Saturday, August 21, 2010

Friday Night Sew-In and Today!

Last night was the Friday Night Sew-In!


Unfortunately, I was only able
 to do a bit of sewing.
I had my annual eye exam earlier that day
and I had a really bad headache
and my eyes were hurting,
 I guess from the dilation?  :-(
Anyway, I had some leftover strip sets
from a honeybun quilt project.



I absolutely LOVE these Moda
"Attitude Girls" fabrics designed by
Mary Engelbreit. 
The bright primary colors mixed with
 black and white just suck me in!!
And are soooooo perfect for a
"Back to School" purse!!

Anyway, all I was able to get done
 last night for the Friday Night Sew-In
was to sew those eight blocks
together into 2 sets. That was it,
I just couldn't focus or concentrate
with that darn headache!!  :-(



Today I felt much better and got right to work!!
I added black and red rickrack and
lined those two sets to use on the outside
 of the purse as wrap-around pockets.
I had the striped fabric in my stash. 
It is a heavier decor weight upolstery scrap.


Before I stitched those pockets on, 
I ironed fusible fleece to the back of each
 striped side piece and free-motion quilted it
with a heavy variegated thread. 
I sewed the pockets on about 3" from the bottom
 and also stitched through the pockets on some
 of the piecing lines to divide the pockets into
sections for smaller items like cell phone,
sunglasses and keys.


I trimmed down the top of each side in
readiness for using some cute ready-made
red and white polka-dotted leather handles.
I used that piece as a pattern to cut out
2 lining pieces, which I also fused a lighter
weight fleece to on the wrong sides.
  I added 2 pockets on those lining pieces.


With right sides together,
I sewed around all three sides
 of both outer and lining pairs,
but left a 4" opening in one of the
lining sides to turn it through!


Then I boxed the bottom corners and added a
 little fabric loop at the top of the back.


With right sides together, I pinned all
around the top seam of the two bags
and stiched  them together
with a 3/8" seam allowance!


I turned the bag right side out through
 the lining side seam opening.


Next, I stitched the side seam opening closed,
 and pushed the lining down inside the bag.
I top-stitched all around the top seam with
heavy decorative variegated thread.


I sewed the two pre-made handles
onto the top points,
and added a double button closure.

 

TAAAAAADAAAAAA!  :-)


Soooooo, WADDAUDINK????
Now I am ready for school!!

31 comments:

  1. As Scarlet O'Hara would say..."Why I'm pee green with envy"...

    Pat

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  2. Is there ANYTHING that you can't sew, girlfriend? You are my sewing hero, my idol, the sewing genious.......the guru of the needle.

    Now that I've made you blush...just wanted to say that I REALLY REALLY REALLY think you're talented.

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  3. I would be ready for school if you made me one!!

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  4. TaDa is right! I love it! Great job Polly!! :-)

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  5. Just great. You did a fabulous job on this. You will be the envy of the school. (grin) Winona

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  6. Oh my gosh Polly, I ♥ ♥ ♥ this! How cute!!

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  7. Oh this is too stinking CUTE CUTE CUTE!! Those handles are the perfect finishing touch along with the double button closure. And I love the happy lining you put inside. From one Mary Engelbreit fan to another you take the cake!

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  8. Great job! Lovely fabric and what a great bag! I trust the headache is gone.

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  9. You are amazing Polly! I knew you would think of something wonderful using your Mary Engelbreit scraps! Glad you're feeling better!

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  10. Wow, for having a splitting headache you sure ended up with a darling bag. I love those fabrics too!

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  11. I just bought some of these fabrics for some Christmas sewing, but now I am going to have to find more before it's gone to make some bags. Your bag is gorgeous!

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  12. OMG that is so cute...darn cute...love it...if I had a cute bag like that I just might come out of teaching retirement...LOL!

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  13. Love, love, love your ME Bag and step by step process. You are so good.

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  14. Very cute bag! May I ask what pattern that is? I love it!

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  15. Man Polly you should be a purse designer, every single one of them is better than the last! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this!

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  16. good job Polly --- love the colors....

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  17. Haven't visited in a while. I love the back to school bag. The colors are awesome and the handles are the best choice! The Yogi post you did was great! Sorry I didn't make it to put my vote in as he is a sure winner in my eyes. Now off to view older posts. Maybe I can catch more cute Yogi photos.

    Debbie

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  18. Yup, definitely ready for school with that bag. I vote you take a picture of your purse closet -- or by now "room" --- I'm definitely leaning toward room:))

    vail

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  19. Gorgeous Polly!!!!! I love the fabrics and you did a beautiful job on it as well.

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  20. Oh gosh! that is so cute. I have never tried making myself a purse/bag. Now you have inspired me!

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  21. I love it! Love the bright colors and the style - so cute.

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  22. Absolutely gorgeous and fun bag! Love the ME fabrics too.

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  23. OMG! So cute...can't wait to check it out in person. Hope you are enjoying your last few days of summer. I REALLY am not ready for work to start...See ya' soon!

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  24. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this bag! Love it! Perfect design for the fabric. You are indeed ready for school.

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  25. That is just too cute! So glad you are feeling better ;0)

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  26. Polly, the bag is absolutely delicious! I love the way you put the fabrics together and the bag style is amazing!

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  27. OMG...how cute is that!! You made it look TOO easy!! Adorable!
    Paulette

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  28. Really cute bag! Love that you used left-over strips and created something you can use. Thanks for posting the photos of your procedures:)

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Thank you sooooooo very much for taking the time to leave a comment! I am always happy to know that someone is reading my ramblings!! Polly :-)