I started this bag at the Bagineer Retreat (read all about it here) but I'm the world's second slowest sewist, so I didn't finish it that weekend - don't worry, it's not a particularly long make, I'm truly just slow and easily distracted by all the fun we were having. I'm pretty stoked about finishing it though because the fabrics I chose really match the weather and season right now. 

This is one of the newest patterns from Emmaline and I'm sure it's going to be a hit. There are so many pockets and compartments, and unlike most flip/foldover bags, this pattern is written for dimensional fabric! That's right, the body of your bag and the part that flips over can both be going in the right direction, so feel free to use horses or faces, or whatever directional print you choose. 

It works great as a cross-body bag, or shorten the adjustable strap and wear it on the same side. I used cork for my bottom accent, but you could use fabric too if you want. The bottom accent is a great place to put a metal bag label. I used the script style "handmade" in the copper finish to match the rest of my hardware.

I chose to use the optional edge connector strap anchors, but you can make your own out of fabric if you prefer. FYI: these are a newer style and easier to install than the older version. 

This bag has so many pockets! The fold over flaps are large zippered pockets, there's a "hidden" pocket at the front (I used pink bananas because life's too short for serious pockets) and then in the main compartment of the bag, there's a slip pocket and a zippered pocket. 

Here's the part of the bag I'm proudest of...that zippered pocket. I can normally do these but never really think they look great and almost always have the pocket lining peeking through along the edge of the box. I did this one at the retreat and Janelle gave me a tip to add a bit of moisture and roll the seam between my fingers, then finger press and press with iron, each small section at a time. It took a bit longer but so worth the extra effort. Oh! I used my new Jaylilly Handmade zipper templates too and it made that part super easy too. I also love the cork accents to hold the magnetic snaps - that little extra feature just makes the finished product look that much more professional. 

This is the front of the bag. I added the optional rivets at the edge of the hidden pocket. I love how it ties the pretty copper finish together to all parts of the bag and, functionally, it adds some strength to a potentially high stress area. I've already discovered this pocket is perfect for my phone.

Here's the back, in case you're wondering.

Pattern: Emmaline Bags, The Double Flip Shoulder Bag PDF
Hardware: Emmaline Bags, The Double Flip Shoulder Bag Hardware Kit in Copper, plus small rivets and metal bag tag, also from Emmaline Bags.
Fabric: Lavish Collection by Katarina Roccella for Art Gallery Fabrics, from Sitka Fabrics
Cork: Natural Cork Fabric from Sew Sweetness 

Last month we had a "Bagineer" Retreat/Workshop and there was so much going on I don't think I'll be able to include it all in one post. I had plans of showing my version of the bag we made but I think I'll save that for later this week so I can share everything we did during the weekend. The weekend was held in Kamloops, BC (aka "The 'Loops") and even though I've been there several times, this was my first Springtime visit, and the locals tell me its the best time to come, because the snow has melted and the summer heat (and accompanying brown lawns) hasn't started yet. So very scenic and I really enjoyed my weekend there. Like many years, the river was quite high and some areas were blocked off. I couldn't quite get over this as a usual occurrence, but the locals seemed pretty unfazed by it.

Before I get any further, I need to shout out from the mountain tops how amazing and generous Janelle from Emmaline Bags is. Janelle came up with a bag pattern for us to sew at the retreat. The Double Flip Shoulder Bag is a new pattern and well, you'll have to wait for my next post for more details, but you'll love it! Janelle wowed us Friday night with a trunk show, where she passed around samples of many of her bags for us to touch and feel, and talked about her design process.  On Saturday and Sunday, she joined us at Katja's Quilt Shoppe to answer questions, offer tips and give demos for certain steps. Also, Janelle is so funny and modest; she's such a treasure to be around, truly! Oh, the goodies! Us lucky ladies were happy recipients of bag bling courtesy of Emmaline Bags!

We had 2 days in the quilt shop classroom space to sew and wouldn't you know it, I didn't finish my bag while I was there! I talk too much, but I had fun and I learned so much. Patricia did such a fantastic job organizing everything and I'm very thankful she persisted with this little idea we had and pulled it off! Others did finish their bags and worked on extra projects, or started on a second bag. It was really nice seeing different fabric combinations come to life and watch how others complete their projects. We even had some poetic musings from Line (aka Vanna White)!

