The Millie Nappy Bag – another fantastic customer creation to share!

I couldn’t wait to show you this amazing nappy bag, handmade by Shannon of The Bryer Patch. Shannon used the Millie Nappy Bag sewing pattern to create this wonderful bag, isn’t it striking and so well made? I love the use of black, white and pink, stunning! The addition of the embroidered name is so cute!

”I have to tell you that it is by far one of my favourite patterns ever! Just the perfect combination of form and function, with several sweet little features added in. The outside pockets have a nice little dart that gives them structure and shape. The pattern also allows for the combination of many coordinating fabrics, which is one of my absolute favourite things to do. I actually get very excited to create the bag as I purchase the fabric. I can just see it all coming together in my mind’s eye and can hardly wait to get sewing. The pattern was a delight to work with, and included very precise directions. Pretty, functional and durable – a great combo!” Shannon Brunette of The Bryer Patch

Thank you so much, Shannon, for sharing your gorgeous bag and review of the Millie Nappy Bag pattern, on your blog, and thank you for allowing me to share it here with my readers.

Check out this month’s Sewing World Magazine – March 2014 issue

I was so excited when this month’s issue of Sewing World magazine arrived. As well as my regular bag-making project, I had the honour of having my very first techniques article make it’s debut appearance this month! This three page feature is the first of six articles for my new ‘Brilliant Bags’ bag-making techniques series. I’ve been contributing projects to Sewing World for about 18 months now (has it really been that long?), which still fills me with pride and delight, but over the past few months I’ve also been working on this brand new series. Such a fantastic new challenge! I feel that I’ve managed to take another wee step up the ladder in my effort to offer inspiration to others. I’ve started off the new series with Choosing Fabrics, with an in-depth look at the variety of fabrics you can use to make fab bags. The next five installments get down to the essential elements of bag-making, including detailed step-by-step instructions on the different construction methods.

This month’s bag project is the Daisy Mae bag, aptly named after one of the fabric prints I’ve used, from the gorgeous PB&J collection by BasicGrey for Moda Fabrics. PB&J stands for Peanut Butter and Jelly, how cute is that? If you didn’t see my sneak preview last month, here it is:

This month in the magazine:

TECHNIQUES & FEATURES

• Brilliant Bagmaking! Part 1
• Fabric Trends for 2014
• Fabric Showcase – Woodland Critters
• We Meet…Gillian Travis
• Personalised Fabrics
• Pattern of the Month – Simplicity 1590
• Finishing Touches – Bound Buttonholes
• Eco Garment Recycling
• Masterclass – Beading Foot

PROJECTS

• Woof! Woof! – Cute toy dog
• Stylish Spring Jacket- Sew Simplicity’s pattern
• A-Tissue! – Tissue box cover
• We are Sailing – Applique yacht bag
• Diamond Sparkle! – Felted cushion with a twinkle
• Natty Knit! – Contrasting knit fabric top
• Seasons Wall Hanging – Part 5 – Making up your quilt
• Buttonhole Leaf Roll – Carry your pencils in style
• Daisy Mae – Pleated floral handbag

New Bag Making Project Featured in Sewing World Magazine

The latest issue of Sewing World magazine is out in the shops now or available to order online. I’m really pleased to have another of my bag making projects included – the Tweetie Pie Tote! This is a good sized shopper bag with a large exterior zippered pocket. I love this fabric print. It’s so cute! It is Tweetie Pie (no guessing where I got the name for the bag!!) in brown from Cocoa Berry by Michael Miller Fabrics. Hope you like it.

This month’s projects are as great as ever. There’s the ‘Keep it All’ Craft Bag by Emy Buxton (see magazine front cover image), Kimono Baby Top, Town House Bolster Cushion, Cigarette Pants, Embroidered Velvet Corsage, Part 4 of the Season’s Wall Hanging, Cutlery Carrier, Tweetie Pie Shopper (whoo hoo!!) Geometric Table Runner and a gorgeous Kaleidoscope Quilt.

