As soon as I was dreaming up projects to sew using Forage, the Runaround Bag was one of the first on my list. I knew Essex would make a perfect companion to this pattern. The soft gathers and slouchiness of this style bag is just what the cotton/linen blend was calling for. The Runaround Bag has a special place in my heart. It was one of the first few patterns I released and one that I made and carried several versions for myself.

I love the simple design of this bag and I think it’s great for beginners. The gathers and pleats show off the fabric, plus make it really quite forgiving to sew. If you’ve been a reader for long enough you’ve probably noticed that I love binding. It’s such a beautiful detail and I love the way it adds a little bit of interest. If you’re intimidated by making binding look great on your bag, don’t worry! It’s easy once you get the hang of things.

My favorite tool for making binding is my Clover 25mm bias tape maker. It’s just a simple metal tool and does so much!! I don’t know how I ever made binding without one. The other part about attaching binding is that for bag making I like to sew it (in this case) to the lining fabric and then wrap it around to the exterior. That way you’re not having to worry about ‘catching’ the binding in the stitching on the back side as you would using the traditional method of attaching binding. You sew right next to the fold on the exterior of your bag and you’re all set because it’s already attached on the back! Bias tape is very important for this bag because of the curved opening. So a little big of stretching makes for a really clean finish. Plus, a bit of spray starch (my favorite go-to is from Target, always easy to have on hand!) and pressing are your best friend! I was thinking I might make a little video of attaching binding on a curve like this. Would you find that helpful? I hope to continue making this blog a friendly, fun, and educational place!

Pattern: Runaround Bag
Fabric: Forage (by me!) for Robert Kaufman Fabrics (check my Stockists page for a shop near you), binding is Interweave Chambray in Denim (also by Robert Kaufman Fabrics)

Photography by Carrie Bostick Hoge & Ashley Yousling

If you haven’t heard, the newest issue of Making Magazine just made its debut! This is issue number 6 and the theme is Black & White – my favorite! I couldn’t say no to contributing. It’s just way to much fun to join in. So that’s how the Making Bag was born. The opportunity of using black and white as my jumping point made this bag so much fun to sew and design.

I was inspired to make a smaller carry-all type bag that would be perfect for stashing a small project (although I’ve heard rumors that someone fit their sweater project inside!) yet still be something you can carry on your shoulder. I started with a completely different design, but then after multiple rounds of prototyping, I landed on this sweet little bucket bag. I love its flat bottom and asymmetric design. As you can probably tell with the Fika Tote and now the Making Bag, I’ve been having fun playing with asymmetry!

Photography by Carrie Bostick Hoge & Ashley Yousling

Photography by Carrie Bostick Hoge & Ashley Yousling

Photography by Carrie Bostick Hoge & Ashley Yousling

The zipper on the exterior is easy to install (I promise!) and easy to use even when you have the bag on your shoulder. Plus there’s a small interior zip pocket to keep any small pieces nice and secure, but don’t feel like you have to add it if you don’t need it. Carrie (the editor, designer, and photographer behind Making) even had her friend, Rachel Gloria Adams, screen print a special canvas just for this bag! It’s called Fray and it is sooo beautiful! Also, if you’re looking for a kit, the Making team has put one together and it’s gorgeous! Stop by and grab a kit (it contains the Fray print, lining fabric, zippers, and webbing that you’ll need. I think they’ll go fast!

Photography by Carrie Bostick Hoge & Ashley Yousling

If you’re curious what else is inside this issue I think you’re in for a treat! Of course there is such a nice variety of knitting projects, which I’m still drooling over. This Krunet Hat, designed by Mary Jane Mucklestone) is calling my name. I feel like I might need to make that to jump start my knitting again! Sonya Phillips contributed an amazing top (the Array Shirt) which I feel like putting on my cutting table right now, the Branta Apron is one I’m definitely making (designed by Sam Lamb), and the Japanese Linen Tote by my friend Karen Stevens is looking so tempting! Plus there’s so much more. This issue is over 150 pages of inspiration and projects! I think you’ll love it.

Photography by Carrie Bostick Hoge & Ashley Yousling

If you haven’t gotten a copy yet, I have some listed in my shop now. So feel free to pick one up if you’re interested. Also, let me know if you’d be interested in a zipper/webbing kit for the Making Bag.

I hope you like the new pattern, the Making Bag. I’m excited to make a few more and maybe even start a new knitting project to go in it!

I’m usually not one to wear a lot of skirts and dresses, but for this skirt I make an exception! I was so excited to find the motivation to sew up a Cleo Skirt (designed by Made by Rae)! It had been a pattern I had been eyeing up for a while. Letting it simmer on the back burner was actually a good thing as I was able to fully commit to my fabric choice and feel good about getting started on it.

There’s something about waiting to see a pattern in different fabric choices and styled different ways that makes me feel like I can make them for my wardrobe. Sometimes it all clicks into place once you see it being worn a certain way or in a particular color or fabric type. I think that’s why it’s so easy to love Rae’s patterns. She always does an amazing job of showcasing her own makes and also sharing those of others. Combine that with Indiesew and I think you couldn’t get a better match. Indiesew carries both the PDF and paper formats of this pattern PLUS Allie almost always stocks beautiful fabrics that would be just perfect for this skirt (see a couple of links below)! And I have to mention that Indiesew has a great feature of makers showcasing their work for each pattern. If you scroll down to the “Creations” tab for each pattern you can view what everyone has been making. To me that’s pretty much the best thing ever. No need to hunt down inspiration because it’s all right there. I know finding time to sew is a luxury for many of you, so I think you’ll love that feature!

I feel like when I wear this skirt that it’s even comfier than wearing jeans and a t-shirt. The elastic waist and pockets of the skirt make it comfortable and useful. I think I pick my outfits mostly around the fact if they have pockets or not. So even though I think I look dressed up — I don’t feel dressed up! Well, maybe aside from the heels, those I can only wear for a few hours at a time.

Pattern: Cleo Skirt by Made by Rae available in both PDF and paper formats in the Indiesew shop! This black Gabardine would be amazing (in fact I just ordered some myself) and this Challis would be so pretty, too as a Cleo skirt! Pssst! I’m wearing my Jade shirt with it too, check out that blog post with all the info here.
Jade is available at Indiesew as well!
Fabric: Forage (designed by me for Robert Kaufman Fabrics)

This post was written as part of the Indiesew Blogger Team. All opinions are my own.