I’m so glad you’ve decided to join me in making a Noodlehead Super Tote! If you don’t have the pattern yet, you can use discount code STSAL to save 20% from Noodlehead (discount good until August 31 2015). If you prefer paper patterns, you can also purchase one at Fabric Spark. If you still need some fabric inspiration, or planning your next one, you can use code HAPPY15 to get 15% off all Linen and Canvas fabrics at Fabric Spark (code valid until July 31, 2015).

I’ll break the Sew-along up over 3 days:

• Day 1(that’s today!)- Planning, cutting, and fusing
• Day 2 – Straps, pockets and zipper
• Day 3 – Assembling the bag

Let’s get started!  If you’ve purchased the PDF, print it out, cut the pieces and tape together where indicated.  Before we get to cutting fabric, we need to plan out the bag. I like to go through my pieces to write out a list of what I need to cut and then decide which fabrics I’ll use for them, or you can just follow the pattern’s suggestions (each piece specifies what to cut). Don’t mind my messy hand writing!

I also like my bags a bit firmer, so I’m not following the interfacing suggestions exactly. For my last Super Tote, I used quilting cottons, so I used Pellon Craft Fuse 808 and Fusible Fleece on my lining pieces and Pellon Shape Flex 101 on my exterior. This time around, my bag is mainly canvas, as the pattern calls for, so I decided on Craft Fuse for the lining and Shape Flex for the exterior. 

Extra: I like all my pockets to be fully lined, so I cut a second front pocket, and 2 extra interior pockets in a coordinating solid. This sew-along will have instructions to make the bag with these pocket linings.

Once you’ve decided which fabrics are going where, it’s time to start cutting! 

Tip: I find it faster to cut my interfacing first, then fuse it to my fabric and then cut out the fabric. I’ve also heard of others fusing large pieces of interfacing to fabric, and then they only need to trace and cut once – if you got your interfacing on sale, that might be a really good option. 

I also clip my pattern piece to my cut out pieces as I go, so I don’t lose track of what my pieces are. Sometimes I just write on the interfacing with a Frixion marker. 
I cross the pieces off my list once I’ve cut them; it helps me keep track and makes me feel better about the least favourite part of bag making (cutting and fusing).

Once you’ve cut and fused everything, place it in a nice pretty pile, and we’ll see you back here tomorrow to start sewing. 

Sale of the week: 15% off all licensed cottons & flannels with the code tv15



http://funkymonkeyfabrics.com/cotton-fab…/licensed-cottons/…

http://funkymonkeyfabrics.com/flannel-fabrics/licensed/

Stay Home Fabrics is having a preorder for Kam Snaps. It’s a great deal and includes everything you need to get started snapping. Check out the event page here for more details.

Not a sale, but so many amazing giveaways for Thread Riding Hood’s 3 year blogiversary.
Check out all the giveaways here. 

This is the second large Companion Carpet Bag I’ve made and I still love this pattern! It sews up quite quickly, but the finished result is an impressive one. The defining feature of this bag is its unique metal frame. The foam stabilizer (I used Pellon Flex-Foam) supports the weight of the frame nicely.

Don’t let the frame scare you though! It’s easier than it looks, and I’ve even made a quick video showing you how.

I’ve mentioned before that I like to check out thrift stores for the perfect purse parts, and this bag was a result of a lucky find. I happened upon a bag in really good condition with these gorgeous handles. The bag wasn’t my style, but the handles caught my eye.I was also able to rip-stitch the strapping on the bag for enough material to create my own connectors. 

For this bag I chose Tula Pink, Elizabeth, from Fabric Spark and Tangled Blossoms Design on Etsy, both great Canadian shops. The frame came from Emmaline Bags, another wonderful Canadian shop. Or check out Bobbin Girl if you’re in the UK. 

You can get the pattern for the Companion Carpet Bag from Sewing Patterns by Mrs. H here.

I had an opportunity to test another pattern for Sara at Sew Sweetness, and this time, it’s not a bag! It’s called the Creative Maker Supply Case, and, as the name implies, it’s a case to hold supplies. The pattern comes in 3 sizes. This one is the large and it’s about the size of a binder, large enough to hold a full sized notebook. I’m also working on a couple small cases, and they’re great for crayons and a small colouring pad, plus a few craft supplies. 

