grocery bag tutorial

Ten years ago (TEN YEARS! WOW!) I published a pattern for a grocery bag I had designed called the Nantucket bag. Since then I have modified and simplified it many times. I always get compliments from the ladies at the grocery store about my bags.... and they are so simple to make! Here's a basic, easy tutorial so you can make some of your own.

 2 bags I made from fabric I brought home from Africa

Materials needed:

fabric 20"x36" for outside of bag (depending on the weight of your fabric, you might want to interface this piece)

fabric 20"x36" for lining of bag

2 straps 20" long each (purchased webbing works great, or 2 pieces of fabric 4"x20" to make your own)

If you are making straps.....

Fuse a piece of interfacing (2"x20") in the center of each strap

Fold each edge to the center, then fold the straps in half....

edge stitch both long edges of each strap, then set the straps aside

Take your outside fabric. Fold it in half so that the folded edge is at the bottom. Then cut a 4" square out of each bottom folded corner

Refold your bag right sides together and stitch the side seams

Now box the corners by stretching out the cutout squares and sewing straight across. 

Now follow those same steps with your lining fabric. The only thing you need to do different is to leave a 3" section of one side seam unstitched so you can flip your bag right side out later on.

Add your handles to both sides of your finished outside bag piece. I found the center of each side and measured out 3" in each direction, leaving a 6" gap between each end of the handle. Baste both handles in place.

Now take your outside bag (right side out) and place it inside your lining bag (inside out). Tuck the handles inside and clip or pin around the top of your bag. Stitch around the top of the bag, making sure you catch the ends of your handles in the seam.

Turn your bag right side out through your side seam hole and stitch the hole closed. Press the top of the bag and stitch around the top of the bag to secure your lining.....

yes, I realize my fabric is sideways. oh well. it's a grocery bag!

And there you have it! I like to have a solid bottom in my bags. To do this, I cut a piece of plywood (8"x11") and then make a little "pillowcase" to slide it into, and place it in the bottom of the bag. The pillowcase is removable if it needs washing and the plywood is lightweight but never bends or breaks. 

I'm thinking grocery bags will be my go to Christmas gift this year!

bunny bags

The McKinney Modern Quilt Guild was having a bunny bag/basket swap at our April meeting. When I saw this pattern at QuiltCon, I knew it would make the perfect bag! First I made the pink one on the left, as a gift for a friend. Then I found some leather cording I had bought a while back, and made the turquoise polka dot bunny for our swap. The cording worked great! Both of these were filled with little sewing treats.

Then I decided I should probably make one for each of my grown kids and pop some Easter candy inside. My bunny bags began multiplying like rabbits!

In the end I made seven. My oldest daughter was visiting friends for Easter weekend and I couldn't very well send her one and not send one for each of her friends, could I?

These were a fun little make, quick to do and used up fabrics from my stash.... bonus! Hope you all had a Happy Easter.

Finley Tote by Sotak Handmade

Svetlana Sotak (Sotak Handmade)'s latest pattern released today and I was thrilled to pattern test for her again. I had bought some black vinyl at Quiltcon and thought it would be perfect for this bag. Since I have great confidence in Svetlana's patterns, I decided to splurge on the bag fabric itself. A quick trip to Hobby Lobby led me to this awesome faux suede that has the feel and appearance of embossed leather. Perfect!

The hardest thing about working with both of these fabrics was that I could not iron either of them. I tried pressing a small swatch of the sued with a coolish iron and a pressing cloth, but the finish came off onto the pressing cloth. So, there was lots of finger pressing and I took my time on the exterior of the bag.

As I expected, it went together perfectly! Even the exterior zipper pocket went in beautifully.

This bag has short, tote handles and an adjustable, detachable long strap so it can be worn cross body.

I found this quilters cotton that looked great as the lining. As always, the pattern included great interior pockets. A slip pocket on one side (which I decorated with one of my leather labels) and an interior zipper pocket on the other side.

Add to all of that a top closing zipper keeping all of your belongings nicely contained. This is a top notch tote bag that will get lots of use. Hop on over to Svetlana's blog to see more versions and purchase a pattern for yourself.