Everything's more fun with prizes! We asked some of our favourite places and were generously given prizes to hand out. Thanks to Jay Lily Handmade, MM Cork Supply, Vinyl Cafe Ontario, Overseas Fabrics, and Emmaline Bags.

Each participant went home with a bag full of goodies from sponsors. Thanks toSwoon Sewing Patterns, Noodlehead, Emmaline Bags, Marsha's mom, Line for the lovely cards, and Patricia for the soaps! I made each bag, with canvas from Overseas Fabrics, and then had them screen printed by a local company,Locomotive Clothing.

Thanks to all who came, and to those of you who contributed your time and/or goods to our event. I hope we can do it again...see you next year?

My friend Stacey has a new book, Child's Play Quilts, and even though I'm more of a bagmaker, I like to dabble in quilting (but I'm still really new at it), so I joined her blog hop. Keep reading to find out how you can enter to win a copy for yourself. Before I talk about the book, I have to tell you something that might make you a little jealous: Stacey and I live in the same town, and she's even come over and folded my fabric for me! Admit it, you wish you had someone in your life who loves folding fabric as much as Stacey. (In fact, Stacey, if you're reading this, my stash would have you twitching at the moment because it's a mess, so feel free to come over and do your thang!) For everyone else, if you don't have your own Stacey, you can find her tips for fabric storage and managing your stash in this book. 

​The bulk of this book includes fantastic quilt patterns, but there are also loads of resources and advice from Stacey for everything from fabric selection, and using up scraps,  to finishing your quilt. She provides tips and techniques and shows the tools of the trade.

​The quilt patterns are divided up into Applique and Pieced. I chose Bows Peep, a pieced project, but I also really love how fun Fishbowl and Fox Hunt are. When I'm feeling more ambitious, I'd like to try Diamonds Forever.

I bought these three fabrics recently and at the time I didn't know what I'd do with them but when I saw that this quilt needed three different fabrics plus background, I went for it! You probably know by now that I love bright colours, so these fabrics together just make me happy. 

Once I got started I couldn't stop! My finished blocks just waiting to be put together.

As a newbie, I crossed my fingers and hoped my sashing would line up, and overall I think I didn't do too badly. My 1/4" foot was a lifesaver!

Read below for giveaway details and schedule for all the other amazing projects.  Make sure to check Stacey's website for more patterns and resources.  

You can find Child's Play Quilts in Stacey's shop (signed copy), or from C&T Publishing, which might be a good option if you're looking for the ebook version.

If you haven't already had the pleasure, let me introduce you to Clinton Modern Creative. It's more than an online fabric shop: in addition to fabric, you can find notions, interfacing, patterns, and thread. As the name suggests, Clinton Modern Creative carries a curated selection of modern fabrics. Even though sewing can be very traditional, there's a new community of modern creating, and you'll find the right mix of fabrics for that here! 
Let's take a look at some of the goodies to be found here...
(Keep reading for details on the giveaway)

​
Bundles

Not only are there bundled collections, but there are also curated bundles and even "random choice bundles" - who doesn't love a surprise?! The bundles come in varying sizes from charm packs to half yards and there are so many to choose from. Bonus: you save 10% when you buy most bundles!

Modern Fabric
​Oh my goodness, where to start?! All of my fave designers in one place! Alison Glass, Libs Elliott, Cotton + Steel and more! 

I'm loving this new Confetti line, and more is coming to the shop soon.

Love me some Libs! ​

For Cotton + Steel, you'll see there are loads of Basics, which aren't basic at all, and plenty from collections too.

I could go on about all the pretty fabric, but you should go see for yourself.


Interfacing and Stabilizers
A variety of interfacing in stock means you can order everything from one place and and maybe even save on shipping, since you get free shipping with minimum order (see details here). There's even bag making interfacing, like woven fusible and foam!


Notions, Thread and Extras
Take some time to browse the categories to see all the goodies available. You can find spools and cones of Aurifil thread, coloured mesh, clips, rulers, and more. 

