Sewing is a lot like life...sure, there are patterns for just about everything, but in order to love what you do, or love what you make, you have to change the pattern to make it your own regardless if the change is a fraction of an inch or the length of a yard. And more often that not, those choices you make to change the pattern do not work out exactly the way you hope. It can be frustrating and challenging, and sometimes you have have to rip it all apart at the seams and start completely over. Which requires patience. A lot of patience. But in doing so, you create something that is far more rewarding, and far more beautiful, then what you started with.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Whimsy Bag - A Good Start to 2011

After finishing my Top 10 on Saturday, I went into my sewing room and started the Whimsy Bag, a generous size tote pattern from Lazy Girl. I have never tried a Lazy Girl pattern before, but I found the directions very clear and easy to follow, even though I had to read through them a few times before getting started, which was more just me still learning how to read patterns than anything else.

What I like about this bag is that it is very roomy without being as gigantic as the Amy Butler Birdie Sling and I love the 6 outside pockets. In being true to my resolutions for this year, I tried something new where I had to figure out how to work with directional fabrics and I had to use my walking foot because of the thickness of the batting I used for firmness.

I also used fabrics I previously didn't want to use...and you know what? I am SO glad I did because I am so happy with the way it turned out! I think my choice of 3 boldly colored fabrics and prints actually compliment each other well instead of competing with each other like could have easily happened.


Whimsy Bag indeed!

One thing I did not like about this particular pattern is that it did not include any inside pockets, which with 6 on the outside, you may not need or want. But I am a girl who likes my pockets for things like cell phones and keys, you know, the important stuff, on the inside. I'll include them on the next Whimsy bag I make.

Lastly, in keeping true to myself, I hereby pledge to no longer sew to "keep up"....I hereby sew because I love it! If I finish a project, great. If I don't, great. Either way, I am happy.
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I am linking up this week at all the fun parties on my "Place I Party" page...check them out!
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25 comments:

  1. The Paisley AbbeyJanuary 2, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    I love the bag! It is beautiful. The fabrics are really fun together. I also like your pledge and need to take that one myself. I became pretty overwhelmed sewing before Christmas and I wasn't enjoying it as much as I should.
    :)
    Courtney

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  2. Tara @ Tara Being TaraJanuary 2, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    Love it! The colors are so fun - they will definitely bring a smile to your face during the cold winter months! =)

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  3. JenniferJanuary 2, 2011 at 10:04 PM

    The fabrics are bold and they look great in that style bag. Glad you did it because you wanted to...keep it up :)

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  4. Cindy SwansonJanuary 3, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    Absolutely gorgeous! I envy your sewing talent, and your determination to get out of your comfort zone. :)

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  5. ElizabethJanuary 3, 2011 at 1:53 PM

    I love it! You have a great eye for matching up fabrics! Would love for you to come visit me at Sew Chatty and link up to Made with Love Monday. I host every week. I am leaving the party open longer this week so that people can link up multiple projects if they wish to. Hope to see you there! http://sewchatty.blogspot.com

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  6. GingerJanuary 3, 2011 at 7:28 PM

    Ohhh this looks cute! I think I may try to tackle a tote for myself! I make plenty for my kids! Thanks for linking up to Mad Skills Monday!

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  7. JillJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:41 PM

    What a great way to start the year! Love the bright colours on the bag!

    Thanks so much for linking to A Round Tuit. Hope you have a wonderful week!

    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  8. maleahblissJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:47 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  9. maleahblissJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    I love your fabric choices! Especially the green!

    I'd love for you to link this up to my linky party!
    littleEme.blogspot.com

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  10. Jenny Hall / Seamingly SmittenJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    What a great color and print combination. Isn't it fun when a project finally comes to mind when you find fabric you love but then it sits on the shelf for months! :)
    www.seaminglysmitten.blogspot.com
    Jenny

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  11. Crafts a la ModeJanuary 6, 2011 at 1:10 AM

    I love the fabric. Nice work. Linda

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  12. Katie @ EyeSpyDIYJanuary 7, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    I love this bag. And the fabric choices are PERFECT!

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  13. JessicaJanuary 7, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    What a cute bag. I love the green fabric on each end.

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  14. pinksuedeshoeJanuary 7, 2011 at 7:24 PM

    I love that yellow print! So cute.

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  15. Crafts a la ModeJanuary 7, 2011 at 7:36 PM

    Nice bag. Reminds me I should make some bags. I like your colors, especially the red.
    Linda

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  16. AnonymousJanuary 7, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    love the bag!! I want to go make one! If you have a chance come link up to Handmade Tuesdays @ Ladybug Blessings next week! www.ladybug-blessings.com

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  17. QuiltstoryJanuary 8, 2011 at 12:04 AM

    What a bright and fun bag, makes me want spring! :) Thanks for sharing!

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  18. Rene'January 8, 2011 at 6:12 PM

    This is a really great bag!! Thanks for sharing.

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  19. DaynaJanuary 8, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    I am LOVING this tote!

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  20. TashaJanuary 8, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    Very cute! Love the fabric too. It just has a happiness about it. Thanks for linking it up! Happy Weekend to you.

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  21. Mique (as in Mickey)January 8, 2011 at 11:19 PM

    LOVE the way it turned out. Glad you used those fabrics too. I know how that goes though. But so fun when it turns out cute.
    Thanks for linking up to my Pity Party!
    xo,
    Mique

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  22. SashaJanuary 9, 2011 at 9:39 AM

    Cute bag! Hope you'll link up to Creation Mondays @ ~The Life of Me~ for a chance to win a free prize!

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  23. maliaJanuary 9, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    oh boy that's so cute... love amy butler fabrics and you are so talented!
    malia
    www.yesterdayontuesday.com

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  24. HayleeJanuary 10, 2011 at 7:28 AM

    I love your bag. It turned out great.

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  25. abeachcottageJanuary 16, 2011 at 10:31 AM

    What a fabulous bag! Love the combination of the patterns and the colors.

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