Cute Handbags

 

 

I have been using scrap pieces in my overflowing fabric scrap box to make these handbags.

I've had this pattern for awhile but I  never got around to using it. 

 Now I can't stop making them.   I've made my own adjustments to the sewing instructions/procedures that I felt would be worth sharing.

 

Interfacing:  Fold the 5 x 7 interfacing piece in half and the fold again so all the corner edges are together.  Clip a rectangular notch in all four layers at once.  This simple step will eliminate having interfacing in the seam and fold over area where it's not needed.

 

 

 

 

  Trim piece:  The pattern details having a 1/4 inch wide trim piece.  I made the trim

piece 1/2 wide..

 

 

  Instead of cutting 2 - 1 x 5 pieces I cut 1 piece of fabric 2 x 10.   Fold it in half lengthwise (wrong sides together) press to create a crease line. Then open it out and fold the raw edges on both sides in to meet the crease line.   Trim 1/4 inch along the raw edge of one of the folded in sides and angle cut the short ends (as shown in the picture below).   Refold the trim piece in half and cut the trim piece in half to get the 2 - 5 inch long trim pieces needed.   You will want to angle cut the newly cut ends.

 

 

 

 

Button:  I machine sewed the button onto the front while it was still a flat piece.   I marked the center of the front panel with disappearing ink and placed my button...so the top of the button was slightly below the bottom of the trim piece and machined sewed the button in place.  The button placement was based on 1/2 wide trim, if you use 1/4 trim you will need to adjust accordingly.

 

Want a reversible handbag?   Sew a  button onto the front of the lining piece while it is still a

flat piece. 

More spring dresses "same pattern - different fabric"

 

 

 

 Some more Garden Tea Dresses made from a great pattern by 123 Mulberry Street.  I have added some accessories.  Purses made from a pattern by Sew Urban.  Both dress and purse patterns can be purchased from libertyjanepatterns.com.  I also added a matching headband to the ensemble.  This link will take you to the online tutorial showing you how to make it.

              http://threesisterz.blogspot.com/2010/11/easy-peasy-american-girl-headband.html

Getting ready for Spring!

 

 

 

These dresses were created using the Garden Tea Dress pattern designed by 123 Mulberry Street patterns and listed for sale at www.libertyjanepatterns.com.    The downloadable PDF pattern cost only $3.99.   The instructions are clear,  easy to follow and there's lots of pictures making it a great visual tool as well.    Since I've made this dress multiple times I made some minor adjustments to the pattern and construction of the garment.   I made a slight adjustment in the size of the bodice.  Really a personal preference issue.   I increased the size of the front and back bodice pieces along the front center line and the back cut lines by 1/8 inch.  The top fit tighter than I wanted so the slight increase gave me a less snug fit.   As for construction....after making several dresses sewing the Velcro at the end after the dress was made I decided to attach the Velcro to the skirt sections BEFORE gathering it.  It allowed for better (straighter) and more exact  placement of the Velcro.  Gathering:   I marked the center of the skirt.   I machine basted to the center mark, decreased my stitch length to 0 and made 2-3 locking stitches....then increased my stitch length back to 6 and machine basted to the end of the piece.  When I gathered the skirt I pull one side at a time.   As I pulled on the string and adjusted the gathers it would stop at the center locking stitches.  Once I finished with one side I then pulled the other side which also stopped at my center mark.  

 

It feels good to be sewing again!

Summer was a busy time filled with visits from Grandchildren and several trips.  I did not get to

do a lot of sewing.   I didn't realize how much I missed sewing until I started working on these outfits for the Dolls.  

 

The pattern for the pink top just became my favorite top pattern of all time.   It is so stinking cute, I want one for myself.   Sadly,  I must deal with the fact that I no longer have the "girlish figure" to

wear ruffles around my mid section.   The pattern is by "SEW Urban" and can be purchased at Liberyjanepatterns.com.  The denim skirt is a Liberty Jane pattern also.   The floral dress was made from a pattern from www.etsy.com/shop/KottonCandyPatterns.  Check out the Kotton Candy Etsy shop.   



Teacher's Pet School Dress

Purchased a cute pattern made by http://www.etsy.com/shop/KottonCandyPatterns.   In the process of sewing a dozen of them.   I've streamlined the sewing process by making up all the collars and pockets first.  Currently working on  sewing all the lower halves of the dresses, then I will do all the upper halves.   Not sure if it saves me time...but it feels like it does.   Making matching headbands too.  The PDF pattern is very detailed and has tons of "step by step"  photos.  I'd give this Teacher's Pet School Dress pattern an A+.  

Printable - Shoppings for your doll

LibertyJane Patterns were used to make

the shorts, skirt and tops.

I have made some small adjustments to the bags shown.
Ex.....the picuture shows B&B Works (Works has been changed
to Shop). I left the Pink bag without a shop name so you can
personalize it with your own name.

Click on the Computer Crafts tab at the top of this page and
it will take you to the links to download these bags and
other free printables.   Enjoy

New shopping bags to print for AG Dolls

2 new bags for your Dolls to enjoy.

Click on the link below and save it as a JPEG to your computer.

Graphics by Gina James, Bath and Body Set.

 Print in Landscape mode.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/78471261/TN_PinkStripe.jpg

 Click on the link below and save file

as a JPEG to your computer Graphic by Gina James, Bath and Body Set,

Print in landscape mode

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/78471261/WS_PinkStripe.jpg