Reversible Pillowcase Book Bag

This is the fastest and cheapest reversible bag I've ever made.  Found pillowcases at a local store selling for $1 a pair.  Creative juices in tow; I thought of a book bag would be great for these.

1.  Take 2 pillowcases either the same print or mix and match.  This bag is reversible so have fun with it. 

I played around with the curve and length of the handle.  Personal preference.  Have fun with it. 

2.  Fold pillowcases in 1/2.  Cut to preference.  Open. 

3.  Using 1/2" seams and right sides together, stitch curved edges together.  Leave open at handle. 

4.  Right side out. 

5.  This is a little tricky, but it works.   With right sides together at handle stich top of handle.

6.  With wrong sides together stitch along seams to reinforce. 

Your bag is complete. 

  

Enjoy!

Paper Box Making

I've been making these boxes for years out of discontinued wallpaper sample books and wrapping paper scraps, but you can use any type of paper or cardstock you choose.  Not sure where this pattern first originated, but a woman from church who taught GEMS gave me the pattern.

This box finished size is approx. 4" x 4" x 2".  I started with two 12" square papers.

What you will need:  ruler, pencil, scissors and 2  square papers of your choice, tape/glue optional.

1.  With your ruler draw a diagnal line from opposite corners on the backside of the paper.  You now have an X drawn on the backside.

2.  Fold corners meeting at center of X as shown.

 3.  Fold straight edges meeting at center.  Open as shown below.

 4.  Cut  on fold line to next fold line.  Look at below picture.  There will be four cut marks.

 5.  Fold open as shown below.

6.  Fold in corner at fold line.  Flap from above will hold it together when you fold it over.

 7.  If desired, tape or glue to secure.

8.  Do the same for the bottom of box.  However, trim the bottom box 1/4" smaller to start.

9.  Embellish with ribbons and/or anyother items you would like. 

It takes me longer to embellish it than making the box.



Wristlet Bag

This small bag was used from my scraps.  Can't let those scraps pass by. Only had to buy a zipper (and bought that 1/2 off). 

Found this pattern in Quilts and More issue Spring 2011

Like most things I've crafted, I don't always follow the directions to the letter and make it my own, however the insertion of the zipper was a new way for me.  I liked it.

You could patchwork it like this one or use a 2 pieces of 6.5" x 9.5" of fabric.

What you will need: 

Scraps of fabric to make 2 - 6.5" x 9.5" rectangles for the outside of the bag.

2 - 6.5" x 9.5" rectangles for the liner.

2 - 6.5 x 9.5" rectangles of heaveyweight interfacing (sew in or fusible both work fine).

10" zipper

2.5" x 12" fabric for handle or use 1/2" x 12" piece of single fold bias tape. 

Quicker yet; use a 12" piece of ribbon.  (I used my scraps)

Directions:

If making yours from a solid piece of fabric or if you have patchworked fabric together to form a new piece of fabric meausing 6.5" x 9.5".  Using a small plate of mug as your template; round the bottom edges.

 

Following picture above, make a small pleat at the rounded edges of liner, interfacing, and outside fabrics.

Either sew your interfgacing to the liner or iron it into place.

For handle:  If you have used bias tape, just sew the long side together closed.  If you are making yours out of scraps, make it into a bias piece of fabric by ironing it in half and then folding the edges into the middle seam.  Iron together and sew long seam together.

Place handle approx. 1.5" from top edge of one of the outside rectangles of fabric.  Tack into place.

Adding a the zipper; sandwich the closed zipper between the lining and outside fabrics (fabrics righ sides facing together).  Pin to hold all 3 items together.  Using a zipper foot sew using a .25" seam.  Do this again to form the other side of the bag.

With outside fabrics facing up and zipper in place, Topstitch 1/8" from zipper.  This will keep zipper from getting stuck into the fabric while in use.

Open zipper approx 1/2 way.  With right sides together layer bag outside fabric and lining pinning edges.  Sew along outside edges.  Reinforcing zipper.  Clip excess zipper if needed.  Leave enough of an openting at the bottom for turning.  Don't forget not to sew the handle.  It should be tucked inside for this step. 

Turn right side out.  Stitch lining closed. 

You now have a cute little Wristlet.