Once again, I've joined Pattern Revolution's One Thimble Tour, this time for the release of Issue 13. One Thimble always has a great variety of patterns, and usually at least one bag pattern, so I was happy to have an opportunity to try this one out for the tour. 

In case you haven't heard of One Thimble before, or if you need a refresher, let me fill you in: One Thimble is a digital sewing magazine, each issue filled with patterns, tutorials, articles and other great resources. There are even promo codes in each issue for other sewing related businesses.

Issue 13 is the Summer issue (they're based out of Australia, and those lucky bums are enjoying sunshine and warmth, while I'm heading into the cold, rainy season on the other side of the world), so the patterns are inspired by the season, including a swimsuit and an adorable applique. In the past, I've found the tutorials to be as valuable as the patterns in the issues and often make great gifts. The articles are great too; sometimes they're general interest, and often they can offer tips for a budding sewing business.

This bag looks like a fancy clutch, but it actually doubles as a tablet case! It's padded, and offers plenty of space for a full-sized tablet. I like that this clutch offers a lot of room to personalize it. The main feature is a reverse applique on the back of the clutch which you can use to show off a favourite print. I used a small portion of the Tumbling Blocks Weave I recently made.

Another feature of this pattern from Little Moo Designs, is that the exterior fabric is meant to be a non-fraying material, like leather, vinyl or cork, because the reverse applique on the back is done without a finished edge. If you're wanting to try sewing with one of these materials, this is a good pattern to start with. 

I received some cork from Sara at Sew Sweetness, and decided to give it a try for the first time on this pattern. The colour she sent me matches the tones of the weave perfectly, so it was meant to be!

The pattern comes with instructions on installing a turn lock and metal trim if you like, but I loved the texture of the cork, so I used a magnetic snap instead. 

Another suggestion in the pattern was to add a tassel, and I was so pleased to put this tassel hardware from Emmaline Bags to use. It worked perfectly with the cork, and the tutorial linked in the listing was so easy to follow.

I almost forgot to mention how quick this one is to make. I started and finished on the same day, and that never happens for me, I'm slow and easily distracted, but this is only one pattern piece so it really cuts down on sewing and cutting time. It also makes for an easy gift for anyone.

Take advantage of the early bird bonus and get your copy of Issue 13 by November 14th to get a free printable 2017 Calendar with your magazine. 

Even after November 14th, the value is still great. The latest issue includes 10 PDF patterns and is loaded with other sewing resources.

Make sure to check out the rest of the tour and see the other patterns come to life!

I made another bag from Sara Lawson's newest book, Windy City Bags! This time I chose Sweet Talk, which is perfectly retro and was calling to the Melody Miller typewriters in my stash. I also tried out glitter vinyl for the first time. I had planned on sharing what I learned with working with the glitter vinyl but it actually was so easy to work with I didn't have to do anything differently at all. I even kept my same presser foot. I did make sure to increase my stitch length a bit because I've heard that if your stitches are too close with non-woven material, then you can perforate it.

Sweet Talk has a front pocket with a flap and that front pocket is perfect for a fussy cut. You can choose to match the front of the bag, like I did, or make it a feature and have it different. Each side has a set of magnetic snaps, which you can leave closed, or open them up to make the bag a bit roomier.

The top panels are firm and close with another magnetic snap. There's also an interior zippered pocket. I used the interfacing and stabilizers called for, but I like my bags a bit more structured, so I think I'd add some Craft Fuse or Decor Bond to the lining next time, and use foam for the side panels instead of Thermolam. I think a firm base for the bottom would be good too, but I can always add a removable one to this bag.

The size is absolutely perfect for an everyday purse. I like to carry the essentials but I tend to bring too much if my bag is really big and then it's too heavy to be practical. 

This was a fairly quick sew, especially once you finish the top panel assembly, then the rest is a breeze. I added rivets to my straps, mostly to bring out the silver glitter in the black vinyl, but also because I asked some sewing friends and the answer was a resounding "yes!" 

As I mentioned above, working with glitter vinyl was so much easier than I expected. I actually put my walking foot on, but then tried sewing with my regular foot and it was just as easy! This vinyl from Sew Sweetness is thin enough that you don't need an industrial machine, even when sewing multiple layers like the straps. I sew on a domestic machine, and it handled this bulk without hesitation. I do suggest trying on a scrap before sewing the real project, but I do that with any fabric combo I'm about to sew. 

I'm not sure what would happen if you ironed the front of the glitter vinyl, but I suspect it wouldn't end well. I did fuse some interfacing on the back of mine with my iron on a lower setting, and didn't have any problems. 

For straps, I simply folded the vinyl and then used my point turner to make a crease instead of with the iron. 

Now the hard part is deciding which colour vinyl to choose next! There's flat rate shipping to Canada and US too!