Sew a Circle-Shaped Bag

The air is crisp and the leaves are sprinkling the ground as I type. Apple picking season is among us. I tried to hold on to summer but, there's no escaping it. Fall is here. Yay! I am ready, bring on my favorite season.

My creative side has been lacking lately so, I wanted to try something new. Usually, I only share patterns that I love or have created myself. But, I wanted to shake things up around here. So, I'm sharing one of my sewing fails. Yes, a fail. A major sewing fail. Face-palm.
​Here's the circle bag.

I wanted to try my hand at something new for the upcoming season. I saw a circle bag in a shop and knew I wanted to make one. I had light brown vinyl and planned on using it for a cute Autumnal bag. After scouring the interwebs for a free pattern, I settled on what I thought was a good one.  Welp, the pattern was not great. I don't want to throw anyone under the bus so, I'm not saying where I got the pattern. But it was "meh" at best.


I knew from the beginning this was going to be an experiment. Yay for experiments! I created a fall-themed embroidery file to place on the front, just in case the purse turned out cute. I didn't want a boring brown circle bag. 
The embroidery design has leaves, pumpkins, and a scarecrow. Fun! Although, the scarecrow was a little wonky.... don't look too close. ;)

​
Following the instructions, I gathered everything that was needed and cut out the pieces. I embroidered on the front circle only, that's the only area everyone will see. I used mismatched hardware for the strap (it's what I had on hand) and I used a brown zipper. Fall bag, here I come!

The seam ripper was using a lot. I horribly sewed a piece of fabric to cover the embroidery. Next time, I’ll just leave it alone.

Putting The Purse Together

The pattern didn't call for a stabilizer, which I thought was odd. But, hey, I've never made a circle bag before so, I forged on. 


You start with the zipper and long fabric strips that get sewn to the zipper tape. I didn't get a photo of this part. 

Then, you take the bottom bag piece and sew it to the zipper at the short ends. This makes a long loop that connects at the zipper ends.


You're then going to take a circle piece and clip the heck out of it, to your piping. I just used pre-made piping from the craft store. You can find it next to the bias tape. The instructions didn't include piping but, long story short... you need piping in a circle bag. ;) 

I used my zipper foot to sew closely around the perimeter of the bag. You have to work with the vinyl during this part. I found it easier to use tons of clips and pull as you go. I didn't use as many clips during the first round and it was more fiddly to work with.

Using the zipper foot helped to get closer to the piping.

Clip the edges.

After both circles are sewn on, turn the bag out and cry. Ask yourself why it isn't round and perfect like the picture. Retrace your steps and check if you missed something. Nope. You did it all. You followed the directions perfectly. The bag just wants to be rude and un-round. Major face-palm moment.
Carry on to the long shoulder strap anyway. Attach the hardware and add the strap. This part is easy. And, you're done!

It was an easy bag to make, but so disheartening. Why isn't it a perfectly round shape? I think it's because this is a 2020 bag. That's the only logical explanation. This bag, along with all of 2020, stinks. LOL 

So, what was learned from this experience?
Piping is your friend and foam interfacing should have been used. Vinyl and faux leather are stiff, but they benefit from something added.  

I will use this bag throughout the Fall season because it's cute. It's not perfect by any means and I'm somewhat embarrassed to show it to you. But, as sewists, we know there are wins and sewing fails. 

The circle bag has not defeated me though. I've accepted the challenge and will conquer this bag! Stay tuned for a pattern that will be free to you and will work! I'm creating and experimenting as you read this. 

Have you ever made a circle bag? Was it amazing and round? Or whackadoo and rude like mine?

Please, share any tips, tricks, or fails in the comment section. We're all in this together! LOL

If you'd like a quick pattern that is a no-fail one, click here. You're welcome. 

Ugly or not, I’ll still use the bag. Maybe.

Happy fall sewing ya’ll,

Annette

Halloween Sewing Projects

Once upon a time, there was a not-so-old lady who bought some fabric she didn't have any plans for. She saw it online and had to have some. No clue what she'd sew with the fabric, she bought it anyway.

That's the tale of every sewist at one time or another, right? We buy fabric without a clue what we'll use it for. We just love fabric. Give us aallll the fabric!!

