This post is part of the Exploration Party – a celebration of our inner explorers, led by Tara Swiger of Explore You. You can find other tales of adventure from artists, crafters, writers and biz smarties – and share your own story – right here.
I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I’ve been experimenting with block printing on fabric and that I have some projects up my sleeve. Did I mention that I’m also learning to sew? My lovely friend Jenelle from TrashN2Tees inspired me to start sewing with her camera strap tutorial and let’s just say I’m hooked.
I sewed a couple of the camera straps for our household cameras, and then wanted to move on to something more. So, I found this adorable and free, easy to make mini-tote tutorial on Craftsy! I started with one bag which I intended to block print the fabric and then make the tote. It looked like it was going to be really cool, but unfortunately the ink, which I thought was dry, smudged when I pulled the bag right side out. (Note to self…the oil based inks must dry for a week).
My first attempt begins at block printing then sewing a tote.
That didn’t go as planned, but I decided to make some more totes – 12 to be exact – for my mom’s upcoming 60th birthday party. She’s going to give some homemade lotion and lip balm that we made this weekend to all her friends that are joining her for her birthday bash. I thought this would give me good practice and be a sweet little addition to her gift. Alas, a few bags in, my sewing machine broke. This thing was a trooper though…some 1970’s JCPenny brand machine with all metal parts. It lasted over 30 years! (And I bet it can still be fixed). Dismayed, I thought my sewing days were over for a while, but my mom came to the rescue with an early Christmas present…a new sewing machine!!! {affiliate link} I didn’t know how much easier this new machine would make my life, but oh wow, it sews amazingly and I can actually sew straight lines and not get jammed constantly! I’m in love with it.
Anyway…I’m back in business baby! I’ve got six of the twelve bags done and the other six are getting close (I ran out of fabric for the handles and need to get more). After I get them all sewed up, I plan on block printing them with a stamp I made that says “Still Fabulous.” Cute, huh?
A Finished Mini Tote
Six Finished Mini Totes – Six To Go
Still Fabulous Stamp & Prepped Fabric
Now that I’m feeling more confident in my ability to sew (I’m so happy with the ones I’ve made), my plans are to make some bags and pouches for my shop, using both the fabrics I have designed and hand-stamped fabrics that I create. So keep your eyes open for those!
The exploration never ends! I’m an explorer by nature, how about you? I’d love to hear about some of the projects you have been exploring lately! Share links in the comments 🙂
They are gorgeous, Kim!! Love the “still fabulous” stamp, I bet the party goers are going to love them!
Thanks Citlalli! I do hope they enjoy them 🙂
I love it, and I love my brother sewing machine more than I could have ever imagined. I haven’t done a lot of sewing projects though so I’m still not perfect at the straight lines.
Yvonne, I’m glad to hear you like your brother machine too! I don’t think my lines are perfect yet, but I can recommend sewing 12 bags to help get there! 😉
I definitely intended to try these bags myself! I thought they would be a cute vessel for all the presents this holiday season.
Oh yes! Cutest wrapping ever.
I am so, so happy you bought that new machine!!!! Isn’t it amazing what the right tools (not necessarily the most expensive or “elite” or difficult to find) can make in your enjoyment of an activity! I first saw this when I tried to sew with my sister on her POS machine, and once my mom and I bought her a decent one she sews as much as (if not more than) I do!
Me too Karen! Thank you so much for suggesting it! It’s great! It is amazing what the right tools can do…they always say, it’s not the equipment it’s the creativity (or artist), but it sure does make a difference to have tools that actually work properly! I can definitely see myself getting sew crazy! 🙂
These bags are adorable! I love the colorful handles with the crisp white. So glad you are enjoying yourself and the process of learning new skills 🙂
Thank you so much 😀 I am going to make like 50 of these. I don’t even really have a use for 1 but they are just so cute!!
Aren’t they? I totally fell in love with them and they are relatively easy to make 🙂
Thank you so much ? I am going to make like 50 of these. I don’t even really have a use for 1 but they are just so cute!!
Happy Sewing!! Hope you have fun making them. 🙂