There’s also the usual good read in the way of techniques and features, including some clever customisation of a pair of jeans into a skirt! Oh, and here’s a sneak preview of the back page showing what’s coming up in next month’s issue. That’s my bag (the Daisy Mae Handbag) and guess who’s written the ”Brilliant new series on bag making”? Yep, it’s me! I am so looking forward to seeing the first installment in print. I’m really enjoying the opportunity of writing some series articles for the magazine now, as well as my projects. It’s really different and so much fun, so exciting. I hope everyone enjoys this new series which begins with choosing the right fabrics for bag making.

Look what’s coming in the next issue of Sewing World magazine.

New Sewing Patterns Released on Etsy!

I’ve been busy adding new bag making sewing patterns to my Etsy shop and have revamped the shop for the New Year. I’ve also been updating my UK Folksy pattern shop and website with some new patterns and a fresh new look. I hope you like the new looks and the new patterns.Make this padded messenger bag to carry a laptop in style. The bag includes optional pockets which are perfectly sized for safely storing a range of other gadgets such as a 10” tablet, an iPod and a smart phone. A large, padded flap closure keeps everything secure and closes with metal side-release buckles for a professional finish. Featured in the October 2013 issue of Sewing World Magazine.

Get the instant download pattern for the Laptop Messenger Bag

Make this eye-catching bag from bright statement fabrics or tone it down to suit your taste. Whatever fabric you choose, you’re sure to love this classy handbag. It boasts a collapsible gusset, which expands out to full depth when you need some extra space, and the metal twist/turn lock adds a nice professional finish. Featured in the November 2013 issue of Sewing World Magazine.

Get the instant download pattern for the Notting Hill Handbag

Kids and adults alike will love to receive one of these cute padded pouches in their Christmas stocking or indeed as a gift at any time of the year. They’re the ideal accessory for storing a mobile phone or an MP3/4 player, like an iPod. Make them in fun prints for kids or choose floral, stripes and contemporary designs for the grown-ups. The instructions include 3 different closure options to choose from and the option of adding a useful wrist-strap. Featured in the December 2013 issue of Sewing World Magazine.

Get the instant download pattern for the Smart Phone / iPod Pouches

I hope you like these new additions. Happy Sewing!

Susie xx

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All!

It’s been a whirlwind year! Can’t believe it’s Christmas time again already, where does the time go? I’m looking forward to a few days break, with the family. At the moment though, I’m busy finishing off some other handmade gifts I’ve been making. Will wait till after the holidays to share them though, just in case the recipients are reading this!! Don’t want to spoil the surprises. Here’s a sneak peek of the fabric I’ve used for one of them though:

Simple Marks in Summer by Malka Dubrawsky for Moda

To help the Christmas and New Year cheer along, I’ll be having a 25% off sale in my Etsy shop, starting tomorrow, 24th December through to 7th January. So, if you fancy getting some sewing done during the holidays or want to start a brand new project in the New Year, head on over to www.etsy.com/shop/susieddesigns

Thank you to all for your friendship and support.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and the very best for 2014!

The December issue of Sewing World magazine is out now!

My phone pouches sewing pattern in Sewing World magazine – December 2013 issue

The December issue of Sewing World magazine is out now! I’m so excited to have my mobile phone cases sewing pattern featured this month. They’re the perfect stocking filler to make and sew. I’ve used fun Christmas fabrics from Robert Kaufman fabrics, aren’t they just the cutest designs?

There’s lots of fantastic Christmas and Winter makes in this issue with great ideas for gift making. As usual, the mag is jam packed with fab techniques, features, projects and articles.

If you can’t find a copy locally, check out Sewing World’s website.

Black Friday Cyber Monday Weekend Sale on Etsy

Happy Thanksgiving to all my US friends! Hope you have a great day.

To help the celebrations along, I’ve kicked off a massive sale in my Etsy sewing patterns shop. You can get 40% off any patterns (including the multi-buy listings) all weekend, with coupon code BFCM40, from now until end of 2nd December 2013.

There’s lots of exciting, modern bags and accessories to make. If you’re looking for gift ideas to sew for Christmas, here’s a few suggestions to get you started…

Ladies Bi-fold Wallet Sewing Pattern. Normally $5.99, only $3.60 with coupon code BFCM40

Writing Set Cover Sewing Pattern. Normally $6.99, only $4.20 with coupon code BFCM40

Uptown Tote Bag Sewing Pattern. Normally $7.99, only $4.80 with coupon code BFCM40

Lots more ideas in my Etsy shop, remember to use the code BFCM40 to get 40% discount.

