Cat Lady's Autumn Tote

Question:   What can  you do when someone buys you a T-shirt
                   appliqued with trick-or-treating cats?

Gray shirt sporting an autumn cat scene

Answer:    Have your friend turn it into an autumn tote bag!

At least that's what my cat-loving friend did.  Her daughter bought her this cute T-shirt because of the adorable applique, but my friend didn't think she would get much wear out of this long sleeved shirt. So she decided to have me turn the applique into a panel for a tote bag.  We've done this before with cat appliques, but not with an entire scene from a shirt. 

As soon as I thought about the project, I knew that I wanted to use a pattern that was simple.  I didn't want any pockets or straps or zippers on the purse front that would disrupt the appliqued scene.  I chose this pattern:

 This pattern, Baja Traveler, designed by Penny Sturges doesn't look like a simple design, but if one ignores the instructions to divide the front panel into three pieces, it is a simple design.

Normally, I put a pocket of some sort on the outside of a purse, but this time, I decided that clean and simple would be best.

After I'd cut away the Tshirt from the scene, my next step was to decide which fabrics I would use for the body of the tote bag.  My friend didn't want a bag that looked especially Halloween-y, so I tried to go with more of an autumn look. 

The gray backround fabric, however, did not lend itself to being used with most of my fall prints.  You can see in the picture above on the left that I chose fabrics that would pick up the brown and black elements in the embroidered scene.  I also wanted to use a bit of orange, but not too much orange.   

The "orange" that I chose in the picture above right, is actually more of a dark red or rust color.  I like it.  It picks up the pumpkin color without screaming "Halloween!"

My next step was to "build" the front of the purse.  I ironed fusible interfacing to the backs of each piece of fabric before I sewed them together to give stability to the piece, especially important for the knit t-shirt fabric.

I used just a narrow strip of the rust/orange fabric directly under the picture.  To keep that little piece of fabric from flipping up, I used the decorative blanket stitch to secure it to the bag front.  This makes it look almost like ribbon.

The next decision was zipper or snap closure, and I opted for a magnetic snap, mainly because I wanted people to be able to see some of the lining fabric.  I did make a velcro closure for one of the interior pockets so that my friend would have a safe place to carry money or important cards.

The lining fabric matches the orange/rust trim on the front of the bag, and the interior pockets are cut from the black basketweave fabric that flanks the appliqued scene.

Here's a shot of the back of the bag where I used the main fabric for the large portion of the bag back.  I used a coordinate to that fabric to make the handles. 

The orange ribbon-like trim is repeated on the back of the bag, too. 






Overall, I'm quite pleased with the final bag.  I hope my friend likes it since she hasn't seen it yet.  I love combining fabrics, so I enjoyed the creative process involved in making this autumn tote. 

An autumn tote bag that any cat lady would love!

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.