Here's the first project that I'm bringing you this year. The drawstring bucket bag is an adorable bucket-ish style bag with drawstring closure accent. This a pretty roomy bag, with a couple of interior pockets (1x zipper pocket and 1x slip pocket, magnetic snap closure, and an optional lanyard strap.

Finished bag measurements : 10” wide x 8“ tall  x 6” deep (25. 5 x 20.3 x 15.2 cm) - when closed. When the to is expanded, the measurement is about 12" (30.5 cm) wide.

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Watch the full video tutorial on my Youtube channel, and don't forget to subscribe so you won't miss any future upload.

Happy Sewing!

The mini messenger bag is a cool addition in your bag collection (there's always room for one more bag right), or something that you can make for gifting since Christmas and holidays are only few weeks away. This is a simple, versatile project, that comes in two lovely versions thus the extra fun.

Finished bag measurements : 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" (14 x 21.5 cm)

Features
1x external zipper pocket
1x external slip pocket
2x internal card slots (each slot can accommodate up to 2x cards)
1x slip pocket

This post may contain affiliate links. Commission earned when you make a purchase through any of these links with no additional charge. Thank you for your support.

Please watch the full video tutorial on my Youtube channel. Don't forget to subscribe so you won't miss any future uploads.

Happy Sewing
Yoan

I've got four delightful projects that are solely created to "cheer you up" this holiday season. These are great projects to use up your fabric scraps, remnants or any leftover fabrics that you have on hands. 
Each project is pretty simple in constructions, with materials that you likely already have in your stash, hence there is no need to purchase additional items.

Since this is a festive season, I used some of my Christmas fabric stash, this is the "Scandinavian Christmas" collection from PBS fabrics that I got from Etsy.

Happy Sewing, and Happy Holiday.. cheers!!

Today I'd like to share this cute  drawstring bag project with you. This bag is pretty spacious yet lightweight and so much fun to wear.  Great project bag for a knitter or crocheter, also great for your daily errands, grocery, or as a spare bag when traveling. 

The finished measurements of this bag is approx. 12" wide (bottom), 13" tall, 5" deep, the widest point when the top is expanded is about 15". This bag comes with a zipper pocket, 2 slip pockets, and magnetic snap closure. 

I posted the full video tutorial on my Youtube channel, you can go ahead and watch it here, or keep reading for the written instructions.

Let's get started !

Fabric 1,2,3,4 : 4x Jelly Roll Strips (2.5" wide strips cut from the width of fabric)
Fabric 5 (accent fabric) : 1 Fat Quarter or 1/4 yard of fabric
Fabric 6 (straps, casing, drawstring): 1/3 yard of fabric
Fabric 7 (lining) 1/2 yard of fabric
Fusible fleece (thermolam) / batting : 17" x 33"
Fusible Woven interfacing : 1/6 yard
1 set of Magnetic Snap closure
1 all purpose zipper (at least 7" long)
​Basic sewing and quilting notions

Note:
-Feel free to mix and match your fabric in more or less variations.
-If using one solid fabric for the exterior (no patchwork), you will need 5/6 yard of fabric

1. Sew all the jelly roll strips together with 1/4" of seam allowance. Press.

2. Trim the selvage ends, measure 17" and cut (make 2x) you should end up with 2 panels measuring 17" x 8.5" 

3. Lay out the front exterior panels as shown in the picture below, sew with 1/4" of seam allowance, press.

4. Lay out the back exterior just like shown in the picture below, sew with 1/4" of seam allowance, press.

5. Layer the front and back exterior pieces with batting, quilt. If using fusible fleece, fuse it to the wrong side of your fabric

6. Cut 2.5" square notches on both bottom corners to box the bottom of the bag.

7. Lay the front and back exterior pieces right side together, sew the sides and the bottom with 1/2" seam allowance.

8. Open the bottom corner, match the seams, sew with 1/2" seam allowance, repeat the same with the opposite side.

9. Apply fusible woven interfacing on the wrong side of the strap pieces.
10. Fold the short ends of the straps the wrong side 1/2" , press, fold the strap in half, press, fold the side edges towards the center fold, press, then fold everything in half, press. Sew all around with 1/8" of seam allowance, repeat the same with the other one.

