Soda Pop Bag

Soda Pop Bag with Adorn It Fabrics

for Fort Worth Fabric Studio

I'm excited to share a review of the Soda Pop Bag and Adorn it fabrics. I LOVED making this Soda Pop Bag by Sew Sweetness!  Plus the amazing Gigi Blooms fabrics by Adorn it just shouts SPRING!

It was hard to pick which fabrics to choose, but I decided on the bright Mango Fresh Blooms for the bag exterior, Grey Happy Notes for interior (the gold dots are even metallic :) ), and Pink Burnish for the peek-a-boo fabric.

This is a super fun pattern to sew! It is perfect for beginners with very clear instructions with color pictures. The magnetic closure is easy and I have brief "how-to" at the end of this post.  I LOVE the size of this bag. It holds what I need, but isn't massive. 

The grommets are super easy to use...no tools...they just snap together! I think they add such a fun pop to the bag! This was my first time sewing folded handles in the middle and it was easy...plus I got to topstitch :). I was worried that it would be a bit thick for my machine so I just sewed slowly and it was great!

This bag uses a magnetic closure to close the top of the bag and has 2 pockets on the interior. I seriously love the interior fabric especially since the gold is metallic too!

I thought I would share a quick "how-to" install magnetic closures. I think it might become one of your favorite ways to add a closure to your next project.

Step 1: Gather supplies. Ruler, pen, 2 pieces of Soft and Stable OR Pellon Flex-foam (I used this), set of magnetic closures (mine came with washers),  scissors, optional (seam sealant - I used fray check since that is what I had at home)

Step 2: Use ruler and pen to mark location of magnetic closure. Then cut two small slices in fabric for magnetic closure prongs to fit. Optional: Add seam sealant or fray check to slices.

Step 3: Push Magnetic closure prongs through slices and flip over. Layering looks like below from backside. Fabric lining (with Shape-flex fused already), Pellon-flex foam OR Soft and Stable, washer. Then push prongs to the outside (like a brad).

Step 4: Flip over lining and admire your installed magnetic closure. Repeat for other side.

I will definitely be making this bag again! I'm thinking with Star Wars fabric next time :)

Be sure to share your Soda Pop Bag project with us!

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Melanie

Star Wars Quilt

Star Wars Quilt Free Quilt Pattern

I'm super excited to share my Star Wars Quilt today! I think this quilt might be my Star Wars loving family's favorite!

I really loved sewing with the new Star Wars Fabric by Camelot Cottons. The print quality and fabric softness of this collection is fabulous.  The hardest part of this quilt was choosing which fabrics to use.

This is a really quick and easy quilt top to make! I really wanted The Force Awakens Rebels fabric to standout so I kept the block simple by fussy cutting and adding borders.

This large lap size quilt is the perfect size for watching Star Wars movies and playing the Lego Star Wars video game. I think it will be our fave quilt for picnics this spring too! 

I started straight-line quilting the off-center strip first about 3/8" apart and LOVED it! So I thought....why not quilt the entire quilt with straight-lines 3/8" apart too. After MANY hours and bobbin changes, I finished and love the amazing quilting texture!

Download the FREE pattern from the Fort Worth Fabric Studio blog.

Kits are available at Fort Worth Fabric Studio here.

May The Force be strong with you as you make this quilt!

Be sure to tag us on instagram @fwfabricstudio and #sewingwithfwfabricstudio and me @mellierc

Thank you!

Melanie

Adding piping to your Aeroplane bag

Hello! Now it is time to add piping to your Aeroplane Bag.

I recently got a piping foot for my sewing machine so now I want to add piping to everything! You can make your own piping or buy it already made.

1. Gather your piping (made or store bought). You will need two pieces of piping about 1 inch longer than the length of your bag. If interested: I cut my fabric strips 1.5" to make my piping.

2. Place your piping on your Exterior Panel A with raw edges of piping lining up with raw edge of panel. Be sure to measure that there is 1/2" between raw edge and sewing line for piping. If your piping is larger or smaller- just line it up so that the sewing line is 1/2" from raw edge.  See below.

3. Use lots of Wonder clips or pins to hold the fabric together. With fabric right side up- begin to sew a basting stitch close to piping stitching line (about one thread width toward raw edge of fabric). I used the longest stitch length on my sewing machine to create my basting stitch.

4. Now place Exterior panel B right side up and Exterior panel A right side down (this is the opposite of the picture in step 11 of pattern). You will want the backside of Exterior panel A "up" because you are going to use your basting stitching line from the previous step to adhere the panels together. By using your basting stitch as a guide- your piping will look pretty and you won't accidentally sew over it. Now begin to sew 1/2" seam allowance that is also 1 stitch width away from the raw edge (or toward piping). This will hide your basting stitch in the seam allowance and it will not be seen.
Hint: Use a sewing foot that is clear so you can easily see the basting stitch. Sorry it's hard to see in the picture as I used white thread.

5. Now open up your panel and be amazed at your lovely piping!

Watch out...once you start making piping - you will want to use it in every project!

Melanie

Adding your own exterior pocket to your Aeroplane bag

Hello again! I'm excited to show you how you can easily add an exterior pocket to your Aeroplane bag. 

Let's begin:
1. After you have finished pattern step 7, measure the distance between your straps (BEFORE you sew them on).

2. Take the distance between the straps and add 1 inch (this will allow you to cover the pocket sides under the straps. Example my distance was 9.5" so I want to cut my pocket width 10.5".

3. Now determine how tall you would like your pocket. I decided to make mine 7 inches so it would match the sewing height on the straps. I wanted my pocket to be lined so I doubled this number to 14 inches.

4. Cut pocket. Mine was 10.5" x 14"

5. Fold pocket in half and press. Then top stitch along fold. You may stitch around all sides if you desire, but it is not necessary as you will be enclosing your pocket under the straps.

6. Line cut edge of pocket along bottom edge of exterior panel A. Then lay straps on top and begin to topstitch, which adheres the straps and pocket to bag at the same time.
Tip: I used a fabric glue stick to adhere my pocket and straps before topstitching so my fabric would not move. You could use pins if you prefer.

Now you are all set to make an exterior pocket for your Aeroplane bag. I hope this tutorial is helpful! Let me know if you have questions.

Melanie