sewing

New! The Firefly Tote Pattern

I am so excited to introduce to you my newest pattern, the Firefly Tote pattern! Yayyyy!!!! Named for those magic summer nights when the fireflies come out, the accent fabric is a bright spot in this design!

Firefly Tote Pattern

I’m so excited about this pattern, it feels like it’s taken so long to get here! I couldn’t help but include two sizes to sew! The small size (it’s called the Project size in the pattern) is where I began when designing this pattern.

I wanted a smaller tote for craft projects and I think it would make such a cute lunch bag! Or it would make a great gift, too! The larger size (the Tote size in the pattern) is a classic tote shape. I think it would be perfect for a work bag or student bag (and yes, a small laptop fits!).

Click here to purchase, grab your copy today through Sunday (May 23rd at 10pm CST) for 20% off! No coupon code needed.

I love using a featured fabric for the front pockets and drawstring closure (the accent fabric). The best part is that you can use your favorite quilting cottons for the this! The main structure of the bag comes from the exterior fabric which I recommend canvas, dry oilskin, or waxed canvas.

The front pocket is a larger slip pocket and also includes a zippered pocket! Yep, it’s a fun combo! I love having a super accessible slip pocket as well as a zippered pocket. Inside the drawstring closure is a fun opportunity for a cute lining, and it includes a large slip pocket.

The handles for this tote can be made of cotton webbing or leather (hey, you can always make your own from fabric, too!). In addition, I chose to use rivets (here’s a link to my tutorial which also has links to sources, etc.) to secure mine, but a little rectangle of topstitching is great, too. Both options are discussed in the pattern.

Here are some of the Firefly Tote’s features:

  • two sizes to sew! Project size is the smaller of the two, Tote size is the larger.
  • front slip & zip pockets (great for featuring a favorite fabric and oh so useful!)
  • drawstring top closure to keep everything secure
  • interior pocket
  • simplified option for an even quicker sew!
  • so many possibilities!

Click here for more information and to purchase!

Today through Sunday (May 23rd 10pm CST) pick up your copy for 20% off!

Project fabric details:

Pattern: Firefly Tote Pattern (in two sizes, Tote size and Project Size)

Tote size features waxed canvas in Deep Rust from Fabric Funhouse, Flueron Haven from Kismet by Sharon Holland for the Accent, Speckled in Pale Pink by Rashida Coleman-Hale for the lining (both purchased from Stash Fabrics)

Project size features dry oilskin in Navy purchased from Oak Fabrics, Trail Marker print from Quarry Trail by me!, and 1/4″ Carolina Gingham in Denim by Robert Kaufman Fabrics

Tote size in black features Big Sur Canvas in Black (purchased from Stitch Supply Co.), Bold Geo from Kept by Carolyn Friedlander (also purchased at Stitch Supply Co.). Grid fabric (not shown in this post) for lining I think was purchased at Purl Soho years ago, I’ll keep looking for something similar.

I also wanted to show off the versatility of the pattern and a way to speed things up even more. Leaving the exterior without the front pockets is a fun option. Information for how you can make this simplified modification is included in the pattern. It’s a great opportunity to try some quilting, too. I’ll show a quilted version in an upcoming post.

Fabrics shown:

Tote size features dry oilskin in Khaki purchased from Oak Fabrics, Tile in Saddle from Golden Hour by Alexia Marcelle Abegg (purchased from Stitch Supply Co.), lining is a stripe from Fancy Tiger (looks like they’re sold out right now, but here’s a fun stripe at Fat Quarter Shop.

Project size features dry oilskin in Grey purchased from Bijou Lovely, Coneflower from Quarry Trail by me! and a random denim/cream stripe from Joann fabrics ages ago (Essex woven stripe would be close!)

Looking for supplies?

Thank you so much for your support! I can’t wait to see your Firefly Totes! Be sure to tag me on Instagram (@noodlehead531) and use #FireflyTote

sewing

Adorn Sling

I finally finished up my Adorn Sling! I made this sample while filming the Sandhill Sling Sew-along. Once the sew-along was over, the only thing I had left to sew was the lining. I’m not sure why I waited so long, but it’s done now!

Adorn Sling

Adorn Canvas

This Sandhill Sling features Adorn canvas designed by Rashida Coleman-Hale for Ruby Star Society. Rashida’s designs are always so incredible and I’ve loved following along on her creative journey. I think I started following her work when her book I Love Patchwork first came out (2009!). I love these hands! And the pop of hot pink in the lining (also from the Adorn collection) was perfect.

I had fun pulling everything together with the zipper (this is the Storm Blue color from my shop) and zipper pulls (in Split Pea from my shop)!

Hang Loop

If you’ve followed along with the sew-along I showed how I added this little hang loop for hanging the sling on a small hook. It’s a piece of 1″-wide webbing that’s about 7.5″ long (and of course you can make it a bit wider and longer if you wish). At home I usually put mine over a door knob, so my Sandhill doesn’t have one, but it’s a fun and easy feature to add!

Glue Basting

I like to thread baste the lining in place (you can watch my video that’s included in the pattern). However, I also recommend glue basting. This time I did glue basting and it is just as easy, maybe slightly messier (which could just be me, ha!). I do like mixing things up and using different techniques. I think that’s what makes sewing fun! There’s always more than one way to do everything!

Pattern Information:

Pattern: Sandhill Sling (this is View A)
Fabric: Adorn by Rashida Coleman-Hale for Ruby Star Society Here’s a google search link if you’re looking to shop for Adorn
Zippers (View A), hardware + webbing kit, zipper pulls available in my shop.

The link to the Sandhill Sew-along page is available here.

sewing

My Pepin Tote

Shortly after the end of the Pepin Tote Sew-along I was able to sneak in some time to sew up my Pepin Tote – one just for me. It just so happens that the tote I had been using got chocolate all over on the lining one day. *Ahem* not sure how that could have happened. I was craving making another Pepin Tote so I got busy cutting & sewing.

My Pepin Tote

Waxed Canvas

The waxed canvas I used is from Fabric Funhouse. It’s the Coyote Brown color and I think it’s one of my most favorite colors right now. I have several favorites of course, but this one is just so good!). I knew it would make a great bag and hide all the dirt that comes with being thrown around on a daily basis.

Rivets

I added some rivets to mine because I love rivets! I’m always hesitant to show them on my pattern samples because I know they can be intimidating. Plus you don’t HAVE to use them. However, I think that once you’ve set a few, they add such a nice touch. And having a hand press really makes it slick. Check out my tutorial on setting rivets if you’re up to trying them out! Included in that post is all the info plus some sources for where you can get yours!

The handles are my rustic leather and I used the metal snap on the front pocket (here’s the tutorial for that). Inside I used the magnetic snap and one of my favorite linings (because it’s a sturdy enough weight I don’t have to use interfacing) from Fancy Tiger Crafts.

Project Information:

Complete sew-along for the Pepin Tote (including step-by-step video) available here.

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