Tag Archives: Anny Bag pattern

Mar31

Flowers and Beyond!

Posted on March 31, 2014 by Anny

Spring has sorta sprung here in Texas and my thoughts have turned to flowers–fabric flowers that is!

Fun to Wear Fabric Flowers by Elizabeth Helene Searle is a wonderful resource that guided me through crafting all the flowers above. A 96 page book with fabulous photos and examples.

Four of the five flowers you see above were sewn from kits I purchased at International Quilt Festival. The top left flower, though, was made from a pattern by Heather Bailey that’s attached to her purse pattern, “Marlo Bloom Handbag.” This decorative flower is easily constructed following her well-written instructions and adding a vintage button. Here is a closer look:

And here we have the same flower styled with laminated fabrics and a hand-painted button from Mood.

Sometimes, as with the Heather Bailey project, the flower is a bonus from a purse pattern. The same happy circumstance occurred with Carina Gardner’s “Dainty Blossoms Sling” which sports a lovely lush flower that I created for our Springer Spaniel, Kate, from laminated pink floral. She wears it proudly and everyone can see just how feminine she is! 🙂

For Kate

From that very sling pattern I actually fashioned a laminated bag with a casual vintage vibe that I titled “Welcome Back, June”! in honor of summer approaching and a nod to June Cleaver. 🙂 “Now, Ward, don’t you think you were a little hard on Beaver?” Oh, geez, showing my age again… But it does just channel the fifties, don’t you think?

Welcome Back, June!

In addition to my journey into flowers, I also sidestepped into headbands. And where did I find those patterns? Just Google “how to make a reversible headband” and YouTube, of course, will have you stitching headbands before you know it! Here are a few of about a dozen reversible headbands I created. Such fun! Easy and quick! Now at Tina’s!

During Spring Break, my adorable Gracie, The Fashionista, visited and here is a picture of her latest creation–a purse, and of course, it’s in animal print! Girl after my own heart!

My return to actual purse making came in the form of an Anny Clutch from a beautifully vibrant laminated Kaffe Fassett print. Behold “Cheshire Garden.”

Cheshire Garden

One of my favorite Etsy shops, Laminates, provided the fabric (Who’s That Girl? from Robert Kaufman) for this awesome Parisian bag which I deem “Shopping on the Seine.” And the genuine leather handle is from another favorite I’ve mentioned before, Cindy’s Button Company.

Shopping on the Seine

Wanting to experiment with laminated fabric using one of my favorite patterns by Cindy Taylor Oates, I stitched a bag with elements from the sixties. The flower child print is from Stella Dear Stella Designs which I discovered at an awesome Austin shop called Stitch Lab. Dripping with tassels, fringe, and a large leather flower, I coined a new word for this lovely bag– “Fringeship.” 🙂

Fringeship

In the spring/summer season, it’s too easy for me to get caught up in the laminates. (Although, that seems to be what the customers like.) AND I was ready for a pattern that was completely new and different to me. I chose a pattern called Laguna from The Quilter’s Dream. When I saw the sample ready-made at Quilt Festival, it was sewn from all cotton. Instead, I chose to fashion it from a teal floral heavy linen, then machine appliqued the large flower from a fuchsia chenille. I placed a purchased light pink fabric hibiscus in the center, then topped the rim with a sage green ball fringe. I’m delighted with the outcome and titled it “Floral Magic.”

Floral Magic

And now for the Anny Bags–all laminated. The first is a wild Brother/Sister Designs fabric, alternating with a Michael Miller polka dot, which I named “Psychedelic Gardens.”

Psychedelic Gardens

Then I reverted to my four ruffle Anny Bag pattern. I am continually tweaking (not twerking–although that would be exercise) my Anny Bag pattern, usually fiddling with dimensions. I always think, “Ah, this is perfect!” Then, I adjust it again. What’s that about?? Anyway, the following are three that I have delivered to Tina’s in the last week or so.

Black and White and Red All Over

Garden Party

Flirty Flowers

And there you have it, folks! The fruits of my labor! This week I plan to produce three more Anny Bags. Yikes! Actually, Tina’s on the Strand has chosen me to be the featured artist at Artwalk on June 6th, and fear of inadequate inventory drives me! I text pics of the completed bags to my daughter who last night inquired, “Do you ever leave your sewing room?!” Well, yes. I go to Curves, Bunko, Mah Jongg, Lunch with the teachers, friends, and family, mani/pedi, etc. But the REST of the time, I’m sewing. Happily Sew! 🙂

Sep16

Wow! Those YouTube Videos Are Addictive!

