Pair of Charm School Handbags

Late last week, I decided to tackle a new purse pattern that I had purchased at the end of the year from Keyka Lou Patterns during their pattern retirement sale. The pattern I bought was the Charm School Handbag.

I've made other purses before, so I knew it would be just as easy to make two at the same time. I plan on trying to sell at least one bag in an Etsy shop that I hope to open very soon (but if anyone is interested in purchasing one before that happens, please send me a message!). Anyway, the instructions were very straightforward and easy to follow and the pictures they provided were very helpful, especially in making the handles.

Speaking of the handles, that is my favorite feature of this purse. I usually enjoy carrying a purse with a shoulder strap simply because I have children and need both hands (one to hold on to a child and the other to put back whatever it is he/she has taken off a store shelf), but I just adored the look of this purse with that cut-out handle! Don't you?

The fabric the purses are made from is Midwest Modern by Amy Butler, and the check fabric lining and dark green buttons are both vintage items found among my grandmother's old sewing supplies. I was amazed at how perfect a match the check fabric is to the new designer fabric.

Both are a copper color which may not show through exactly in the photos. The button flower is a pin that can be removed or placed in different spots on the bag. The overall dimensions of the bag are 9.5” high x 12.5” wide x 6” deep.

I really think this bag is sewVery fun! What do you think?

I won a giveaway contest! Hooray!

Well, as some of my Facebook friends may already know, I entered a ton of giveaway contests a few weeks back at Sew Mama Sew. I won a pair of earrings, but the woman wouldn't ship them to me from Canada. Boo hoo!

So, I kept on trying to win something after Christmas by entering other contests. For those of you new to the sewing blogs, many bloggers have sponsors who provide fabric, patterns, or other items as a prize in a random drawing giveaway. Maybe I'll host a giveaway someday.

Last week as I was reading through all the blogs I follow, I came across a contest at Little Birdie Secrets for a chance to win three patterns from Lilac Lane from Melissa Stramel. Of course I entered the contest, and a few days later, Melissa emailed me that I had won! I was sewVery excited that I did a celebration dance for the family.

I picked out the three patterns I wanted, and Melissa put them in the mail right away. I chose the Cherished Dress for Girls, the Cherished Doll Dress, and the Joy Bag patterns. You can find them all here. They arrived here on Wednesday, and I can't wait to try them out. I bought some beautiful designer fabrics for Christmas (thanks again, Daddy!) that should be just perfect for making Ella a new dress and me a new bag. I'll be sure to post pictures of the finished product(s) later.

Winning something good is always fun!

I Spy Charm Swap on Midnight Maker's Blog

I just joined my first ever fabric swap on the blog Midnight Maker. This should be fun!

If you are interested in joining the I Spy Charm Swap, head over to her blog and leave a message requesting to join. She has all the details outlined in her post, but basically, all you have to do is buy a yard of fun designer fabric, cut it into 5" x 5" squares, and mail them to her with a SASE. Oh, and you get to post a picture of your fabric choice to her Flicr group so you can see everyone's selection and so the swap doesn't end up with duplicates.

I can't wait to get all the fabric squares and start a new project! Maybe I'll make some placemats similar to this found here or maybe I'll try my hand at making a quilt. This just gives me another excuse to surf the web for great ideas!

What shall I make today?

Well, for starters, my first ever blog entry! I've been talking about starting a blog for weeks, maybe months, now in order to share my sewing projects with friends and family and possibly some other interested sewing enthusiasts out there. I'm a little nervous because I don't know squat about having my own blog, but I'm a pretty fast learner, so I'm sure I'll do just fine eventually. Please be patient as I learn the ropes!

A few months ago, I took my mom's old 1974 Bernina Record 830 sewing machine in to be serviced, and to my surprise, I discovered that it is a really great basic machine. So began my search online of simple, free clothing patterns for my daughter and some cute fabric. I was amazed at the online world of sewing/crafting that I for some reason had no idea existed! I immediately began following several of my favorite blogs like The Cottage Home, Me Sew Crazy, Made, Craftiness is Not Optional, and See Kate Sew to name a few. Now I have a list of over 30 blogs that I enjoy reading almost every day.

It wasn't long before I decided I really wanted a serger. Everyone on the blogs had one, so they must be great! Shortly after I made this known to my husband, he surprised me with a new Brother 1034D. I'm still learning what all it can do. Using a serger definitely makes the final garment more professional in appearance though.

So, without further adieu, here's what I made today: a Valentine nightgown for my daughter!




I made it using a McCall's top pattern, but I lengthened the sleeves and top and added a wider ruffle. The fabric is from Hancock's that Ella and I both just adored! The entire project took about an hour to make. And in the process, I decided to try the rolled hem feature on my serger! It was a success.


For Christmas, I made a similar one using vintage Christmas fabric that I found among my mom's fabric stash. I'm just in love with these gowns, and I'm sensing that more will come. A holiday collection perhaps!

Anyway, I'm excited about the blog, and I hope that I will have a reader or two. If not, that's okay. I still plan on sewing! I've already got some other projects in the works to post about, so check back soon.

Thank you sewVery much for stopping by!