Since I first started thinking about this business I’ve wanted to put together my own kits. But I had no idea (still don’t really!) where to begin. But I just went ahead anyway. Based on some suggestions from friends I started with one of my free patterns and one project that was suggested to me.

I put together kits of my eco-tote shopping bag a while ago. I’ve had them here in the store and I have sold a few. But I finally got my act together and photographed them and listed them in my etsy store.
 
A couple weeks ago one of my online friends sent me a link to a rag quilt with the suggestion that these would make great holiday projects. Of course I ran right out to the front room, grabbed some bolts and started cutting and sewing!
 
This is my first one made with squares of all the different holiday flannels I have. It is so soft and cuddly! But then I looked at all the coordinating smooth cottons I have and had to make another.
 

This one is made with the Jennifer Paganelli “Bell Bottoms” line. I added batting to this one too but I don’t like it so I won’t suggest that to anyone else. Maybe a layer of plain flannel sandwiched between the regular cotton would be nice. Flannel would add a little body and warmth without making it stiff like the Thermolam did on this one.
Today I added my first kit for these to my etsy shop: Rag Quilt Kit
Tomorrow I hope to have time to put together a kit out of the Bell Bottom fabric and get that listed too. Of course if you are local and would like a kit you can always stop in the store and pick out your own fabric combination.

Happy Sewing!

Amy Butler’s newest handbag pattern, The Birdie Sling, is by far the most popular pattern in the store. Last week I finally had a chance to make a sample for the store. After the fabulous results of combining Heather Bailey Pop Garden fabric with an Amy Butler pattern I decided to do it again.

This time I used the “Peonies” in red for the main bag and “Sway” in ivory for the upper bands and handle.

The pattern went together for me much better this time than it did when I was teaching it for the first time last month. I also made one modification to the pattern directions. The pattern calls for fusible fleece to be applied to the lining pieces. We did that the last time and I liked the results but I wanted to see what it would be like unpadded. The fleece lining does give it a nice body and adds a layer of protection for your belongings. Without the fleece the bag is more like a tote bag. I think it works either way.

I’ve been working diligently on putting together my fall schedule of classes. I’ve decided due to the popularity of this bag to add it as a class. If you’re interested please drop me a line and let me know what fits your schedule best and I’ll see what I can do to get some times on the schedule that meet those requests. I’m also working on new classes for holiday projects. Quick and easy gift and decorating ideas.

So cool to see that my tutorial has inspired a bunch of sewing around the bloglands.

Check out these cute Eco-Totes:

Traci at Amazing Mae
Tanya at La Familia Rivera

They are making these for end-of-the-year Teacher gifts. What a great idea! Why didn’t I think of that?

My niece Mylene also made one along with a friend of hers.
  
I’ve read where some people are confused about Step 4. It is getting late today but tomorrow I will try to clarify that step a little better here and on the download.