Do You Like Big Purses?

I do, and the moment I clapped eyes on the Presidio Purse I knew it had to be mine! Camp was coming and I needed something I could drag all over and not worry about destroying. At the same time I decided it was time for a new purse. I combined both needs with some massive stash busting. I found a cache of old work jeans I’d been harboring for years and realized it would be perfect to drag all over the mountains!

My rough and ready pieced denim Presidio!

Since I was in a hurry I decided to eliminate all extra bits and just do a stripped down version of the purse. As I began to disassemble my jeans I decided to add pockets back in, with the jeans back pockets and the next thing I knew I was piecing the butt of one of my brother’s old pairs to the front for three pockets in one. It looked so cool!! I think my subconscious was so delighted with Carolyn’s jeans piecing that I had to give it a try.

Three pockets on the outside and two on the inside! Love how much junk you can throw in here! No cramming needed.

I topstitched it all in hot pink thread because it seemed like a fun idea. Doing both the outside and the lining in denim made for one heavy bag and my sewing machine wasn’t too happy in some spots but it powered through! I love my Necchi! 

Other notes: Loved the way the handle was constructed. I did a double take the first time I read  the instructions but the result is clever and clean. 

I was surprised at how quickly the purse came together but I intentionally didn’t fuss about the construction. I was coming off of the battle of the buttonholes and just wanted something simple to put together. Not having to worry about my stitching and free piecing this bag was very therapeutic. Slashing up a bunch of old jeans and getting to throw stuff away was cathartic as well. 

Just an fyi, there are small openings in the top of the purse at either end of
the zipper. I didn't know this and it puzzled me for a bit.

To sum up. I LOVE it! I can’t wait to make another in some pretty fabric with the amazing details in the fall! Have you tried the Presidio? Do you have a favorite bag pattern?

How To Travel With An Iron

Just in case you're coming around for the first time, I live in the middle of nowhere and I have gad in my heels. Why am I telling you these seemingly random facts? Well as a seamstress that travels, my sewing supplies spend a lot of time on the road and packing them has always been a tricky thing.

The worst culprit is my IRON!! You have to use it right up to the end, then you have to wait for it to cool down and delicately place it in your car so it doesn't burn or melt anything. At least it used to be... I'd like to introduce you to my iron's carrying case.

What? You do not understand it's full gloriousness? Let me show you more!!

You take that heat resistant fabric, heat resistant batting, regular batting and fabric and layer them together. Quilt and bind.

Your iron sits in the middle and you do a bit of creative fabric folding to get this...

A handy carrying case!

Buttons and elastic loops hold the layers
together. We also added a loop and button to hold
the cord outside, because we don't want to melt
that either!

Hey little buddy! How ya doing in there! You ain't gonna burn my new car now!!!

I keep using "we" because our whole group made these on one sewing day. One of the ladies had figured it all out and showed us how to do it. It was such a relaxing day and a super useful, yet fun, project. I've used mine several times and it works FABULOUSLY!!

Do you take your sewing on the road? How do you transport your iron?

June Stashbusting: Containment

A new month, a new journey. I've made it to camp where I'll be working for the next couple months. Bring on the kids, crafts and the sunshine! It's so gorgeous here and I'm loving it! My internet is wonky so you're getting post with no photos today.
While I may not be spending much time sewing now, I did plan ahead so I've still got some projects to show you guys but I probably won't be posting as often. It's all up to you guys now. Don't let that fabric multiply while I'm gone!
June's Stashbusting sewing theme is containment! It's all about making things to put other things in. I was surprised at how vast an amount of things to sew this actually covers.
Our Curating Challenge is all about containment too! We're going to be organizing that fabric stash so it's accessible and lovely to look at. I'll be back later this week with my new method that's working fabulously! Until then, let me see your stash in all it's gory details! Did you post a photo in the Flickr pool at the beginning of the year or are you hiding it?

If Rambo Had A Girlfriend...

She'd be able to live on air and sunlight

She'd be able to run like lighting and disappear in a moment

And she'd totally steal his turban and refashion it into a cozy, comfortable sweater shrug for all those cold nights around the fire.

I want to thank Erin so much for letting me participate in this super fun sew-a-long. I hope I didn't underwhelm everyone since what I made wasn't very technically difficult. I needed something quick and an extra sweatery thing seemed like just the ticket. I hope you like it because I love what I made! It's surprisingly warm and super comfy. I've been using it a ton on the road and expect it to see a lot of use this summer since it's so easy to throw on.

I hope you enjoyed this goofy interpretation and to see more Rambo Projects check out....