Playing with other's patterns

It's not often that I use other people's handbag patterns, considering I make most of mine using my own patterns.   I had a chance to work with the U-Handbag Highbrow Hobo pattern this week.  I made a few adjustments to it, but for the most part kept to her specified parameters.

I added a zipper closure, a zippered interior pocket and added magnetic snaps to each of the exterior pockets.

It's a cute pattern for a handbag, and was easy to follow.  I would consider this pattern suitable for intermediate sewing enthusiasts.  The bag is roomy and will fit lots of "stuff".  Loved her use of darts to create fullness at the base of the bag, too!

If you have a pattern that you'd like me to review or test, please email me at sewsimplycreative [at] gmail [dot] com.

My first interior zippered pocket

I finally took the opportunity to try my hand at inserting a zippered, interior pocket into a handbag.  Finally.  Really, I'm surprised it took me this long!



Actually, it wasn't too hard!  A few months ago,  I skimmed a tutorial with good visuals for doing this and it helped the concept to "click" for me.   Only I couldn't locate that tutorial when I got started on this project, so I was working from memory on this.

Have YOU tackled this yet?

Here's the cute custom tween bag that got this zippered pocket...

Zip-loc baggies kicked up a notch

My little guy has to bring a dry snack to school each day.   This morning I packed his snack in a quart sized zip-loc style baggie.  Then I did the math.  5 zip locs per week times how many weeks in a school year?? = LOTS of baggies!  Cha-ching!!!

Then I remembered last week's WIWOW.  So.......to piggie back on It's Sew Sweet's WIWOW from last week (where Jenn shared her new & fabulous lunch kits) I quickly called Jenn to get the skinny on her fabric baggies.  I made a few adjustments to fit my needs (I used the measurements of a quart sized zip-loc) and whipped up a modified baggie with a velcro closure, and lined it with PUL!  Yep, totally washable, too.



Love it?  I totally do! And, more importantly,  so does my 1st grader!  His quote: "I love it; it's the best thing ever!"