Do you suffer from FOMO?
I think we all occasionally have fear of missing out when we see beautiful fabric collections coming up. Well, fear not! Clinton Modern Creative has pages of preorders so you can make sure you never miss out on a collection again.

Win this stunning bundle of Tula Pink All Stars and coordinating Pom Poms and Stripes! To enter, take a gander at the Clinton Modern Creative site and tell me something about it that you liked. It could be something that surprises you, a favourite designer they carry, a notion you've been looking for...anything really! Leave a comment below and we'll pick a winner at random. For a bonus entry, follow Clinton Modern Creative on Instagram, and let me know by leaving a separate comment. While you're at it, check out the Facebook page and give it a like if you fancy. 
​Entries will be accepted until 11:59 PM PST, April 3, 2018. Open to Canadian and US residents.
Update: Giveaway closed; winner announced soon!

Thanks to everyone who joined and followed along with the Minikins Bag Swap! It was a lot of fun seeing all the different Minikins being made and swappers new and experienced being giddy with their happy mail. 

My partner said she likes animals and purple was among the colours she listed as her likes, so I made her this cotton candy pouch with Tula Pink's Fox Nap and some purple glitter vinyl. I also added some bling from Emmaline Bags, with the new iridescent rainbow finish of the zipper end and zipper pull.

I was so lucky to receive this Moto Pouch and my partner also made me this great card, it's so perfect! I really love the selvage on the handle.

There are so many more great Minikins to see; check out #MinikinsBagSwap on Instagram.

Now, for the moment you've all been waiting for...as mentioned in the swap announcement, Sara of Sew Sweetness is offering up 2 prizes of store credits for random winners from the swap participants. I used random.org to select 2 participants as winners.
The winner of the $50 shop credit is Heidedro
The winner of the $25 shop credit is Sinclairtc

​Congratulations! 

I hope everyone enjoyed the swap. I'm not sure when I'll host another one next, but stay tuned for more giveaways and other fun stuff!

There's something so therapeutic about the weaving process: creating and then repeating a pattern to make a larger, stronger piece - it's just plain fun! Kids love it too, so today's tutorial includes an invitation to the kids to join us. I used Kraft-tex to make Easter baskets and since it's a non-fraying, double sided, strong material, it's the perfect "fabric" for these baskets. 

Here's what you'll need:
roll of Kraft-tex - grab a couple different colours to mix it up, or you can colour on it to add variety to your basket
scissors/rotary blade
sewing machine
optional: rivets and setting tools  

You may be able to find Kraft-tex at your local sewing shop, or you can find it online at C&T Publishing. In Canada, Flare Fabrics has a great selection of beautiful colours.

Begin by cutting the main panel, you'll need a piece 9" x 24" 
Once your main panel is cut, mark a 1" border all the way around, you can use a pencil and erase it later (remember this is paper we're working with) or you can use any other removable fabric marker.

Now mark long lines every inch as cutting guides.

Now cut along those lines, making sure to stop 1" from the short edge previously marked out. For this step, I used the rotary blade for the middle of my cuts, and then used scissors close to the end for more precision.

Remove your marking lines, your panel should now look like this

Prepare the strips to weave in: you'll need about 20  9" x 1" strips. I added a few pieces of glitter vinyl because it reminded me of sparkly Easter eggs. Note: Math says we need 22 strips, but unless your weaving is extremely tight, you won't be able to fit 22 strips in there.

Here's where the kids come in! We just did a simple weaving pattern of "over one, under one" but feel free to experiment with other patterns.

All done!

Once the weaving is done, sew a basting stitch at each end of the panel to secure the strips in place. Then trim off any excess to bring the panel back to 9" x 24" 

Bring the short panel ends together and overlap one end 1" over the other, clip in place and sew together, forming a tube. This is the trickiest part. You may need to stop half way, and start again from the other end.

​Now cut a circle of Kraft-tex matching the size of the tube (I just traced around the tube).

Clip the circle to one end of the tube and sew in place with a 1/2" seam allowance.

(If you've only used Kraft-tex, then your tube doesn't have a right way or wrong way yet; if you've used one-sided materials - like glitter canvas - then you'll want to turn the tube inside out before attaching the circle)

Once the circle is sewn on, the basket will be inside out, so turn it right side out - this is easily done by folding the tops down and then pushing the bottom out. Once the basket is right side out, the bottom seam won't be visible from the outside.

