felt fan

The pretty purse below says, “I’m sophisticated yet whimsical, serious & functional yet playful…let’s go!”

For directions:  http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/projects-ideas/bags-pillows/pick-a-pocket-purse_1.html   One pattern alteration ~ using different fabrics for pocket interiors.  When sewing all the layers together, double check the line-up of pockets on side seams.  The purse was incredibly thick but my basic 25 year old Kennmore sewing machine could handle the task.   

Cream corduroy, cotton purple flower print, grey felt & herringbone.  Plus two added embellishments:  lavender trim & a vinyl flower.  The trim & flower were added during the construction process, prior to sewing every layer together.

Lavender trim was secured with iron-on adhesive & tiny stitches with needle & thread.  The shiny cream flower is held in place with a sewn on button & with an embroidery straight stitch.

“Creativity comes from trust.  Trust your instincts.  And never hope more than you work.”  ~ Rita Mae Brown

pocket bag 2

Pocket totes for little girls are a treat to make.  Pick energetic fabrics, mixed textures & coordinating colors.

Exterior corduroy print, purple cloud interior, hot pink pleather straps:

Girly purse #2:  cotton print exterior, soft corduroy interior, denim pocket lining & hot pink pleather straps:

 

When completed, fill the pockets with all kinds of goodies. 

For the pick-a-pocket pattern:  http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/projects-ideas/bags-pillows/pick-a-pocket-purse_1.html

pocket pack

In pretend land, dolls need backpacks for all their goodies, too!  The packs are made from the pockets of wornout pants, adding straps, top loop & perky contrast fabric on the underside.

Fabrics with edges not prone to raveling work great – ribbon, felt, ultra-suede – for all straps.  Turn under the edges of underside fabric, pin into place.  Next, position & pin all straps into place then sew all around the edges.  Half zig-zag & half blanket stitch made the backpack shown.

pocket bag

 A super cute, simple & functional tote pattern:  http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/projects-ideas/bags-pillows/pick-a-pocket-purse_1.html

Made a little more complicated by moi…since I had to make the liner fabric different than the exterior…

The outside is a chunky cream corduroy, interior large pocket an orange micro suede, interior small pockets & straps a sweet cream vine & flower print on chocolate brown.

So handy!  The perfect size for an ipad or books, plus the pockets are nice little organizers for glasses, phone, pens, & goodies.  Or, a gift bag purse created & filled with treats suited for recipient…  ho-ho-ho!

 

happy bag

Patterns can be stifling.  Not all the time, but sometimes.  Do not be afraid to tweak things to your style!  Bags & totes make a great canvas for your groovy ideas.

The pictured happy bag is quite floppy, so add stiffening for a little shape stability.

The cute birdies are appliqued fabric cut-outs, embellished with beads.

Use old jeans pockets on the interior of bag.  Sew vertical lines to make separate compartments for pens, chapstick, phone, etc..

“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”  ~ Judy Garland