Tag: Sew Sweetness

Morsel Lunch Bag

Morsel Lunchbox exterior
Morsel Lunchbox exterior

I forgot to post about the lunch bag I made for Friend Julie for Christmas. This was a project from Minikins Season 1. Season 1 includes the I Spy pouch pattern, which is one of my favorites. The Cotton Candy pouch is another of which I have made several. I knew that I had this pattern when I decided to make her a lunch bag.

I noticed that she was carrying her lunch around in a plastic bag. There is nothing wrong with plastic bags, especially with messy food. I thought it was odd. I thought I would try this pattern and hope it was a useful bag. 

Morsel Handle
Morsel Handle

The first thing I did was get some ripstop nylon in order to make the inside sort of water resistant. I was inspired by Lynette using it for her Oxbow. Hers came out flat and beautiful. Mine came out bubbly and lumpy despite using Lynette’s tips. I have a feeling the ripstop I used was lesser quality than what Lynette used. 

Morsel lunchbag interior
Morsel lunchbag interior

The pattern had no interior pockets. I guess a person just tosses all their lunch items in and pockets aren’t really needed.I keep thinking of regular bags and pockets are always useful.

I decided, based on my lunch bag, that I needed to include an ice pack. I added a mesh pocket for an ice pack. I thought a mesh pocket would better for something that might sweat. I included an ice pack  (not shown) before I wrapped the gift. 

Morsel Lunchbag top
Morsel Lunchbag top

The bag is on the small side, so no 5 person picnics.

The top has a recessed zipper, so the contents are out of the way of the handles. It might have been useful to include a shoulder strap, but I didn’t think of it.

In general, I am pretty happy with how this bag came out. Julie has brought it to a couple of Sew Days and that is really nice to see. I am definitely happy that I was able to use another Minikins pattern.

All the Enigmas

I am thinking about making some Enigma pouches again. I wanted to know what I had made and came up with these versions.

Six is a pretty good number, but there is still scope for making more.

Diana’s Enigma

Diana's Enigma - top
Diana’s Enigma – top

This is my first finish of the year! Finally! The Enigma might be my bag of the year as I feel excited about this bag and am eager to make two more. 

I started this, because I had another one on my to do list and thought making two at a time would be quick and efficient. I also thought (and really hoped) it would, maybe, be chosen as the UFO project for the first month of the guild UFO challenge. As mentioned, no such luck, so I held off making the one on the list and just worked on this one.

Diana's Enigma - open, side view
Diana’s Enigma – open, side view

I made this bag for the Angel Mother, and my birthday twin, Diana. I have made a Day Trip Wallet and two Dogwood pouches using the same fabric. I have no idea if she likes it, so I’ll just keep on making bags for her until I run out.

Diana's Enigma bottom
Diana’s Enigma bottom

I wanted to fussy cut the front so it looked a bit better than mine. I ended up fussy cutting the bottom, which ends up being one side. It looks good, but you can’t really see it.

I really like that big flower.

The more times I make this bag, the easier it becomes, but the more I like the construction. I watched part of the video and there were some helpful hints in it. The video is totally worth the purchase when you buy a Sew Sweetness pattern.

Of course, the Enigma is part of a 12 pattern bundle. While Minikins Season 3 is probably my favorite, I have also made several of the patterns from Season 4. See the various projects and decide which season you like best.

 

 

 

Another I Spy

Green I Spy for Tim
Green I Spy for Tim

I quickly made this pouch for Tim as a gift. I usually make him a gift, but for some reason I didn’t plan ahead for him. I will in 2026.

I rounded the corners of this version as it was easier to sew. I also used some great hand-dyed fabric that Sonja made for me a long time ago. It is precious so I save it for special projects.

Green I Spy for Tim-back
Green I Spy for Tim-back

Tim loves everything green and he uses the bags I give him, so I decided to use some of this precious fabric for him.

Finished: Cosquilla

Beth's Cosquilla: 3/4s view
Beth’s Cosquilla: 3/4s view

I finished the Cosquilla pretty quickly, considering I only started it a few days ago. In general, this pattern has only a few pieces, so is easy to cut out. The instructions are excellent and there was only one confusing part where I needed to watch the video to complete.

I was able to use one ByAnnie 30 inch double pull handbag zipper for both of the zippers needed in the project. The yellow of the zipper doesn’t go exactly with the fabric I chose, but I think it looks good. There are not as many zipper colors as fabric colors. 

Beth's Cosquilla: interior
Beth’s Cosquilla: interior

This is the first time I have used the same fabric for both the exterior and interior. I don’t know why I never thought of it before (DUH!), but I think it worked really well. There wasn’t a lot of exterior and there were some focus type motifs that I fussy cut in order to make the parts interesting. I still wanted the whole pouch to read as yellow, so I kept that in mind.

Beth's Cosquilla: zipper side
Beth’s Cosquilla: zipper side

This pouch, as you can see, has a lot of vinyl. I recently replenished by supply of vinyl. Mostly I like the glitter vinyl, but this time I also bought some vinyl with stars printed on it. I like the glitter vinyl, because it doesn’t interfere with the pattern on the fabric. In this case, I used the star vinyl and I think it allows the fabric motifs to shine as well. The other thing I like about these two vinyl patterns is I can use every inch. I don’t have to worry about the motifs on the vinyl being in the wrong direction when the bag is finished.

