Pattern Review: Insulated Wine Tote

I found this adorable wine tote pattern made by Kathryn Goodman on the Bernina site a few years ago when I was just learning to sew.  It made for a quick homemade project that was spot on with my skill level.

So that Christmas, it was ‘Wine Totes for Everyone!’

Even after making over a dozen of these totes, I still love the pattern.  So when I was searching around for a gift idea for a volunteer board that I head, I immediately thought of this project.  Who doesn’t like a little wine as a thank you for all the hard work you do?  Don’t they look cute all sewn up? 

Just a few tips on this project.  Be generous with the pins in step two when you are basting the exterior fabric to the Insul-Brite.  Otherwise the exterior fabric has a tendency to shift a bit. 

Also plan to be generous with the pins when you attach the interior and exterior. The only issue I have with the pattern is on the handle – and it’s not a deal breaker of an issue.  The pattern calls for a 3″ wide cut on the tote handle.  After sewing the long edges together and pressing opposite edges in 1/2″ the picture in the step shows that the long edges of the fabric are touching but they should be an inch apart if you cut the piece 3″ wide.  I think it’s just a type-o and that you should cut the handle 2″ wide, but if you prefer a wider handle, then keep it at 3″

Happy Sewing!

–Martta

Top Posts of the Year

Happy Blog-iversary!  It’s hard to believe we’ve been up to it for a year already.  We’ve loved sharing our projects and culinary adventures with you.  But which ones have been the most interesting?  Well, as voted by you, with the most number of hits, here’s our top ten parade:

10. Fabric Flower Hair Clip

9. 4th of July Subway Art

8. Pineapple Dessert Pizza with Rum Spiked Whip Cream

7. Little Girl’s Tank Dress

6. Amy Butler Cosmo Bag

 5. Wine Cork Letter Sign

4. How to Create a Chocolate Covered Strawberry Tower 

3. Make an Egg Shaped Easter Basket From String 

  2. Little Girl T-Shirt Ruffle Tank Dress

And last, but not least, running away with the top prize is………….

1. Gold Dusted Mini Chocolate Oscar Statues 

 What will the next year on the blog bring?  Who knows?  But I can’t wait to find out!

– Martta & Heather

Monogrammed Purse Tag

I just love monograms, they add instant personalization to any gift.  As I was coming down to the wire in my bag making exploits this year, I decided I’d make a Buttercup Bag for Caroline – just like the one I made for Eleanor.  To mix it up a bit I changed up the monogram: Rather than sewing it to the bag, I thought I’d make a monogramed purse tag.  What can I say?  There are no original ideas, I was inspired by the one on my coach purse.

I grabbed a few fabric scraps from the purse, some stiff cardboard (I just used the cardboard from a writing tablet), heat and bond, a ball and chain key ring and a grommet from the collection of scrapbooking supplies I still have buried in my house. 

I picked out my letter font and set to work.  For this bag, I decided to make my tag 1 3/4″ by 1 3/4″.  I rounded the corners of the cardboard a bit after cutting them out.

I started by cutting out my letter and Heat and Bonding it to the pink fabric swatch.

I then appliquéd down the letter.  Now let’s be honest, Santa was a bit under the gun and it wasn’t the finest work turned out of the workshop this year….but you get the idea.

I then attached the pink swatch to one of my pieces of cardboard using Heat and Bond.  I folded down the corners first and then folded in the sides.

Finish and repeat for the fabric scrap that will be the back of the tag.

I then took these two pieces, placed them back-to-back and stitched them together on my sewing machine with minimal protest from the machine. 

On to hole punching!  I pulled out my grommet setting kit from scrapbook land. 

Positioned the punch and whacked a hole in there.  I then set the backside. Fabulous.  Now let’s add that ball and chain key ring (available in the leather crafting section of the craft store….I know, I would never have guessed either but I got a pack of like 20 for $1.99 there)  And the purse is adorable with it’s finishing touch!  Perfectly coordinated cute-ness doesn’t necessarily have to have the best appliqué work to be just fab.  And the best part, according to Heather, is that she can just detach that “C” and take the bag out for girls night  I fully approve!

–Martta