We're almost done! To finish the top, fold over the top inch toward the inside and sew in place with a 1/4" - 1/2" seam allowance.

For the handle, cut a strip of Kraft-tex 1" x 17" and sew or attach with rivets from one side of the basket across to the other. I placed the rivet 1/2" from the top of the basket.

Now you're ready to go on your Easter Egg hunt! 

If you're looking for some new ideas to fill the Easter basket, how about a custom Easter Egg for the wall? Remove it and reuse it each year. Use code REECE to save 10%

Want to know a quick and fun project to use up some cork scraps? Or maybe you want an easy project to try out cork? I thought up these cork coasters and they are so fast to make. Here's a quick tutorial.

You'll need for a set of 4 coasters:

• 2 different pieces of cork 7"x7" (If you're part of the Cork Club, the sizes work perfectly for this project)
  
• Plastic canvas or firm stabilizer (like Stiff Stuff or Peltex) 6"x6"
• Optional: Metal Corners 
• Optional: Wonder tape

Cut the cork into 3.5" squares, and the stabilizer/plastic canvas into 3" squares.

I used a small piece of Wonder Tape to hold the plastic canvas in place so it didn't shift. Center the plastic canvas on the wrong side of one piece of cork, leaving a 1/4" all the way around.

Now take another piece of cork in the second colour and sandwich the plastic canvas between the 2 pieces of cork, clip together and sew! I used a longer stitch length than usual for a nice smooth look, and a scant 1/4" seam allowance.

Once they're sewn together, you may want to go around each edge and trim to make sure the edges match up from each side. If you want to add the metal corners, check out the listing page for a simple tutorial.

I've got some fun ideas for these too, like reverse applique with fabric underneath peeking through, or fancy stitching... so many possibilities and with a project this quick, you won't take long finding a way to add your own creative spin!

Time for another swap! The Sew Sweetness Minikins bundle is full of great, quick patterns that make a perfect swap item. Even though the projects are fast to sew, I'm giving you plenty of time to complete the swap, so it's meant to be fun and would be perfect for first-timers! Sara of Sew Sweetness has also offered up 2 gift certificates to be won by swap participants! 

If you haven't been in a swap before, that's ok! To sign up, fill out the form below, making sure to read the expectations at the bottom of the form. Basically, you sign up, wait for a partner, then once you've been assigned a partner, get started! Choose any pattern in the minikins bundle to make for your partner. You can add extras or even make a second minikins if you like, but it's not required. You'll need to check in twice on Instagram so I can make sure everyone is on track.
​Checking in with me involves posting a picture on Instagram, tagging me @reecemontgomery, and including #MinikinsBagSwap. First check in is due February 18, showing which pattern you've narrowed it down to and hinting at fabric selection; basically just showing that you're ready to get started. Second check in is due February 28 and should show me that you'll be able to send your item on time. Items due to be mailed March 7. 

For added fun, and if you're looking for one more push to grab the Minikins bundle and join, there are 2 gift certificates to be given away to participants. Once projects have been completed, a random drawing for 2 winners will be done. The prizes are a $25 and $50 gift certificate to use in the Sew Sweetness shop.  Completing your check ins and sending your swap item automatically enters you in the giveaway.

Once you've submitted your form, repost my swap announcement picture and tag me @reecemontgomery with #MinikinsBagSwap to show you've entered. Make sure your profile is public so I can see your posts.

Happy swapping! If you still need the Minikins bundle, grab it here. Thanks for joining us! If you have any questions, feel free to ask - just send me a message.

This tutorial was originally released in the digital sewing magazine One Thimble, Issue 10. You can find loads of other articles and patterns there, but for now, I'm able to share my contribution with you here. Just in time for Valentine's Day, this one counts as a seasonal craft!

