Pattern Review and a Giveaway!!

Guess what?  I got to test another great bag pattern, two actually!!  This time from Get Your Crap Together. (https://www.facebook.com/GetYourCrapTogether?ref=br_tf)

Congrats to PJ BAKER, winner of the mini crossover bag! :)

The Lazy Day Crossover Bag comes in two sizes with three different strap lengths for each one. A small pleat on the front helps give shape and room to the bag.  There is an optional pocket on the inside.  If you are new to zippers, don't worry--Chelsea makes it easy!  Did I mention that these bags are completely reversible?  I chose not to sew in Velcro so that I can turn my bag inside out if I'm not in the mood for so many elephants!  ;)

The perfect companion to the Lazy Day Bag is the Purse Organizer. Simple squares and rectangles and 2 pieces of ribbon make this an easy project.  Tons of pockets or just a few, you decide how

 
many you want. This organizer is also completely reversible, so you can customize your fabric choices to match more than one bag.  This organizer would be great to move from bag to bag, I think it would be perfect to go in a diaper bag!

In the course of testing the patterns, I made the full-size Lazy Day and also the Mini.  I love the larger bag and have been carrying it exclusively since I made it.  I have gotten so many compliments and also requests to make more of these for my friends, I can't wait to find new fabrics!

 

 

I decided that since I like my bag so much, I want to share with you.  One lucky reader will win the Mini Lazy Day bag that I made.  This cute little bag measures approximately 9 1/2" across the top, about 10" tall, with a 27" strap (13" drop). To enter, scroll down to the Rafflecopter box and complete your entries.  Good luck!!

 

 

Want the pattern so you can make your own bags?  Easy, follow these links to find all of Chelsea's great patterns!

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/GYCTDESIGNS

                                    Craftsy: http://www.craftsy.com/user/1589652/pattern-store

 Both the Purse Organizer Pattern ($4.95) and the Lazy Day Crossover ($4.95) will be on sale starting 6/11 and ending the end of day on 6/14. There will also be a Bundle of both the patterns available for even les...s at $7.95!! No coupon is needed.

 Here's the link to enter the giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3549a51/

End of the year teacher gifts

Disclaimer:  Although Lisa gave me a copy of this pattern as a part of the testing process, she certainly did not force me to make FOUR bags! (so far!) :D


I had the honor of testing Aivilo Charlotte's  newest bag pattern, the Marietta Tote. I always look forward to new patterns from AC.  They are well written and creative patterns with easy to follow instructions, clear and concise.  If you ever need help, Lisa is just an email or Facebook message away.

My test bag

This bag measures about 15" x 11" x 3 1/2." A great bag for everyday use, it's roomy enough that you can carry your laptop in it! It features a snap closure and two pockets-one inside, one outside, with two cute ruffles framing the outer pocket. It's a fairly easy sew with lots of options for fabric placement.  I can see this bag made out of many different fabric combinations (I only used 2 different fabrics for each bag.).

I carried my test bag for over a week, then my mom saw it...Guess who got a new bag?  :)

Plenty of room for a laptop!

As I was sewing the first bag, I kept thinking about the great teachers my son has this year.  I decided that this would be a great gift for them.  So, I made my way to Hobby Lobby and grabbed this great tossed numbers/letters fabric and some coordinating tone-on-tones.  I know, I know-teachers get tired of  "school"  fabrics, but I got advice from two terrific teachers before I went shopping. ;) 




As you can see, I got a little  playful with the fabric placement!

The teacher that received this bag
said it's the cutest bag she owns...
I hope she enjoys using it!!



Inside pocket.
I divided this one into 3 sections.

Of course, no bag for a teacher would be complete without a matching lanyard for their name tag!


  

I have been challenged by one of my favorite teachers to make her a bag just like these, only taller. I also want to make one for myself, I think it will be perfect for trips to the library...Good thing it's now summer and I will have a lot more time to sew!!

 

If you would like to purchase the pattern and make yourself a Marietta Tote, here's the link to Craftsy, where many wonderful Aivilo Charlotte patterns can be found. 

http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/accessory/marietta-tote-by-aivilo-charlotte/97567

 

Happy sewing!