Hebrews 4:16

Let us then come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Cool Blog and fun patterns

I have to share this blog with you tonight. I found this while reading another blog and have been so blessed by the things that are shared. There is a devotion to the Lord that is refreshing and all the fun crafts are the icing on the cake for me. Today she shared this new bag pattern. I am a fool for bags! Love them. I will share some patterns for bags I have made below but I had to give first dibs to this one.
http://prairieflowerfarm.blogspot.com/
search for the Prairie Flower Book Bag Pattern

Here is another pattern I found on-line that looks easy and super cute.

http://henriettashandbags.com/paulas_slouchy_sack_pattern.html


Here is a pattern for a laptop bag.
http://www.craftandfabriclinks.com/laptop_tote/laptop_carrier_pattern.html

This little purse is made from fat quarters. :) cool!
http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=737


I love to make my bags out of charm squares.

Here is a pattern that I have not made but I believe it will be my next project! :)
http://www.popularpatchwork.com/news/article.asp?a=5448

This is a link to a website who has a free pattern download for a similar bag that I have made many times. In fact, this is the bag that I have given to some of my dear friends as a gift when I have the time and the material to put one together.

The link shows a bag with 47+ charm squares for the body of the tote. The bag I have made is similar in width but I use 27 squares for the body plus 8 for the handles.
http://buttonberry.typepad.com/buttonberry/2008/03/its-a-charm-off.html


Another really neat idea is to get 2 place mats, sew(right sides together) around all the sides except the top. Turn out and sew a handle(s) on the bag, perhaps a button, snap or tie to close and voila! You have a very nice and functional, not to mention sturdy bag. I went to the thrift store and bought some belts for $1 to use for my handles. All the bags I made were larger and I wanted them to have long handles so they could be used to carry things such as books, etc.

I made one for each of my girls for Christmas. They love them and use them when the go to the library.



Here are a few links to some patterns I found for this bag:
http://scribbit.blogspot.com/2007/07/placemat-purses.html
http://www.jcarolinecreative.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=JC&Screen=TOTE


I have also made my own patterns for bags that I have seen and wanted to try to make. I start with a general size reference and shape and then go from there. Typically, the quilter in me spends a lot more time focusing on the geometrics of the pattern, but it all usually comes together nicely. I have found that if I use a strong sturdy backing for the handles that they last longer, as well as not too many pieces in the handle at stress points. This I learned from experience, as I have been repairing my own bag recently. :)

Perhaps this will put you in the mood to sew!

Blessings to you !

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