​Here are some spooky things you can make with your new or old Halloween fabric. Disclaimer: they're not really spooky. ;)

I recently bought a Halloween fabric panel online. The designs were much larger than I anticipated because...online shopping. There are six rectangle designs in the one-yard panel. So, I made two pillows with my favorite ones and trick or treat bags with the other ones. I had orange Kona cotton in my stash which was perfect for the backside of the pillows. These are not lined and are meant to be an easy sewing project.
​
The fabric is Art Gallery Fabric and from their Spooky and Sweet line. ​​Which one is your favorite design?

Halloween Pillows

You will need:

• 1/2 yard of Halloween fabric

• Bag of fluff to stuff the pillow or a pillow form

• Sewing machine and notions

• Invisible zipper (or regular if that's what you have on hand)

Witch Hat Pillow

I chose the witch hat for one pillow. Pinned a matching invisible zipper in place. See those cute pumpkin pins? My friend made them for me. Squeee!!

Cutting out the large pieces. Ignore the wrinkles. It was easier ironing each piece individually.

If you have a panel like this, it makes pillow making easy. Just cut out the design you want to make the pillow with. Place it on top of the fabric you want to use for the back, using the rectangle as the pattern. Trace and cut. 

If you don't have a design piece like I used, grab a couch pillow and measure it. Write down the measurements on paper and add a 1/2" seam allowance. Use your ruler, chalk marker, and scissors to mark and cut out 2 pieces of coordinating fabric. Place your zipper on the bottom end of the pillow. I used an invisible zipper but, you can use what you have on hand. Buttons are always cute too. Just be sure to add extra length if you choose that route.

This is Halloween sewing, it doesn't have to be fit for a queen. It's supposed to be spooky fun! Turn on some Halloween music and just enjoy the process. 

Invisible zippers are supposed to be hidden. This one turned out perfectly, whew!

Sewing the invisible zipper.

After your zipper is in, check to make sure it is smooth and not catching any fabric. Open it up about halfway. Fold the pillow with RTS (right sides together) matching corners and edges. Pin or clip together. Depending on how long or short your zipper is, you may need to sew the seam a few inches at each zipper end. *If using an invisible zipper, stitch 1/8" away from the zipper seam. This keeps it from puckering and gives a nice finish.

Clip corners and seam allowances if needed. Turn right side out, gently poke out corners with your fingers or blunt end of a chopstick. Go grab the pillow form or bag of fluffy stuffing. I give this job to one of my kids. They love to stuff the pillows. The pillow will turn out like a limp noodle or a stuffed pig, depending on the child. LOL 

Trick or Treat Bags

You will need:

• 1/2 yard or so, of Halloween fabric

• Webbing for handles (you can use grosgrain ribbon if you have that)

• Sewing machine and notions

Sew the sides and bottom together.

These are quick and painless and I did not line these. They only hold candy for one night so, they don't really need a lining. If you're unsure about the weight of candy from trick or treating, we're reinforcing the seams. You're going to use a french seam finish. Let's get started.


Cut out a rectangle the size you want. Make sure you add a 1/2" seam allowance in your measurements.
My pieces were 14" wide by 17.5" tall. A perfect size for a trick-or-treat bag. Long gone are the days of the pillowcases. 

• Lay your two bag pieces WST (wrong sides together), I'm not crazy, stay with me. You're going to sew a French seam. It's easy, I promise.

• Pin or clip the two sides and bottom edge. Sew with a 1/4" seam allowance, backstitching at the start of one side and finishing up all the way around to the next side. 

• Turn it inside out (your bag should be inside out). Trim the seam allowances as close to the seam line as you can. Press the seams flat. It's very important to trim the seams allowances, otherwise, you could end up with the raw edges poking out.

• Stitch 1/4" seam around the sides and bottom, backstitching at the beginning and end. The raw edges should be fully enclosed now. Press flat. 

Trim seam as close as you can.

Turn inside out.

Press, then sew around sides and bottom.

After second stitching, bag looks clean on inside and out.

Turn right side out, press.

Turn under, and under again for the top of the bag opening.

Take the top edge and fold under 1/4", then under 1/4" again. Topstitch around the whole top. I like to use a 3.0-3.5mm stitch length for this. Press flat. 


Now for the bag handles.
Measure on your child how long or short you want them. Does your child want shoulder length or handle length only? I cut my handles 20.5" long.  