The pattern comes with directions for elastic slots on one half, to hold markers or pencils. The other half has a mesh pocket and a fabric pocket. The whole thing zips up to keep all your contents safe inside. You can really do whatever you want inside though, which is what makes this such a great pattern. If you want one side to be half pens and half thicker markers, then you can adjust the elastic slots. Or maybe you want pockets on both sides. The possibilities are endless really.  

I’ve had this Jungle Ave. fabric by Sara Lawson for Art Gallery from Satin Moon Quilted Garden for a while now, and I wanted to save it for one of Sara’s patterns. I thought this was the perfect project to showcase it. I also used her Big City Aurifil Thread Collection to match the fabric perfectly. Does anyone else think it’s super cool to use a designer’s fabric for their patterns, or am I just a sewing nerd? Nevermind, I already know the answer to that question 😉
 I made the zipper with double pulls following the method I explained in my zipper post, here. I followed the interfacing suggestions in the pattern and used all Pellon interfacing.

It’s a nice and quick project. I found the elastics a bit tedious, but certainly not difficult. I’ll admit the zipper was a bit tricky at the spine of the case, and for that reason, I’d consider this to be an intermediate sewing level project. Don’t let that scare you though! It’s definitely worth it!

I see so many uses for this pattern: kids colouring case for trips, sewing project case, teacher’s supplies, you name it! I saw someone suggest it would be good for diabetic supplies or other medical equipment, and I think that’s certainly a possibility with some easy personalization inside the case.

Here’s a sneak peek at my next ones:

The pattern is now available from Sew Sweetness, you can find it here. 

I’d love to hear what you think. What will you do with yours? Let me know in the comments.

Save 25% until July 14 with code BACKTOSCHOOL on Diedelbug Handmade patterns here. 

Know some more sales? send me an email or leave details in the comments

I’m so excited to announce my next Sew-along! This time, I hope you’ll join me in making a Noodlhead Super Tote. If you’re not familiar with the Super Tote, you’re in for a treat! This is a gusseted tote with a roomy exterior pocket and a recessed zippered closure. Inside are large slip pockets. This tote is so great for a day of errands, a walk around town, or a carryall for busy moms.  Mark your calendars: We’ll start on July 17, for a weekend of sewing. Similar to my last SAL, I have some discounts to share with you, and a prize! 

Discounts:
Anna from Noodlehead has generously set up a coupon code for my readers to save 20% off the Super Tote pattern. Use code STSAL, valid until August 31, 2015.

Daryl from Fabric Spark has also generously agreed to extend a discount to my readers, and I think you’ll agree it’s the perfect discount for this pattern: Save 15% off all Linen/Canvas fabrics, with code Happy15 until July 31, 2015

Prize:
I will randomly select a participant who completes their Super Tote to win any 2 Noodlehead PDF patterns. Entries must be in by August 5. 2015. See below for details.

I will be using Anna’s Rain Walk collection from Cloud 9 for my Super Tote. I can’t wait to dig into this gorgeous fabric!

What do you now? If you don’t have the pattern, you can purchase the PDF here (don’t forget to use code STSAL to save 15%) or the paper pattern from Fabric Spark here. Next, you’ll need to select your fabrics. Refer to the pattern for requirements. Note: depending on the fabric types you choose and your personal preferences, you may wish to add fusible fleece and Pellon Craft Fuse to your interfacing. Check my Canadian Sewing Links tab for great sources in Canada.

I really love following everyone’s progress so please use #HappyOkapiSTSAL on Facebook and Instagram when you post about it so we can all see what you’re up to.

How To Win

• Post a picture of your completed Super Tote on Facebook using #HappyOkapiSTSAL, make sure the post is public so I can see it; it can be on your business page or personal page

• Post a picture of your completed Super Tote on Instagram using #HappyOkapiSTSAL, make sure the post is public so I can see it

• Email me a picture of your completed Super Tote

• Post a link of a picture of your completed Super Tote in the comments of the DAY 3 blog post

 I’ll see you back here on July 17th! There is no official signup, but I’d love to hear from you if you plan on joining. Leave me a comment letting me know.