Happy sewing!

Susan xx

Sewing World Magazine November Issue Out Now!

The latest issue of Sewing World magazine is in the shops now! It’s another bumper issue, filled with gorgeous projects and sewing techniques to learn. I’m so excited to let you know about my new bag making project, featured in this issue. It’s the Notting Hill Handbag which I made with the most amazing fabrics from Joel Dewberry in Pristine Poppy and Tartan in Poppy. I felt these fabrics needed a bold, statement piece which inspired me to make this bag…

What’s on offer in this month’s issue?

Projects: Black velvet evening clutch, bunk bed tidy, pretty Christmas table runner, ‘my’ Notting Hill handbag, purse and mirror set, hanging storage caddy, pretty and feminine nightwear, cute chicken doorstop, a gorgeous burgundy lace dress for parties and Santa’s stable quilt.

Masterclass – Get to grips with ‘sticky’ fabrics

Choosing a New Sewing Machine – Part 6 – Overlockers and Coverstitch machines

November Showcase – Japanese fabrics

Clever Customising! – First in a new series – customise a t-shirt

Pattern of the Month – Simplicity 1656 – Tips and hints to sew this pattern

We Meet…Claire Mills of Crabtree Lane

We Review…Four sewing kits go under the spotlight

Sewing for Charity – Get making for good causes

Simply the Best Tips from Simplicity

Hope you enjoy it all! Find out more here: Sewing World magazine website

p.s. The finished Notting Hill handbag featured in the magazine is now available for sale in my Etsy shop. I only made one of these bags so you’ll be getting the actual one from the magazine and it’s truly one-of-a-kind. It would make a very unique Christmas present for a loved one.

What’s in the October issue of Sewing World Magazine?

This month’s issue of Sewing World magazine is jam packed with gorgeous projects for you to sew, including two of my own bag making projects! I loved designing and sewing these bags and as always it was so lovely to work with such great fabrics. The messenger bag is made from Laura Gunn’s Poppy collection and the child’s tote is made from Small World, Busy Bee and Tiny Gingham fabrics, all from Michael Miller Fabrics. They’ve got a great blog by the way.

October issue of Sewing World magazine in the shops now.

Messenger Laptop Bag by Susan Dunlop

Busy Bees Child’s Tote by Susan Dunlop

I just love the camper van teapot cosy on the front cover, it’s so cute! Other projects to try out are a casual pinafore dress, a lovely scarf with seaweed edging, a tulip needlecase, a fab pumpkin dress for Halloween, gorgeous lap quilt, a beautiful memory album, a fat-quarter pinny and part two of a seasonal hanging.

As well as these great projects, the techniques and features section include a Masterclass on shoulder shaping techniques, seam finishes, a guide to digital sewing apps, tips and hints on sewing with this month’s Pattern of the Month, choosing accessories for your sewing machine and a very interesting interview with Fiona Pullen of The Sewing Directory.

Oh, and if that’s not enough, there’s the bonus pattern supplement showcasing 49 patterns which can be ordered at rock bottom prices!

Enjoy!

Check out the new Sewing World Magazine website where you’ll find lots of inspiration, free patterns, competitions and a ‘made by me’ section where you can showcase your own handy work. inspiredtomake.com is also the home of Beads & Beyond, Craft Stamper, Patchwork & Quilting and Scrap 365

It’s Prize Draw Competition Time – Sewing Pattern Giveaway

Hi all!

I thought it was high time I ran another prize draw competition, as the last one was really popular and I’d like to offer 5 more readers the chance to WIN one of my PDF sewing patterns.

Simply have a look at my pattern shop on Etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/SusieDDesigns and leave a comment to this post, stating which pattern you’d choose if you win. I will randomly choose 5 winners from the entries. Closing date will be this Friday, 13th September 2013, and winners will be drawn and notified within a few days of the closing date.

I hope this Friday 13th will be a lucky day for you. Even if you’re not a winner though (or you just can’t wait), please use the following coupon code LUCKY25 to get an amazing 25% off any patterns in my shop. The coupon will be valid until 30th September 2013 and what’s more, you can use it as many times as you like!*

*PLEASE NOTE: the coupon is only valid for individual patterns, not to be used with the 3 for $__ or 2 for $__ multi-buy offers.

