern is the Daisy Cross Body bag. I wanted a mid-sized bag that included some patchwork and a different type of gusset. I also designed with the possibility of a zipper closure in mind since most prefer that type of closure.

 The most remarkable part of this bag is clearly the dresden plate style patchwork. It does require a bit more time and effort to complete but I think it is well worth it in the end! The possibilities are endless and I've done a bit of fussy cutting for mine.

You can also omit the patchwork - especially if you wish to feature a fabric with a fabulous print.

I do love bags with a gusset but wanted to make this one a little different. I decided to add 4 small pleats to the bottom of the main panels to give the bag even more depth. If you consider the pleats, the depth of this bag is about 7 inches!

I had originally intended for double shoulder straps but after some feedback, I noticed a clear preference for a cross body strap (a personal must for me) so I quickly changed to an adjustable strap.

I decided to create a simpler curve for the bottom of the interior top bands in case someone wanted to install a zipper closure instead of a magnetic snap closure. I did test it out and it worked well so I plan on publishing a free zipper closure tutorial in the near future.

For the bag's interior, I did my usual configuration: 1 zippered pocket and 2 slip pockets. Apart from the different top bands, the construction of the lining shell is exactly the same as the exterior.

The Daisy pattern is now available in my Etsy pattern shop here. If you wish to discuss this pattern or any other pattern I have designed, I have created a Facebook group dedicated to sewing patterns. You can request to join here.

New Pattern: The Rose Gathered Handbag

I've completely neglected this blog but with good reason - I've been busy! I had a little burst of popularity with my caravan totes so I was very busy sewing and then I got inspired to create a new pattern. This bag is a bit classier than my usual style but when I get an idea, I just have to create!

Introducing the Rose Gathered Handbag:

This bag is entirely made from woven fabrics with a focus center panel and coordinating side panels. Both sides of the bag look the same. There is a flap to which you can add either a magnetic snap or twist lock closure depending on your preference.

To give the bag some depth, I decided on a pleated bottom style with a total of 8 pleats.

On the sides of the bag, I created some channels and added some fabric ties which can be tied into bows or just knots - again, your personal preference!

On the inside, I included instructions for my favourite pocket configuration: 3 slip pockets and 1 zippered pocket.

There is no limit to what you can do in terms of fabric combinations, types of fabric. One of my testers, Rock Baby Scissors, decided to do a lovely rainbow patchwork for the center panel!

You can see more details about this new pattern in my Etsy pattern shop.

The Begonia Convertible Bag - Now Available!

I managed to meet my goal of 2 new patterns this month! I have completed the Begonia pattern and it is now available in my pattern shop.

There are a few flap design options I have not included in the pattern which I will prepare and make available here on my blog as free tutorials. This will include the herringbone patchwork version and the square patchwork you see in the photo above, top left. Stay tuned!

Pattern Review: India Hobo Bag

Even though I am a pattern designer now,  I still LOVE to try out other patterns. Sometimes I get inspired for a pattern of my own or I learn about a new technique. I make sure to never copy someone else's work. I know the time and effort that goes into coming up with a new design, drafting pattern pieces, sewing sample bags, photographing, writing the PDF. It is time consuming!

I recently tried out the India Hobo Bag. I was looking for a larger bag for myself because I do tend to carry small to medium sized bags and they tend to get a little stuffed. I was so pleased by how easily this bag sews that I made a few for my Etsy shop. The pieces just seem to line up perfectly when sewing!

Faux leather bottom, bleached twill, canvas

Denim and linen bag

This pattern allows you to make hobo bags in 2 different sizes. I only made the large size but I could see the smaller size being very roomy as well. There are 2 very large open pockets on the outside and I made another one of those large pockets on the inside plus a zippered pocket. You could make it with 4 open pockets AND a zippered pocket but I chose to leave more space on the inside.

One large open pocket and one zippered pocket

There are so many possibilities for this bag in terms of fabric and pattern placement. I used a patterned linen on the underside of one strap and I thought it was a very nice touch. The strap itself is really nice and wide so if you're carrying heavy items, it will definitely be more comfortable. The strap length is not adjustable and I did find it was a bit low on my body (I am 5'6") so it may be not ideal for shorter folks but that really is personal preference.

Beautiful feather print on the underside of the strap!

This is not a stiff bag. It is definitely meant to be slouchy! I think it could be made stiffer but would not look quite right. I just interfaced with duck canvas which resulted in the perfect amount of stiffness and structure. I tried a variety of exterior fabrics: faux leather, denim, linen. They all worked out without any issues!

Faux leather option!

What would I change about this bag? I think I need some kind of closure for the top. Probably just a magnetic snap or a button/loop closure would do the trick but when it sort of just hangs open, I get worried that things will fall out. Other than that, I love this bag!

Coming soon: The Begonia Convertible Belt Bag

Today I am introducing my latest sewing pattern: the Begonia Convertible belt bag!

This is a fabulous bag because it can be worn 3 different ways: over one shoulder, across the body AND as a belt bag. A couple of years ago, I did have something similar in my shop and for some strange reason (I always do this!), I stopped making it. But here is a new version and hopefully it will appeal to all the sewers out there!

The dimensions of this bag are 9  inches wide and about 6.5 inches high. I used faux leather to accent this bag but again, this is completely optional and for the pattern instructions, I will stick to using fabric only.