What to wear Wednesday - Kalle Shirtdress

Hello Spring! I haven't made myself a new garment in a long time. I've also been wanting to try the Kalle Shirtdress by Closet Case Patterns. I picked up the pattern at Craft South while I was in Nashville last month, found this cute cotton print at Joann's (60" wide, and reasonably priced with a coupon) and jumped in. I really love the way it turned out.

One thing I love about this pattern is all of the choices. There are three lengths (I made the tunic length), 2 different collars (mine is the stand up collar) and three front opening choices (I did a full button front opening). The pattern is full of attention to detail. the finishes are all wonderful, in fact all of the raw edges end up enclosed except for the side seams. This was easily solved with french seams. Even the hem is neatly finished with hand made bias tape, making the dramatic curves lay nice and flat.

I love the high/low hem and the banded sleeves. This one is going to get a lot of wear!

I even got a nice new headshot out of hubby's great photoshoot. I can't wait to make more of these shirts, maybe even one dress length. We'll see!

Brooklyn Tote Pack

I'm so excited! Svetlana Sotak, at Sotak Handmade introduced her newest pattern today, the Brooklyn Tote Pack.  I was lucky to be chosen to pattern test this bag for her before I left for Quiltcon and I'm so happy with the outcome.

First I must tell you, when I saw the pattern, I decided I needed a plain denim bag and this was the perfect choice for it. If you've followed me for very long you know that "plain" is not usually in my vocabulary. I decided to do it anyways and the result was lovely...

Lovely but BORING! LOL Not Svetlana's fault at all. The pattern itself was perfect. As always, her instructions are clear and the details are awesome. Zipper pockets both outside and inside, tote handles (she used leather, I chose webbing for mine) and removable, adjustable backpack straps as well. 

I did line mine with this adorable cotton & steel lamb print that I had in my stash, which made the inside fun & cheerful.

I know I'll get lots of use out of it. But first I had to fancy it up a bit. So I went a little crazy with embroidery (no pattern, I just kept stitching until I was "done").

And now I think it's perfect! I really love this bag.... Thanks Svetlana for letting me try it out for you!

what to wear Wednesday, McCalls 7751

One of my goals for 2018 was to sew more garments. I've kind of gone in spurts with this throughout the year. Most recently garment sewing has stalled. Until last week! I had bought these Cotton & Steel lovelies when I was in NYC last month and wasn't sure what I planned to do with them.

I had three yards of the large print, clearly thinking it would be a great garment. Only one yard of the small print. It had not dawned on me when I purchased them that I might use the two together. Then I saw this pattern...

and I loved it. I didn't have quite enough of the large print to do the whole blouse, but that was fine with me. I used the small print for the collar, collar band and the side insets and I must say I am quite pleased with the results.

I love the asymmetry of the hem especially. The only alteration I made was to leave off the sleeve "cuffs". It seemed like a fussy detail that was unnecessary to me.

Look! It even has a faux button placket up the back. So cute.

you might be seeing me in this top a lot in the near future. maybe. Also, I think perhaps I'll make a couple more!

What to Wear Wednesday - another Ebony Tee

 Here I am in another version of the Ebony Tee by Closet Case Patterns. This one is the "dress" length with set in sleeves and a scoop neckline. I do love the scoop, it lays nicely. The set in sleeves are fine, but I will admit I prefer the raglan version. If I make another longer ebony, I will adjust the raglan view I think! But this is very wearable (I wore it to church this morning!).

The fabric is a t-shirt knit from Hobby Lobby and it's a great quality. I wore it over a pair of black leggings which works well with my fancy leg wear, haha! Sad to have to plan my wardrobe around a clunky brace but I can walk, so not complaining. Oh, and if you are looking for me at Quilt Con the next few days, the leg brace is a dead giveaway.

When this post pops up I'll be flying off to Pasadena! Hope to see some of you there!

What to wear Wednesday - The Hudson Pant

In an effort to keep myself accountable to my goal of sewing more garments for my wardrobe in 2018, I've created new blog feature. What to wear Wednesday will be a frequent (first I typed weekly, but who am I kidding?) topic here at ellyn's place to keep you up to date on patterns I'm sewing, what worked (and didn't!) for me and the like.

