I named this bag with a phrase that describes how I feel about my Sister-in-Law, Denise. 🙂 When her name comes up on my caller ID, I’m excited to answer. I love talking to her. She is strong and adventurous and I admire her very much. I have been wanting to try a sized up Ethel for a while now. Ethel is such an elegant pattern. Simple and beautiful. I knew she would be great if she could hold even more stuff! I sized the pattern up by 130% and I was not disappointed. We are talking Michelle Pfieffer in One Fine Day; everything you could possibly need at your fingertips.…
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Alice the Tote Bag has Two Straps
I’ve been saving a small stack of farm themed fabric to make something special for my Mom. Before I cut into it, I wanted to try a Swoon Alice on for size. I found this pretty combination of a soft gray and mauve with the Eiffel Tower and flowers. The mauve lining is some terrific, heavier fabric I have used dozens of times in different projects. This marks the last time I’ll get to use it. It’s very soft for how sturdy it is and I’ll miss it now that it’s gone. The bag turned out terrific and I love the bigger size and straighter sides for a nice, big…
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Jumeaux (Twins)
I loved how my first twin bags turned out and so I had to do it again! I’ve been saving this Paris fabric for the perfect project. These bags are true mirror images of each other. The outside of one bag is the other bag’s lining and vice versa. I added hardware to the handles. It gives it a twinkle and lets the handles lay down flat to the sides when you’re rummaging for your keys. And speaking of keys, how about a matching key fob to go with? Yes, si vous plait! Update: My friend bought these matching bags for her daughter and her BFF.
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Dairy Maid
Here she is! I have been saving this fabric for just the right project. I am so pleased with my Dairy Maid Alice. Not only is the lining made from fabric that looks like the coveralls my Grandpa used to wear, but the handles are fabric from my Grandma’s stash. My Mom inherited a box of fabric from her Mom and she shared a little bit of it with me and each of my sisters. It is so precious to me. The surprise pocket in this one has chickens in it, not just because it goes with the farm theme, but my Mom loves this fun lip balm called Chicken Poop.…
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Sunshine on a Cloudy Day
I first had the idea to do two matching bags on my first try at a Swoon Ethel. My grandmother’s name is Ethel and this pattern looked like a sweet, simple bag. I’m not a very strict person with myself as I sew. I fit the pieces where they would fit and ran with it. What that means is that these bags are identical on the outside, but not so much on the inside. The first set of yellow and gray color scheme just flowed together. A sweet, simple bag indeed. I pictured them as a Mother Daughter set or BFF bags or even Sisters. Someone you wanted to stay connected…