Posted on September 16, 2013 by Anny

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Just had my two week knee check-up and I’m healing great! AND I’ve managed to complete bags number fourteen and fifteen for the Artwalk Show! Bag #14 shall be named Merry Messenger. It’s the same Ali Foster mini-messenger pattern that I used a few weeks ago and loved. This time I stitched from an embroidered floral faux leather from Cowgirls and Lace, and just for fun, added a textured leopard print strap and a laser cut button.

For Bag #15 I modified my Anny Clutch pattern, including adding a tan and turquoise beaded purchased handle. After studying several YouTube videos on making fabric flowers I tried my hand at creating one. Using a teal and tan French wire ribbon, I gathered it into a flower shape adding a vintage aqua and gold button. A little netting that I happened to have on hand was an added touch, plus a circle of felt to cover the back and a pin so it could be removable. There are so many awesome videos out there that it was exceptionally hard to quit watching them and actually try it! (Just Google “Making Fabric Flowers.” Oh, my! A plethora of flowers–fabric, felt, ribbon, lace, sewn, glued–you name it! ) And this last bag was where I gathered the courage to cut that luscious silk velvet from Mood Fabrics, both the teal and soft floral taupe that seem to have an antique look. Forever in Velvet is the name of this bag. But honestly, If you could touch that velvet, you would want to wrap yourself in it. So yummy!

Oh, yes, and I transformed my sewing room. I don’t know what got into me but the night before my knee surgery I felt the need to rearrange that room. I’m sure part of it was that Rick is building me a bench with drawers (Farmer Rick is also Retired Engineer/Woodworker Rick) and you know how that goes. Once you have a great new item, it starts that domino effect and suddenly you want to organize, purge, donate, and make everything more functional. I did that, including the entire walk-in closet, and I’m very happy! Sometime I’ll have to give you a virtual tour of my room. 🙂

So with three weeks to Showtime, I have “finished” my Fall collection. Hmm, do we actually believe I won’t try to slip in another or another? Anyway, I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before but with every bag comes a handmade tag. And by tag I mean this is how I keep my hand in the scrapbooking department. 🙂 I compose a little blurb about the bag, then print on scrapbook paper and embellish with sparkles, florals, ribbon, whatever strikes my fancy to give it dimension. Sometimes I incorporate some of the fabric from the bag. Last night I stayed up very late (so what else is new?) and composed the tags. Just composed the writing. Now I need to turn them into little works of art. That’s what I’ll be doing this week. Here are a few samples from past bags:

Talk to you soon, after I get things just a little more under control. But for now I’m off to catch just a few more tutorials before bed! Darn those YouTube tutorials! They’re as addictive as Pinterest! 🙂

Jul2

Oh! The Sparkle of it All!

Posted on July 2, 2013 by Anny

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Release me! That’s what my new Anny Clutch Pattern kept saying, but I kept editing and testing and editing and testing and getting help from my computer guru (aka Hubby) until finally today (Yes! Today!) I was able to put the new pattern on my Etsy Shoppe for sale! Hallelujah! Like birthin’ a baby! 🙂 I added more pictures with the directions this time and a template for the main part of the bag. This new creation has a choice of button/loop closure or magnetic snap, three pockets, and is actually a generous size for a clutch. Width – 11 inches, height 8 inches, and depth at the bottom 3-1/2 inches. Here’s a pic of the new Anny Clutch and my sweet, granddaughter, Madison, who modeled it for me:

Fashioned from Michael Miller quilting weight cotton, this bag will be calling my closet home because I always keep the prototype for my pattern in case there are any questions from customers. (That’s what I tell myself. Could it be that I have separation anxiety and/or would love to use this clutch? Moi?) Since this was the prototype, it features both a magnetic closure and a loop closure with a button I covered from my stash.

