Simple Book-Bag

I made my first bag a few months ago after taking an awesome beginning sewing class with Christine Haynes at the Urban Craft Center (which recently closed! Sad Face!) and made the bag to the left. Christine teaches and works at Sew LA . Over the next few weeks I started collecting fabric (I am partial to Japanese linen blends) and cotton webbing. The pattern is available on the Pearl Soho Blog, Pearl Bee: . If I can make this bag, anyone can! All you need is a 1/2 yard of fabric, 1 & 1/2 yard of cotton webbing and thread. It was recommend we use a heavier cotton for the project, so the bag holds its shape better. It was my first real experience with sewing. I still cannot sew a button on. The bag above was made for my lovely sister-in-law, Nicole, to hold books and crap for my nephew Miller. I just loved the cute little blue cars.

Now I plan on making one for my Mom, Brenda, out of a lovely Kokka cotten-linen blend with a natural background and cute owls with a matching black webbing handle.

And my mother-in-law Anne who loves horses (owns two!) in this cute girly western Heather Ross for Kokka, with some contrasting yellow-green and brown webbing.

And for my niece, Isabella (AKA Bella) a cute pink mermaid Trefle created by Kokka (anyone notice a trend of the fabric I like? Ha!) cotton-linen blend with a nice matching pink and mint green webbing (the mint in a nice accent color from the fabric.) Of course I just found out yesterday, AFTER I already bought this fabric that she no longer likes pink. Hopefully she will like the bag anyways! (The retro silhouettes in the photo is going to be for me! It is Melody Miller Ruby Star Rising for Kokka.)

And lastly a bag for my cousin, Tami, who has two beautiful daughters and needs a free hand! A super cute linen-cotton Echino fabric with scooters, stripes and dots! I thought the purple & blue webbing really contrast and compliment the fabric. You can find these or similar fabrics online or at the physical shop Super Buzzy or 1794 East Main Street Ventura, CA 93001. I will keep you posted on the progress in the coming weeks (or possibly months!) I think I have too many projects...