Hopscoth Bag from Zakka Workshop

Hi! Today is my stop on the Maker's tour for the new bag kits from @zakkaworkshop

The adorable patterns are designed by Karen @creamcraftgoods

I made the Hopscotch bag which was such a fun make. The pattern was so well written and I adore the pattern. It has inside and outside pockets as well as a cross body adjustable strap.

The pattern includes the hardware which is just so lovely. Check out the magnetic flower clasp - so dang cute!

Be sure to check out @zakkaworkshop to see all the adorable bags from the amazing makers!

I used the following fabrics:

Outer Bag and Handle: @rubystarsociety Best Day Ever ~ Diamond Flowers in Dark Turquoise

Lining: @rubystarsociety Catnap~Mini Dot in Turquoise

Pockets and Strap: @rubystarsociety CANVAS Catnap~ Daisy Strip in Sarah Green

*You can also purchase extra hardware from @zakkaworkshop

Happy Sewing!

Charise : )

#hopscotchhandbag #zakkaworkshop #rubystarsociety #makertour #zakkaworkshop #creamcraftgoodszakkapattern #creamcraftgoodspattern

Esther Tunic Top in Flower Mix Rayon

 

I had the opportunity to sew a project with the gorgeous Expressions Batiks Flower Mix Sew Soft Rayon

 from Riley Blake Fabrics.

The fabric is a beautiful rayon so I picked a pattern that takes advantage of the lovely drape of the fabric.

The Esther Top pattern from Liberty  Fabrics is a dream to sew!  It is such a flattering blouse.  I am definitely a smitten kitten : )

This You Tube Tutorial by Minerva Fabrics is very helpful if you are new to garment sewing.

The neckline features a slit at the Center front.

Here's a tip for sewing the slit placket if you decide to make the blouse.  Instead of sewing to a point at the bottom of the slit, sew a horizontal stitch at the bottom of the slit as shown.

Another tip is where the gathering stitches are sewn.  

I like to sew 1/8" inside and outside the 5/8" seam allowance, so I would sew 2 rows of gathering stitches at 1/2" and 3/4".  I find my gathering stitches are more even when using this method.

You can find the pattern in the US at Intrepid Threads.  

The Esther Blouse features beautifully gathered sleeves and lower bodice. 

The Red Fox colorway of the Esther top is the perfect addition to my Fall wardrobe.

Happy Sewing!

Charise : )

Whimsical Projects with Thimbelina fabric

 

Hi, today I'm sharing my latest projects made with the new line of fabric, “Thimbelina and the Sewing Fairies “ designed by Jennifer Long for Riley Blake Designs.

The fabric line consists of the most magical prints with the main prints featuring Thimbelina and her sewing fairy friends. I absolutely love the line and the colors are sew pretty!

The fabric is made for fussy cutting, so I made a new project bag / purse – the Petal Purse. I just had to add the whimsical “petals” so I could fussy cut all those cute motifs.

The Apple Heart Pattern was the perfect adornment for this sweet purse. The purse has a zipper closure and inside pocket which makes for a perfect project bag.

Perfect for your latest knitting or sewing project.

The zipper features a hexagon zipper tab which I also took the opportunity to fussy cut an adorable sewing fairy.

                            Petal Purse Pattern

Apple Heart Pattern

The Petal Purse has a d-ring tab so you can add a bag charm. I made a version of my FREE Apple Zipper Pouch to adorn my Petal Purse.

I love a quick and easy project and my Apple Zipper Pouch is just that!

The Apple Pouch is a fun project and another perfect project for fussy cutting adorable motifs.

The patchwork version of the Apple Pouch has panel showcasing all the cute little sewing fairies and friends.

Apple Zipper Pouch FREE pattern!

Be sure to tag your makes on social media with the hashtags:

#ThimbelinaFabric #RileyBlakeDesigns #ILoveRileyBlake

I love to see what you make!

Happy Sewing!

Charise

Sweet projects with Mary Catherine Fabric

 

Hi! I had the pleasure of working with the new line of fabric – “Mary Catherine” designed by Amy Smart, aka Diary of a Quilter.

The line includes sweet florals, geometrics, an adorable bow print, and the perfect tiny gingham in beautiful shades of blush, brick red, sky blue, green and navy.

The fabrics are so adorable, I just had to make multiple projects. The first project is my Ruffle Zipper Pouch/ Cross Body pouch.

A Sweet EPP (English Paper Pieced) flower adorns one side of the pouch, which is accentuated by 1/4″ echo quilting. The Flower pattern is The 1″ Hexagon Flower from Sue Daly Designs.

The Pouch includes tabs to add a removable strap, so the pouch can be used as a petite cross body bag.

The opposite side of the pouch features my Vintage Sewing Machine Pattern. My Featherweight circa 1964 is the inspiration for this pattern.

I also made a petite snap pouch which fits earbuds / headphones which I lose all the time! : )

The Ruffle Pouch is designed for your favorite 6″ block or you can use a favorite print.

I love the little bow on the thread spool : )

Vintage Sewing Machine Pattern

Ruffle Pouch/Cross Body Bag Pattern

The Curved Tote is a free pattern on my blog. I thought if would be the perfect project for “Mary Catherine” fabric paired with Bec at Sew Be’s Sadie’s Quilt Pattern.

The tote bag finishes at 12″ square so I enlarged the pattern templates from Sadie’s quilt pattern by 133%. It makes the perfect 12″ finished block.

I made a modification to the Curved Tote as well. The gusset measurement was changed to 35″ long instead of 33 1/2″ long to compensate for the smaller curve at the bottom corners.

I had fun rummaging through my vintage button stash to find the perfect closure!

Find the Free Curved Tote Pattern here

I hope you make a project with Mary Catherine Fabric.

Be sure to use the hashtags: #Iloverileyblake #rileyblakedesigns #marycatherinefabric on social media if you make a project with Mary Catherine Fabric.

Happy Sewing

Charise

Charise Creates Instagram

Fall Accessories in Unicorn Dreams Fabric

Hello!  I had the pleasure of working with the new line of fabric - Unicorn Dreams from Poppie Cotton designed by Ginger Deverell.   

The prints are centered around the enchanted unicorn print with beautiful florals and geometrics to round out the collection.

The Autumn colors inspired me to make some new and much needed kitchen accessories.  I chose to make my Orchard Hot Pads to showcase all the pretty prints.

I added crochet loops for an added sweet design detail.

I also made the Orange Peel trivet from Rashida Coleman-Hales's new book "Zakka Sewn". 

I highly recommend the book.   The patterns are lovely and I can't wait to make more projects from the book!

I hope you choose to make a project with "Unicorn Dreams"!

Be sure to tag your creations on social media with the hashtags:

#PoppieCottonFabric #UnicornDreamsFabric 

I love to see your makes!

Happy Sewing

Charise 

Flower Market Gingham Tulip Quilt

 

I had the pleasure of working with the new line of fabric from Poppie Cotton - "Flower Market" designed by Elea Lutz.

The line is a lovely combination of florals both large and small scale in a beautiful palette of red, pink, blue, yellow and green.

My Gingham Tulip quilt seemed the perfect fabric for this lovely line of fabric.

The pattern is in works but will be available soon!

The sashing for this quilt is Poppie Cotton's Seeing Spots Coral Reef, Pink Champagne and Spearmint Green.

I alternated the  tulip block with two different pink prints from the collection.

The colors are so vibrant and sweet!

I hope you choose to make a project with Flower Market!

Please be sure to tag your photos on social media with the hastags:

#PoppieCotton #FlowerMarketFabric

Happy Sewing!

Charise