Another Bag I made showing my cute new little tags...

I made this bag for a young lady who is really sick with Lyme...her favourite colour is purple..I posted it off to her on Monday ..she was in hospital last week and came home but I just heard she is back in hospital again ...So I really hope this is a lovely surprise and it brightens her day a little ...As I know what it's like having Lyme, very debilitating .. I just hope Jasmin gets well very soon, just like I wish for myself and every one else who suffers with Lyme ...This is my first "Made with love " label I have used...So I just wanted to post and show you all....

Purple Tote Bag !

Here is my latest bag that I made for my niece Kyra's 18th birthday today!
I really hope she like's it , her favourite colour is purple. I even made a name tag on the front. The bag has a big pocket inside with zipper and big pocket on the outside. I'm sure it will be great for the beach and shopping or even a great over night bag .

Shoe Bags ! For the Month Of June Every Tote Bag Order Will Receive A Free Shoe Bag !

Shoe Bags !
For the Month Of June Every Tote Bag Order Will Receive A Free Shoe Bag.
Tote bags are $8.50 each plus $1.50 postage & handling, Australia residents only !  
Only for the month of June !
You can pop on over to http://sherriesbagworld.blogspot.com/
To see the tote bags I currently have for sale. They are all made from 100% cotton and made using 100% solar power from the sun .I look forward to receiving your orders. They make great gifts for family & friends !
To place an order please email me at sherriec@westnet.com.au

Make Your Own Toiletry Bag !

Make Your Own Toiletry Bag !
I made this bag quite a few years ago, but since I have been posting bags on my blog the last week,I thought I'd stay with the theme. They are so easy to make, inside it has little pockets to store all my toiletries, makes finding things so much easier. Remember that saying "A place for every thing and everything in its place". Pitty I cannot seem to apply that to my home, but I'm woking on it, they say slow and steady wins the race.

Mesh Bags So Many Uses !

Mesh bags so many uses!
Last year I made a heap of mesh bags to use for all my fruit & vegetable shopping, so as to help reduce getting plastic bags. We keep them with all our green shopping bags and use them all the time. What else are they useful for ! Here is another great idea, its filled with Jack's plastic bath stuff that he still loves to play with in the bath, or shower, all the water drains out so toys don't end up mouldy and smelly . This week is bag week on my blog, draw string bags are so useful for storing so many different things & so easy to make. I'd love to hear what every one else uses them for..

Make A Bag For Your Torch !

Make a bag for your torch !
It was my eldest son Stephen's birthday on the 23rd of  May ,I cannot believe he turned 24, it feels like it has flown by so fast, "unbelievable". Any way for his birthday I brought him a wind-up torch that never needs batteries, it has a AM &FM radio, phone charger & a siren. We brought one last year for ourselves and think it is just fabulous, so decided to buy him one, he also thinks its great. I also made him a fabric drawstring bag to keep the torch and the attachments in, when not being used. I also made one for our torch, its great because I have it hanging on the door handle.

Make Shoe Bags !

Make Shoe Bags + Tutorial !
I've been planning to make these for a few years now, but as I always say "you cannot rush these things". "Better late then never" is another saying.
Well today I finally made one for my summer going out shoes. They are great to use when travelling,they are so much nicer then putting your shoes in plastic bags so they don't touch your nice clean clothes. This one is made from cotton material, they are so easy to make, they would also make lovely gifts for all your girl friends.I'm going to make a few more of them. All you need is a piece of fabric, some matching cotton and a strap to thread through the casing at the top, you could buy a piece of cord or you could use a strip of the same fabric and fold over and make a strap to the desired length. The piece of material I used was width 25 cm and length 75cm. I made a casing at each narrow end, sewed up the sides just before the casing top then I threaded 2 straps through each end tied in a knot. That's it, how simple is that!
I just did a tutorial to add

STEP 1 & 2
I over lock the length of material both sides,then I sew a casing 1inch or 2.5 cm at each end .

STEP 3.
Then I sew up each side inside out. I start at each bottom end and line up the top .

STEP 4.
This is what it should look like, after sewing up each side then turning the bag in the right way.







