Last Project for 2013 - Handbag

I finally made myself a new bag.  I started with simplicity 3828 (view D).  This is an old pattern and is now OOP.  I used the pattern as my starting point to get the size and shape that I like. 



















My finished bag is 2 inches shorter than the pattern. I installed a zipper at the top instead of a magnetic snap. 

I used home decor fabric from Joann's.  I used fusible fleece as the interfacing and machine quilted the black side.  I used a solid blue for the lining.  The handles are made from the black fabric with nylon webbing inside. I like using the webbing better than interfacing as it's not so bulky, but very strong, and adds just the right amount of stiffness.




































I like pockets on my purses - so I added 3 of them.  There's a small inside pocket; a large outside pocket on one side and a small one on the other side.  All of the pockets have zipper closures.  I used key charms as zipper pulls.


Here's a close up to show the pulls.

I like the fabric, it's the right size & has the pockets I need - I think I got it right.

Jacob's Ladder Quilt

I made this quilt for my husband's birthday.  Blue is my husband's favorite color, so I used several blues and some blacks.  Even though blue's not my favorite color, I love how it turned out.



























I had it quilted with black thread.   And used a black with white dots fabric for the binding.

Sewing Goals for 2014

It's time to make sewing goals for next year.  Here's what I've decided on:

Make & post one garment each month
Learn to better use my Juki  machines
Study my Craftsy classes
TNT pants pattern
Learn to sew undies

The last several months, I've been obsessed with working on quilts and have really neglected my garment sewing.  So I've decided I want to make at least 1 garment per month for myself.  To encourage me to keep on track with that I've joined Sarah Liz's "make 1 garment a month challenge".  Here's the link: makeagarmentamonthchallenge

A few months ago, I purchased a new Juki F600 sewing machine and a Juki 654 serger.  I love them both and enjoy using them, but I want to take the time to go through the manuals and learn to use all the feet and stitches, so I can get the most from my machines.

I've bought several Craftsy classes: Beginner Serging by Amy Alan; Pant Construction Techniques by Sandra Betzina; Jean-ius by Kenneth D. King;  The Ultimate T-Shirt by Marcy and Katherine Tilton; and Sew Better Sew Faster by Janet Pray.  I've watched all of them except "Sew Better, Sew Faster".  But I want to study them and use them to improve my sewing.

I haven't worked on pants for several months, but I really want to get back to work on that.  I really, really need some pants and need to come up a TNT pattern.

I've wanted to learn to make my own undies & have tried a couple times, but didn't stay with it.  I have a pattern and supplies and it would be a good way to use the left over pieces of fabric from making knit tops.

Here's to a happy and productive sewing year!