Colorful Crochet Bag

Happy Spring!  I know it's not really spring, yet.  However, around here it kind of feels and looks like spring.  The wildflowers are blooming and a few trees are blooming.  BEAUTIFUL! 

This crochet bag is called Spring Petals Backpack.  That name fits well. 
I fell in LOVE with all the colors of this bag.  She has some cute crocheted things on her blog.  You really need to check it out http://asparagusmayonnaise.blogspot.com/.  Yes, she is kind enough to offer this as a free pattern!  That is very generous of her!
Here is the bag I made using her directions.  I didn't change a thing.  Except I think I croched all the scallops upside down....oh well, still a cute, cute and fun bag!  :) I did, however, use the Sugar 'N Cream yarn in the exact colors and order.

As a friend said..."It makes me happy just looking at it!"  Yes, that it does.  :)
Have yourself a happy day!

Rebecca Bag

Here is another bag from the book "Bags:The Modern Classics."  This one is the Rebecca Bag. 

I used home decor fabric.  I also added the piping around the edges of the bag.  It made my life more difficult because 1) I didn't put cording inside the piping and  2)  often when trying to attach a circle (such as this bag's zipper/bottom piece sewn together in a circle) and the front/back of this bag it can be tricky to get them to fit together.  This is made even more difficult by adding something, such as piping, that shows if something isn't fitting together perfectly.  Needless to say, I did lots of seam ripping to get it to look decent. 

Here are some other projects I've made from the patterns in this book here and here.

I know I've said this before about this book, but I really can't find where it states what the seam allowance should be on most of the projects.  If I am missing this somewhere please let me know.
 
For this bag, I also tried to copy the pattern by taking paper and holding it up on the window to trace.  It didn't go so well for me.  I do believe that I do better by using white tissue paper to trace the pattern.  So, my problem with getting the zipper/bottom pieces to fit to the front/back of the bag could be any combination of issues I had such as tracing the pattern, not using the correct seam allowance, and me being me.   To get the zipper/bottom piece to fit to the front/back piece I ended up using a 1/4" seam allowance when sewing the zipper sections to the bottom piece.  I used a 5/8" seam allowance on most of the other seams.  I had to do this to get my pieces to fit together. 

Inside with added pockets

I added pockets to both sides of the inside.  I just used the same pocket pattern and instructions used on the front of the bag.  I sewed down the center of the inside pockets. 
I also sewed my handles to the front of the bag without having the lining fabric underneath. 

Back of Rebecca Bag

Happy Mardi Gras Y'all!

Hope y'all have a great Fat Tuesday!  :)
These pictures are of my "party animal"  at our neighborhood Mardi Gras party. 

Don't worry...this mask didn't stay on long.

Enjoy!

Clutch Purse

Here is another pattern I found online.  I was trying to get myself sewing again.  So, I made this clutch purse. 

I found this fabric when we moved and I thought it would be perfect for this style of bag.  The pattern can be found here.
Below is a pic. of the back and handle. 

The only change I made to this was I added a pocket to the inside.  I cut another font pattern piece out of the lining fabric.  I then folded it over 1/2 inch and pressed it.  Then I folded it another 1/2 inch and pressed and sewed it.  I then sewed the pocket to the back lining piece before sewing the front and back lining pieces together. 

Pic. of the inside and pocket.

Also, I think, if I were to make this again, I'd make the turning opening in the bottom of the lining instead of centered at the front where you sew the lining to the outside. The outside fabric is so much more heavier and bulkier than the inside. When I turned it, the lining fabric ripped and it was very difficult to get the edge to look nice where the turning opening was. 

This is really a good size clutch with a cute shape.  It is nice to have a handle.  Enjoy!

Key Fobs with Secret Pocket and Lanyard

I thought I'd make this lanyard so that I could put a gift certificate in it for a birthday present.  Here is the lanyard post and pattern.  I used an old pair of jeans and some flannel that I found in my stash.  It's amazing what you come across when you move. lol  DH had this flannel fabric before we were married.  Yep, time to use that stuff up. 
This is a quick project and a great tutorial and pattern.  The only problem I ran into is that I couldn't get my swivel hook over my grommet.  Maybe if I used a different grommet or bigger swivel hook?  It took a while to get this one to work, but we forced it over the grommet with pliers. 

Hope y'all have a great day!

Make it Monday #52-Double Sided Stamped Die Cuts

Greetings!  Actually, maybe I should say HOWDY! :)
It has been a while since I've created anything.  We've been busy with moving and all that...stuff. 
Then I managed to lose my mojo for creating.  Finally, I managed to make a card this afternoon.  Whoo HOOOO!  I still am not feeling too creative.  I'm just happy I managed to do something other than sit and stare into space.  :)
Here is my card for this week's MIM. 

Supplies:
Stamps:  PTI-A Little Argyle, Simple Sunflower, Big and Bold Wishes
Dies:  PTI-Parisian Lace Doily, Simple Sunflower

Crocheted Treat Bag

Here is another crochet project.
I finished a project and I wanted to use up the remaining yarn.  So, I decided to make this striped treat bag.  There is another bag on the same pattern that is a Frankenstein bag.  But I thought that this treat bag could be used for anytime of year...like Valentines day or Easter.

The flower is from a different pattern.

view from top

The free crochet pattern I used can be found at www.lionbrand.com.  The pattern is called Halloween Treat Bags (pattern # L0112AD).  I used Sugar N' Cream yarn in tangerine and hot purple. 
The flower is from the book "Crocheted Flowers" by Nicky Epstein.