The Cupcake Diaper Bag

Cupcake print diaper bag for Aaliyah

 Last Saturday, Justine's mother-in-law hosted a surprise baby shower for her.  I've had this diaper bag finished for a few weeks, but I haven't posted any pictures of it because I didn't want Justine to see them.  Justine actually picked out these fabrics which are Heidi Grace coordinates from Joanns.  I love the colors together, and I'm very pleased with the way it turned out. 

I used this Purse-O-Nalities pattern from

Palm Harbor pattern company.   When I first made this pattern a couple months ago, it reminded me of a carpet bag.  I thought that it would make a cute diaper bag with those side pockets, and I was right. 

This pattern does require more fabric than any other tote that I make which is why it is also the most expensive tote that I make and sell.

Because this particular bag is for Justine, and she just happens to have a very special place in my heart, I added some extra details that I thought she would especially appreciate. 

 On the inside of the diaper bag, I added a gathered pocket that is divided into two sections.  The other side has a larger flat pocket that is also divided into two sections.  A small pocket on one end of the bag is the perfect size for a pacifer or smaller items.  And the other end of the bag sports a removal bottle holder which is perfect for a baby bottle or Mom's water bottle.

I can only imagine how harried Justine might be when trying to juggle her busy life with baby, so I added a swivel hook on a short strap for the elusive pacifier or for Justine's car keys.

 Here's a closer view of the front of the bag which is pleated and trimmed with the contrasting fabric.  Those elasticized side pockets will hold bottles or cups.

The zippered pocket on the outside of the bag is a feature that is included in most of the Purse-O-Nality patterns, and I love it!  Justine could safely carry her wallet or checkbook or any other valuable items safely in this zippered pocket eliminating the need to carry a diaper bag and a purse.

Here's a shot of the matching changing pad that I included with the diaper bag.  I found an online tutorial for this project, and I like the way it turned out, too. 

Here's the happy mama opening her presents at the shower.  It was a beautiful shower, and she got tons of lovely gifts! We are all looking forward to the arrival of the little princess.

Stay tuned for more handmade baby gift ideas!

IT'S A SNAP!

A zipper is not the only kind of closure for a handmade purse.  I sell a lot of bags with magnetic snap closures.  I even carry bags with magnetic snap closures and have never yet lost any valuables.

This bag on the left is from a pattern called Bow Tucks Purse.  The pattern includes instructions for a button and fabric loop closure, but I much prefer a magnetic snap closure. 

In this photo on the right, you can see the magnetic snap in the center of the top lining pieces.  These snaps offer a secure closure for these purses and totes.

Here's my favorite fall purse which was made using the Bow Tucks Tote pattern.  Instead of the patch pocket on the front of the purse, I added a zippered pocket in the back of the purse.  I use this zippered pocket to hold my matching wallet to keep it safe and secure. 

Magnetic snaps are also useful on purse designs which include a flap.  Take a look at this messenger bag which is one of my original designs. 

This pattern makes use of a magnetic snap to secure the flap and also a zipper to create a secure pocket under that front flap making this a great purse for shopping or traveling.


Below is another purse with a magnetic snap closure on the flap.  This pattern in The Classic Purse from Palm Harbor Patterns.

Obviously, zippers and magnetic snaps are not the only methods of closing handbags and totes.  I have used hook and loop tape, buttons and loops, and ties. 

The bag closure should look stylish, provide security, and ease of use.  And for the seamstress, any of these methods can be mastered with some patience and practice. 

Zip It!

Anyone want to guess what today's sewing topic is?  That's right:  ZIPPERS!

That "Z" word is enough to strike fear and panic in the hearts of some home seamstresses, but it doesn't have to be that way.  Anyone with some sewing experience and a sewing machine with a zipper foot can learn to install zippers.

I make a lot of purses these days, therefore knowing how to set in a zipper is a must for me.  Personally, I prefer a handbag with a zippered top mainly for security reasons.  I don't like the idea of someone being able to reach inside my purse to remove items that belong to me.

If you've ever had your non-zipping purse topple off your car seat spilling your contents throughout your car, you may have come to prefer a zip top purse, too. 

Here's my current summer purse.  This is my large zip top purse pattern.  This purse is based on a Palm Harbor pattern, but I've made so many changes to the original pattern that it no longer resembles the original design.

For this purse, I used a contrasting bright green zipper.  It may look like a design feature, but actually it was a necessity since I did not have on hand a zipper that blended with the backround color in this fabric. 

Check out this example of a zippered pocket on a tote which has a magnetic snap closure. 

For this particular tote, I also added a zippered pocket in the lining of the tote. That way, a wallet or coin purse could be securely tucked into that zippered pocket.

BTW, this particular zipper application is explained clearly in most of  the Palm Harbor Patterns . It is well worth learning how to insert a zipper this way if you like to make handbags or totes.

Here are a few pictures of other zipper applications that I often use in my custom handbag business. 

 

Stay tuned as I show you some non-zippered purses tomorrow!