Have you ever participated in a craft swap before? I've done a few and they are so much fun. As someone who sews, I really appreciate an item sewn just for me, especially when extra attention is taken to make it special. The sewing community is so full of inspiration and really cool people, and this is a great way to know more of this community.

I decided to host a swap for a Sew Sweetness Filigree Double-Zip Pouch (medium or large sizes). Sara from Sew Sweetness thought this was a great idea and she even offered all the participants a discount for the pattern! If you already have the pattern, you can use the discount for any other Sew Sweetness pattern. Use code happyokapi for 20% off one pattern at Sew Sweetness.

I chose the Filigree because the front has a nice clean slate to showcase a special element for the swap. A requirement for this swap is to make the pouch extra detailed somehow. You can add ribbon and piping as the pattern shows, or add a quilt block to the front. Other examples are embroidery, paper pieced front, woven panels, or patchwork pieces. My hope is that you challenge yourself to add a special detail for a truly unique pouch. 

To participate, fill out this form, and make sure to read the expectations and schedule at the bottom of the form before you submit. 

I'm only accepting a limited amount of participants, so don't wait too long to sign up.  

Here's the schedule of the swap: The first check in should be by January 25, indicating your intentions for the item: fabric pull, paper piecing pattern choices, etc. The second check in should be by February 10, and should show that you're on track to have the project completed in time to mail. You should mail your pouch by February 20. To check in, post your progress picture and tag me @reecemontgomery, and use #filigreedoublezipswap.

Questions? Email me or message me through Instagram. Thanks for joining, and have fun!

It's here! The Clover Convertible Bag is the first bag in the new Bag of the Month Club, and it's from their newest designer in the group: Celine from Blue Calla Sewing Patterns. This bag is not quick, but it's loaded with features. In addition to being really functional, the added details make it extra special.

Update: the pattern is now available individually! Find it here.

I really love the piping details between the panels. I never would have thought of it and I think it highlights Celine's creativity in her pattern designing. 

Check out this train case bottom! You could insulate it and carry your lunch around, or just keep makeup in there, or whatever else you want separate from the main compartment.

I like how the bag looks with the magnetic snaps done up; it narrows the top and helps secure the contents of the bag. You could undo them to make more space too!

The back of the bag shows how this bag converts from backpack to cross body. The cross body configuration is shown above, or move the clips to the lower D-rings and attach the O-ring to the center clip to carry as a backpack.

I made the flap with the woven panel I featured here. I actually made the weaving specifically for this bag. I love how the tongue lock from Emmaline Bags shines and adds the perfect amount of bling to the bag.

The top handle and bottom are made with cork from Sew Sweetness. It's a wonderful material to sew and is a great alternative to leather.

I received several different Alison Glass prints from Sitka Fabrics and since I used Alison Glass for my weave, I used these for the lining of the bag too. The main (purple) is the Andover Chambray that I also used in the weaving. It has different colours depending on the light it catches, such a cool farbic!

There's a zippered interior pocket, plus a divided slip pocket. I used metal zips for all but my train case. 

I think the front panel with the zippered pockets and piping is my favourite. It took quite a while but it's so worth it.