I know you’ve missed me, right? Well, I’ve been busy wrapping up some personal projects. You might remember my mentioning this pattern from Keyka Lou in my last post. Well, I had been eying it for a while and finally picked it up on sale, and let me tell you I lurve this pattern. It’s nearly perfect. At first I was concerned it would be too big, but it’s actually just right for me. I found this purple fabric on sale at Joann’s with the bottom weights, and I think it looks gorgeous on this bag. It has sort of a suede like texture but I think it’s some kind of corduroy with very fine waling. Anyway I love it. The pattern actually calls for nylon strapping for the strap but I couldn’t find any in the width I wanted – 2 inches is too big for me and 1 inch is too small. So I just went with the fabric. I think I like it better this way anyway. The only modification I might make for it is to make the front pockets a bit larger. I have small hands but if you have bigger hands, you might need a little extra room to get in there. The other issue I have, which is all my fault is the slide adjustment. It won’t stay put and the strap lengthens everytime I pick it up. Other than that I love this bag. It’s beautiful and I wish I’d designed it.
Okay now here’s the other thing I’ve been working on. I have a young friend who really likes those hippie sling bags – you know the ones right? Anyway, I decided to try the Lickety Split Bag by Made by Rae and lengthen the strap so she can wear it cross body. It came out really cute, but I’m sure I’ll modify it a bit next time I make it. Probably get rid of that center seam by making a center panel with front pocket and maybe make the darts on the bottom smaller. Next time I’ll probably add the outside pockets the pattern includes, maybe make some cute pleated ones. She also has a modification on her website to make a mini-bag that looks really cute too. This is not really my style of bag – I prefer more structured bags. However, this is exactly what it was meant to be, and I could probably have stood to lightened up on the interfacing and make it looser. I think it’s perfect for my friend – who shall remain nameless ’til after Christmas. 
I know I’m supposed to actually make something and then be like “look what I made.” But the truth is that I’ve been eying this pattern for a while now and I finally bought it. It’s just so stinking CUTE. Anyway, I have several of Keyka Lou’s Patterns including the Lots of Pockets, City Tote and the Zip Clutches. All her patterns are wonderfully illustrated and explained. So anyway, I’ll do a more comprehensive review after I make the bag – but seriously, isn’t it cute. You can get it at Keyka Lou Patterns.
Over the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend I started playing with some leftover material I had from other projects. I had seen a couple of tutorials for these gift card holders, but wanted to make them my own. This is my take on them, but I started with this tutorial from Sew4Home (BTW, I LOVE Sew4Home. They have the best photos and the prettiest projects and patterns.) I wanted to add the key ring, but prefer my method of adding it and the flap. They came out really cute and I plan to make some more for throughout the holidays and for birthdays and such. They also make really cute business card holder or put them on your keys for an ID holder. The Santas are cute but seriously LOOK at that snowman – isn’t he just scrumptious! Anyway these were fun to make and quick too. Right now they are going for $4 a pop or if you are like me and like gift cards for everyone – 3 for $10! See them in my Etsy shop and coming soon to Zibbet.
Tags: Christmas, etsy, gift card, holders, keychains, Zibbet
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