However, my second test of the pattern will be for sale on my Etsy Shoppe (remember, Its Sew Anny–no apostrophe) and here is a picture. Hard to part with…uh-oh. No, this baby’s already listed, and I’m sure it will find a great home. Styled from Anna Maria Horner’s Field Study Collection (and a little Moda thrown in for good measure), this clutch is sturdy enough to stand alone because these beautiful fabrics are actually linen! I chose a floral removable pin with distressed ribbon for embellishing, and there is a magnetic snap and three pockets. Someday soon I’m going to experiment with creating my own fabric flowers. Here is a pic. Too bad Madison’s not here to model for me…

Along with fabric floral experiments, my near future plans include a foray into Victorian type purses and perhaps some gypsy upholstered boho/chic type bags. These lend themselves to the fall season, and although we haven’t seen Independence Day yet, with temps in the 100+ range, I fantasize about fall everyday! Speaking of Fourth of July, here is a pic of my current redwork. I had visions of it becoming a pillow before the Fourth of July but I guess we’re looking at 2014. 🙂 I had forgotten what a stress reliever redwork is! Love it!

In other news, we had a quick trip to Austin last week, with a stop along the way to visit the LaGrange property so that Rick could introduce me to his pride and joy–the new Kubota tractor (and all its many attachments.) He coaxed me up into the seat and took my picture which I should probably publish before he does…but here is the proud new owner and operator himself. The mean machine has actually cleared quite a lot of land already!

Also along the way, he showed me an old farmhouse that we may move from a nearby town to our property. Stay tuned…

Once we finally made it to Austin, we had a super visit! The first evening we headed out to a fabulous Italian restaurant (with gelato!) and threw an early birthday party for Gracie. Grandpa put together the awesome dollhouse that is bigger than she is! That was a lot of work, Grandpa!

The next day I snagged a chance to visit my ultimate home dec fabric shop, Cowgirls and Lace, in Dripping Springs, Texas. You should see the exquisite fabrics I gathered, and trims! Actually, you’ll spy quite a few in the fall season bags I’m planning. A quick trip but such fun! Shortly after we arrived home, I felt something stuck under my shoe. A rock? A tack? No… Now where were we the last few days? Oh yeah, with our crafty, artsy granddaughters!

But of course! It’s a lovely fuchsia stick-on craft jewel! Oh, the sparkle of it all…:) And speaking of sparkles, I hope you all have a fabulous Fourth of July with plenty of Fireworks Sparkles!

Jun7

These Boots Are Made for Walkin’

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Anny

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Oh, Happy Day! Imagine my surprise when I delivered a new bag to Tina’s on the Strand and Fiery Fiesta was part of the window display!

Fiery Fiesta is the large version of the pattern I designed and now sell in my Etsy shop, Its Sew Anny. It’s called “The Anny Bag Pattern” (a PDF pattern) and the idea originated with a glance at an apron from Pier 1 that had been cast upon the back of my sewing chair. I had been dreaming of a pattern with ruffles but everything I searched to buy had too small and tightly gathered ruffles. There was the perfect configuration in that ruffled apron, and thus, the birth of The Anny Bag. The summery Fiery Fiesta bag was made from Kaffe Fassett laminated cotton. The bag I delivered was Tropinkal Chic. Fashioned from hot pink and tropical laminated cotton, with a flirty pink polka dot lining, this bag is the medium size version of the Anny Bag Pattern.

Tropinkal Chic

Recently I created another one of my favorite patterns (CraftApple’s Knotted Bag–“Afternoon” size) that I call Paisley Polka. The laminated fabric is a Riley Blake design called Sugar & Spice by the Quilted Fish. And the whimsical turquoise polka dot bow and bib is from Michael Miller. Available in my Etsy shop.

That same pattern from CraftApple’s Knotted Bag also offers an “All Day” size which I styled from an Amy Butler fabric from her Alchemy Collection, called Sketchbook Rose. I named this bag Blue Skies and Roses. The quilted weight cotton lining had been in my closet for some time while I searched for the same print in a laminate. I finally discovered it at the online shop called Laminates–a very fun store with a huge selection of laminates, as well as quilted weight cottons. This bag is large enough to even carry a laptop! There is a generous pocket inside but a huge exterior section that they call a “magazine pocket.”

And now for something completely different, last night I went back to using non-laminated fabric and created a design by Sue Kim that she calls Hobo Chic. I call it Just Plain Mod! The fabric I chose is straight out of the sixties! It is a durable canvas weight and I lined it with yellow polka dot with two pockets. (This bag is also available in my Etsy Shop. ) As a finishing touch, I added a tan leather button right in the middle of one of the giant flowers. All you need to complete this look is a pair of GoGo Boots! Oh, I’m showing my age… These boots are made for walkin’, right Nancy? Well, that’s just what they’ll do–right up the stairs to my sewin’ room!

