The Necessary Clutch Wallet-Emmaline Bags

I've been wanting a new wallet for some time.  I hadn't found one that fit what all that I wanted in a wallet.  I considered making my own pattern, but I never quite got there.  So, when I saw The Necessary Clutch Wallet by Emmaline Bags I was ecstatic!  This wallet contains many of the things I was looking for in a new wallet! 

Front

I love that there is space to put my cell phone, too.

I love all of the card slots, zippered pocket, and the compartments! 

Are you getting sick of this red striped and polka dot fabric, yet?  Well, there is still more to come with this fabric.  ;)  It is just so happy and bright...I LOVE it!  The outside fabric (red stripes/polka dot) is from IKEA.  The inside purple fabric is cotton and is a remnant found at JoAnn's.  I believe that the red scroll fabric is scrap fabric from my Aunt?--do you recognize the fabric???

I had a "what was I thinking" issue while making the wallet.  I was going to make this so that I could add a shoulder (or cross body) strap, but for some reason I kept thinking I would add it after I had finished it.  Well, that wasn't very bright of me....LOL!  Next time I'll know better.  Anyway, here are the instructions to add a wrist or shoulder strap  Emmaline Bags Blog.

The instructions on this pattern are excellent--very clear--and include lots of easy to follow pictures.  I LOVE getting patterns from Emmaline Bags because I always learn a new way of putting together a bag. 

I have a little tip that I found to help me.  If you are adding the border piece to the flap, it was easier for me to trace the outside of the border piece on the back of one of my flap pieces.   I used that traced line as a sewing line.

Enjoy! 

Nap Kitten Pattern-Hamburger Clutch

I have to say that I do love these patterns from Nap Kitten! 

 They are a little difficult to put together. I think the 1/4" seam allowance is a little frightening at times for me, but both patterns I bought easy to understand.  (see Quilted Three Pocket Purse).

This pocket on the front is so cute. 

 I changed up my strap a little bit.  I put a D Ring on both sides of the bag and made a long cross body strap that attaches with a swivel hook. 

Nap Kitten-Quilted Three Pocket Purse

 

This bag is made from a pattern.  It is the Quilted Three Pocket Purse from Nap Kitten on ETSY.  This is supposed to be a quilted bag, but I chose to NOT quilt my bag.  I used a thick interfacing instead.   

The pattern and instructions include tons of pictures.  It is easy to follow along.  However, I read somewhere on Nap Kitten's ETSY shop that English is not her first language.  While you can tell this in the written part of the pattern, the pictures more than make up for this.  The instructions are also clear enough that you get the point she is trying to make.  I plan on buying more patterns from Nap Kitten. 

On occasion I will buy bag patterns so that I can learn how to put them together.  While looking at pictures of this bag online, I could not figure out how to put this bag together.  I'd seen picture tutorials of bags similar to this on Pintrest...but they were in Japanese and I got lost.  I'm so excited I that I now know how to put this style of bag together!!!!! 

This isn't a very big bag.  But it is a decent size.  It is roughly 11" long x 6.5" wide on the bottom (notice the overhang on the pic of the bottom). 8" tall not including the handles.  The handles have about a 6" drop. 

This is the bag opened.  There is a center zippered pocket with two outside pockets that close with a magnetic snap. 

The bottom of the bag. 

 

Laura Ashely Bag

Made this cute bag from home decor fabric for the bow and outside. I found the gold lining fabric in my stash.  :)  The bow is not part of the pattern. 

The bag is a very quick and easy pattern. 

 

I have made a larger version of this bag:

The flower is not part of the pattern.

 

 

 

 

Hooded Baby Blanket-Crochet

I have a new nephew!  For Spring Break we took a long car trip. I croched this blanket while we were on the road...better than paying attention to Hubby's driving.  AAAK! 

The blanket is a free crochet pattern at Lion Brand Yarn Website.   It is the Hooded Baby Blanket.  I found this cute Car Shape Applique Pattern to put on the hood.