The Emma clutch tote - patten test

Hi everyone

I was lucky enough to test the 1st version of Amy's new pattern the Emma clutch tote. The Emma clutch tote is Amy's first pattern - so it's pretty great to be popping our pattern releasing cherries so close together ;)

Amy (Ladybugs and Daisychains) has made quite a few changes to the pattern since I tested it for her last year, so mine looks a little different to the version you can make using her pattern now. 

This is a picture taken from Amy's IG feed...

You can see how the handles are made differently in this new version. I actually like this change better as they seem to sit nicer than in the version I made and there would be more usable space within the bag too :)

I have used my Emma clutch tote a few times, and I love the size! It's bigger than a normal clutch, but smaller than an everyday bag - well an everyday bag for someone with 2 kids! I think when I wasn't a parent and I was working full time, this bag would have been fine as an everyday size though :)

Amy has been lovely and offered up a pattern for me to give away! So if you would like to try to win, just enter through the widget below :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Goodluck to all
Emma

Yep...so this is killing my creative vibe right now...

Hi everyone    

So, you may have seen recently that I hurt myself...not quite sure how I managed it, but, I have sprained my finger :(

I was cooking up some baby food for M when is started hurting, but there is no one thing I can think of that I did to hurt it quite this badly...

So unfortunately for me no creating is happening as I rest my sore finger.

Hopefully I'll be back to it soon!

Emma

I have some creative crush(es)...do you?

Hi everyone!

I have quite a few creative crushes...I follow most of them on IG as it is an easy way to get my crush fix every day.  I can see their inspiring images as soon as I log on, and because I don't want to miss anything they post...I keep logging on ;P

Now I have quite a few crushes, so I thought I would share 3 with you today (in no particular order).

First up, Angie (Gnome Angel) and Melissa (Ms Midge) - I bundle these 2 ladies into the same basket as I met them last year on the same day...we shopped and we had lunch, it was lovely.  I love seeing the images they post, and I usually hop over to their blogs semi-regularly too as they are both fantastic writers.  When they write, they make me feel like we have just sat down together and are having a great chat.  Angie sometimes shares great recipes, and I have made this twice and it is yummy!  I also really love the bags she made recently. Melissa actually caused me to go out and purchase fabric from spotlight! When she made these bags and these necessary clutch wallets...I loved it!

 

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Second is Erin (Dog Under My Desk) - I have been reading her blog for years, but I only recently started following her on IG.  I think I decided to start following her as she has recently moved to Australia (Sydney not Melbourne unfortunately, even though it is way better Erin!  If you ever read this ;P), she is engaged to an Aussie AND she is a pattern designer of bags.  Although I have never made any of her patterns, I enjoy looking at her pictures, (especially the ones of her cute dogs and the ones of her setting up her new sewing room and home).

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Last, and certainly not least, we have Abby (things for boys) - Abby is another wonderful lady I have actually met, AND she has 2 boys like me, AND our boys are similar-ish ages (hers are 4 and 1 and mine are 3 and 6 months - but I think thats pretty close).  I love seeing Abby's makes for her boys and for herself...and although I am not brave enough to make myself clothing items, I always think that I should make time to make clothes for my boys more...I also love seeing her eldest boys artworks and evidence of play.

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I just noticed that all these ladies are Australian (well are now that Erin has moved here ;D)...
Emma

The Everyday Tote Bag

Hi everyone!

I have some exciting news...I have been busily working on a secret project that is finally able to be shared!

Drum roll please...

I have written a pattern...

For a tote bag - yep I did, and it is pretty awesome :)

It's not just any tote bag though...this is "The Everyday Tote Bag"

This everyday tote has been created using Cotton + Steel fabrics

The Everyday Tote Bag is a great day bag with a large main pocket that has a magnetic snap closure. 

The bag also has many pockets to keep everything in their place; it has 2 zip pockets (one large – external – and one small – internal) and a divided slip pocket for your phone or keys. 

The finished size of the Everyday Tote Bag measures approximately 11” tall x 13” wide x 3 1/2” deep (28cm x 33cm x 9cm). If you include the drop of the handles, the hight of the bag is 22” tall (56cm).

As this was my 1st pattern, I made sure to get it tested thoroughly.   I had many testers, and here are their versions of the Everyday Tote Bag:

Melisa from Melisa Jane, made 2 beautiful versions.  Melisa also likes her shoulder straps to be soft, so she added some fusible fleece (1 1/2" x length of strap)  to the straps on her versions. (Melisa can also be found on IG)

Danielle from Paisley Avenue, made this beautiful version using Arizona fabrics. Danille can also be found on IG.

Kristina from Harley Barley Designs has made 2 everyday totes and wants to make more :D

Katie made this beautiful everyday tote.

Jacquie from Pebble Lane Studio, made this fun summer version.  I love the applique she added to the interior slip pocket! You can also find Jacquie on IG.

Liz from Moments, made this gorgeous version...It traveled with her to her scrapbooking group later that night :)  (Pssst....If you keep an eye on Liz's blog there just might be a giveaway happening over there soon!) 

Jessica from XOJessica made this beautiful version. Jessica can also be found on Facebook.

Maria can be found here and on Pinterest.

And Maria wanted you all to know what she thought of the bag..."I looooove the bag.  It's perfect for my needs: not too big, not too small. Also love the method you use to sew the slip pocket, so simple and so fast!"

Amy from Ladybugs and Daisy Chains made this beautiful bag...I have those arrows in blue in my stash, maybe I need to make another ;)  Amy can also be found on IG, Facebook and twitter. (Pssst....If you keep an eye on Amy's blog there just might be a giveaway happening over there soon!)

Anna used some very cool fabric for the bottom of one of her bag's, it looks like a weaved basket (top right)!  And who doesn't love Hello Kitty?!

Simone made her test bag for her son and she turned it into a library bag for him! The cat in the hat is a favourite in this house, so I'm sure he will love it!

Lindsey used some beautiful fabric for the base of her bag.  She also chose to add a strip of pink to the top as well - I think it looks great :)

Deidre made this beautiful version :)  I love the purple!

Merja just finished her bag only moments ago...and isn't it lovely :)

And if you are worried about how much will fit in this bag...don't!  My testers have filled their bags to the brim!

If you what to make your own Everyday Tote Bag, you can purchase the pattern from my shop, Etsy or Craftsy.

I can't wait to see all your bags made with my pattern very soon!
Emma