11. Position the strap as shown below, draw the stitch line, then sew. Repeat the same with the opposite side.

12. Fold the short end of the casing 1/4", press. Fold one more time 1/4", press. Repeat the same with the opposite end, sew with 1/8" seam allowance.

13. Fold the casing in half, press. Repeat the same with the other one.

14. Place the casing on the right side of the front exterior piece, aligning the raw edges, center the position of the casing. Secure them in place with some sewing clips, then sew along the edges with 1/4" of seam allowance.  Repeat the same for the back exterior.

15. Fold the drawstring strip in half, press. Fold the edges towards the center fold, press. Fold everything in half, press. Sew all around with 1/8" of seam allowance, repeat the same with the other strip.

16. Prepare the lining pieces, cut the 2.5" corner notches the same way as you did the exterior pieces.

17. Lay the slip pockets pieces right side together, sew all around with 1/4" seam allowance leaving about 3" of opening to turn the pocket inside out.

18. Clip the corners (be careful not to cut through the stitches),Turn the pocket inside out, fold the raw edges from the opening towards the inside 1/4", press, then topstitch along the top edges. 

19. Position you pocket on the right side of one of the lining, about 3.5" down from the top, center the position. Pin them in place. Divide the pocket in to two slots by drawing a straight line mark on the center point of the pocket, then sew on the center point mark, the sides and the bottom of the pocket.

20. Sew the zipper pocket. Follow the exact same steps as in this video 
21. Install the magnetic snap closure

22. Assemble the lining exactly the same way as the exterior, leaving about 5" opening at the bottom.

23. Turn the exterior shell wrong side out, turn the lining right side out; Insert the lining into the exterior shell (the right sides of the lining should be touching the right sides of the exterior.

24. Secure them in place with some sewing clips, sew with 1/2" seam allowance.

25. Turn the bag inside out through the opening hole, press along the top edges, then top stitch. Sew the opening hole close.

26. Attach one of the end of the drawstring with a safety pin, then thread the drawstring into the casing using the safety pin to guide it through. Repeat the same with the other side.

27. Even out the drawstring, then secure them together by tying a tight knot.

Give your bag a final pressing, enjoy!

In this festive season, I'm bringing you these four lovely projects that you can make for your gifting list, that are simple enough yet still so much fun to make. You will need one full pack of Charm Pack (5" squares) for this project, they are widely available at retail fabric/ quilting stores , and online as well.

These are the projects that I am so excited to share with you
1. The Charming Crossbody Purse
2. The Charming Pouch
3. The Charming Tote (my favorite!)
4. The Charming Wristlet Clutch

Let's start with this Charming Crossbody Purse

The finished measurement of this purse is about 7.5" x 7.5"

The Supplies that you will need 
10x pcs of Charm Pack
1/3 yard of fabric for the lining and pockets
1/6 yard of fabric for the straps
Fusible woven interfacing  (I use Pellon shape flex 101) 
Fusible fleece  (I use thermolam Pellon TP971F) 
1" d rings (2x)  
1" adjuster slider 
1 set of magnetic snap closure 

*Disclaimer : This post contains affiliate links, thank you for your support!

Cutting

Lining 9.5" x 9.5" (cut 2x)
Strap 60" x 4"
Strap interfacing 59" x 2" (from the fusible woven interfacing)
Strap anchor 5" x 4"
Fusible woven interfacing 9.5" x 9.5" (cut 2x for the front and back exterior)
Fusible fleece 9.5" x 9" (cut 2x for the front and back exterior)
Slip Pocket 7.5" x 5.5" (cut 2x)

To make the patchwork you will need to layout 4 charm packs for both for both front and back exterior as shown below

Piece them together with 1/4" of seam allowance

Now apply the interfacing 

Use 2x pcs of charm pack for the flap (each for the exterior and the lining as well)

Attach the flap to the back exterior piece

Here is the measurements for the lining and the pockets 

Check out the full tutorial on my Youtube channel 

For the next project we will make this Charming Pouch. 
​Happy Sewing!

Got some Jelly Roll Strips left over from your quilting project? How about making this charming slouch tote that is so much fun and pretty simple to make.