Beth's Cosquilla: side
Beth’s Cosquilla: side

The pattern had a really interesting piece for the bottom and the sides. It was a long oval piece that had to be quilted before cutting it out. There are fewer seams when one piece makes up the sides and bottom. 

I really don’t know how Sara thinks of these bag designs, but I am constantly impressed. Having the sides wrap around the bottom/sides piece was really clever. I like the way it went together. 

Sewing it together was no picnic, but it wasn’t as difficult as the Pearce Sling I made for Mom. They share that curved shape, but this pouch is much bigger and that curve was easier, though not easy to navigate.

Anyway, I got SIL#4 a couple of gifts off her list, but also made her this as a bonus. I like to receive things I want, so I always make sure I buy someone something off their list even if I make them something.

Pearce Complete

Pearce Sling Backpack
Pearce Sling Backpack

WOW! The Pearce is done. What a journey!

My Mom has been using it for a few days and she loves it. I am so relieved. I won’t tell her about the trials and tribulations.

It is a good thing I didn’t add that mesh pocket I discussed in the progress post! This was a challenging bag to put together. The final seam, as mentioned, was more than a bear. 

Pearce back
Pearce back

I like the features that Sara added, such as the vertical pocket in the back.

I was able to use a leftover piece of zipper that I had laying around, thus the odd red zipper. Hopefully, it will add a visual cue to where my mom puts stuff. She uses that pocket for her glasses as it is too small for her phone.

Pearce large pocket
Pearce large pocket

I am running out of the Paint Tube fabric, so I had to find some other fabric that would coordinate. The dots are leftovers from a dress I had made for Politcal Wifery. It worked pretty well, I think. No complaints anyway.

The bag has two pockets. I added vertical credit card slots to both. I am glad I did and I would do it again. She uses the large pocket for her phone as well as various cards.

Pearce small front pocket
Pearce small front pocket

The small pocket is accessible, too. I think she uses this for her insurance card, driver’s license, etc.

I am pleased that she likes it. I feel like I should make another one, but am reluctant to take on that bear of a curve again. 

 

Pearce Problems

Pearce side panel
Pearce side panel

The Pearce is not going well. This curve is nearly impossible to sew on the machine. I have tried at least 4 times and ripped it out that many.  Right now it is on timeout while I finish the Multi-Pocket Organizer. 

Pearce in Progress
Pearce in Progress

The bad part is that this was going SOOO well. I got to the point where there was one seam left to sew (photo left) really easily. I mean the pattern has been a bit of a challenge, but nothing like I am experiencing with that last curve.

I am afraid I should have sewed the curve first. If I make this again, I will do that. For now, I will think about what to do and get back to it in a few days.

Progress on the Pearce

Pearce in Progress
Pearce in Progress

I am making good progress on the Pearce. I have the whole piece together and only need to assemble the final parts.

What you are looking at is the entire inside before the lining is flipped right sides together and sewn around the outside. 

You can see that I added some binding, which will have to be sewn down as well.

Pearce credit card slots
Pearce credit card slots

The pattern didn’t include any pockets in the lining, which I didn’t realize. I added some credit card pockets using the template from the Sweetbay Crossbody. I would have preferred horizontal credit card slots, but I didn’t have time to figure out all the math.

I lined the panel for the credit card pocket so that the top portion is open and pens can be attached behind.

I need to get this done for my mom. I might add a mesh pocket as well, but we will see.

Pearce Sling Sewing Started

Pearce Sling front pocket
Pearce Sling front pocket

I made some good and positive progress on the Pearce Sling. Cyndi and I got together for a Sew Day at her house. It was really nice to hang out with her and I was able to focus and get quite a bit done on this piece.

Cutting it out the other day didn’t exhaust me. The pattern doesn’t have a ton of pieces, which is nice.

It takes quite a few steps to get to this point, but I didn’t feel annoyed about it. I felt like I was making good progress. Part of it was probably that I had someone with whom to consult and chat to.

I could have made more progress, but I decided to put a credit card pocket in the lining and I didn’t have a pattern piece with me. I switched to working on the Sleeping Bag Pouch, which was fun, too.

When I got home I pulled the credit card pattern piece out of the Sweetbay Crossbody project file and used it. It is a more vertical credit card pocket, so I might need to add another one, so Mom has enough for all of her cards. I was expecting the pocket to be horizontal. I am not as familiar with making these types of pockets, so I got what I got.

Awesome zipper finish - Pearce pocket
Awesome zipper finish – Pearce pocket

I will say that I LOVE the zipper end technique that Sara showed in Bag Lab at the beginning of the month. I know it is ridiculous, but I am so excited about how my zipper end looks. 

I am also excited about nailing down that skill. I had a little trouble with it on the Dogwood pouches I made, but after watching the Bag Lab tutorial, I understood the concept much better and was able to do it relatively easily. One key was to use thin pins to hold everything in place until you sew. I am not a big fan of thin pins, but they are key in this technique.

