Another couple of totes that I think might fit right in on your last-minute gift sewing schedule. I’m not one for piling on last minute gifts just because I feel all the holiday cheer. I try to keep things to a reasonable list that I know I’ll be able to create in time for gifting. It’s easy for me to make a huge list of things I’d love to make for everyone, but in reality there are so many great things happening this time of year that I know some free time in the schedule will be perfect for. So maybe you’re different than I am and love tackling projects right up until the last minute. If so, a Trail Tote might be just right for your list!

The Trail Tote pattern is another free pattern I designed for Robert Kaufman Fabrics a few years ago. I think it’s popular because of its simple design and ease of use. It’s also helpful that it can be sewn up in an afternoon and doesn’t require too many extra bells and whistles. I know it can be so frustrating when you really want to make a project only to find out that you don’t have the right supplies on hand. Maybe that’s just a part of making things that I just have to come to terms with? But hopefully you’ll agree that the design elements of the Trail Tote make it worth it even if you have to pick up a few parts on your next trip to the store.

I had sewn up the large and small sizes of these totes in my fabric collection, Forage. It’s always fascinating to watch a bag come together. From being a stack of fabric and hardware to a finished project that you can use in just a matter of hours is still a treat. I think I definitely need to consider making a small version for myself in the new year. There is something about small bags that I’ve been obsessed about. Now that my diaper bag carrying days have come and gone, I do love being able to scoot around with just a few basics.

Pattern: Trail Tote (a free pattern in two sizes!)
Fabric: Forage by me (Anna Graham) for Robert Kaufman Fabrics

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!