STEP 5.
You can use either cord purchased for the draw or you can made a strap from matching fabric like I have you will need it to be 2 straps measuring 25 inches or 63.5 cm.
Cut fabric 1 &1/2 inches wide to sew for strap by folding both ends in and sewing, like bias binding.

                                                        STEP 6. 

                                                        Thread the straps through the casing so one straps goes in the same end and comes out the same end then tie in a knot. then thread the other strap the other way and tie in a knot.

    STEP 7.

                                                      Completed bag,  pull both straps at the same time to close bag.

                                                  

Tote Bags For Sale !

Tote Bags for sale !

Here are just some of the tote bags for sale ! Please pop on over to http://sherriesbagworld.blogspot.com/

All the bags are made from 100% cotton fabric, made using solar power & they are all individually & lovingly made by me ! I'm very happy to discuss special orders and certain colours. They cost $8.50 each +$1.50 postage & handling. I will send anywhere in Australia, I will also include a lovely handmade gift card with every order. So for $10 in total, I think that's great value. I would love feed back as to what other people think .

  













Calico Double Ruffle Rose Shabby Chic Bag !

Calico Double Ruffle Rose Shabby Chic Bag !
I made this bag for my friend Margaret's belated birthday gift .
I hope she likes it, I mailed it the other day . Its' made with unbleached calico, has a lace top and a double ruffle with pink       rose that can be removed when bag needs washing or you can change the roses or different flowers for different looks. It is lined and has a big pocket and a pocket for a mobile phone. If you would like to make one, I 've done a tutorial its for my linen shabby chic bag but the measurements are the same except it has a double ruffle and the rose is in the middle of the ruffle.I made a whole and sewed around it a bit like a button hole. I was going to put an eyelet but couldn't find it in my sewing room ,next time I will put 2 eyelets one in the middle of the ruffle and the other just under the bottom ruffle so the stem can be threaded through. I hope that makes sense.  http://simpleliving-sherrie.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-shabby-chic-linen-bag.html

My Shabby Chic Linen Bag !

My shabby chic linen bag I made the other day !
I did a tutorial to help others make one !
I made another one some years back and used hessian ! I will also add a link to it as the pattern is very similar to make ! The finished size is 45cm x45cm or 17&3/4 inch x 17&3/4 inch & handles finished length 56 cm or 22 inches. This one is made using 100% linen for outer bag and handles 100% cotton fabric for lining and ruffle.
Here is the link to the hessian bag that is almost the same.
http://simpleliving-sherrie.blogspot.com/2010/10/my-hessian-rose-bag.html

If any one needs any help making one of these lovely bags please post and I will help you with more details .









Step 1&2 .
Cut a rectangle of fabric 91cm x 46 cm or 36 inches x 18&1/8 of an inch. That is the main body part of the bag. The lining will be the same measurements. Now fold fabric in half, right sides together and sew up the sides. you can either over lock the seams of zig zag them . I then sewed another row of stitching on the outside to make it look neater, sit flat and make it stronger. Then I cut a piece of lace for the top of the bag 11cm x 91cm or 4&3/4 inch x 35&7/8 of an inch, I used lace left over from making curtains. Now sew that on and around the top of the bag .

Step 3&4

Cut out the fabric for the ruffle around the top, I leave the edges raw as it gives a more shabby chic look .

7.5 cm x 189 cm or 3 inches x 741/2 inches it will really depend on how much you gather it up it's really up to you as long as the finished gathered ruffle is 91 cm or 35 &7/8 of an inch long so it will fit around the bag . You need to sew it along the edge of the lace that you have sewn already around the top. Then sew some braid along the middle of the ruffle to cover the stitching .

This one isn't pink with spots like the bag because I did two and couldn't decide which one to use, I will use this ruffle in the next bag I make.

Step 5.

Turn bag inside out and sew across corner gives bag a better shape without pointy corners . I get a square piece of paper and cut off the corner then I use it as a template . Also do the same with the lining .

Step 6.  

Cut a little bit of lace and make a little pocket that is open both ends and sewn in the middle on the front of the bag so the rose can be slipped in and bent up on the bottom to stop it coming out. That way the rose can be removed to wash the bag or change the rose maybe to a different colour for a different look . 

Step7.  