Pearce Sling front pocket
Pearce Sling front pocket

After doing all these steps, my Sling is well on its way.

Started a Pearce Sling

Pearce Sling cut out
Pearce Sling cut out

Clearly I found my Sewjo again, because once again I am starting projects right and left. The latest is the Pearce Sling. I started it for my mom.

A few months ago, I made her a Day Trip Wallet. I made it so she wouldn’t carry a 40 lb. purse around after her surgery. She uses it all the time, but when she came over she had the Day Trip looped over her shoulder (cross body) and her hands full of stuff. Not great for someone with balance issues.

The Pearce sprang to mind. I bought it with the recent 4 pack release of patterns from Sew Sweetness. This isn’t one of the patterns I thought I would make from the 4 pack, but I am kind of glad I am making it. It is slightly larger than the Day Trip, so I thought it might work for my Mom to keep her more hands-free. 

I haven’t made a backpack before, but I think I can do it. Perhaps this will set me up to tackle the Pandora Charisma.

Zeppelin Finished

Finished: Zeppelin pouch
Finished: Zeppelin pouch

Today’s is Lil Sissy’s birthday and I was able to finish her Zeppelin pouch and send it off.

I am really pleased that I was able to fussy cut the fabric so that main Paris motif is, essentially, centered. 

This was a very easy pouch to make, if a little fiddly.I know I talked about the shape of the pieces the other day. The construction was genius! I am constantly amazed at what Sara comes up with. I don’t know how she figures out these bag patterns.

Zeppelin end
Zeppelin end

The one part that was a little confusing was the ends, where the zipper tabs and sides come together. I had to watch the video and that made it clear. You have to know what to do, then it works out.

The photo shows mostly the handle, but if you look behind the handle at the zipper, you can see the zipper tab, which is longer than normal sewn in. Super clever. It also reminds me of what I was trying to do the other day with the zipper tab technique.

Zeppelin back
Zeppelin back

I also remember to put on my label! It is pretty prominent, because I remember after I had already assembled the pouch. I think it is ok to have it be a little prominent for once. 

The fabric I used is such great fabric! I was so pleased that I found more of it. I love all the different motifs. 

Zeppelin lining anchored
Zeppelin lining anchored

I was also able to anchor the lining to the exterior even though there was no way to box the corners. I took a look at the Hackney pattern, which shows one method and kind of followed those directions. 

Hopefully, Lil Sissy likes it.

Zeppelin Start

Zeppelin cut out
Zeppelin cut out

Somehow the Zeppelin pattern from Minikins Season 1 got lodged in my mind. I decided to make it as a birthday gift. July is a birthday extravaganza! There is one almost every day.

Once I decided to make it, I got a little nervous, because I could remember what the pouch looked like, but not how many pieces it had or how difficult it would be to make. 

Zeppelin: Crazy pattern shapes
Zeppelin: Crazy pattern shapes

I went looking for templates, thinking that I had some. When I couldn’t find them I looked at the pattern and realized there was no way an acrylic template could be made in that shape, which was weird!

I couldn’t imagine how the pouch would go together from looking at the pieces, but I did once I went through the pattern and was impressed with the design. I cut everything out so I could take it to a Sew Day I was having with Tim. There weren’t very many pieces, so this might be a good pattern to have as a quick make when I need a project.

Rose Petrillo Returns

Rose Petrillo pieces cut out
Rose Petrillo pieces cut out

Well, the Rose Petrillo sort of returned. I found the project bag in which I put all the pieces.

There are a couple of pieces missing like the strap. I’ll have to find some good fabric for that.

The fabric pieces are all interfaced with SF101, but no foam is cut out. It could be that I didn’t have foam at the time I cut out the pieces. I really don’t remember.

 

Finished: Vervain

Vervain front
Vervain front

I finished the Vervain belt bag the other day. This is definitely a bag I need to make again to improve my skills.

I did find that the bag went together more smoothly than I anticipated. It made me happy and it made me confident enough to try the Allium bag soon.

This bag is really making me consider buying a rivet press. I got the magnetic snaps in with no problem, but it was a bit of a struggle. What is stopping me from buying a press is space. Where would I keep such a huge piece of equipment? Not sure, so I need to clear some things out to make space.

Vervain: front pocket open
Vervain: front pocket open

So this bag has a flat front pocket. The snaps are on the front and don’t meet when the bag is as it is shown in the first photo above. The snaps are uneven so the pocket can fit something with more dimension.

I was able to fit my phone in that pocket, but not very well. I wouldn’t store it there on a regular basis. I would use that pocket for lip balm, wet wipes and other flat items.

Vervain: back
Vervain: back

The back has no pockets, though I could have included a vertical zipper pocket. I might if I make this again.

I also used a really nice parachute clip for this since it is for my aunt. The clip is a little heavy and that is a concern, but we will see. I hope it doesn’t prevent her from using it.

Vervain: interior
Vervain: interior

Inside is where I would put my phone, if I were using this bag.

It has a zipper that closes the bag completely and also an interior zip pocket for more security.