My kids always come home with artwork with their handprints on them, often made into animals or other shapes. I love seeing them, and I try to keep most of them, but I wanted to find a more permanent way than just paper and paint to capture that moment in time. I decided to use their handprints on a pillowcase, which will be treasured in our home for many years to come. Rather than a regular appliqué, I chose a reverse appliqué, for that extra special touch. The extra work is so worth it.
Tutorial for pillowcase:
You’ll need:

• ½ yard fabric for pillowcase
• assorted scraps (for handprints and heart)
• ¼” fusible webbing (Wonder Tape)
• ½ yard lightweight-medium interfacing (I used Pellon Shapeflex 101)
• other basic sewing tools and sewing machine

​

I have 2 kids, so my project has 2 handprints. Really though, you can have as many or as little as you like, but you may need a bigger pillow if you add more than 4 handprints.


You can trace the handprints onto regular paper if you like, or simply take a photocopy and cut the copy out! Make sure when tracing or photocopying, that the hand is splayed enough that the fingers are not touching each other.


Pick some scraps big enough to overlap each handprint by about 2” – maybe have each child pick their own scrap to help personalize it even more!

Start by cutting out the main fabric for the pillowcase. My pillow form is approximately 15”H x 16”W and I used the formula of H+2 x 2W+5 to get the size of my fabric, so in my case, I cut 17”H x 37”W. For this tutorial, these are the numbers I’ll use, but if your project size is different, you’ll need to adjust accordingly.


Once you’ve cut the fabric, lay it out and, on the wrong side of the fabric, mark a line parallel to the short sides, 9” from the left, and another line 25” from the left edge – you should have a 16” section now, slightly off centre. Fold the outer edges in (wrong sides together) to overlap over the middle section and press in place along the lines you marked.

Now cut out the handprints from the paper and lay them in the centre section to help decide on your desired layout. I cut out a heart as well, and moved it around at this point too, as a visual aid for the finished project. Once you decide on your layout, trace one handprint where you’d like it onto the wrong side of the middle section of the pillowcase.

Now draw a line about ½” inside the outline of the print, but only for the palm of the hand (it may help to use a different coloured pen for this step). Draw lines in the centre of each finger, meeting each line to the centre. These lines will be referred to as the seam allowance.

At the ends of each finger, draw small diagonal lines, meeting at the centre line (seam allowance).

Draw small notches at each curve.


Add small pieces of Wonder Tape all around the outline of the hand, as close to the outline mark as possible.

Now we’re going to start cutting out the centre seam allowance. It’s important to note: DO NOT CUT the main outline of the handprint, only notches up to the outline. Starting with the palm of the hand, cut out the seam allowance.

For the remaining seam allowance, we’re only making slits for the fingers, and small clips for the curves. If you haven’t already, remove the backing from the Wonder Tape and start folding the seam allowance up and over, wrong sides together, securing in place with the Wonder Tape. Take your time here; you may need to make a few extra notches as you go.  Where the fingers meet the palm, cut a triangle-shaped notch to reduce bulk in seam allowance. You may need to use Wonder Tape on top of one finger’s seam allowance to lay down the seam allowance from the finger next to it (this is why I mentioned earlier to make sure the fingers are splayed). You may also find it helpful to fold up the bottom point (the space between the fingers at the palm). Fray-Check might help here too if you had to cut many notches at one small area.

Once all the seam allowances are folded out of the way, add another couple pieces of Wonder Tape around the outline of the hand, and lay your scrap over the opening, so the right side shows through the opening. Turn over and inspect; make any adjustments at this point if necessary.

Cut a piece of fusible interfacing that is about 2” larger than the scrap you just placed, and place over scrap at back of project (wrong side) so that fusible side is against wrong side of scrap and main fabric. Fuse to secure scrap in place over outline.


Repeat with remaining handprint(s) and heart.

The final part of the appliqué is to stitch all around the shapes we’ve formed. I used my regular foot and a slightly longer stitch length, at 1/8” from the edge of the shape. I used a thread to match my main fabric, but a contrasting thread would also be a nice look. For this step, take your time and go around each curve carefully. Leave your needle in the down position and lift your foot to help pivot and reposition around sharper corners (like the fingertips). ​

Once the stitching around is done, all that’s left is sewing the pillowcase.


Fold in each short edge by a scant ½”, press in place and fold in again, hiding raw edges inside the fold to create a “hem” on each short end, then stitch in place.

