Sewing is My Bag

It's shameless commerce Tuesday (which means we survived Monday – yay!) Today I'm featuring large fun and functional handbags which are available in my Etsy shop:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/pasqueflower.

I especially love the two-tone Gemini bags (perhaps because I am a Gemini myself).  These large, softly- pleated bags are a perfect casual bag to grab and go.  They are ideal for travel—nothing to set off alarms, and roomy enough for LOTS of books, snacks and souvenirs.  The pattern, which was the subject of a tutorial on The DIY Dish, is easy enough for a confident beginner.  http://www.thediydish.com/2010/10/episode-5-how-to-make-the-diy-dish-basic-handbag

What a fun way to showcase those bright, large-scale print fabrics that may be pining away in your stash.  Just find two 1-yard cuts that play well together, and you're all set.

The schlep bag (purple photo) is a bit trickier to make because of the bias edges at the top.  However, this bag is one of the best market totes I have ever seen anywhere.  It's roomy, washable, and has a large squared bottom to accommodate awkward items (I'm thinking Farmer's Market?).  I've also used fusible fleece to make padded straps (very comfortable even on a long schlep day) with parallel rows of topstitching for durability and style.    http://sentimentalstitches.net/free-stuff/schlep-bag.

Do you prefer a tote with more pockets and compartments?  No problem.  Hop on over to www.ellenmedlockstudio.com and download this pocket-lover's dream of a tote pattern: http://ellenmedlockstudio.com/one-pdf-download-of-the-pocket-tote-pattern-booklet.html

Practical, functional, stylish … It's in the bag!

TTFN

LeAnn aka pasqueflower

http://pasqueflowerponderings.blogspot.com

http://www.etsy.com/shop/pasqueflower