four seasons. winter

pattern: market bags by portabellopixie boutique patterns
a pattern by sandi henderson
fabric: michael miller mod. black mod leaves & black mod patchwork
other materials/notions: canvas, 2 - 1 7/8" buttons. orange paisley & black paisley
modifications: extended straps by 5 inches. basted canvas to exterior & interior fabric. button loop & buttons for closing.
completed: 08January2009

phew! i'm totally loving this bag & was so excited about the look & feel of the mod leaves & patchwork that i decided to use a button closure to wear the bag in either print, not a magnetic snap that would be noticeable when reversed as completely dysfunctional.


it took some time to topstitch for the double canvas, but this baby is super sturdy. no matter how i turned it, i wanted the exterior fabric to have stability.

i decided to stick with the same pattern i used for four seasons. fall because i love the size, the shape and the ease with which i can get into this bag at the checkout, bank or anywhere i need quick access to cash, keys or phone. i also divided the pockets on the outside & in to hold my cell phone in one, the checkbook or a wallet in the other, for example, inside or out, without fear that either would topple out from a loose side. and with the canvas on the pockets, too, well, they lay nice & flat.

i've been using fall ever since i made it. now i've got this gorgeous winter. i can color coordinate and still have a hip bag i love.

the bottomline is...no matter your preference in fabric (i know mine tends to be a little...uhm...bold?), the color or design, you gotta love what is you and you have to enjoy what you make. when you do, the end result is pleasing as beautiful art! and then strut your stuff around town. don't be shy! :D

and now, maybe i should really get that christmas tree down from the living room. yikes!

four seasons. fabric

no sewing here this past week, but some total fabric loving. so happy with the mid-weight cottons i've found for two more of my four seasons bags.

yep, winter. the hippest black i was looking for.


top: mod. black mod patchwork & bottom: black mod leaves by michael miller. purchased online here. the leaves will be the exterior, the patchwork the lining.

and for summer, this delicious, bright golden yellow (exterior) and abstract black (lining), fresh paint, by michelle d'amore for marcus fabrics now on sale here.


i may go with the purple carnival bloom or clementine far out floral also from michael miller for spring, but i've plenty of time to make that decision.

may you know a safe and happy new year's day. and health, prosperity of love and creative talents gone wild in grand accomplishment and sweet contentment this 2009!

four seasons. fall

pattern: market bags by portabellopixie boutique patterns
a pattern by sandi henderson
fabric: alexander henry jewel. mobile. chocolate & stripe. tea/chocolate
other materials/notions: heavy canvas interfacing & gold magnetic snap
modifications: two inside pockets & 6" added on strap to use messenger style
date completed: 11December2008

phew! cut everything out yesterday. wasn't sure i'd get to sew much today, but once i got started, couldn't stop. definitely an all season bag, really, because the jewels almost look like hanging christmas ornaments for december, hanging beads for spring & brown all around. yeah, santa baby. bring me more fabric!

it's completely reversible, well, except for that magnetic snap. but, the gold blends in & i'm good with it. don't sweat the small stuff, right. hand made rules!

oh, and if i want more of the mobile.chocolate to show, i can turn the pocket to face my body & totally show off this fab fabric. :D

p.s., i try. not the best pictures. it's dark up here & the ones with the flash were scary bright, these without, a bit out of focus. and too sharpen too much on my photo editor, well, it distorts. it's all good. you'll get it, no doubt. :)