Custom Star Wars Laptop Bag

My sister just got a new laptop, and requested a special custom bag to tote it around in! She, like many others in my family, loves Star Wars, and wanted her new laptop bag to reflect that. On the front flap is the Rebel symbol in red:


And on the inside of the flap when you lift it up is a while Imperial symbol:


I got to try out my sewing machines applique feature, which I hadn't used much yet. It was surprisingly easy! I used HeatnBond on the back of my fabric, traced the image (which I printed and cut out), cut it out again, removed the backing, and ironed it onto the black canvas. The stitching didn't take very long, but there were a lot of corners to turn on the white symbol! I really like how it turned out, and how professional the appliques look! It's the HeatnBond, I love that stuff!


The flap closes with two small velcro tabs. The bag is padded with batting, and lined with black fleece. The strap is adjustable. There is a quilted pocket on the inside for all the cords.


Next up on the bag list- a purse that looks like an owl, for my niece! I am in the middle of designing it now, trying to figure out the best and cutest way to make it. I may want one for myself, too! :)

Oh, sunny day!

A while back, I posted about some wallets I made. The sunshine one went to my sister, and she asked me to make her a matching messenger bag! She left for Greece last week, and I barely got the bag done so she could take it with her. (My sister is now completely accessorized with stuff made by me, she is like a walking advertisement! haha). Once again, my machine fought with me throughout the making of this bag. However, I conquered in the end, and my machine submitted to my demands. I could hug it, I am so happy!

So here are the pics of the Sunny Day messenger bag!


(You can't see very well but there are orange sun rays sewn onto the flap)





I love this blue ticking! The orange zipper opens up to a nice bright blue lined pocket.

Next on the list (OK... not next... but definitely on there somewhere) is a bag for myself. I want a cute large bag with different compartments and pockets so I can take my crafty stuff with me to my nanny job to work on when (if?) the baby is napping. Right now I am using canvas shopping totes and plastic bags. Doable, but not very stylish :)

I need to run to the store today and buy some more thread, and then I'm going to finish sewing up some really sweet sock monkey ornaments and post some pictures!

Newbies

I just wanted to take a moment and introduce some new little creatures, available (or will be soon) in my shop! First, there are three Owl Messengers. They are a bit more complex than the other ones (which will still be available by custom order).


Also, remember I showed you the prototype of a mini sock monkey messenger bag? Well, here is the finished product!!

(modeled here by Sofie, who still needs a home!)

I have made four of these bags so far, and have enough for about 10 more- then I will be out!

On a side note. It's almost July! Does anyone else feel cheated out of their time, somehow? It can't have been over half a year since last Christmas... what happened to all my wonderful plans? Somehow time passed by without me, and I'm trying to catch up. Is that possible?

Been sewing a lot lately

And here are a few little peeks at what I've been up to....
I've been trying to finish up a few projects before I start up my part time nanny job next week. So far, I have 4 projects done, but also added 5 projects on top of all the other ones I haven't completed yet! I'm good at that!

This is the beginning of my great plan for sewing storage. I want to make a bunch of these and hang them in a grid pattern on the wall by my sewing area (a.k.a. kitchen table). I've got to figure out how to make clear plastic windows in the front, so I can see what's in there!

This is the messenger bag I made for my husband. It was a gift for our 6 year anniversary. I worked on it for two days straight, broke 2 needles and severely bent another. It was HARD getting that monster through the machine! But my little faithful machine did it, hooray! The most difficult part of this bag was all the extras Jer kept asking me to add- pocket inside flap, custom dragon patch (13" wide!) inside flap, hidden pocket for his i-pod, and inside storage for earphones, etc. Also a keychain attachment. Lots of stuff. I am so happy with how it turned out!

This is my prototype for a new item I'll have in the shop soon- Mini Monkey Messenger bags! they fit sock monkeys, stuffed animals, other plush, and dolls. It is fully lined and interfaced. It comes with a free special treat as well. I love mini-things! And free surprises! :)