.Thanks Amy!.

Not surprisingly, she's done it again.  I'm a sucker for Amy Butler books (and fabric and patterns...) and am very impressed with her new book, Style Stitches.  

I'm pretty picky when it comes to bag patterns and find it quite difficult to find ones that suit my needs.  They need to be big (I have tried small bags and they don't work!), a bit stylish - not too "cute", easy to carry, a big pocket or two and quick and easy to make. Previously, Amy's Nappy Bag and Birdie Sling patterns have been my "go-to" bag patterns.  But after a few years of using these bags, they are turning up everywhere and I have been ready to try a new bag pattern for awhile.  Enter Style Stitches...a book full of BAG patterns!

It really is a great book - there are at least 4 patterns I am very sure I will be trying out, which is a good indicator of a worthwhile purchase!  Just after I received the book, I got an email from Quilt Home with a newsletter special of 40% off their Home Dec fabrics.  A few of the bags I wanted to make specified Home Dec fabric, so I made the most of the special and purchased some.

There has been a bit of a sewing-lull around here lately.  I've got a lot of projects on my "to-do" list but the motivation just isn't there.  I get like this from time to time and just have to wait for the desire to resurface - not so good when Quilt Market is just around the corner though and I really need to get designing some new patterns and sewing some new samples for it!

Last night a little window of desire surfaced though...Jaron was out at basket ball, the kids went to bed (AND sleep) early and the house was mostly tidy so I pulled out my sewing supplies and spent the evening sewing the Reversible Everyday Shopper.

I was very pleased that this bag only took me two hours from the time I traced and cut out the pattern pieces to the end!  It was very simple to sew, gotta love an instant-gratification sewing project!

And, yep, it ticks all of the boxes...big (in fact, it is massive!), stylish, easy to carry, pockets and quick and easy to make!  My intention for this bag is to carry all of the "kid stuff" that goes with me from day to day.  They are a bit old for nappy bag attire now and I find that my bag is stuffed with 3 lunchboxes, 3 drink bottles, 3 hats, 3 jumpers, some wipes, a nappy as well as my essentials.  My bag is always overflowing, but this one is definitely going to fit the mould!  It will also be perfect for taking to church and filling with colouring books, pencils, books, snacks and bits and pieces to keep the kids quiet.

Other Style Stiches projects that have caught my eye...

Cosmo Bag (another good, big, carry-all) - I've selected my fabric for this one already and am looking forward to making it: 

And the Blossom Handbag.  This one is really cute - roomy, but less "Motherly" than my other bags!  Good for when I am going out without all of the kid paraphernalia!!  I want to make it using Home Dec fabric so that it is nice and sturdy so will have to keep my eye out for the perfect fabric to use:

And, I'm happy to say that I think the sewing-bug is slowly creeping back - phew!

SUPPLIES:

Amy Butler August Fields, Fresh Start in Tangerine

Amy Butler August Fields, Graceful Vine in Grey