I had so much fun watching everyone’s NCW progress on Facebook and Instagram! Thank you to everyone who joined in. I really loved seeing all the variations: some people added straps, piping, back pockets, etc. It lends to the pattern how great it is that it can be adapted so easily to suit everyone’s needs. 

Here’s mine. I used Sweet as Honey by Bonnie Christine for Art Gallery, and the turn lock from Emmaline Bags. I used Lisa’s interfacing suggestions with Pellon Shapeflex 101, Craft Fuse 808, and Peltex 70. I really love the firmness, and all the pockets: there’s a spot for everything!

This is Evette’s first Necessary Clutch Wallet and I’m blown away! Look at the matching on the flap! Amazing!

Nanette sent in these pictures of one she made for her daughter who raises chickens. How perfect is that?! I love the addition of piping. 

Jessica at Jess Lynn Designs also made one and I love it! The vibrant colour combo is so refreshing!

I’m so glad this was a random contest, because it would have been too hard to pick “the best” one. They are all so great! With the help of Random.org, I came up with Kimberly T. as the winner of the credit at Emmaline Bags. Congratulations Kimberly, and thank you everyone for sewing with us! I’d also like to extend a special thank you to Janelle at Emmaline Bags for offering the pattern discount and prize. 

If you’d like to see more finished NCWs and some progress pictures, check out #HappyOkapiNCWSAL on Facebook and Instagram. Missed the discount and prize, but still want to follow along? Find Day 1 here. 

Coming Up…
I’ll be announcing another Sew-Along this week, so clear your cutting table and get ready to join me again.

I’ve decided to try this out: a sales tab where I’ll try to post sales each week. I’ve turned on comments so people can add sales to each week’s posts. Please only add Canadian shops or shops that have inexpensive shipping to Canada. Fabric Shop Owners: Feel free to email me before Sunday night of each week for the upcoming sales, and I’ll include them in my post. 

I get a lot of questions from other bag makers about my zippers. I often match my zipper pulls to the fabric I’m using, giving the bag an extra special touch. Today I’m sharing exactly how I make my zippers. I start with a #4.5 or #5 zipper tape, then choose the correct size zipper pull of whichever colour I want to match with my fabrics. I really love the By Annie Zipper By the Yard available at Stitch in the Ditch, and I also use the zipper tape and pulls from Paccana. 

I’ve created a quick video to show the rest. I also include directions for creating a double-pull zipper. 

Not only do I prefer this method, because of the endless possibilities of custom sizes and colours of zippers, but it’s much cheaper than buying these specialty zippers individually. I was able to make a custom coloured 36″ double pull zipper for 50 cents!  Go forth and make zippers! I’d love to hear what you think. 

The Thread Cutterz ring is pretty self-explanatory in its title. It’s meant to be worn as a ring, to cut thread or even yarn while crafting. The blade is tucked safely away so you don’t have to worry about little helpers getting poked or cut, and you don’t poke yourself either (not that I’ve ever done that, nope, not me)! It has an adjustable strap so it can fit fingers of all sizes. It’s very light and easy to use. It currently comes in black or pink, but I’ve seen some preview pictures of green rings on Instagram.

My youngest loves to be independent, and now with the Thread Cutterz ring, he can cut his own string for crafting, and I don’t have to worry about him cutting himself. Of course, his older brother thinks it’s fun to use as well!

I have a really nice (read: expensive) pair of thread snips that I hardly ever use anymore. They used to get lost on my cutting table under scraps of interfacing and fabric. Now I still use them, but only when I’m finished a project and do my final once-over to make sure there aren’t any threads sticking out. My Thread Cutterz ring has become a sewing staple for me! 

I’m quite surprised how much I like it. As I said earlier, I half expected it to be just a gimmick, but I honestly don’t even like sewing without it anymore! It can get quite close to the fabric to cut the threads precisely, so it is really useful and easy to use. I love not having to search for my thread snips anymore!

Want to try one for yourself? You can order from www.threadcutterz.com and they ship all over the world! You can also follow Thread Cutterz on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about Thread Cutterz and stay in the loop for giveaways and new ring colours!

What do you think of tools like this? Do you have a favourite tool? Do you like to stick to “tried and true” or are you always looking for ways to craft more efficiently? Leave me a comment, or send me an email!

I have plans for a free tutorial , another sew-along, and kid-friendly crafts to share with you over the summer.