May 2022 - Organize Me

May’s quarterly box is almost here. This quarter’s theme is “organize me”. This theme was inspired by preparing for a sewing retreat with some of my favorite sewing friends. As all sewers know, a retreat is a fabulous reason to make a new bag or twenty. 

As I was pondering and researching the most useful and adorable bags, I was also looking for inspiration in fabric. I found this wonderful line by “Paper & Cloth” for Moda fabrics called “Sew Wonderful”. The fabric is all sewing and related tools and notions. The fabric is softly colored in aquas and pinks and has an illustrated style that is very appealing. After this find, I then looked at patterns from many different sources and designers. If I am unfamiliar with a pattern maker I usually pick a few that interest me and then I make a few samples. This tells me so much. And I always learn from every pattern and designer I choose.

This collection of patterns is all from the same designer, Minki Kim. Her website is https://sewingillustration.com. She also designs fabric for Riley Blake fabrics and has a fantastic YouTube channel where she does videos on many of her patterns. These videos are so helpful and well done. 

I started with, “Big Sewing Case”, a larger bag that could hold tools, fabric or maybe a project. Its finished size is 12 ½ w x 10” d x 7” h. Big enough to show off fabric and very useful. I used two focus fabrics for the front, and companions fabrics of the line for the top and lining. The choice of bag then inspired my two other choices for the fabrics.

I decided to focus on sewing related fabrics. My second choice, “Sew Mischievous” from Dear Stella. Bright florals with sewing tools peeking out here and there. This line is bright and fun. It only had a few prints so I pulled the rest from my shop.

The last option is Riley Blake’s “She Who Sews” from J. Wecker Frisch. Her style is very retro, in my opinion. I love the way she uses lettering and her palette is warm grays and blues with the red pop.

The other patterns are “Double Pocket Folder”, “Clearly Trixie Pouch” and “Scalloped Basket Trio”. They all nestle in the Big Sewing Case or can be used by themselves.

The “Double Pocket Folder” is 9 ¼” w x 6 ¼”h x 1”d. Perfect for tools and notions. Or maybe use this to hold EPP (English paper pieces), embroidery or many other supplies. The key is versatility!

The “Clearly Trixie Pouch” is so good! It's 9 1/2w x 4”h x 5” d. The clear vinyl means that the skies are the limit with this bag. You may make this one again and again. I show it with filled thread spools but with the clear vinyl its uses are endless.

The “Scalloped Basket Trio” is the perfect trio to complete this quarters box. Three nesting sizes are great for holding clips or using as a thread catcher next to your machine. These are quick to make, and are a super addition to your gift making arsenal.

I will have some additional tips and tricks and cutting guides to help make your bag making as successful as possible.