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  Happy Okapi

Unblogged

1/23/2016

6 Comments

 
This year has been off to a busy start! I'm busy behind the scenes working on lots of exciting content to bring you all! When I did my Happy New Year post, I realized there were several projects I hadn't blogged about, so I figured I'd share them now.

First up is this gorgeous Swoon Evelyn Market Tote I made as a diaper bag for my friend. If you've been here a while, you may remember my first Evelyn, which looks very different than this one. That's one thing I really love about making bags: you can use the same pattern and come up with a completely different look!
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This bag was so special for me. I've been friends with the recipient since Kindergarten! I thought about what I liked and disliked about my own diaper bag, and came up with Evelyn. I only made 2 small additions; one was to add a large elastic pocket inside. The other was adding a loop with a swivel clasp to keep keys handy and easy to find.  I know a lot of diaper bags have cross-body straps, but in all my "diapering" years, I can't ever remember carrying my loaded diaper bag cross-body.  I love the recessed zipper because I found I was always wanting quick easy access into a diaper bag, but also appreciated the security of a zipper when I wanted it.
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I made sure to have a vinyl bottom and feet, because, let's face it: diaper bags get put down in a lot of yucky places! Plus, it looks pretty awesome with black vinyl and silver feet against the gloriously bright colours of the fabric collection.
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Of course, this isn't as big as some diaper bags, and that's just how I liked it, and how I envisioned my friend would like hers. I found that I never really carried too much in my bag, and I would have appreciated a stylish large purse, big enough for my wallet, phone, keys, and the baby essentials. 
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This stunning fabric is from Alison Glass' Ex Libris collection (from Fabricspark.com) plus a few prints from her Sun Prints collection. The Art Theory panel is the main focus of the bag and I think the stark contrast of the black vinyl and silver hardware is a perfect combo.
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For this bag, I used a foam interfacing instead of craft fuse and fleece, like the last one, and I really love the structure the foam provides. All the fancy bag bling, aka hardware, came from Emmaline Bags, don't you just love it all?!
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I also made a matching teether blanket and keychain, plus a Swoon Coraline in coordinating prints from the same collection.

It looks like this post is long enough, so I'll save some other projects for another time! Until then...
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6 Comments
Linda Rose link
1/25/2016 12:44:57 pm

I love the Evelyn tote you made! I don't have this pattern yet, but it's on my want to buy list. Your fabrics are gorgeous too!

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Reece link
1/28/2016 09:21:45 pm

Thank you so much Linda! You'll love making Evelyn.

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Kyema Bialick link
1/28/2016 09:45:42 am

The bag is to die for! Great work, the fabric really takes the show. :)

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Reece link
1/28/2016 09:22:18 pm

Thank you so much!

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Julianne Ferguson
8/20/2016 12:52:49 pm

Just bought this pattern because I hate carring diaper bags and love the idea of a purse. Happened on yours and thought I'd pick your brain a bit. I too want a leather/pleather detail. But wanted a fun fabric outside without making it look quilty etc. but I wanted a fun inside. Could you share with me a bit more how you did the interior? I added my email in case that makes it easier. Anyway, any pointers would be greatly appreciated. Tia!

Reply
Reece link
8/24/2016 11:29:04 pm

Hi Julianne! I didn't make too many changes. For the inside, I added a large elasticized pocket. For the pocket, I just made it wider than the lining panel, but kept the shape. Then I sewed 2 of those wide pocket panels together right sides together along the top, then flipped to wrong sides together, topstitched, plus another parallel line 1/2" below to make a casing for my elastic. I fed my elastic through the casing, secured one end and then allowed the pocket to gather until it was the same width as the lining panel. I also sewed a divider line to help keep the pocket's shape. I hope that helps! Feel free to send me a message if you have any more questions.

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    Hi! I'm Reece and I love to sew! I'm also a mom and a wife. I love being crafty and sharing tips.

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