Dizzying stripes

Two denim totes for DD and me. DS doesn't like stripes.

These are large enough to put A4 files in and with the many pockets (2 large ones in front, 2 large ones back, panel inside), we can carry many stuff around. DD prefer to carry hers without the detachable strap. I prefer mine attached 'cos sometimes I use the over the shoulder straps, sometimes I use the longer one.

I think I'll make more of these if I can find the right thick fabric - canvas or denim. I wonder if oxford will work as well?

Some other design considerations:

flap covers for the outside pockets with the snaps on the flaps

swivel hook on the inside to snap on key rings

zipper pocket

shorter handles for handcarry

zipper closure for main body

Have a blessed day!

What's your favourite colour?

I like yellow, DS likes red and DD likes green.

I paired this yellow canvas with a brown one so that the dirt doesn't show up so easily when placed on the floor. There are two big pockets in front and two at the back. One panel of pockets inside means lots of compartments to put all your stuff :-)

I was a bit hesitant to use silver rivets and snaps 'cos I thought brass ones would be nicer but I only had silver hardware for the strap so that determined the colour. Turned out rather well, IMHO. :-)

Have a blessed day!

Cheering up DD

DD's ill. Fever of 38.6, taken at the clinic this morning. It's 2 days to the PSLE oral and I decided to cheer her up by making this sling bag. I gave her a choice, sling bag or pouch. She chose sling bag. I decided that since she's into clutches, I'd make a clutch with a detachable strap so she can use it either as a sling bag or a clutch. She chose the strap too. I didn't have the antique bronze parts for a matching sling but I had 2 readymade straps. The other one that she didn't choose has a brown webbing. Well, her preference.

She hasn't attached the bear zipper pull yet 'cos of the drowsy meds. That's for the zippered pocket inside (back). The other side inside has a panel of 5 pockets. There's another huge one just under the flap.

Oh, and I like this flap :-)

2 reasons - it's the first time I'm using this lock closure and also 'cos it's quilted and shaped like an envelope flap. Maybe I'll make more of these :-)

Materials : denim (exterior), oxford cotton (interior)

Have a blessed day!

Afternote: DD's fever broke after her long nap in the afternoon. Thanks for your prayers :-)

I am Chinese

My Thai friend saw this and exclaimed, "It's so Chinese!". But, of course, my dear.

This is Chinese knotting cord with Chinese cloisonne beads. All items were bought from shops in Chinatown and knotted by a Chinese (me!), LOL!

Have a blessed weekend!

Bought more string!

And we made these...

DD made this. She wanted two different greens for contrast and simple straight lines (no spirals). She made most of it herself, cutting the lengths, affixing the flower charm and knotting/beading. I helped with holding the two ends while she made the adjustable bits and then I cauterized the ends.

I have two blues, maybe I'll try to make a blue version of this?

DD calls these DNA bracelets 'cos of the spirals. One of them is spiraling in a different direction from the other two. Can you tell which? I also used a different connector method, choosing metal findings instead. Clamped connectors with lobster hook and chain. The chain is so that bracelet's wearable on slim or larger wrists. DS likes the gun metal clasps. I think I'll make some more with those :-)

Have a blessed day!

Monkey see, monkey do

LOL! DD's not a monkey.

I think her decision to make one of her own was influenced by the colour of the only Chinese knotting string I have nor the fact that I happen to have beads in two shades of green that happen to go with the string colour pretty well.

Have a blessed afternoon!

ps: I'll be at NUH tomorrow for the staff bazaar. First time there, hope I won't get lost. I'm there for Little Statement but am bringing just a teensy bit 'cos the table space is limited.

Micro-macrame

I had this chinese knotting string for years. I crocheted something out of it but didn't like it 'cos this string is tough. It's not pliable but the stitch definition is very good. Perhaps this is why it's meant for knotting.