Mar29

Tradition Lives On!

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Anny

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Spring has sprung! At least here in Texas… And what color says spring like the color of sunshine? My beautifully laminated yellow, gray, black, and white floral cotton was calling to me. My first Anny Bag of the year, Daisy Dots, is complete! I used a yellow polka dot for the lining and just happened to have that cute little black and white dot flower for embellishment. The black polka dot ruffles are a Michael Miller laminated fabric that goes so well with many combinations. Thank you, Michael! Three pockets and a magnetic closure make it perfect for traveling and shopping. The day I completed it I was watching The View and there were models dressed for spring in black and yellow:

Another laminated Michael Miller fabric, Secret Garden was perfect for my next bag as well–both lining and exterior. A popular Amy Butler pattern was used but with a twist. I multiplied the inner pockets and adorned it with blush colored beading. Speaking of blush, this bag was called Wine on the Vine. The beading would have been simple to apply (and was) but the effect looked a little skimpy to me so I added a row of burgundy velvet trim to enhance the effect. A Jennifer Paganelli design called Queen Street lined the interior.

Every year I donate a bag to the Salvation Army Benefit Gala’s silent auction. This year I created Springtime in Paris from a Craftapple pattern called Tailored Bags, and yet another Michael Miller fabric along with his black polka dot. The main fabric features vintage style scenes of ladies shopping in Paris. The interior is a cotton called Barefoot Roses from Tanya Whelan. This was the first time I’ve applied a swivel clasp closure which couldn’t have been easier. The bag’s nice wide bottom and multiple pockets, including a large pocket on the exterior, would, indeed, be perfect for shopping along the ChampsElysees! But, seeing as how the bag fits file folders perfectly, it could even be a tote for working at the office.

We are taking a cruise next week to celebrate Rick’s retirement from Shell. So exchanging summer for winter clothing in the closet occupied a day or two since there was a lot of trying on, making packing lists, etc. But I’ve really been enjoying the posts on The Renegade Seamstress’s blog and took a note from her to modify an item I found left from last summer. I had purchased a white linen J.Jill dress with a hood online and although I really liked the look, I was not comfortable with the length–too short. So I cut off about 8-10 inches, leaving enough for a generous hem, and created a top! Even used the cut off fabric to make pockets–yay! Add a pair of capris and you’ve got a new outfit! 🙂 I forgot to take a “before” pic but here is the new top:

We’re having another Open House tomorrow, so Rick and I will take the doggies beachcombing for a bit while our trusty realtor does her thing. Yes, I still need to keep the sewing room spiffed up and tidy! Oh–last week the doorbell rang and this lady told me she used to live in our house. So I gave her and her daughter the tour and she was SO happy to see that I was using the lightfilled upstairs bedroom for my sewing room as that was what she had done when she lived here. And SEW…the tradition lives on!

Here’s hopping, er hoping, your Easter is fabulous!

P.S. Had my first Etsy sale last week–a lady from Australia purchased The Anny Bag pattern!

Mar5

SCRAPBOOK: It’s Sew Anny Designs

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Anny

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Recently I compiled a digital scrapbook to showcase some of my creations and give a little background for It’s Sew Anny Designs. Take a look…

Customize a free digital scrapbooking design

Oct18

Release of the Anny Bag Pattern!

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Anny

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New ANNY BAG PATTERN

Hot diggety dog! On October 29 at Quilt Market (just before the International Quilt Show) in Houston, Texas, the Anny Bag Pattern will be available for shops to purchase. After that date, you may contact Quakertown Quilts, Inc. and order online or purchase at their shop in the Woodlands, TX. This is my first pattern for sale and I’m super excited!!

It's Sew Anny!

Do what makes your heart sing! A blog about Sewing and Traveling

Tag Archives: Anny Bag pattern

Flowers and Beyond!

Wow! Those YouTube Videos Are Addictive!

Oh! The Sparkle of it All!

These Boots Are Made for Walkin’

Tradition Lives On!

SCRAPBOOK: It’s Sew Anny Designs

Release of the Anny Bag Pattern!

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