The prize draw winners will be announced right here on the blog. Please remember to follow, if you’d like to be kept updated – see the ‘follow via email’ and ‘Bloglovin’ links at the right-hand sidebar.

Please help spread some sewing love – share this post with your followers and friends so they can enter the pattern giveaway too!

THANK YOU AND GOOD LUCK!

Susie

New Sewing Patterns Available – Gift Ideas to Make for Christmas

I have some new sewing patterns available! If you’re planning on making some handmade gifts for Christmas I think the following sewing projects will be just the thing. If it’s bags and purses you’d like to make, there’s lots to choose from in my Etsy shop or my UK site at www.susieddesigns.co.uk but if you’re on the look out for some fab accessories to sew for family and friends, have a look at the new additions below. I hope you like them, I had great fun making them and I’m sure you will too.

7” Tablet Sleeve

7” iPad Case

Kindle eReader Sleeve

7” Tablet Sleeve, iPad Cover, Kindle Cover – Download the PDF Sewing Pattern / More Info…

8” Purse Frame Clutch Bag – Download the PDF Sewing Pattern / More Info…

15” Padded Laptop Sleeve – Download the PDF Sewing Pattern / More Info…

Latest Project in Sewing World Magazine – September Issue

My Hipster Bag project in Sewing World Magazine

Here’s a preview of the latest issue of Sewing World magazine, due in the shops this Friday, 16th August. Above is a peek at my Hipster bag sewing project! Hope you like it. I used gorgeous fabrics from Kate Spain’s Cuzco collection. If you’d like to see more of my bag making patterns, they’re available for instant download at susieddesigns.co.uk and on Etsy.

Sewing World Magazine September 2013 Issue

This month’s issue is, yet again, jam packed full of lovely projects to get stitching. Don’t you just love the comic book lunch pouch on the cover? I think I’ll be making some of these, so cute!

There’s a whole host of makes, features and techniques to learn.

Find out more and buy the latest issue at Traplet Publications or check out the mags Facebook page.

Camera Bag Project Featured in Sewing World Magazine

August ’13 issue of Sewing World Magazine featuring Camera Bag project

Here’s this month’s issue of Sewing World magazine. My camera bag project made it to the front cover! Yippee!!!! I made this bag for my new camera (and all it’s attachments/accessories) a wee while back and was so pleased when it was selected as a project for the mag.

So, what’s on offer in this month’s issue to inspire you?

There’s a 10 page Kid’s Special which includes a cute quilt, a practical pencil roll, pretty lettuce edge scarf, toy sleepover bag and a fab boy’s summer cap.

Other makes include a casual jacket, a girly tool belt, a gorgeous vintage-style dress, part one of a seasons wall hanging and my camera bag.

You’ll also find a whole bunch of techniques and features to keep you busy: the master class shows how to alter a pattern and make a perfectly fitted top, you can learn how to make Perfect Patch Pockets. Fiona tells us about four successful sewing bloggers and Julie continues her feature on sewing machines, this time exploring specialist patchwork and quilting machines.

Hope you enjoy this month’s issue. Check out Sewing World on Facebook.

Find more bag making projects for instant download in my Etsy shop or at www.susieddesigns.co.uk

Customer Make – Abigail Nappy Bag sewing pattern

I just love to receive news of what my customers have been making from my bag making sewing patterns. Jana, who lives on a small farm in Kentucky, sent me some pictures of her version of the Abigail Nappy Bag. She made it from an old feed sack! I think it’s absolutely fab and what a brilliant idea for recycling a feed sack. Awesome!

What do you think?

”I made a bag out of an old feed sack and I love it! This pattern was perfect for the feed sack! I’m so happy! :)” Jana, Kentucky, United States

The reverse side of the feed sack bag made by Jana.

Thank you, Jana, for allowing me to share these pictures with my readers.

Would you like to have a go at making this bag too?

Get the PDF pattern, with instant download.

Remember to send me pics of your creations too. I’d love to see what you make.

If you live in the UK, you can get the pdf pattern directly from my UK website – Abigail Nappy Bag