Last month Veronica, from sewVery, shared a gorgeous Echino Purse and zipper pouch that also featured one of my rectangle purse locks. I have really been meaning to share it with you all!
It's so beautiful! Her post goes into great detail about the interfacing and stabilizer she used in her bag construction and I think it's a great read for any bag maker. Also, nice bag and fabric inspiration!
Great post, Veronica!! Well worth a read.
 |
| Source: sewVery |
It's so beautiful! Her post goes into great detail about the interfacing and stabilizer she used in her bag construction and I think it's a great read for any bag maker. Also, nice bag and fabric inspiration!
Great post, Veronica!! Well worth a read.
 |
| Source: sewVery |
Good morning everyone! Just a quick post to share pictures today because this is LAUNCH day of our new Parkland Modern Quilters Guild and I have to pack up and get over there to set up. So, SEW, excited!!
As some of you know, I am the February pattern designer in the bag of the month club and here is what I've put together for all of you:
The surprise is on the inside! When you open just the closure strap only, you can access both a slip pocket and an internal zipper pocket, perfect for coins and bills. From there, you can also access both external zipper pockets that each have cards slot pockets for all of your charge cards. There is plenty of room in these other pockets for other items as well. This one is made up in a red cotton twill.
The "Inside":Pop the two magnetic snaps open to reveal your ID pocket. Perfect for showing your driver's license at the post office, a bus pass, or your office ID pass.
Thanks for reading!!
PS. If you would like this pattern, join the Bag of the Month Club!
If you would like to see the January Pattern Go Here.
As some of you know, I am the February pattern designer in the bag of the month club and here is what I've put together for all of you:
The Butterfly Sling Purse features two exterior zipper pockets, a professional looking closure strap and a long, adjustable, cross body strap.
The surprise is on the inside! When you open just the closure strap only, you can access both a slip pocket and an internal zipper pocket, perfect for coins and bills. From there, you can also access both external zipper pockets that each have cards slot pockets for all of your charge cards. There is plenty of room in these other pockets for other items as well. This one is made up in a red cotton twill.
The "Inside":Pop the two magnetic snaps open to reveal your ID pocket. Perfect for showing your driver's license at the post office, a bus pass, or your office ID pass.
There are two different hardware kits available in my shop, the Heart Kit, and the Rectangle Kit.
Here is one that Natalie of Carry Hers by Natalie made up! Perfect for traveling!! You can read her pattern review here.
I just wanted to share these pictures with you, my friends, but it's time to get ready for the Guild! Whoop Whoop!! A sewing day!!!
Thanks for reading!!
PS. If you would like this pattern, join the Bag of the Month Club!
If you would like to see the January Pattern Go Here.
Bag Locks
4 Bag Clasp Tutorials:: Learn how to add a purse lock or snap to your purse, tote or handbag.
11/19/2013 10:02:00 AM
Here is a compilation of some of my most popular bag lock tutorials. Learn how to add Press Locks, Flip Locks, Turn locks and Magnetic Snaps to your purse, tote, or bag. Really, they are very easy and fun to install, and also add that professional look to your project that just gives you that finished look you are hoping for. You will love them!
1.
 |
| Large Flip Lock |
This tutorial shows you how to install a large lock with screw holes on the Quarter Note Clutch, but you can install this on any bag. It would look great on a big bulky bag with a nice wide strap closure. (Click the link above and scroll down to the bottom of the page for this tutorial.)
2.
 |
| Press Lock or Tongue Lock |
This tutorial shows you how to add a press lock and a variation to the Necessary Clutch Wallet front flap, but you can use this tutorial to help you put a press lock on any bag you like. I remember when I was a child, my sister and I had child size brief cases with these locks and I get all nostalgic when I see one. I guess I should make an ipad case for my son with one, or a maybe a cool messenger bag for my daughters. Some day!
3.
 |
| Magnetic Snap Closure |
These are probably the most common snap bag closures, simply because they are easy to install and a breeze to open and close. Learn how to put one of these shiny snaps in by clicking the link above.
These are easy to follow instructions on how to add two kinds of turn locks. Some turn locks install with prongs to bend and some with screws. Learn how to do both with this tutorial and you will be able to install any lock of any shape or size.
You can have a look at my other sewing and bag making tutorials HERE. Thank you for reading, and I hope this inspires you to add some great locks to your bags.
Bag Locks
How to Install a Tongue/Press Lock on your Bag or Necessary Clutch Wallet: Includes instructions for a alternate front flap for your wallet!
11/18/2013 08:46:00 PM |
| Press locks available HERE! |
The centre strip of fabric with sides bordered in faux piping add a bit of interest and a fresh new look. Try and not screw up your faux piping like I did. :) It's really bothering me that the piping on the left does not have some of the cute clocks showing. There is nice colour on the fabric of the right piping, but definitely not the left! Darn it!!
I have FOUR new locks coming soon, and I can't wait until they get here. Seriously, cuteness factor is going to soar with my heart locks and the rectangle and square locks will be sophisticated and classy. I can't wait to see them.
