Summer Bag Making
Has this heatwave got you thinking about summer bags?
Today’s blog post is here to whet your appetite for making the PERFECT bag for summer.
The first style is the humble tote bag.
There are lots of options for a tote bag. You could pick a simple tote like the Sew Over It Tote Bag, or go for something with a little extra flare like the BHL Ruffle Bag
Both these bags look great with a quilting weight cotton, and you can shop our full range here.
Who’s ready for a long, hot, lazy summer?
This fabric has a pale cream/pearl background with tiny colourful shells and snails scattered.
This AGF collection from Suzy Quilts has beautiful muted tones, bringing a calm and mellow feeling.
We’re stocking coordinating canvas and cottons from this range, as well as complementary pure solids too.
This Art Gallery Fabrics quilting cotton is from the Flower Bloom range.
Swing into spring with bold florals and groovy prints in Flower Bloom. In warm saturated yellows, moss greens and energetic pinks this collection is blooming with colour. Express your inner flower child with vintage inspired prints and playful designs.
It is a medium weight cotton; ideal for lining bags, or using with wadding to make a quilted bag too .
The retro style print with sun, clouds and flowers set against a light pink background make us think of lazy summer days. Why hide this fabric as a bag lining - make it a feature on the outside of your bags too!
This Cloud9 Fabrics quilting cotton is from the Happy Days Range by Brook Gossen.
This gorgeous quilting cotton weight fabric features colourful monstera leaves in greens, purples and pinks against white background.
This fabric is ideal for bag linings, or to use with wadding for a quilted bag.
HAPPY DAYS is a fun and colorful collection inspired by the beauty inside of us and all around us. The happiest days are when we celebrate our love and our diversity and take the time to reflect on the little things in life that bring us moments of joy. Happy days ahead!
If you’re heading to the beach, and need to carry plenty with you, I have a few picks. First up is the fabulous By Annie Roll With It. This pattern gives you the perfect space to carry your beach towel, and lots of secure pockets for your sunscreen, valuables, snacks,…
If you like something a bit more open, you could look at the Noodlehead Poolside Tote
This wrap style carrier is perfect for carrying yoga mats, beach towels, and more.
The pattern includes two zippered external pockets, and interior mesh and vinyl pockets. Along with adjustable straps to hold a yoga mat, towel or other bulky items.
The bag can be carried over the shoulder or cross-body - making it easy to grab and go.
This pattern includes two size options:
Standard Wrap (holds one small mat): 12"H x 13"-17"W x 8"D (30cm x 33cm x 20cm)
Deep Wrap (holds one large or two small mats/towels): 12"H x 13"-17"W x 12"D (30cm x 44cm x 30cm)
The perfect ote bag to take with you to the pool or beach this summer.
A really roomy bag, with a wide opening. It features a large external zip pocket to keep your valuabe secure, or you could make this a slip pocket instead. The pattern also includes a key loop to clip your keys insude the bag, so yo unever need to lose them at the bottom of your bag again.
Plenty of room for beach towels, sun screen, cover ups, wter bottles, snacks,…
Some fabric options for the Roll With It pattern, would be to pick a range of quilting cottons that compliment each other. You’ll also want to use some foam to add structure to the bag.
For the Poolside Tote, you have a wider range of choices. I have made a quilted version of this bag, which is BEAUTIFUL, but you could also select a cotton canvas for a lighter weight bag. Both work well, and your choice will help you create a unique look.
Isn’t this part of the joy of making your own bags, you make it uniquely ‘you’!
If you’re thinking about bags you can use for a city break, take a look at the Noodlehead Haralson Belt Bag. The perfect combination of stylish and practical. It goes with your daytime and nighttime looks, and has nice secure pockets to keep valuable safe when travelling.
Another great option for a bag which will carry you from day to night is Arch Clutch by Kylie and the Machine. This bag is more spacious than it looks, and looks cute across the full day.
The final pattern pick for your summer essential bags is the Linds Handmade H2o 2Go water bottle holder. Not only is it an attractive bag to carry your water with you, the well designed front pocket means you have all the space you need for cards, keys, …
This on trend cross body bag is a great staple in your wardrobe.
The Haralson Belt Bag is roomy enough for everyday use, and compact enough for evening use too. It features a rear zip pocket, an internal zip pocket and a variety of options for the secure front fastening.
This bag looks great in one fabric choice, or with a contrast flap too.
The Arch Clutch is the bag you’re going to grab every time you go out. Big enough to hold everything you need for day time and night time, whilst being trendy and easy to pair with any outfit.
Choose to add a wrist strap, or keep it simple without.
This handy drinks carrier from Linds Handmade packs a punch.
Not only have you got the perfect space to carry your water bottle, but also a reallyl useful pocket on the front for your other essentials.
The front pocket has two options to help you personalise this cute bag to your needs.
The finished dimensions are approximately 11” tall x 6” wide x 4” deep (28cm x 15cm x 10cm).
Materials and supplies needed:
• Fat quarter main fabric (more if using for body strap)
• ⅓ yard (28cm) waterproof canvas (WPC)
• ¼ yard (23cm) accent fabric
• ¼ yard (23cm) of 17” (43cm) decovil light or Peltex F71
• ½ yard (46cm) of 45” (115cm) woven interfacing (*fabric dependent)
• 16” (40cm) or longer #5 zipper (for zipper by the yard, cut it exactly 14” 36cm))
• (2) 1” (25mm) D rings, O rings, or triangle rings (or smaller)
• (2) 1½” (40mm) swivel clasps
• (1) 1½” (40mm) strap adjuster
• 57” (145cm) of 1½” (40mm) webbing for strap
All of these three patterns are crying out for a bright and fun cotton canvas.
This Art Gallery Fabrics cotton canvas is from the Charleston range.
It is a medium weight cotton canvas, ideal for bag making.
The cream background, with white, blue, pink and orange pineapple motifs make this a fun summery fabric.
This is a Cloud9 solid cotton canvas.
It is a medium weight cotton canvas, ideal for bag making.
The solid colour works well alongside many other solids or patterned canvas.
Who’s ready for a long, hot, lazy summer?
This AGF collection from Suzy Quilts has beautiful muted tones, bringing a calm and mellow feeling.
We’re stocking coordinating cottons from this range, as well as complementary pure solids too.
This Cloud9 Fabrics cotton canvas is from the Easy Weekend range.
It is a medium weight cotton canvas, ideal for bag making.
The pale pink background and black and white floral accents offer a fun pop of colour for a ‘stand out’ bag.
Works well with Easy Weekend: Sprouts - Cotton Canvas too!
I can’t wait to see your summer bags popping up on my social media feed! Go make the bag of your dreams, and don’t forget to tag me so I can love it too!