Made this after watching a video online. I didn't have the right tools but I found a very convenient beading tray ... Ferrero Rocher T24 box. It has the right length and depth for this mini project. This could have been longer with more beads but I under-estimated and cut the string too early. I made a longer adjustable strap at the end though.

True colours

I bought another Finepix. I'm used to mine so I decided to continue with another. Add the seller's eagerness to sell the camera to me by throwing in additional battery and 8GB card on top of the existing freebie of 8GB card, case and tripod (which I swapped for screen protector).

And so, there are pictures :

Remember the picture I took yesterday? These are what the 'true' colours are. It's a huge messenger that can fit A4 size files. Stress points have been reinforced by request so that it can accommodate a Macbook White though there is no interfacing. The owner will have to use a Macbook sleeve but otherwise, this is one tough bag with lots of stiff navy denim and baby blue canvas. The flap and internal large pocket are made from laminated cotton which reminds me of oilcloth. Fully-lined pockets inside with a pocket for the PSP and 2 pen pockets per request out of the 6 -7 pockets inside. I can't remember :-(

Just for the record, I'm adding this other pic for comparison with earlier versions in the blog. Which camera do you think is better?

Have a blessed day!

Going camping

My time, we didn't have many camps when in primary school. I think there was only one and it was in school. I can't remember much, only that we slept on the floor in the hall.... or was that in secondary school? Memory's really fuzzy that far back.
Anyway, DS and DD have so many camps, in church, schools or parks. Each time, they'll have a packing list for the stuff to bring. While I've made pouches and drawstring bags to put their stuff neatly, it didn't dawn on me till DD's recent camp that they could do with a larger backpack to put all these stuff in vs lugging a sleeping bag and 2 other bags around.

Made this from heavyweight splash-proof material bought from the market at $3/yd. Where do you get such a good deal these days? Made a smaller backpack years ago for DS who didn't like it at first then used it so much that I made another larger one. This is the largest bag I've ever made. Used up almost all of the balace of this fabric. Lined it with calico for contrast and for lighter weight. This bag is heavy when empty :-(
Reinforced all stress points for the heavier load and added small details like lined smalled pockets in the zip compartment in front.
I forgot to add D-rings :-( Oh well...
Have a blessed day!

Mini messengers

Made 2 smaller messenger bags out of Korean import oxford cotton. This material is becoming my fabric of choice 'cos I like it's medium weight and smooth texture. There aren't as many prints for these as compared to quilting weight cotton though, and the Japanese version of oxford cotton costs double that of Korean. Whatever. It's the finished item that's important :-)

I made these without a pattern (only the triangular pencil case has a template) and they ended up about the same size though I made them separately and without comparison. That's what's fun about sewing :-) So, both have adjustable straps with metal slides, fully lined inside and pockets, interfaced, velcro to secure body, magnet to secure flap.
Have a blessed day!

Happy Birthday, Bel!

Smallest backpack ever that DD said she would have wanted if she were younger. (I thought she doesn't like pink now?)

Bel's mum wanted

1.       Butterflies on white background - CHECK

2.       Drawstring bag, flap cover - CHECK

3.       D ring on both sides - CHECK

4.       2 pockets on inside - CHECK (additional 2)

5.       W20CM*D12CM*H23CM - CHECK

6.       Adjustable straps - CHECK

Wasn't easy making this 'cos of the size. Hope you like it!

Have a blessed day!

Sneeks: straps

4-ply adjustable straps made from oxford, twil and cotton/linen blends. All with metal sliders and O-ring (not shown). Know what these will be attached to pretty soon?

Gingerbread, again!

This gingerbread fabric is the one that I've bought the most :-) I've used it for wristlets, notebook covers, tablecloths, totes and sling bags. Anyway, this sling bag is also another long overdue project.

There are 2 big pockets outside, 2 big pockets inside and 3 smaller ones and 2 pen slips. How's that for multiple pockets? Hope it's enough :-)
Secured by 2 magnets, one on the inside and one for the flap.
Have a blessed day!