Let's get started!
If you intend on doing this in conjunction with the Necessary Clutch Wallet sewing pattern, you will need to read through both this tutorial and the sewing pattern first. YOU MUST! The sewing pattern is available in both PDF (instant download) or printed paper (shipped directly to you...) on my website, emmalinebags.com. Alternatively, you can follow the directions to add these locks to any front bag closure. Try these on a briefcase, messenger bag, or a nice flap over the top of your purse. I kinda love them!
I have been friends with Sheila for 15 years now, we both joined Girl Guides of Canada as Leaders of our daughters groups at the same time back in 1998, so it was really hard to say no when she asked me to teach her sister's quilting guild the Necessary Clutch Wallet. But I did. NO! AH! CAN'T!
I had a few reservations!
1) The Necessary Clutch Wallet pattern wasn't in print, only PDF.
2) It's not a quick project.
3) They don't have the materials and interfacings available to them (remote location).
4) I have never taught a sewing class before.
Sheila continued to encourage (nag) and I started to chip away at these issues as slowly as I could. I tried to do it quickly, but I found out that everything takes longer than you like when you are in a hurry.
1) Wallet patterns were printed and bagged. (Very exciting!!)
2) I would do a couple of demos for the group during their UFO weekend and they could work at their own pace, or even at a later date after seeing the demo. I would be there to answer questions the whole time.
3) I made interfacing and lock kits for them to purchase (available in my shop soon). I put out a table of glue, fraystop, screw drivers, pilot frixion pens and double-sided tape for them to use. I provided extra zippers.
4) I had to suck it up and be a Leader, just like back when I was guiding ;)
... and on top of all this I had to sew sample wallets as I had given all of mine away and package everything I sell in little baggies with price labels. (That was a lot of work!)
So this weekend, Sheila and I traveled west about 3 hours to Hinton, Alberta, which is just about 40 mins or so from beautiful Jasper. We stayed with Dianna, Sheila's sister, and spent all day Friday and most of Saturday with the friendly ladies of the Rocky Mountain Quilters Guild.
I had a very warm welcome from Denise (organizer extraordinaire) and Dianna and busily set up my patterns, kits, and hardware and prepared for my first demo.
I also set up my sewing machine because this was a UFO weekend and I really doubted that many ladies would be wanting to sew my project. I was sure they had better things to do!
My first demo went okay, but I am sure I talked too fast, mumbled - and talked too much. The ladies started getting a little cross-eyed and I was only 3/4 of the way through it so I said "Okay, I think I will leave it at that for now. I will just give you some helpful tips and you can come visit me when you are having troubles. I'll be making my rounds around the room to answer any questions too."
Surprisingly, there were a lot of ladies making the wallet. More ladies came later in the evening and I did a much better presentation (I think), and wasn't nervous at all. I think in total there were around 20 ladies sewing wallets and another 15 or so working on other projects.
I made my way around the room, and around, and around. There were ladies flying through it without troubles and ladies having a few troubles and a few having a lot of troubles. I started to worry that my pattern wasn't clear and the instructions weren't easy to follow. I had to put myself in check and remind myself that I have had a lot of people tell me the pattern was clear, that it's meant for an intermediate sewer, that this was a very distracting, social, environment and it's easy to skip steps, that a lot of the ladies have never sewed tight curves, top stitched, or inserted a purse lock, and most importantly - there are different kinds of learners.
The experience was fantastic! I loved working with the ladies. I loved helping them hands on. I loved that aha moment when a switch of a presser foot, changed topstitching from being nearly impossible - to very easy and beautiful. It was a good feeling to help them through a challenge and help them make something they were very proud of in the end. Here are some of the beautiful wallets they made:
The wallets turned out gorgeous, the ladies were lovely, and the pot luck lunches and dinners were YUMMY!
I am very glad that I got it all together and went. The big reward and validation came when I heard that some ladies were already working on second wallets and finding them much easier to work on. They came to me and purchased more locks, more interfacing and my (brag) lovely zipper pulls and metal bag labels for their bags. (I was so excited to share my antique brass bag labels and zipper pulls as I only got the order delivered to me the night before). They look so gorgeous on the right fabric and give you such a different look than my nickel ones.
.
I didn't sew a stitch on my unfinished projects, but I wouldn't change that in any way. I really wanted these ladies to be successful with their wallets before I left so I tried to help as much as I could.
I had a great time with Sheila, as usual. We always have a laugh. I kind of picked on her a bit with sarcastic jokes, but I think it was just my nervous energy. Driving home, I didn't really have a chance to "come down from it all" because we had about 2 hours of driving through blinding snow. When I got home I just collapsed on the couch in a heap and cuddled with my boy, and had a great surprise: While I was gone, my husband washed the dog and cleaned the pantry!! He's a keeper.
Don't be afraid to challenge yourself. This past weekend, I saw a lot of ladies challenge their sewing capabilities and I certainly challenged myself with instructing, organizing, AND winter driving. You sew girl!
