Conversation Starters

Looking for something totally new and creative? Offer these tote kits – made of seat belt material! This material can be easily sewn on a domestic machine. The kits include the pattern, belting material and hardware. You just need to provide the interfacing, fabric, and zippers.

There are two different styles to choose from – each available in two different colorways.

Roundabout Seat Belt Bag Kit in Teal

Roundabout Seat Belt Bag Kit in Steel Blue
Market Tote Seat Belt Bag Kit in Black and White
Market Tote Seat Belt Bag Kit in Red and White

They are easy to clean and virtually indestructible. Refill kits are available for each tote. After all, who could make just one???

Panels and Purses

The new patterns that will be showcased at Market are starting to arrive – and these two are sure to be hits. After all, they are from Aunties Two!

Happy Hauler is a BIG bag that goes together very quickly because the fabric is center stage! What a unique use of a panel – and what great results!

Cork Totes features either an open or zippered top and cork accents that elevates this to a boutique exclusive. Simply stunning!

Both patterns will be available next month.

The Newest from Your Favorite Lazy Girl

Zoey Zips from Lazy Girl Designs are adorable zip pouches with basket-style handles created from leftover zipper lengths. The pattern features two sizes: Small: 7 1/2in L x 2 1/2in H x 2in D, uses one 14in zipper. Large: 9 1/2in L x 3 1/2in H x 2in D, uses one 16in or longer zipper.

Perfect for sewing notions, pencil case, and all of your little treasures! Grab your favorite fabrics and cut a little, sew a little, zip a little – and done! Joan recommends using Lazy Girl Designs Face-It Soft fusible interfacing and fusible fleece.

The Lexi Carryall is the perfect choice for a class! It combines several of Joan’s signature techniques so learning opportunities abound!

This crossbody bag with an adjustable one-inch wide strap has numerous pockets to organize everything you need in style!

Lexi features:
– A zippered main compartment loaded with pockets to keep your essentials organized and easily at hand.
– A roomy main compartment that easily holds a 16oz water bottle.
– A front zip pocket for quick access to secure storage.
– And a back slip pocket for your phone.

Teach your customers Joan’s innovative zipper installation that allows the top zipper to open fully from edge to edge for easy access to everything inside. Then show how to divide and use a double pull zipper. She includes numerous pressing and finishing tips that give all of her projects a professional quality look.

At 9 x 9 x 2 1/2 inches, this baby packs a punch and is big enough to carry an iPad Mini, Kindle, or your favorite small table. With over 100 full-color step-by-step instructions, you will be successful the very first time! These patterns are due to arrive later this month so order them now!

Mary Poppins Playmates

The new Little Poppins bag is due to arrive next month. It is doubly cute because you can make it in two sizes: 13 x 9 x 6 or 13 x 12 x 6. Who doesn’t love the proportions and style with a classic touch? The pattern includes high quality stays. (Additional stays can be purchased separately).

Achieve professional quality by using a great stabilizer for the sides and bottom.

Now, don’t you want a set of all three???

A Blank Canvas – Literally

I totally missed the boat on this one! I looked at these totes and aprons by Kimberbell and thought they were great for machine embroidery – but didn’t consider all of the other possibilities!

These canvas totes come in natural and denim and are totally finished except for the side seams which are serged! When you are done decorating, just stitch up the sides with a straight seam!

My grandchildren are coming down for “grandma camp” in a few weeks. My idea? We are going to cut pockets from old jeans, pinking the fabric beyond the pocket so we can attach them to the tote easily. They can embellish them any way they want and then we will stitch multiple pockets on each side. We may even add a few to the inside!

Kimberbell has those assortments of adorable trims as well. Adding ribbon to the tops of some of the pockets might be fun too! Who says they have to be just for machine embroidery???

And then I saw these blank aprons in adult and children’s sizes! Craft aprons with multiple pockets? What do you think???

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are all affordably priced and in stock! I just placed my order!

Poppins Bag could hold Mary!

I have seen the actual bag – and couldn’t believe how big it is. It literally will hold a queen size quilt AFTER quilting! It is a great weekender bag, a retreat bag, a beach bag (with enough room for towels, sunscreen, and books for the entire family) or anything you want!

The pattern comes with structural stays so the top pops open – and stays open until you want to close it!

The sides of the bag are stabilized with In-R-Form so it will maintain its shape. It uses a 30″ zipper By Annie which comes in a multitude of colors and has two zipper pulls.

Carol uses a placemat to stabilize the base – which is 12″ x 18″.

 

 

 

Start with quilted fabric or quilt your own – which is another great class. This was quilted in straight lines – a great use for the Creative Grids Slim quilting tool designed by Angela Walters.

I talked to several people who have made the bag and many said that it went together so easy that they were making more! Now that is a testament to a great bag!

Scallops aren’t just for the Beach

I am in Portland and the excitement started right when I landed. I ran into Christine Poor of Poorhouse Designs at the airport. If her luggage arrived safely, I will actually get to see the originals tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She uses a no binding technique that sounds appealing. I can’t wait to stop by her booth and see how it is done. The purse and clutch are made with one package of Bosal pre-cuts. Buy two because you are going to want to make the placemats as well!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They come in In-R-Form or Craft-Tex. Choose your favorite product or make samples in both so customers can feel the difference!

We have a new baby at our house so I want to make a set as changing pads! Wouldn’t that be adorable??

Everything should be in stock by the end of the month so order them now!

Shop Hops and Shows – Part Three

Once again, a sample sells! These 5″ x 5″ x 10″ bags are the perfect way to use those novelty fabrics that just don’t seem to work in traditional quilts! The size is perfect for everyone – teachers, fellow quilters, friends who actually take the time to wear makeup…every day…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Display the zippers and recommended interfacings right with the pattern and fabrics. Why make them look for the basics?

When you find a pattern you like, look for other patterns by the same designer. If they are talented enough to have a best seller, there may be hidden gems yet to be discovered. In this case, check out her Sew Square bag:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How cute is this??? You could create the next craze!

To see our Shop Hop Guide Event Ideas and Inspiration booklet, click here