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Keiko Goke Three Squares Fabric in Red

This bright and cheerful print by quilt artist Keiko Goke looks like the squares were carefully colored in with crayons. 

It is called "Three Squares" because the fabric is printed in three sections of squares & rectangles in different sizes across the width.  So one section is small squares, the second section is rectangles, and the third section is large squares. 

V. 2.0 Mash-up Bag

Here is version 2.0 of the bag in last Friday's post.  I used a raspberry corduroy for the outside & a very bright & funky print for the inside. 

I was going to make a fabric strap, but thought that might be pink overload, so one of these straps was added.  The black is a nice contrast with the pink.   

Just a couple slight revisions this time:

• This one has 2" wide strap. The first one has a 1.5" strap.  The bag can hold quite a lot, and the wider strap is going to be more comfortable. 

• There are two interior pockets.  One on the front wall and one on the back wall.  One pocket is divided for a small journal/notepad & two pen slips.  

• The exterior fabric was used for the yoke on the interior.  Then the lining fabric is just used on the lower part of the interior of the bag.  

Anyone have any ideas for what should I call this bag?  I'm running out of naming ideas.  Not sure I want to call it a Mash-up Bag...

Bead Clasp Purse Frames

Colorful Bead Purse Frame

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A couple weeks ago a friend pointed out the new coin purse kits at Purl Soho.  They are really darling and include a fat eighth of a Liberty of London cotton lawn, a neat purse frame with colorful bead clasps, and all the other stuff you need to make your own coin purse. 

It would be great to get this kit, but realistically it is not going to happen for me.  They are out of my budget. 

But today I was browsing the supplies category and noticed a similar frame available at Gina Purse Frame.  This is the shop where I bought the frame for this coin purse:

 

Gina is very friendly, ships promptly (though it takes 3-4 weeks to arrive from China to US) and she sends you a very extensive document with coin purse ideas. 

So if you fell for those beaded purse frames at Purl Soho, you might want to check Gina's frames out as a less expensive alternative.

Ironing Board Covers

I can't live without an iron & ironing board.  I'm sure you all understand.  As part of my making my house a home (instead of a sewing factory) project, a new, non-boring ironing board cover is in order. 

Let's take a look at a few...

Here is another fabulous ironing board cover from City Chic Country Mouse.  Love it.

All of the covers in this shop look well made and beautiful.  The lovely photographs make me want one even more.

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Bright and Cheerful Summer Song by Riley Blake Ironing Board Cover

This one has loops underneath to help it fit snugly.  Snug is good!  Cute print too.  

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Turquoise Whimsey Doozie Ironing Board Cover

The description for this one asks: "What's with all those ugly ironing board covers they sell in the stores anyway?".  Exactly!  I have never seen an attractive ironing board cover for sale in a store.  

I like the color of this fabric and the big, bold print.

Favorite Fabrics - Girls Love Tractors by Bora

Hehe...so cute & clever!  This "Girls Love Tractors" print was designed by Bora and is available at spoonflower.

You Like?

My messenger bag is really faded and basically ready to be tossed after almost a year of steady use.  It has gotten to the point where I'm embarrassed someone might notice how ratty it has become, but I have still been using it because I find it so useful. Time for a new bag!

So my goal for this week was to finish a new bag with some of the same functionality of the messenger bag, but in a new style.  I will make another messenger bag soon, but can never resist sewing something new. 

Yesterday I finished this bag, which is basically a mash-up of four of my patterns:

• It has a yoke top like the City Tote.

• The front pants-style pockets of the Lots of Pockets Tote. 

• The bottom and overall basic shape is the Bucket Bag, but slightly shorter & wider. 

• Then it has the interior journal pocket with pen slips like the Messenger Bag, and the same adjustable strap.

What do you think?  Do you like it and want to make it yourself?  Let me know in the comments if this is something you'd like to see the pattern for in the near future.