Now fold the shorter edges (the hems) in to the centre again along the lines you marked previously at 9” and 25” so one hem is overlapping the other and right sides of the pillowcase are out and you’ll have raw edges along the top and bottom of the case. Make sure the hems are laying nice and flat.

We’ll be doing French seams, so you want to make sure your edges match up. If you need to square the top and bottom, do that now.

Sew each raw edge (top and bottom) with a generous ¼” seam allowance. Clip corners and turn inside out. Make sure all corners and seams are pointed out and flat. Sew top and bottom seam with a scant ½” seam allowance to encase the previous line of stitching and hide the raw edges.


Now turn right side out and admire your new pillowcase!

I hope you enjoyed this idea and I'd love to see if you use it; if you do, please share with me! This would make a great gift for grandparents but works as functional art in the home too.

I'm alive! I'm still here, I've just been enjoying a slow start to the year, and recovering from the busyness of Christmas, and all that goes along with the winter holidays. I hope you all had a nice end to 2017. I had some sewing goals for 2017 that I didn't quite get to, but I'm not upset about it either. To be honest, I've never been much for resolutions. I feel like if things are worth changing, they aren't worth waiting for. So, before I move forward with any projects in 2018, let's take a look back at 2017. I got this picture generated from 2017bestnine.com, and it does all the work for you if you enter your Instagram ID. 

Sew Sweetness released this amazing bundle of quick-sew projects, just in time for the holidays. The Minikins bundle includes 12 patterns and an instructional video to go along with each. This Zeppelin Pouch was my 4th make from the bundle and I can't wait to make the rest! I whipped this up one night when I realized I still needed a teacher gift for the next day, yikes! 

Emmaline Bags' Luxie Lunch bag took up one third of my top nine! No surprise really, since I made so many. The top two were for coworkers made with Alison Glass and Cotton + Steel fabrics, all from Fabric Spark. The bottom one I received in a swap, it was made by Jenny ofSincerely Jen. Here's the one I made for the swap, using Libs Elliott's Tattooed fabric collection.

For another Instagram swap, I made this foundation paper-pieced unicorn mini quilt. The pattern is from Robynie Patterns. I haven't done a whole lot of paper piecing and this was definitely a challenge for me. It wasn't particularly difficult but I did find it overwhelming at times, as it was much more labour intensive than I had bargained for. For the quilting, I chose scattered lines to go with the pieced fabric, but I also included some stars (you can see one quite well in the bottom right corner of this picture). I'm so proud of how it turned out and it was pretty difficult letting it go. I did receive a gorgeous mini in return so it all worked out.

I tested this bag when it was part of the Bag of the Month Club, but you can now get this as a stand alone pattern, or bundle it with an online workshop/video. You can read more details about this bag in my post from when it was released.

I made this adorable kiss-lock frame purse for a little girl for her birthday. I used Patty Sloniger's Into The Deep collection from Sitka Fabrics. My son picked the fabric and was quite proud to give this as a gift for his friend, while announcing his mommy made it. I figure it won't be long before they're too embarrassed to give gifts I've made so I'll take it while I can get it. The pattern and instructions are part of a Craftsy Class, or you can get the pattern by itself.

I can't believe it took me so long to make one of these! The Retreat Bag is a free pattern from Emmaline Bags and is the perfect way to get your sewing fix in. I received this gorgeous Cotton + Steel Menagerie fabric as a gift and had big projects on the go, but I couldn't let it just sit there, so I chose the Retreat Bag as my quick project to display the fabric. 

This is the project I was most excited about last year. My friend Lysa Flower designed this paper pieced pattern for a cassette tape and asked me to use Kim Kight's (at the time unreleased) Snap to Grid fabric to turn a Polaris bag into a 3D cassette. You can read more about the project inthis post here. 

Along with the ones above, here are some of my favourites:

Backpacks for each of them! Details can be found in this post.

Castell Day Bag. I love this bag so much I hosted a sew along for it! I also personally used this pattern for my own carry on luggage and thought it was perfect.

Blue Calla Clover Convertible Bag. I wrote all about it at the beginning of last year when the pattern was released as part of the Bag of the Month Club; find all the details here.

What were your favourite makes of 2017?