Excited for a New Week!

Granny D here.  It's Make It Monday and I thought I'd share what I have going on in my head this morning.  Of course, it'll take me all week to get these all completed but, oh, the fun of creating.  Right.

I finished this cute little patcwork bag Saturday.  It can be made out of a 10" square so that gives you an idea of the size.

And last night I cut out the little Flower Power bag you see in the picture next to it.  I like that funky little flower and all of the different colors together

Even though the possibilities are endless, I get tired of making the same old boxy totes sometimes.  So I found another bag that I like.  It's softer and rounder.  Instead of the corners, it has darts to shape the bottom corners.









And I think I'm going to try something different by using interfacing in the top part and batting in the bottom part just to add to that soft, feminine, curvy look.  The fabric you see here is curtain fabric from that earlier fabric haul I spoke about.  Once I get this perfected, I'll probably use a pretty floral or something a little more dramatic to make it look a bit dressier.







Since purses and bags are mostly rectangles, I like to make my own patterns.  I have a big roll of paper.  Not sure if it's butcher paper or not but it's flexible enough to pin to fabric.  Here's a messenger bag pattern I cut out last night.
As you can see, it's not complicated at all and I did a little something with the strap.  It's 4" wide but I went ahead and cut the pattern 36" long.  Then I marked off like 22" and 29", you know, different lengths you'd use for different projects so I don't have to keep cutting out strap patterns.  Same goes for pockets.


That about does it for today.  Do you have any tips or tricks for cutting out your own patterns?  We'd love to know.

A Snapping Good Time!

Granny D here.  In keeping with our daily themes (Today is 'Sew and Tell Sunday) I thought I'd put together a little tutorial on how to install magnetic snaps.  When making purses and bags, they are the BEST!  They're easy to install, not expensive and these little guys are strong!  Keep in mind, I'm no expert but this is such a simple addition that adds a special touch to your bags and purses.

You'll need 4 pieces for each installation.  Two flat washers, or back pieces, to stabilize the snap (I add fusible interfacing, too) and two outside pieces as shown here.  One has a little bump and one has a corresponding slot for it to fit in.









So, first, I prepare my fabric (in this case, the lining) by putting a square of fusible interfacing on the inside right in the center of the bag.  Then, I use the washer to mark my positioning and mark where the prongs should go through with a pen.   I usually drop it down about an inch from the top to allow for seams. 









Then I snip those open.  I try to make this hole as small as possible so that I almost have to force the prongs through.  Just to be on the safe side.











After that, I push the prongs through the holes I just made.  The snap will be on the outside of your project.












The washer goes in place next.














And then, I spread the prongs open to hold the snap in place.  Once I get them positioned, I try to push them completely flat on a hard surface.

Oh, and then you do the same thing for the other side, using the other half of the snap. 

It takes only a little practice, and you'll be a pro at this in no time.


And that's it.   I learned my lesson about putting them in first, even before I put the pockets on the lining.  Everything sticks to them, pins, scissors, etc. and they are constantly sticking to each other.  Well, they are magnets!  So I waited till the last minute this time and it worked so much better.

Next week, I'll share my thoughts on shaping your bags.  There are square bottoms and softer ones, each requiring a different technique.  Still, very simple, very doable, even for beginners.

Let us know if this was helpful or if there's some other fastener you've found that you just can't live without.