Patchwork Bag For Moi

This is a little patchwork bag I made for myself. It's definitely a get-up-and-go bag. But it's not too small - just look at what it can hold. My keys, giant wallet, bills, handphone, transport cards and room for more!

It's soft and nice - completely uninterfaced. I personally prefer the natural softness of fabric. The design is fairly simple. (but the work is hard) Just patch up a rectangular piece of patchwork using your scraps. Fold in two and sew up the sides. Include lining and for the top, I used bias binding to give it a nice finish. The handle is a mix of the same red as the bias binding and batik.


Front view


Back view


Sometimes I like the pocket to be a startling contrast to the background fabric. When making a bag to sell, I have to remember this might not be everyone's cup of tea so I have to resist the temptation to do it for every bag. But doesn't this bag just scream out for something different?

Sashiko is alive in Finland

I have been busy buying supplies and sewing for my next MAAD outing in June. Although I still have a supply of bags to sell, I thought it would be nice to use the next few weeks to make just a few bags, maybe one per week but for these bags, I will focus on details like pockets, embroideries, appliques. One little detail I've added is a bag label. I had dabbled with a different name my girl suggested before but I kinda like my blog name better.


See the bag label? It's on a bag I'm working on.

In the past, I was very much in shapes. I would make a bag just to get the shape out. Now I hope to do more complicated appliques with many sharp points and valleys. I really would love to make one Sashiko-ish medium sized bag but it being time-consuming, I'm not sure if it'll happen.


This is a small Sashiko-ish drawstring bag I made recently. It's not true Sashiko but I tried to follow the traditions as much as possible.

Speaking of Sashiko, I have a reader from Finland who is into Sashiko too. She agreed to have her work featured in my blog. Hi Flyza from Finland! Below are three pictures showing Flyza's work.


Just look at that!


Another Sashiko project by Flyza


Is that real Finland snow? I feel cold just looking at it.

Did You See Me At MAAD?

What a weekend! I was at MAAD held at the Red Dot Design Museum over the weekends. In the beginning I was kind of nervous but I soon got the hang of it. It was so much fun and I was too busy enjoying myself. In fact I'm definitely doing it again. Look out for my updates. By the way, I sold 13 bags!!!!


I need some lessons in visual display.


I used boxes, baskets and styrofoam all gathered from my home.


My big head blocked the "M" in Museum

The best part about my experience at MAAD are the friends I made.


Hot mama Alice K at her booth of gorgeous handmade Kimono fabric fashion and accessories. Check her out at Alice K. She makes bags too.


This is Viv who is a fashion and textile designer who spends her free time designing and handmaking jewellery. She is too shy to show her face so it's just her fingers and hot legs you get a shot of.
Ooh. Just found out Viv has a blog. Check her jewelery out at Vivi.


Mandy has a full-time job but manages to find time to craft jewelry. Where do all these people find the time and energy! Check her out at Forest Flame Jewelry. She's holding a wristlet she bought from me!

And there is ShuNing who makes the cutest badges and plush toys. I wanted to take a pic of her booth but forgot to ask until it was too late. She's a student who can really sew. She gave my girl a badge for free. My girl kept standing at her booth drooling over it. So sweet of ShuNing. Check her out at Momshoo.

I'm at MAAD

I had an image of this bag in my head for a week before I made it. My previous bias tape totes were rather short and I wanted a longer one because I think it looks really good. I like simple applique and the raw look which is the complete opposite of how I like the inside of bags to look. Which is no raw edges. I'm putting this bag up for sale at MAAD from 4 to 5 April. And others as well.
C ya.