So what am I wearing today? One of my many Linden Sweatshirts that I chatted about here. The Linden  is a Grainline Studio pattern and has quickly become one of my favorites. My closet is currently overflowing with them.... no doubt you'll see more of them popping up here on the blog down the road. And my pants? A new discovery, The Hudson Pant by True Bias. This is the first pair of Hudson's I've made and they are a big win for me! (there might be a second pair all cut out and ready to sew on my cutting table. maybe. probably.)

In these cold winter days of couch lounging, waiting for healing, watching The Crown, the Hudson pants are a perfect fit. I was worried that the bands at the bottom of the leg would not accommodate my fancy leg brace, but miraculously they do! So, with a long top, I've even been able to wear these out of the house with shoes. Big plus!

I had never used a True Bias pattern before, and I was very impressed. The attention to detail is fantastic.... trim on the side seam pockets, stitched down wide elastic band, drawstring and previously mentioned ankle bands. Despite the extra details, the pattern was easy to follow, and a quick make. I used a double knit from Joanns which sounds like old lady fabric but is so cute & was a great weight and stretch for this pattern. I made the size that matched my measurements and it fits perfectly. I did take about 2 inches off the length, next time I will make them about an inch longer, but this pair is perfectly wearable. Seriously, I wear them nearly every day and need a pair in every color.

What's your go to garment pattern this winter?

Happy Fall!

I love fall! I love the cooler temps, pulling on a sweater and leggings, bundling up under a a quilt. Sadly, even though the calendar says "fall", Texas didn't get the memo. It's still 90+ degrees outside and I'm hiding in the air conditioning in capris & a t-shirt. boo.

However, I've been having a blast making some new clothes for when fall finally decides to show up. I had been eyeing up Grainline Studio's Linden Sweatshirt pattern for a while. About a month ago, we were driving through Austin and I convinced hubby I needed to stop off at The Cloth Pocket. They had the pattern and some yummy french terry sweatshirt fabric, so of course I indulged!

My very first Linden Sweatshirt! I added about 2 inches to the length (front and back) and did a split hem using this tutorial. Easy as pie!

As with all Grainline Studio patterns, it was well written and easy to follow. The finished top fits great and looks terrific.

Then I found a super soft, gorgeous knit at Joanns and it just jumped into my cart (gotta love those 50% off coupons!). I quickly whipped up another Linden...

For this one, I added six inches to the front and 8 inches to the back. It's nice and long and will be great with leggings! I did a side vent bottom using this tutorial and I love the way it looks.

I had also bought a gorgeous cotton knit floral at Hobby Lobby. Seriously, this fabric is so soft, it feels like butter! I wanted something drapey out of this fabric, so I chose this pattern from my stash...

I made view D, which is simple and quick and the finished top is just perfect.

So, I'm ready for fall..... any day now!

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fancy foxes

Baby quilt #2 that I pieced on retreat has been delivered to it's new tiny owner, so I can share it here! I was amazed how quick the foxes went together. I had cut them out (all from my stash) so when I got to retreat I was ready to sew sew sew...

Diann quilted it in a woodgrain pattern with minky on the back and it's super soft

I loved making this one! Just might do it again. Pattern is Fancy Foxes by Elizabeth Hartman.

This is finish #3 in the third quarter of the 2017 finish-along.

little llama softie

A couple of weeks ago, Jennifer Jangles had  a sew along with her little llama softie pattern. Since Ally loves llamas, I had already purchased the pattern. Naturally I decided to sew along!

What a fun pattern, and easy too! I used sherpa fur for her body. I hadn't sewn with fur in a long time, but Jennifer gave great tips and it was easy to do.

Wool felt for her muzzle. Also, I used the black safety eyes, not that Ally needs them, ha! something new for me. They worked out great . I put a bow on her head so everyone would know she is a girl (never mind the pink ears which should give it away.)

A blanket from my stash, with aqua ric rac and tiny pompoms, because, why not?

Ally loved her so it's a success! Check out some of the other llamas made during the sew along here, on Jennifer's blog.