Position the straps about 1.5-2.5 inches in from side seams and pin. Sew a box and X to secure the handle to the bag. 

Grab ribbon or webbing.

Cut to length.

Decide where you want the handles.

Now you have a sturdy bag to head out and fill with candy with! 

If you have smaller pieces of Halloween fabric you could make a crossbody bag or self-tie headband. Or, even a fun little purse. And, if you want a wardrobe piece and have two yards of fabric to use up, check out my skirt post. I have 5 Halloween skirts in my arsenal now. Yikes!! 

​
Halloween looks a little different this year. But, keep the spark alive by finding new ways to celebrate. We're going to do trick-or-treating with an Easter twist. Buckets of candy will be hidden around our property and have a glow stick inside. My kids will have to hunt for their candy this year. My older kids plan on dressing up to scare us as we walk our property. We'll have our usual chili and cornbread dinner and watch a Halloween movie outside unless the weather doesn't participate. 

What are your Halloween sewing plans? Please share in the comments below. We all could use some new ideas. 

Happy Halloween, sewing friends!

XO,

Annette

7 Sewing Myths, Busted

Wow, sewing sure seems to have made a popular comeback! Let's debunk common misconceptions about sewing and the people who do it. Whether you're new to sewing or a seasoned seamstress, you may have heard some of these tall tales. Let's put an end to them, now. Since more people are sewing nowadays, it'll be easier to make new sewing friends. Hopefully, fabric and notions will be easier to find as well. 

Let's dive into a few sewing myths and bust them! 

Vintage wooden sewing spools

1. Sewing is for old ladies

A common sewing myth is that sewing is for an older generation only. I'm here to tell ya, that more young people are learning how to sew. And, men sew too. My husband learned to sew when I put him to work for mask making. If you don't know where to start, you can find online classes, head to your local college and sewing shops, or even ask a friend to teach you. Sewing people are everywhere, you just gotta look. 

I have taught a handful of friends and family that I don't consider "old ladies". However, I do refer to sewing as one of my old lady hobbies. LOL. Oh, and kids sew too. I have taught all 4 of my kids to sew at a young age. It's a good life skill to have and it's not being taught in school anymore. Here's an article I found online about young people sewing more and more. I'm not crazy, I swear! Sewing is for everyone.

Busted!

2. Sewing is cheap

LOL! I always laugh at this one. Sewing is often more expensive. A lot more expensive. 

Making something from start to finish is costly. You walk into the fabric store and buy a pattern (or online) for roughly $12. You need a minimum of 1-2 yards (for most garments) of fabric which costs roughly $20+. A spool of electric blue thread to match your new fabric, $3. You need a new pack of needles too, $5. Not to mention the price you paid for your machine and all those other glorious notions you've put hard-earned money into. The cost is $40+ just for the 4 items I mentioned. And, I didn't include the price for your time. Time is money and you know it doesn't take 10 minutes to whip up a dress for little Suzie.

You can buy a nice top or pair of shorts for $25 at a big box retail shop.   

This misconception always gets me and it hurts my feelings sometimes. I love making gifts but, I've gotten looks and questions asking why I didn't buy something instead. Sigh. It takes a lot of time and energy to sew something. It ends up costing more than if you purchased the same item in the store, usually.

Let's spread the word and lay this myth to rest. 

Busted!

3. Only talented people can sew

Remember the movie Ratatouille? The chef's motto was "Anyone can cook." Welp, I believe anyone can sew! Seriously! I truly believe anyone can sew, anything.

This is a silly misconception that even runs in the sewing community. I've met sewists who say they could never make bras or they could never make a certain garment! Um.. yes you can! If you have the drive to sew a pot holder, you can make a prom dress. You can make anything you put your mind to. Cliche, I know. But, with the right tools and experience, you can sew whatever your heart desires. Will it be cheaper than buying it? Probably not (see myth number 2).

If you want to make something that seems crazy and difficult, search for it on youtube. You'd be surprised at how much info is out there. Not everything is there though, and that's why I started my blog. Shameless plug. ;) 

Busted!

Photo by Erica Lancaster

4. It's an inexpensive hobby

Sewing can be frugal or it can be really expensive. 

