Bag Hardware
How to Install a Half Moon Magnetic Clasp - A Hardware Video Tutorial
7/25/2018 07:41:00 PMIf you are looking for an interesting closure on a handmade bag or wallet, a Half Moon Magnetic Snap is very easy to install - and gorgeous!
Learn how to install the front part of the closure with the video tutorial below, and use your basic magnetic snap skills to install the back piece. If you haven't installed a basic magnetic snap yet GO HERE to see that video tutorial too! They are so easy!
Shop for our Half Moon Magnetic Clasps on the website here!
Happy Sewing!
Janelle
Bag of the Month Club
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!
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.
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
Wow! Can you believe that we are wrapping up another round of Bag of the Month Club?! What a wonderful round this has been! Thank you to all the wonderful designers for these AMAZING patterns and for all of YOU for turning them into such incredible creations! We have enjoyed seeing each and every one of your makes, and look forward to seeing all the rest! So THANK YOU for making this club so wonderful!
Each pattern in the club is unique and teaches different skills that you can apply to other bags to improve your confidence. If you sew all of the bags in the club you will walk away with a lot of new skills and 7 AWESOME bags! Remember, as a member these patterns will stay in your account forever, so there is no need to rush and get each one done every month (although you might want to). Even after the club is over at the end of the month, the patterns will remain in your account!
Remember, there IS still time to join to get the 6 patterns included in this round AND the bonus pattern! That’s a total of 7 patterns for 40 USD. At the end of June, this round of the club goes away and unless you are a member of the club, you won’t be able to get these patterns unless they are released by the individual designer 6 months after the club release.
Let’s wrap up this year’s club by doing a quick review of the patterns in this round!
January
The Podium By Chris W. Designs:
This Gorgeous Version by Chera of Phipody
Christine of Chris W Designs was our Miss January with The Podium. The Podium is a roomy cross body bag with an adjustable strap. It features an exterior quick access phone pocket. Inside the roomy under flap main compartment, you will find a zipper pocket, 2 slip pockets and a pen pocket. This is a great bag to practice adding some new hardware or using a feature print on the flap to practice your fussy cutting. Read more about this fun pattern and see the tester photos here.
February
The Ravenwood Messenger Bag by Betz White Designs:
Betz White is our Miss February with the Rugged Ravenwood Messenger Bag. The Ravenwood Messenger Bag is a rough and ready companion, equipped to carry your tech gear and more. The Ravenwood is highly functional with multiple pockets inside and out, plus room for your 15” laptop and daily necessities. The front of the bag has 2 pleated cargo pockets with press lock closures as well as a large zippered pocket. It’s the perfect bag to try your hand at trying waxed canvas and is wonderful for men and women alike.
March
The Stargazer Tote by Blue Calla Patterns:
Celine of Blue Calla Patterns is our Miss March with the lovely Stargazer Tote. The Stargazer is a lovely sized shoulder bag with an optional crossbody strap. It features two large exterior pockets that have a beautiful piped accent. The bag measures 15” W x 10.5” H x 4.5”. It has a recessed zipper closure and has two different options for the handle connectors. This is a great bag to practice your piping skills and learn to do pleats and install strap hardware. Check out all the lovely tester photos here.
April
Miss April is Alicia from Swoon Patterns with the lovely Celine Zip top tote! This fun tote has the functionality of a tote, in a handbag size! It’s super comfortable to carry on your shoulder and has a unique closure strap over the top zipper for added security. It features a large zipper exterior pocket and requires minimal hardware. The panels are the perfect size for a feature print, as she measures 14” W x 11” H x 6” D. Alicia calls this a “one dayer” and would be a nice relaxing sew for an advanced bagineer.
May
Miss May is Samantha from Sewing Patterns by Mrs. H, with her Holey Mayoley Bag! This fun bag has a hole in the flap which adds interest as well as extra security for your belongings. In addition to her good looks, this is a super functional bag, featuring a large hidden exterior pocket and a press lock to secure the flap. The inside boasts a zippered pocket and a welt pocket, which is a great technique you can apply to other handbags. It measures 11” W x 13” H x 5” D. Many of you have also sewn in without the hole in the flap which makes for a completely different look and makes it a bit easier for newer bag makers. You can see some of them here.
June
I am representing June with the Road Trip Wallet! This wallet features THREE different closure options to suit your style and skill level! Inside the wallet you will find 16 card slots, and learn a new way to make them. In the center is a two sided ID window that is perfect to keep your ID or favorite photo handy. The top of the wallet has two zippered sections that are perfect for stashing your cash, checkbook or coupons. It’s nice added security to keep your money secure. Choose from a closure with magnetic snap and strap detail, heavy duty snap with a tab closure or a magnetic snap with a flap closure. It’s easier to make than it looks and it can hold a LOT.
BONUS:
As a bonus to our members, we have an additional pattern this year, The Denver Backpack by Swoon Patterns. This pattern will remain exclusive to the club for the foreseeable future, so join up while you can.
The Denver is a unisex backpack that has a familiar rucksack style, but with a unique shape. It has two exterior zippered side pockets and the style of the zippered top allows it to open wide. This backpack comes in two sizes and we have loved seeing the kid versions of small size popping up!
To grab all these amazing patterns join us at Bag of the Month Club! If you are already a member, don’t forget to share your makes. We love seeing each and every one of them! Join our Facebook group, follow us on Instagram or Pinterest. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #bagofthemonthclub when you share so we can all ooh and ahh over your lovely bags!
Thank YOU for making this such an awesome club! I've really enjoyed my time collaborating with Christine, Betz, Alicia, Celine, & Samantha in 2018 and I can't wait to see what 2019 brings.
