Accordian Bag by Sew Sweetness

I have a customer that I have worked with on custom diaper bags and purses over the years and she contacted me recently to make her another custom purse. I sent her over to my friend Sara Lawson's  Sew Sweetness pattern shop and she picked out the Accordian Bag. I absolutely love the flap and think it's a great way to use up scraps as those pieces are 3x9. It would also be a great bag to showcase a new fabric line as 11 fabrics are used in the flap. Tone on tone and small patterned fabrics work well for the flap because you are folding the fabric. She also gives directions for a single fabric flap if you wanted that style instead. This is my first try at Sara's patterns and I'm happy to say they are easy to follow, downloadable with lots of pictures. I have found that this type of pattern works best for me as I am a visual learner. For this pattern, there are only 2 pieces you have to print out and the rest she gives you the dimensions so you could rotary cut them out. It's really the perfect, medium sized bag. I'm looking forward to making the Aeroplane bag next!

Fancy Santa Block

I finished block 2 and I'm so very behind, but I am enjoying the process! I called this fancy santa because I thought his jacket and belt looked fancier than usual. The buttons are from the same cathedral windows fabric from Alexander Henry. I'd like some continuity in the sampler blocks. You can find this quilt along on Sara at sewsweetness blog.

Jamie Dress Finished!

Wow! Had so much fun sewing this dress, the deadline for the sew along really helped me. Here's my take on it: The size I made after taking my measurements was one size larger than if I were to buy a dress at the store. I have a small bust so I didn't make the bodice one size larger as Sara recommended . I ended up cutting the front elastic smaller still to adjust further. For the skirt I used my ruffling foot and ended up using one WOF, (width of fabric) trimming the selvedges,

plus about 5". I just cut the skirt width after pinning it to the bodice. It is a tad poufy, but not too bad. Overall, the fit was awesome for the bodice and the instructions were easy to follow. Somehow I missed the step to encase the elastic, so its free flowing on the bodice, but it seems fine. Love love the patchwork I did for the bodice. Its adds some fun without being to busy using all black and white fabrics~ not that I am opposed to mixing it up!! I now have a fun basic black dress. :)