The bag has a flap and magnetic snap closure and there is a main focus fabric and an accent fabric along the bottom. I am hoping to make some variations of this and include them in the pattern. I think it's always good to give folks a lot of ideas for inspiration.

Under the flap on the outside, there are 2 slip pockets. One is a great size for a smart phone (iPhone 6 is pictured below) and the other could fit keys, lip balm, etc.

On the inside, there is the main compartment and one zippered pocket to store valuables.

I will also try to come up with a formula to figure out the appropriate size for the strap so that it fits around a person's waist. It is hard to come up with a length that will work for everyone so I think a formula would be most helpful.

I can really see this as a great travel bag because you can be hands free and still carry your essentials. I believe this bag could also accommodate most full size wallets!

I will sew up a few more samples along with the pattern sample bag and keep everyone updated on its progress. I am hoping to get Mr Blue Calla's help taking photos of the bag worn the 3 different ways as well.

New Zippered Hobo Bags

I've been working on some new bag styles. I tend to get bored quite easily and I'm always testing new ideas for upcoming patterns. I really enjoy making the zippered hobo bag pattern by NapKittenPattern on Etsy but wanted to create my own version. I also wanted to incorporate some leather accents - especially for the bottom. I've heard so many times how important it is to be able to set your bag down without dirtying the bottom.

And I came up with this idea:

Joel Dewberry's Swallow Study in Forest Home Dec Sateen
with tan leather

It is a medium sized bag: about 15 inches wide at the widest part, 10 inches high in the center and about 4 inches deep. The strap is adjustable so the bag can be worn over one shoulder or cross body. Attaching the strap does require leather or faux leather with finished edges and some metal rivets. The bag itself is sewn the same way as a very large zipper pouch so the strap is attached in the very last step. I also love tassels so I thought a leather tassel attached to the zipper pull would be a very nice touch.

Inside the bag are 3 slip pockets and 1 zippered pocket. The main closure is a metal YKK zipper. 

A bag like this does take a long time to make (about 3 to 4 hours total) which explains the higher cost in comparison to my other bags.

I did make 3 of these in total but sadly ran out of rivets so I will need to wait to make more. Here are more photos for your viewing pleasure!

Joel Dewberry's Wildflower in Mulberry Home Dec Sateen
with tan vegan leather

Hand bleached denim with tan leather

The last bag was made using a dark navy denim that I bleached myself to create a beautiful random pattern. I will share my experiences with this technique in a future post. I am really loving the surprises I get with each different fabric, texture and pattern!

A few more photos of the bottom and interior:

And modeled by yours truly to get a better size reference:

If you are interested in photos of all 3 bags including pricing, you can find them in my Etsy shop:

• Joel Dewberry's Swallow Study in Forest Home Dec Sateen with tan leather
• Joel Dewberry's Wildflower in Mulberry Home Dec Sateen with tan vegan leather
• Hand bleached denim with tan leather

My latest patterns - The Peony and The Thistle Pocket Tote

Apparently I really like to design totes with front pockets! Last time I posted - which I realize was an obscenely long time ago - I was almost done my Peony Tote. It has since launched and can be purchased here or here.

I have since designed and released the Thistle Pocket tote. This tote is what I consider to be medium sized bag and of course has my usual adjustable strap. I personally can't use a shoulder bag and need to be hands free. I also included the front pocket because I've heard from many customers throughout the years that they really preferred an outside pocket with a closure on the outside of their purses.

You can use a variety of different fabric combinations for this bag! Use your imagination to create beautiful combinations of coordinating or contrasting fabrics! You can use whatever type of button or embellishments for the flap. I've even made a version with some decorative stitching on the flap.

Here are a few combinations I've tried with this pattern:

For the interior of the bag, I give instructions for one large slip pocket but you are free to add more pockets to the interior if you wish. I've also included instructions for a zippered pocket.

I've recently been asked my a few pattern customers to design bags with a zipper closure however I didn't get to that this time and stayed with a magnetic snap closure. My next pattern however, will have a zippered closure.

As for measurements, this bag is about 13.5 inches wide at the widest point and about 10.5 inches high. The depth is 4 inches and since the strap is adjustable, you can make it as long as you like. I think a beginner could tackle this project but it's best suited for someone which some previous bag making skills.

You can try out the Thistle Pocket tote yourself by purchasing it here or here.

The Peony Pocket Tote - Coming soon!

I am currently working on a new pattern - this time a medium/large sized cross body tote with 2 large outside pockets on the front. I wanted to create a bag with many different possibilities in terms of fabric and colour combinations but keep it fairly simple to create.

I am also badly in need of a new Spring bag that can hold a few extra items than my current mini-messenger and I MUST have a cross body bag. So I guess this new pattern is a bit for my own convenience as well. :)

Here are some photos:

The back of the bag is just the main fabric. There is an accent fabric used for the top band as well as the binding on the top and bottom edge of the front pocket piece. There are 2 separate front pockets with 4 pleats top and bottom.

 

 

 

 

The inside of the bag has my typical formula: 2 large slip pockets and 1 zippered pocket. The bag has a magnetic closure. I am just finishing up one last sample bag for the pattern and then I will get writing (my least favourite part!). Stay tuned...