Now to make the handles these on this bag are 3cm or 1&1/4 inch finished width,and length 56 cm or 22inches, so cut them out 58.5 cm or 23 inches. I added a length of vilene to give it a little stiffening . I sewed it in then folded them the right way and sewed around the edges to flatten and neaten them.

Step 8.

Now we need to join the handles to the bag I measured 12.5 cm or 5 inches from the side edge pin and sew .

Step 9.

Now to put the lining in, refer to step 1 & 2 as you need to cut the same size as the bag to begin with. 

I made a large pocket with zip another pocket with a mobile phone pocket sewn on it . It's up to you if you want pockets and what size you would like.   

                                                             

   

Step 10. 

Sewn up lining like the bag right sides together then sew across the corners like in step  5. then put inside the bag with wrong sides together line up the side seams together and fold in top of each and sewn around to join them together . bag is completed .

Step 11.

It's optional ,in this bag I made the lining a little shorter and sewed a strip of linen 4cm or 1&1/2 inches to each end of the lining so when the bag is completed you don't see the lining at the top its your choice. The hessian bag the lining goes right to the top.

                                     

Competition ! To win An Envirobag !

I have one yellow envirobag up for grabs!  I make these envirobags from 100% cotton fabric and they are made using 100% Solar power from the sun !
All you have to do is post the best tip to reduce using
plastic bags and or reducing plastics. The competition closes on the 10th of November so you have got a week to post your great tips, enter as many times as you like. I will post the winning entrants name on November the 11th , So please leave your name with your tip  ! Here are just a few, take your own shopping bags with you .You can use a cardboard box to put shopping in, I use mesh bags when buying my fruit and vegetables and always carry my envirobag in my handbag at all times you just never know when you may need it. I use mine all the time ! I'm looking forward to reading all your wonderful tips! So what are you waiting for !

My Hessian & Rose Bag !

My Hessian & Rose Bag !
Here is just another one of my bags ! I love making bags !
This one is shabby chic rustic and feminine which really describes me. It's not a lot different from my tote bag tutorial other then handles are longer and it is lined and I have added a ruffle near the top . So I just thought I would show you some of my bag collection what's that saying a girl can't have too many bags ! Well I guess they can, just makes some feel better about having too many. They are all hand made so not expensive. And I love coming up with new creations when I'm in a creative mood !

Tote Bag Tutorial !

Tote Bag Tutorial !
To make the tote bag you will need half a metre of  fabric 112cms wide. I have used 100% cotton fabric as it washes up well and especially if you are using the bag often for shopping etc. finished bag size is 46cm width x 45.5 cm depth. Sizes can vary a little because if I buy one metre of fabric it will make two bags it will depend on how generous they were at the shop some will allow a little more in case its not straight , So instead of cutting it off I will cut it in half so may get a slightly bigger bag rather then wasting a strip of fabric or unless you want to use it for something else like a matching headband or mobile phone pocket sewn into the bag !

                                     

Step 1.
Cut 16 cms off the selvage (that's the edge of the fabric woven so that it won't fray) edge then cut in half lengthwise for the handles of the bag .

Step 2.

Fold fabric in half wrong sides of the fabric together as we are going to sew a french seam as it will make the bag a lot stronger sew quarter inch seam down each side.

Step 3.
Fold bag so right sides are together now sew a quarter inch seam down each side then turn fabric so right sides are on the outside. I use a chop stick for pushing into the corners .

Step 4.
To hem the top of the bag fold over 1.5 cm then another 1.5 and sew around the top .Now the body of the bag is completed .
I rarely ever iron as I go along I usually just finger press by running the fabric between my fingers to flatten the seams or edges

Step 5.
Now to make the handles. get the two strips that we first cut ,fold each one in half length wise with right sides together sew a quarter inch seam around one end and the whole length leave the end open so you can turn the fabric the right way.

Step 6 .
Now get the chop stick and push into the strap end that has been sewn

Step 7.
keep pushing until the right side appears take out chop stick and complete the process on the other strap then finger press flat.





Step 8.
Sew very closely around the edges of the handles so they sit nice and flat and they will look nicer on the finished bag .

Step 9.
Finished look of bag handles .

Step 10.
measure 5 inches from each side of the bag make a mark with a pencil you can pin if you like make sure the handle edge is 5 inches from edge of bag .