The finished measurement of this bag when lays flat is about 16" (widest point)x 11" although when you wear it, the center is going to collapse, hence gives you that attractive slouchy look.

I used cotton batting for this bag, although other type of interfacing such as fusible fleece, thermolam, or felt fabric will work great as well.
​

This bag comes with 4 interior pockets (3 slip pockets and 1 zipper pocket), adjustable strap, and magnetic snap closure.

For this project I use these lovely Jelly Roll Strips by French General from Moda Fabrics.

From each Jelly Roll fabric, you will need to cut 10" x 2.5" (2x) strips and 5" x 2.5 (4x) strips

Below is the lay out of the front and back exterior shells

You can watch the full tutorial on my Youtube channel for the detailed patchwork piecing and the construction of the bag.

Supplies 
4x jelly Roll Strips (2.5" wide strips)
1/3 yard of accent fabric (for the accent strips and strap
Quilt batting (or interfacing of your choice e.g. fusible fleece, felt fabric, etc)
5/8" quilt weight fabric for the lining, slip pockets, and zipper pocket 
Nylon coil zipper (at least 7") 
1" D rings (2x) 
1" adjuster slider  
Fusible woven interfacing (pellon shapeflex 101) 
Basic sewing notions

Disclaimer : Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.

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Cutting 

The Jelly Roll strips patchwork
From each Jelly Roll Strip, cut the following 
-10" x 2.5" (2x)
-5" x 2.5" (4x)

From the accent fabric cut the following 
~Front Exterior~
Top Accent : 18.5" x 1.5" 
Bottom Accent : 18.5" x 2.5"

~Back Exterior~
Top Accent : 18.5" x 1.5"
Bottom Accent : 18.5" x 6.5"

***After quilting/ applying the interfacing, trim off both sides of the front and back exterior shell about 1/4", thus both of your front and back exterior should be measuring 18" x 13.5"

Strap Anchors : 5" x 4"

Strap : 42" (cut from the full width of fabric) x 4"
Strap interfacing : 41" (1" shorter from the length of the strap) x 2"

Lining : 18" x 13.5" (cut 2x)

Slip Pockets : 18" x 7" (cut 2x)

Zipper Pockets : 9" x 7"

Thank you for stopping by and Happy Sewing!

This is another fun project using the oh so versatile jelly roll strips. The Jelly Glee tote is a charming slouch tote with quite wide base hence looking bucket-ish. To make the most of the patchwork fabric, I also include a cute matching zipper pouch that is perfect to put your cellphone, case, cards, etc.

Supplies 
4 Jelly roll strips (2 1/2" strips) 
3/4 yard main fabric
Fusible woven interfacing (I use Pellon shape flex 101) 
Fusible Fleece (I use thermolam Pellon TP971F) 
1 set of magnetic snap 
Nylon zipper (at least 7") - For the zipper pocket 
Nylon zipper at least 9" (for the pouch) 
Basic sewing notions

Cutting
Exterior Shell : See pictures below
Interfacing : Cut two 18 1/2" x 17" (fusible woven interfacing)
                       Cut two 18 1/2" x 16 1/2" (fusible fleece)
Lining : Cut two 18 1/2" x 17"
Slip Pockets : Cut two 10" x 7"
Zipper pocket : Cut two 10" x 9"

For the  zipper pouch 
Exterior main : measure 5" from the left over  jelly roll fabric and cut 2" (your fabric should measure 8 1/2" x 5")
Exterior accent strip : 8 1/2" x 1 1/2" (cut two)
Lining : 8 1/2" x 5" (cut two)

First thing first you will need to sew your Jelly roll strips together. I recommend to alternate the darker color from the lighter color, and of course you will need to sew them with 1/4" of seam allowance.

Measure 4 1/2" and cut, make 6x and you will end up with 6 rectangles measuring 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" 

For the accent fabric you will need to cut as shown below

Then lay out the patchwork of the front and back exterior shell.

Piece your patchwork with 1/4" of seam allowance, and once you've done that go ahead and continue with the rest of the bag construction as shown in thevideo tutorial.

Once your bag is finished, you may go ahead and sew the zipper pouch.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, thank you for your support!

