SCRAPPY STRING QUILT

Here is my first hand at a scrappy string quilt!!!! After trying the Nine Patch block, I wanted to try something different! I began doing the scrappy blocks in December during my university break. Then in July, I sewed the blocks together [6 inch squares] to make 12 inch blocks and added the brown sashing. Today I finally finished it!!! It measures 34x34, has no batting in between so I can use it to dress a table. I'm quite happy that it turned out well even though I cut everything by hand with scissors! The one mistake I soon learned from [after the first block] was not to take the paper out of the back after you assemble the 4 squares together to make one block. Sew everything with the paper and only after the sashing is on, take out the paper. It's quite a bit of a pain but it makes sewing easier and it's completely worth it.

Here are some helpful links to those who are looking to start making their own scrappy quilt:

Scrappy String Quilt Instructions

String Quilting Primer!

String Quilt Tutorial from Sewtakeahike

THE CUTEST CLUTCH

I love this zippered gathered pleats clutch!!!!!! It's a brown tweed with a cotton band in the middle. I can't wait to make more and in different sizes!

PLEATED CLUTCH WITH ZIPPER

After this project, I think my new favourite thing to sew will be pleated clutches! If you made a pleated handbag, you are well on your way to sewing a pleated clutch. I have been a little picky with the design because I really wanted to insert a zipper and the tutorials I found, did not have any instructions for that so i was left to figuring it out on my own It was not an easy task but I certainly learned quite a bit for my next project.

Here are some links to get you started or inspired!

1) Classy pleated iridescent clutch from Craftster

2) Make a pleated pouch bag from Threads Magazine

3) Fat quarter pleated handbag from Sew Mama Sew

PLEATED HANDBAG

This bag was supposed to be just a simple pleated handbag, instead it turned out into a HUGE beach-size tote!!! I made the mistake of adding a couple of inches thinking that the bag would turn out to be too small for my liking!

Things to learn from this project:
-Make larger pleats
-Don't use interfacing, or if you do, apply it after pleating the fabric
-Make slimmer handles or use braided handles
-Don't add a border
-Think of adding a magnetic snap or zipper closure
-Think of adding a zipper pocket inside
-Use heavier fabrics [canvas, linen]


For more information/tutorials on the pleated handbag check out the following links:

1) Green wool + brown plaid handbag "how-to" from sewtakeahike
2) Butterflies and Fruit Pleated Tote from Cut Out + Keep
3) Good posting on Craftster