Emmaline Bags: Sewing Patterns and Purse Supplies: 06/01/2018

The Road Trip Wallet by Janelle MacKay - A Bag of the Month Club 2018 Pattern

6/25/2018 02:34:00 PM

I've been waiting to blog about The Road Trip Wallet, released as the June pattern for the Bag of the Month Club 2018, because shortly after it was released with the club, I decided to add a second, smaller size, as well as alter the ID Pocket. I've finally done that, right at the 11th hour before the club season draws to an end, in just 6 days. So really now I'm just sharing my June contribution to the club right before the end!

I hope this season has been as fun for all of the club members as it was for me. It's been a fun, and very fast, 6 months! (Especially the last 3 weeks while I was editing my pattern!)

If you are a member of the club, you will probably already have logged into your account on the Bag of the Month Club website and gotten your download of the Road Trip Wallet. If you log in today, there will be an updated version for you, The Road Trip Wallet in 2 Sizes!

If you’re not a member of the January to June club yet, what are you waiting for? You can see all SEVEN (we have a bonus bag this season) of the bag patterns HERE, you'll have no surprises, and you'll know EXACTLY what an awesome deal you are getting. Go here to join. If joining the club is not your thing, your are reading this after June 30th, not a worry, I will have it for sell in PDF and printed paper versions on December 1st, 2019 on my website, emmalinebags.com

The Road Trip Wallet (2 Sizes) - by Janelle MacKay

The Road Trip Wallet features 2 full-length zipper pockets that form the front and back “covers” of this book-like wallet. These covers flip open to reveal a center zipper pouch with an ID Window Pocket, and 2 sections of credit card slot pockets. The small size holds 10 cards, and the large, 16.

Use my unique method to create the straightest credit card slots! Draw your card slot lines quickly and precisely with our plastic template, available HERE at emmalinebags.com. Choose from 3 versions of closures to finish off your wallet. Note: Version C works with the large size only because the ID Pocket interferes with the snap in the small size.

Small Size: Width- 6 1/2” (16.5 cm) Height– 4.5” (11.5 cm) Depth- 3/4” (19 mm)

Large Size: Width- 8” (20 cm) Height– 4.5” (11.5 cm) Depth- 3/4” (19 mm)

There are 3 choices of closure methods in the wallet pattern:

Version A has a nice snap tab on the right. You can use a heavy duty snap for this.

They go in very easily and come in a number of finishes.

Version B closes with a nice firm rounded side flap and a magnetic snap. You can see it here in both the small and large sizes. The small is 2" shorter than the large, so it fits in much smaller bags, and if you don't need 16 card slots, it might be handier for you!

Version C shows off some very pretty and professional looking strap detail. It's a faux strap though, as it actually has a magnetic snap on the inside to close it. Because the internal ID pocket interferes with the snap, I do not recommend this version for the small size.

The ID Pocket fits snuggly inside, and also has a zipper opening, perfect for your coins.

With 16 card slots in the large version, shown below, and 10 in the small. No card will get left behind. I've done the card slots a little tighter for this wallet, so there is no worry about them falling out! Card slot and ID Pocket open towards the center of the wallet for security.

New card slots! In this pattern, I've come up with a new and unique way to may credit card slots out of fabric that does not involve any fan-folding, accordion folding, concertina folding - whatever you may call it! This method helps you create very crisp, accurate card slots that are thinner and have less interfacing and fabric to sew through than other methods. It does require you to draw lines on your fabric though, and I've thought of a way to make this a very accurate and easy process.

With my plastic template, shown below, you can draw lines for both the small and large size and make sure they are straight and even spaced every time. This will come in very handy if you plan on making wallets to sell. I see these being a great market stall item, giving the Necessary Clutch Wallet pattern a run for it's money! Get the template here.

I've made all of the wallets shown above using the gorgeous "Indie Folk" collection of fabric by Pat Bravo of Art Gallery Fabrics. I love this earthy and romantic looking fabric.

There were so many tester photos for this wallet, I don't know where to start! I think I will post these a little closer to the release date in December to get you all reacquainted with this pattern. So, to sum up, if you need this pattern now - get it at www.bagomc.com - but if you are willing to wait, it will be out in December on my site, emmalinebags.com

Happy Stitching!

