Sew Powerful Purse #172 (2024)

For the flap of this purse, I heavily quilted tiny scrap pieces of batik fabrics, with a layer of tulle over the top. I added some yarn scraps too before adding the tulle and quilting the piece. The buttons were added when the flap was done. It's so satisfying to use even tiny bits of fabric pieces to create an artsy looking flap.

The front of the purse has a front pocket. I chose corduroy to make the exterior of the purse.

The back of the purse I added a slip pocket and apparently several pieces of lint too. 😂😄😆

Making this kind of scrappy flap is so much fun! No piecing required, just fabric scraps, a foundation fabric, optional yarn scraps, tulle or not (as long as you heavily quilt it you don't have to use tulle) and a few buttons for embellishing. This a great project for anyone who cannot throw away tiny scraps for fabric 😉.

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That Patchwork Tote from Around the Bobbin

That Patchwork Tote was a fun one to test for Around the Bobbin, because it was both patchwork and a bag, which are my 2 favorite things to make! Plus, you can use up your larger scrap pieces as well.

That Patchwork Tote is a great pattern for a quilter that is a new bag maker or a seasoned bag maker, but new to patchwork and quilting, because it is an easy to make tote and you can't go wrong with Lisa's great instructions! Rated for a confident beginner.

There are 2 versions of this tote you can choose to create. Version A has the patchwork pieces sewn more symmetrical with the fabrics even on each side and the seams running evenly down the center of the bag or Version B (the one I made) with the patchwork asymmetrical and the seams are offset. Being an asymmetrical kind of gal myself, this one was the one I had to make!😉😆

The pattern is on sale for just a few days only, so hurry. The coupon code is PATCHWORK for 25% off all day Friday through Sunday (4/26 - 4/28/24 midnight CST).

The tote measures 12" H x 11" W x 3 1/2" D.

Tote closes with a magnetic snap. Two divided slip pockets inside. If you are wondering what those spots of blue are in the lining, well I dyed this fabric pink and some of the dye must not have thoroughly dissolved and so it left spots of blue.🙄I don't mind it at all and it's in the lining, so it isn't a big deal to me.

I divided this slip pocket so I had a pen pocket and since the rest of the pocket would be too small to divide again, I added a plastic Kam snap to keep the pocket from flopping and to keep larger items inside. I also quilted the bottom base of the lining to hold the firm interfacing in place.

This slip pocket is divided in half to create 2 pockets.

Both pockets inside.

I quilted this bag in a grid using a Serpentine stitch.

Side view.

This was a fun tote to make and I love the patchwork look! For you people with embroidery machines, it would be fun to add some embroidery to some of the patchwork spaces, wouldn't it?

Oh, and be sure to check out the other tester's versions here. There are lots of various fabrics used and both versions of the tote sewn too.

Happy Patchwork Tote Sewing!

Note: I am selling this Patchwork Tote in my PayHip Shop too.  It would make an excellent Mother's Day gift 😉. Grab it now if you need a gift for any occasion. Thanks for looking!

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Large Retreat Bag with Handles & other Modifications

I love using up scraps of fabric strips to create a bag. This is a large Retreat Bag by Emmaline Bags that I modified and added handles to and I sewed a lower accent brown to the bag also to make the bag taller as well. I am always trying different things with my bag modifications. On this bag I made long strap tabs and riveted them to the bag. It gives a different look than the other Retreat Bags that I modified before.

 Besides the lower section and the handles, the other modifications I made were to sew fabric strips and quilt the exterior, a zipper pocket I added on the back of the bag, both a divided slip pocket and a zippered pocket inside the bag, purse feet and a stabilizer to the bottom of the bag, and I did not add an internal frame to the bag. With all my modifications, this bag is nothing like the original bag.

The bag measures 18" wide x 11"high x 6" deep.

The colorful fabric strips are all batik fabrics, accented with a brown cotton fabric.

Back of the bag I added a zippered pocket.

I love how wide this bag opens up. I added a zippered pocket and a divided slip pocket inside.

On the divided pocket, I added a pen pocket and a Kam snap for the remainder of the pocket to keep it closed.

Purse feet to keep it off the ground.

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