Happy Sewing!!

This adorable Japanese knot bag will surely brighten up your day. Great for daily errands, coffee date, walk at the park, although this type of bag is pretty well known as the project bag.

The front exterior is made out of 14 pcs of charm packs (5" squares). Below is the diagram

I quilted this bag with left over quilt batting, and pretty pleased with the result, it gave enough body so my bag isn't too flimsy, yet still light weight to allow it to drape nicely.

You may watch the full tutorial on my Youtube channel (consider subscribing so you won't miss any upload ;)

Supplies and tools
14 x Charm Packs 5" squares
1/2 yard cotton fabric for the back exterior
5/6 yard cotton fabric for the lining
Quilt Batting or lightweight interfacing or fusible fleece
Basic sewing/quilting notions
Curve Ruller (optional)

​Disclaimer : This Post contains affiliate links

Happy sewing!!

If you are a quilter, the term "quilt as you go" might sound pretty familiar, and you probably  have made a few project with that particular method, which simply means piecing the patchwork directly on the piece of batting.

I love using this technique to make small projects such as coaster (mug rug), placemat, table topper, and of course this adorable tote bag that I made using my favorite scraps.

I posted the full tutorial of this project on my Youtube Channel, that you may watch below :

Supplies :
- Assorted strips of fabric scraps
- 2 x scraps of quilt batting (at least 13" x 13")
- Backing fabric (optional)
- 1/8 yard quilt weight fabric for the gusset
- 1/4 yard quilt weight fabric for the handles and binding
- Fusible fleece
- 1/2 yard fabric for the bag interior (lining, lining gusset, and pocket)
- 1 set of magnetic snap
- Nylon Zipper (at least 6")


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Measurements

~Exterior shell~ 

Front and back exterior :
Make two blocks measuring 12" x 12"

Gusset : 
Cut a strip of fabric 4" wide, and the length should be the same (or a bit longer) then the perimeter of the side and bottom exterior shell)

Gusset interfacing:
Cut a fusible fleece measuring 3" wide, the length should be the same as your gusset

Straps :
Cut two 24" x 4"

Strap interfacing :
Cut two from the fusible fleece 23" x 2"

~Interior~

Front and back interior :
Cut two pieces the exact same as the front and back interior

Gusset :
Cut one strip the exact same measurement as the exterior gusset

Slip pockets :
Cut two 12" x 8"

ZIpper Pocket :
Cut two 9" x 7"

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to leave me a comment below.
​Happy Sewing!!

The Improv slouch zipper bag, is a fun, yet stylish bag that is so much fun to sew. This is a great project to use up some of your scraps or left over jelly roll strips from your stash. You may experiment with different color range, use solid or prints, totally up to you.  

The construction of this bag is similar to the Marion bag that I posted a month ago, however since this bag is larger in size, the finished look is quite different than the Marion bag (this bag has more slouch look).

Watch the full video tutorial on my Youtube channel 

The Peony Slouch Zipper Bag Supplies and measurement :
Supplies :
Assorted quilt weight fabric strips (refer to measurements in the cutting instruction below) 
2/3 yard lining fabric
Nylon Zipper (at least 15" long)
1" D rings (2x)
1" Lobster clasp swivel hooks (2x)
1" adjuster slider 
Fusible Fleece
Fusible woven interfacing (pellon shapeflex 101)
Basing sewing notions

==============================================

Cutting 
~Front Exterior~
Cut 13-15 pcs of 18" x 2 1/2" strips 

~Back Exterior~
Cut one 18" x 9"
Cut one 18" x 12"

~Interfacing~
Cut two 15" x 15" fusible woven interfacing
Cut two 15" x 14 1/2" fusible fleece

~Lining~ 
Cut two 15" x 15" from the lining fabric

~Pockets ~
Cut two 15" x 8" from the lining fabric 

~Strap Anchor~
Cut one 5" x 4"

~Strap~
Cut one 60" (or desired length) x 4" strips

~Strap interfacing~
Cut one 59" (1" shorter than the length of your strap) x 2"

~Zipper Tabs~
Cut two 4"x width of zipper (fabric and interfacing)

If you have any questions about this project please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Happy Sewing!!