Janelle

Bag of the Month Club

Bag of the Month Club 2018 - Wrap it up!

6/19/2018 10:05:00 AM

Bag Pattern

The Double Flip Shoulder Bag Pattern: by Janelle MacKay of Emmaline Bags

6/13/2018 04:08:00 PM

Introducing the Double Flip Shoulder Bag! This bag was originally released exclusively to retreat participants and we’ve been able to see some lovely bags pop up already. Now, this pattern is available to purchase as a PDF over in the shop.

The Double Flip Shoulder Bag features 2 full-length zipper pockets that form the front and back sides of the bag’s exterior. These pockets flip over to conceal a hidden pocket underneath, which is the perfect place to stash your phone and keys. A magnetic snap secures the center cavity of the bag that is formed between the two zipper compartments. The Lining features both a divided slip and an internal zipper pocket. It measures 13” Wide across the top, 10” High and 3.25” Deep.

The zippers and spaces in the bag make this the perfect bag to keep you organized in style. It’s large enough to carry as an everyday bag, but not so large that it’s awkward to toss over your shoulder. Add the finishing touch to your bag with our Emmaline Edge Connectors, which are now available in 6 finishes. For your convenience, you can purchase a complete hardware kit that includes all required hardware for this bag. The kit is available in all 6 hardware finishes to suit anyone’s style.

This pattern is appropriate for intermediate to advanced bag makers and includes full color, step by step digital illustrations. Instructions are included for using the Edge Connectors as well as creating your own strap connectors. Use your favorite quilting cotton print for the exterior or add a touch of vinyl, cork or leather on the exterior bottom and strap

Materials (yardages are approximate):
Fabric & Interfacing:

3/4 yd./0.75 m - Exterior Fabric (quilting cotton, light canvas/duck, décor cotton)
1/2 yd./0.5 m - Exterior Accent Fabric (quilting cotton, light canvas/duck, décor cotton, light jean, cork, vinyl)
1 1/8 yd./1 m - Lining Fabric (quilting cotton or similar weight woven fabric)
4 yd./3.75 m - Fusible Interfacing (20” wide)- Light-med weight fusible woven - Pellon Shapeflex SF101
½ yd./0.5 m - Fusible Fleece (46” wide)- Dense needled fleece such as Pellon Thermolam Plus Fusible TP971

Zippers & Bag Hardware:

(2)12” (30.5 cm) - Zippers for Exterior Top Openings (#4.5 or #5 nylon bag zipper, 1 1/4” wide, non-separating) - You can use a longer zipper or zipper by the yard (if using zipper yardage, cut at 13”/33 cm.)

(1) 9” (23 cm) - Zippers for Lining Zipper Pocket (#3 nylon all-purpose zipper, 1” wide, non-separating) - You can use a longer zipper, or #3 zipper by the yard if preferred.

(1) 3/4" (18 mm) - Slim Magnetic Snap (NOTE: 9/16” (14 mm) Magnetic snaps are also suitable.)
(2) 1 ½” (38 mm) - Swivel Snap Hooks for Adjustable Shoulder Strap.
(1) 1 ½” (38 mm) - Adjustable Strap Slider for Adjustable Shoulder Strap.
(2) Emmaline Bags brand “Edge Connectors” OR (2) 1” (25 mm)Strap D-rings if using fabric strap anchors instead of our metal Edge Connectors.

Optional hardware items: Rivets, Emmaline Bag Labels

Now we get to show off all the incredible bags from our testers! They did an amazing job of showcasing all the different looks with different fabrics and materials! See for yourself:

Mel of Love M.E. has stitched up this gorgeous version in this incredible hand painted Aboriginal design linen with rainbow hardware, it’s a perfect match:

Barbara has made several versions, including this sweet floral in pretty blues and the musical version:

Sandy of Upstairs Hobby Room made this chic version in green tartan fabric and gunmetal hardware, isn’t it fab?

Natalie of Carry Hers By Natalie made this stunning version in avian themed cotton with faux leather accents:

Check out how Line Vienneau has added grommets to hers for a completely different look, it’s so classy and fun with the stripes! Also, as you can see this bag is easy to carry as a cross body for those that prefer a cross body style:

Michelle of Baraboo Designs made this gorgeous version with a feather exterior print and a pop of purple on this inside:

Tara of UhOh Creations made this AMAZING leather and copper version, such a posh bag! She opted for our Easy Strap Anchors instead of the Edge Connectors and the look is stunning:

Gwen of GML Designs also made a leather version that is a total jaw dropper!! Sooo good!

