On Newsstands Now!

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! 

If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you may have seen this and know how excited I am. My print publication debut can be seen in the Aug/Sept 2018 issue of Sew News magazine! In it, I give instructions on how to paint fabric with flour resist. I demonstrate the technique and used the fabric to make an Urbanista Hobo Bag (blue stripe with silver pleather bag) and a self-drafted bag with leather straps (grey and tan strap). 

I did not know what to expect with this publication process when it began. After the contract details were worked out, I was required to write the article and submit the finished pieces to the magazine. I was unaware of the the creative decisions that would be made or how the project would be presented. I am so delighted with the end result.  When you pick up your copy, let me know what you think. 

This will be one of many articles I will write for the magazine. If you don't have a subscription, be sure sign-up so you don't miss any of the great writing and featured patterns. 

Happy Sewing,

Bianca

Amy Butler Beautiful Belle Handbag Sew-Along

Sew News is hosting a Sew-Along of the Beautiful Belle Handbag. The complete details of the month long group sew project can be found February/March 2014 copy of the magazine, on their blog and their Flickr page. I have signed up and cannot wait to get started. It is not to late to sign up if you want to join. The schedule for the sew along is manageable and divided over the month.

• Week of February  3 – Fabric Choice, Prep, and Cutting
• Week of February 10 – Marking & Interfacing
• Week of February 17 – Construction & Customizing
• Week of February 24 – Finishing

Here are my initial fabric choices:

Both of these are home dec. Ikea fabrics

 

These two are home dec. fabrics that are perfect for Spring.

 

I am certain I will make at least bag in this textured Chevron home dec. fabric

I also really like these! I may make a second bag from one of these too!

I will nail down my choice by the end week so stay tuned.
 
I enjoy sewing bags. They are functional, don't have fit issues and are opportunities to sew compound elements (snaps, zippers, pockets, linings and more) in one item. It can be a crash course for guided learning or a great refresher if one has been away from sewing for a time.

Before I started writing this blog, I participated in a year long sew-along to make the bags in Amy Butler's Book Style Stitches. Jemellia over on JemJam ran it and did a great job encouraging us along and hosting monthly giveaways. Below are photos of the bags I created over the months.  I would recommend all of the bags for sewing if you like the style. I have gotten the most use from the Cosmo bag as it has been my go-to weekender, or diaper bag when I have day long outings with both kids.

 I apologize for the quality of the photos; I did not plan on blogging them.

The Cosmo Bag in Arabesque by Amy Butler

Bag interior with added key fob and contrast lined pockets.

I added a ruffle to the pocket for added interest. 

 

 

 

Blossom Bag

Blossom Bag interior

The Everyday Wristlet

The Interior is perfect as a Diaper Clutch

Beautiful Balance Checkbook Cover Re-purposed Dress Fabric

 

 

Beautiful Balance Checkbook Cover Re-purposed Dress Fabric

Origami Bags

Perfectly Pleated Clutch

Perfectly Pleated Clutch Interior

Teardrop bag

Teardrop Bag

[Un]Fringed Hobo Bag (I omitted the fringe.) This embroidered fabric is a re-purposed skirt.

 

[Un]Fringed Hobo Bag Interior

I have enjoyed sewing these bags with others and am looking forward to making another Amy Butler bag with a group. I am excited to see the other participants' projects and creative additions. 

Happy Sewing!

Sew News published my tip!

 

I subscribe to the sewing magazine, Sews News. I have also "Liked" their Facebook page and follow their posts. One post in December 2012 asked for one of your best sewing tips. I submitted a tip and was pleasantly surprised to see that they published it in their February/March 2013 issue! Check it out:

For every published tip, the submitter receives a stated prize for their trouble. In this issue, the prize was to be a pattern from a company that sponsored the giveaway. So I patiently waited for my pattern to arrive and today the package arrived!

 

I eagerly opened  my package and was surprised to see that I had not won a pattern, but instead, I had been awarded the book "Kids Crafternoon Papercraft 25 projects for a crafty afternoon". How delightful! I have never heard of this book, but with two crafty kids I am so glad to have gotten it! There are many fun projects to keep us busy on long summer days. Thanks Sew News!

They also included this goodie for the car! Why yes, I do have fabric!

 Happy Sewing!