Head over to Chronicle Books’ facebook page to see the free pattern for my Rail Fence Tote, excerpted from 1, 2, 3 Quilt. A super-quick and easy bag to make as a gift or for yourself! The rail fence pattern is a good introduction to quilting.
In the Bag
Looking for sewing project inspiration? It’s in the bag! Here are some bags, pouches and cases to make for holiday gifts.
Zipper Pouch from Bag-Making Basics by Kristin Link.
Arrow Tablet Case from 1, 2, 3 Quilt.
Backpack from Hart & Sew.
Pintuck Clutch from 1, 2, 3 Sew (tutorial on BurdaStyle).
Hexagon Handbag from 1, 2, 3 Quilt.
Travel Kit from Betz White.
Market Tote from 1, 2, 3 Sew (pattern on the Chronicle Books blog).
Lunch Sack from 1, 2, 3 Sew (pattern on Sew, Mama, Sew).
Pocket Full o’ Geese Bag from Sew, Mama, Sew.
Rail Fence Tote from 1, 2, 3 Quilt.
Kindle Slip Case from Charm Stitch.
Go Anywhere Bag from Noodlehead.
Pleated Tote from The Long Thread.
Pixel Pouch from 1, 2, 3 Quilt.
Tissue Case from Very Purple Person.
Bow Clutch from Elm Street Life.
Simple Sewing
Today I’m participating in the blog hop for Katie Lewis’ Simple Sewing: 30 Fast and Easy Projects for Beginners. Katie is a blogger at The Red Kitchen, so be sure to check out her work there.
This book has nice basic projects for those who are just getting started. With clear photos and instructions, the book is a good introduction to sewing with projects that even a novice can complete quickly and successfully. Basics like a tote bag, placemats, a pincushion, pencil case, and bow tie are among the patterns.
I used the instructions for the reversible placemats in the book, but decided to make coasters for holiday gifts. Just a simple 5″ square cut and sewn right sides together with quilt batting. Here I used fabric from my Folk Modern collection for Kokka.
Projects like this are quick and easy, perfect for beginners!
ICE Finds
Here are some of my new favorite shops from the Indie Craft Experience this past weekend.
Felt Flowers from Muncle Fred Art.
Jewelry from F. is for Frank.
Prints and Pattern from Katrin Wiehle.
Letterpress from Brown Parcel Press.
Felted Animals from Petit Felts.
Ceramics from Bean & Bailey.
If you live in Atlanta, be sure to visit the ICE Pop-Up Shop on McLendon Avenue for more great handmade finds!
Holiday Tea Towel
For the next couple of weeks I’ll be featuring handmade holiday finds. Whether you make it or buy it, bring some handmade into your holidays this year!
I love Betz White’s new Holiday Tea Towel. The best thing about this tea towel is that you can cut it up and make stuff, or just use it as a tea towel on its own. Betz is having a special in her shop through Friday, so you can get one for a gift and keep one for yourself at a discounted price. Make coasters (Betz has posted a tutorial to make the coasters you see below), ornaments, and a pillow and turn it into more gifts!