If you were gifted a sewing machine and boxes of fabric and notions, you're on team frugal. You can use bedsheets to make dresses. Scour yard sales for patterns and buy scissors at the dollar store. It can be a frugal hobby. *Never use old thread though. Please, splurge and buy new spools. Old thread breaks easily, causes issues with your tension discs, and creates more lint. 

However, if you are new to sewing and don't have a hand me down machine, you'll have to buy one. They cost upwards of $100. You should start with a basic machine and if you love it, upgrade a few years down the road. This is my upgraded one. Fabric and interfacing cost money. Thread, bobbins, needles, and rulers are needed to make everything. Scissors. So many pairs of scissors are needed. Fabric shears, thread snips, paper scissors, applique and embroidery scissors, and pinking shears, I have so many pairs of scissors. A rotary cutter and self-healing mat are nice, but not necessary. Not to mention elastic, buttons, sewing feet, zippers, and tons of other fun notions you have to have. Oh and don't forget about a seam ripper. Because... sewing. Seam rippers are the second thing you need after you purchase your machine. You'll need an iron and ironing board too.

I didn't list everything for sewing, but these are the basics. Sewing is not an inexpensive hobby. Eeek!

Photo by Erica Lancaster

5. Handmade looks homemade

Making a handmade gift for someone is such a sweet gesture. But, not all sewing is created equal. If a sewist takes shortcuts and skips pressing all the seams, the item will look wonky and homemade. We don't want that.

When you think of handmade, you should think of artisan quality. You shouldn't think of little Darla's card she made for grandma last summer. Handmade is often better quality than what you can buy in a store. It's made with love and the person has looked it over twice before giving it away or selling it. This is true as long as the artist doesn't take shortcuts. Seams need to be pressed, under stitching needs to happen, and interfacing must be used when needed. That being said, practice makes perfect stitches. Someone who is a passionate sewist takes their time and creates something beautiful.

Let's change the stigma on the term "handmade". Think artisan-made instead.

Busted!

Photo by Erica Lancaster

6. If you sew, you need to sell 

Nope, not true. This is a huge misconception. If you sew, you do not have to make items to sell. Sewing is a hobby, just like gardening, painting, or listening to music. Just because you love it doesn't mean you have to turn a profit. I sew and I choose to make things to sell. But, there are many folks out there who sew every day and never sell their items.

If you don't feel like your skills are developed enough to sell, then don't. If you don't want to make things to sell, don't. Also, if you are a new sewist, you need time to perfect your skillset before you should sell. You want quality products at your craft booth or online shop.

Don't beat yourself up over it either. If sewing items and selling them at local craft shows makes you happy, then do it. But, don't let someone make you feel bad if you don't sell stuff that you make. It's your hobby. Yours. You do what you want with it. 

And, no, I won't hem your pants. Hemming and sewing are 2 different things in my book. One is fun, the other is soul-sucking. Hahaha

My husband's pants get hemmed at the cleaners. #sorrynotsorry

Busted!

7. Quilting and sewing are the same

I'm probably entering controversial sewing territory.

But, I sew. I don't quilt. To me, they are different. Quilting uses quilting cotton fabrics. You sew rows of different pieces of coordinating fabrics. Cutting must be precise and it can take many, many hours to complete a quilt. They can be in blanket form, placemats, bags, jackets, etc. You then sandwich the pieced front to a solid back with a layer of batting inside. Then, you stitch rows or swirls on top to keep all the layers together. I have made a few quilted table runners for the holidays. I bring them out and place them on the coffee or kitchen table for the holiday. Then, put them away until next year.

But, to some, quilting is extraordinarily fun!!

I.... love sewing and the process of sewing. Finding that perfect pattern. Looking and touching pretty fabrics for said pattern. Figuring out the fit for your body. Making a muslin, or not.

If you sew a garment, you have something you can use every day. The key term is use. If I spend hours on something, I want to use it. I want to wear it out into the world. I want to show it off!

My mom has made the most beautiful quilts and I hope to get one, someday. I sew. I don't quilt. 

Busted!

UPDATE: I made a quilt! And, I liked it. I made two, actually. Shhh, don’t tell anyone.

I'm sure I missed tons of other sewing myths, but these are the top ones I wanted to bust for you.

Please share in the comments below any myths or stereotypes you've encountered. 

Thanks for hanging out today and happy myth-busting!

XO,

Annette