Step 11.
I fold over the ends of the handle strips so it looks neater then I sew it to the bag .I sew a square then I sew it in a cross to make it stronger, and it looks nicer but that's up to you .

Step 12.
This step is optional it gives the bag a nicer finish to the bottom corners instead of pointy corners its up to you what you like best .
Fold bag inside out lay bag so it looks like the photo then sew across the bottom on both of the bottom corners . Fold back the right way your bag is completed ! I hope that was easy to understand so I hope you all make one for yourself or for a lovely gift .
 

Tote Bags !

Tote Bags !
I love making bags of all kinds this one is made of lovely
100 % cotton roses fabric ! Great to use for shopping bags, library bags great to give friends and family for gifts, you could make them and sell them like I do.They are very easy to make and use half a metre of fabric each bag ! I also nearly always buy natural fabrics I love 100% cotton fabric best, great to work with and will be composted when its worn out . I think it looks great. To make the bag you will need half a metre of fabric more if you want to add pockets inside and out. All my bags I make them with french seams for extra strength. The finished size is width 49cm x depth 45cm and the finished size of handles straps are 48 cm x width 3 cm. If you need any extra help with making them just post and ask ! Happy Sewing !

My Lace & Rose Patch Bag!

My Lace & Rose Patch Bag!
I love sewing, and I really love making bags!
This one is made using a piece of lace curtain fabric and a rose fabric.I lined it with a pink and white gingham. It's very easy to make all you need it to make 18 squares, that's 9 squares for each side.All seams are 1/4 inch & all the strips are 2 & 1/4 inch wide .First I cut the curtain fabric into strips then I cut white fabric to line the lace fabric and join it together, then cut the rose fabric. Now join the strips together rose fabric in the middle and lace either side .Then I cut into squares 5&1/2 inch square and join them together. Then measure the finished size and cut fabric to line bag, you will need to sew across the corners to give it the bag shape. Handle cut rose fabric  into 2 strips 22 inch long and width 3 & 3/4 inch. fold each piece and sew up the side and fold inside out ,you can line it with batting to make it firmer join handles to bag where you would like them mine are 3 &1/2 inch from sides. Now put the lining inside the bag and fold top over about and inch and sew neatly around the top. You can also line the bag with wadding to make it firmer !This bag I didn't put batting in the body. I hope if you decide to make the bag my instructions are clear , if not post and ask !

My Enviro Bags ! (say no to plastic bags )

Enviro Bags !
These are my enviro bags that I make and sell.
I sell them for $7 each + $1 postage & handling for Australian residents only ,if you would like to place an order please post a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
They are great for always having one or two in your handbag for those unexpected shopping trips you will never need to get another plastic bag again. (help save our beautiful planet ).
They roll up really small and are made from very light weight 100% cotton fabric and they come in 4 different fabric colours which you can see below.The size is 19 inch width x 18 inch depth or 48cm x 45.5cm.(great to give for gifts I gave them to all my friends and family for presents last year !) Lucky them !
If any one would like to make them they are very easy . If you can sew a straight line you could make them. Actually even if you cannot sew a straight line you could still probably make them ! Give it a go !
Or purchase one or two !




To place an order please email me at sherriec@westnet.com.au
and I will get back to you asap !

Mesh Bags

Mesh Bags ! (say no to plastic bags)
I made myself some mesh bags, so when I buy my fruit & vegetables I don't get any plastic bags. I take them with me all the time, with all my green shopping bags. They are very easy to make, I have made 3 sizes ,small ones are for garlic, ginger or if I just want a small amount of some thing & meduim & large ones. I buy mesh fabric from textile traders when they have their specials buy 2 metres & get one free. So that's 3 metres for the price of 2 metres.I've made white, red and brought fabric to make green . I cut fabric to the size I want/need then I fold in half sew up either side with over locker, fold over the top to make a casing then I thread through very thin ribbon then tie ribbon in a knot . If any one wants more details eg photo step process let me know and I will take photo's next time I make some . They have a multitude of uses, great for storing bath toys hang up to drain . (stops mold ). washing delicate underwear in the machine in them . I wrote a list one time of all the uses might post it another time . Almost all the same uses as a plastic bag remember I said almost . Cannot put flour ! great for keeping mushrooms fresh longer in the fridge !