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?

Weather Update and Pinterest Pouch Pattern

Well this is a day late since it decided to rain for over 24 hours along with high winds which knocked our power out AGAIN! Some of the broken trees must have hit the lines. Since everyone was on the ONE line the power company put up, the whole country was out again. Thankfully it got back on about mid morning today. 

The water receded in the night too so we didn't wake up to a washed out road again. I think I'm starting to get cabin fever...

Anyways... on to sewing! I managed to make these before all the bad weather and crazy power outages!

Pinterest Pouch Pattern

Well I tried another one of those pictorial tutorials on Pinterest. It actually turned out really well and I really like how it gives the pouch instant shape. Just a couple things to take note of.

1. Be very very VERY careful sewing over the zipper ends. I’m sure you already know this but I HATE breaking needles this way.
2. The loop in the seam isn’t necessary because of the deep folds on the ends but it does make it easier. 

   

   Don't they look like tasty candies!

3. You can line the pouch pretty easily but you must take time to press and topstitch carefully to keep the lining out of the zipper. I lined the big one but not the little ones. Here’s a great lined pouch tutorial it’s just a bit tricker when the fabrics are in one piece instead of two, hence the careful pressing. 

   

   Left corner shows my not careful pressing.
   I serged the only exposed seam.

4. I interfaced all the outer fabrics with some lightweight interfacing to give the shapes a little boost. 
5. This is a GREAT stashbusting project since you can use any square or rectangle piece. I had so much fun using up these random vintage squares I’ve had lying around forever!

Now, I have a confession.. I hope these become Christmas gifts but not for anyone I know. I’ve got a craft show coming up in November and I’m going to throw these out there. If they don’t sell... well everybody knows what they’re getting for Christmas! :)

How's the weather where you live? What's the longest you've gone without electricity? Have you done any stashbusting this month?

Stashbusting Birthday Bag

The round of birthdays is underway here. We start in August and go until January. Anyone else have all the family birthdays stacked in one chunk of the year?

The beginning of September was the Little Man's birthday, so I real quick whipped him up something before I left for the wedding.

Plenty of room for school papers, or my sewing books???

Earlier this year he had found this FABULOUS, probably vintage, sailing? map? ocean? home decor weight print in my stash. That boy has an eye, let me tell you.

Closeup of print. It's so cool.

I wanted to make him one of those fun monster bags I keep seeing on Pinterest for Preschool but earlier this year he had specifically requested a bag with a flap and a long strap that went over his shoulder. So I decided to bite the bullet, use the stash, and make him what he had requested; because, sure as shootin' I make my own idea, he'll remember what he said to me six months ago... (kids are like that, ya know... always remembering stuff you've forgotten.)

This flap bag is so simple to make, holds a TON, (especially if you don't put a closure on the flap) and can be made any size or shape which is why I'm not giving you any measurements. You can use any rectangular piece of fabric you have although I recommend the outer shell be heaver weight because you'll be using this ALOT.

Lining also from stash, Boxed corners and topstitched handle. 

This was the moment when I almost decided to keep it...

I threw a quick video together since I can't draw like Cation Designs, then I spent way to long playing around with sound effects...
Anyways, hope you enjoy it and talk to you soon. Any questions, please just ask.