Thanks so much for your support during my annual sale last week. It was a family effort this year getting all the inventory prepped and orders shipped. I think we wore ourselves out a bit because we even all ended up coming down with colds afterwards, so this week feels like a reset! I hope you enjoyed time with your family and friends.

Sharing these projects is actually kind of perfect timing for this time of year — a couple basket projects which is always perfect for gifting. You can leave them empty or fill them up! The first basket set is my Tiny Treasures Basket & Tray. It’s a free pattern (oh what fun!) that I had designed a little while back for Robert Kaufman Fabrics. It comes in two fun sizes and has some really fun features. You could totally skip the handles for an even easier project, or skip the leather and make them using fabric or cork! I also think they would look so cute by hand stitching the handles on, the texture it adds would be beautiful! Plus they nest together so well so it’s fun to gift them as a set, too!

These fabric baskets are a project from my book, Handmade Style. Although I think they can be a bit tedious they’re fun to show off beautiful fabrics. I use mine to corral my extra toilet paper rolls and tissue boxes. They’re exceptionally great for lightweight items – think toys, yarn, blankets, or bathroom extras like mine! It’s important to use the Peltex that’s double-sided (see the materials list for the full info). This basket is one of those types of projects that you just have to take your time and not try to rush through. The end steps are what really make it a clean finish! So give yourself some time to create without having to rush.

I’m trying to restart my brain again after having such a busy fall and I promise I can’t wait to show you progress on my studio space. There’s a lot of details left, but I am able to work in the space which is really exciting and such a huge change for me.

Oh, and all the fabrics in the pictures are from my fabric collection, Forage, for Robert Kaufman Fabrics. 🙂

The sale is now over! Thanks so much for your continued support!

Thankful Sale! All PDFs and leather 20% off!

Just a quick hello and a huge thank you to every single one of you! I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for this awesome sewing community and all of it’s encouragement – that means you! Thank you! I’m having my 7th annual sale on all my PDF patterns and leather straps (3/4″-wide and 1″-wide in various lengths ) in my shop! Wahoo! I’ve also put my booklet, Everyday Essentials on sale as well for the first time! It makes a great gift. From now through Monday, November 26th (11:59pm CDT) 2018 all PDF patterns and leather items are 20% off. No coupon code necessary, all prices reflect the discount.

This is the first time the Fika Tote and Making Backpack patterns have been on sale as well as the Everyday Essentials Booklet! Yippy! For the leather please know that the discount applies while supplies last, some colors are a little low in stock, but some I can replenish – if the item you want is out of stock please check back the following day. I do anticipate selling out by the end of the sale, so if you’re looking at getting a certain color/length be sure to stop by early!

No coupon code necessary, all prices in shop reflect discount.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Thank you so much!

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)