Judith Clauss used a rich burgundy leather for this luxe Double Flip, and used the strap connector variation to attach her strap, it looks awesome:

Thank you to all our wonderful testers! They did such a fantastic job showing all the looks and variations you can create with this pattern. We would love to see yours too! Please share them in our Facebook Group or hashtag them on Instagram with #DoubleFlipShoulderBag!

Find the pattern Here and Hardware kit Here.

Happy Sewing!

The Retreat Backpack by The UJAMAA GRANDMAS

6/11/2018 10:49:00 AM

There is a FANTASTIC new pattern out by a wonderful group in Calgary, Alberta, - the UJAMAA GRANDMAS. We, at Emmaline, have been lucky enough to have some our bag hardware used this new pattern too! It's called "The Retreat Backpack" as it does use our retreat bag frames to have that handy frame opening at the top that is so similar to our free Retreat Bag pattern. It has sooo much more though, and I'm sure it's going to be a new favorite. I'm pleased to have Patty, one of the bagineers from the foundation, share all of the information about her group and the pattern today! - Janelle

UJAMAA GRANDMAS, a group of over 500 Calgary women, is part of the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. The Foundation works to address the consequences of the HIV/AIDS pandemic upon families and communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Since 2004, UJAMAA GRANDMAS has donated over $1.25 million in support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, by raising funds through a variety of activities, both handcrafts-related and other. You can learn more about UJAMAA GRANDMAS and the Campaign at http://www.ujamaagrandmas.com.

In 2017 a small group was formed within UJAMAA GRANDMAS, Bag-ettes, that focused on building bag making skills and making bags for the fall sale, BAGS, BABIES & BEYOND. In 2018, Bag-ettes ventured into the world of bag design and pattern drafting. The first pattern - a wine tote - was launched in February 2018, and since then the group has released patterns for a set of zippered cases, a shoulder bag, a convertible handbag, a guitar strap and a tutorial for pockets. The early proceeds from the sale of patterns were used to offset costs of supplies for the group’s products but for the rest of 2018, proceeds from pattern sales will go to the Foundation in the form of donation.

The latest pattern release is the Retreat Backpack, named after its cousin the Retreat Bag by Emmaline Bags. The backpack uses the internal B-Frame and the finished size is 12”L x 13.5”H x 6”W (30.5 cm L x 34.3 cm H x 15.2 cm W). This backpack is great for everyday stuff but also has potential as a Diaper Bag, a Gym Bag or a Camera Bag. Change the fabric and you change the purpose.

The front of the backpack has a large, secure, zippered pouch pocket that can be finished in either of two ways, folded or bound.

The top of the backpack closes by means of a zipper and the B frame keeps the top wide open for easy access.

Straps and handles are made with webbing. The ends are covered with raw edge vinyl, leather or cork, making the construction much less bulky to sew compared to using multiple layers of fabric. Rivets can be used to add extra embellishment. The back of the backpack has a wide zippered pocket that lies securely against the wearer’s back.

Inside, there is a second zippered pocket and a divided slip pocket that has a pen slot and room for a phone and other smaller items. Inside finishing is neat and tidy by means of a clever two-step method so the lining closure is clean and nearly invisible.

The base of the pack is reinforced with stabilizer and features six bag feet.

The pattern is written with enough detail for the beginning bag maker and can be made successfully with quilting cotton. The pattern will also appeal to the experienced bag maker as it is easily taken up a notch with fabric choices; consider, linen, denim, plain or waxed canvas.

Retreat Backpack has been extensively tested and is a quick and easy sew especially given the tips and tricks along the way.

Purchase a copy of the Retreat Backpack pattern on CRAFTSY HERE!!

Get the HARDWARE KIT from Emmaline Bags!

See the other patterns by Bag-ettes on their CRAFTSY page.

Bag-ettes extends their thanks to Emmaline Bags for their support in many ways. - Patty Cucman, of the UJAMAA GRANDMAS.