Thank you for listening.
I had a few reservations!
1) The Necessary Clutch Wallet pattern wasn't in print, only PDF.
2) It's not a quick project.
3) They don't have the materials and interfacings available to them (remote location).
4) I have never taught a sewing class before.
Sheila continued to encourage (nag) and I started to chip away at these issues as slowly as I could. I tried to do it quickly, but I found out that everything takes longer than you like when you are in a hurry.
 |
| The Necessary Clutch Wallet - Available in PDF or Paper Pattern HERE. |
1) Wallet patterns were printed and bagged. (Very exciting!!)
2) I would do a couple of demos for the group during their UFO weekend and they could work at their own pace, or even at a later date after seeing the demo. I would be there to answer questions the whole time.
3) I made interfacing and lock kits for them to purchase (available in my shop soon). I put out a table of glue, fraystop, screw drivers, pilot frixion pens and double-sided tape for them to use. I provided extra zippers.
4) I had to suck it up and be a Leader, just like back when I was guiding ;)
... and on top of all this I had to sew sample wallets as I had given all of mine away and package everything I sell in little baggies with price labels. (That was a lot of work!)
So this weekend, Sheila and I traveled west about 3 hours to Hinton, Alberta, which is just about 40 mins or so from beautiful Jasper. We stayed with Dianna, Sheila's sister, and spent all day Friday and most of Saturday with the friendly ladies of the Rocky Mountain Quilters Guild.
I had a very warm welcome from Denise (organizer extraordinaire) and Dianna and busily set up my patterns, kits, and hardware and prepared for my first demo.
I also set up my sewing machine because this was a UFO weekend and I really doubted that many ladies would be wanting to sew my project. I was sure they had better things to do!
My first demo went okay, but I am sure I talked too fast, mumbled - and talked too much. The ladies started getting a little cross-eyed and I was only 3/4 of the way through it so I said "Okay, I think I will leave it at that for now. I will just give you some helpful tips and you can come visit me when you are having troubles. I'll be making my rounds around the room to answer any questions too."
 |
| Sheila "the Ruler", and my messy unused sewing area with our prize baskets in front. |
I made my way around the room, and around, and around. There were ladies flying through it without troubles and ladies having a few troubles and a few having a lot of troubles. I started to worry that my pattern wasn't clear and the instructions weren't easy to follow. I had to put myself in check and remind myself that I have had a lot of people tell me the pattern was clear, that it's meant for an intermediate sewer, that this was a very distracting, social, environment and it's easy to skip steps, that a lot of the ladies have never sewed tight curves, top stitched, or inserted a purse lock, and most importantly - there are different kinds of learners.
 |
| A few of the first ladies to get done. Donna, Denise & Kelly. |
The experience was fantastic! I loved working with the ladies. I loved helping them hands on. I loved that aha moment when a switch of a presser foot, changed topstitching from being nearly impossible - to very easy and beautiful. It was a good feeling to help them through a challenge and help them make something they were very proud of in the end. Here are some of the beautiful wallets they made:
 |
| Beautiful Necessary Clutch Wallets. Click to enlarge! |
The wallets turned out gorgeous, the ladies were lovely, and the pot luck lunches and dinners were YUMMY!
 |
| The small turn lock and metal bag label in antique brass. |
I am very glad that I got it all together and went. The big reward and validation came when I heard that some ladies were already working on second wallets and finding them much easier to work on. They came to me and purchased more locks, more interfacing and my (brag) lovely zipper pulls and metal bag labels for their bags. (I was so excited to share my antique brass bag labels and zipper pulls as I only got the order delivered to me the night before). They look so gorgeous on the right fabric and give you such a different look than my nickel ones.
.
 |
| Antique Brass "Handmade" Metal Bag Labels |
 |
| Metal Bag Labels and Zipper Pulls "Handmade" |
I didn't sew a stitch on my unfinished projects, but I wouldn't change that in any way. I really wanted these ladies to be successful with their wallets before I left so I tried to help as much as I could.
I had a great time with Sheila, as usual. We always have a laugh. I kind of picked on her a bit with sarcastic jokes, but I think it was just my nervous energy. Driving home, I didn't really have a chance to "come down from it all" because we had about 2 hours of driving through blinding snow. When I got home I just collapsed on the couch in a heap and cuddled with my boy, and had a great surprise: While I was gone, my husband washed the dog and cleaned the pantry!! He's a keeper.
Don't be afraid to challenge yourself. This past weekend, I saw a lot of ladies challenge their sewing capabilities and I certainly challenged myself with instructing, organizing, AND winter driving. You sew girl!
Thank you for listening.
Bag Locks
How to Install Purse Turn locks and Flips Locks in Bags and Purses: A Tutorial
11/01/2013 09:06:00 PM
The following instructions are for two kinds of locks, but they are installed almost the same way. Once you figure out what the little parts are in these locks, when you get some that are a slightly different style, you won't have any troubles figuring it out on your own.
