Tote Bags Galore

 Have I mentioned I enjoy making bags? Purses, handbags, pouches, messenger bags, tote bags, if it can hold stuff, I love making it.
My last post was about the custom handbag I made as a result of a Craftsy class I participated in called Design Your Own Handbag instructed by Brett Bara.
I can't say enough great things about the Craftsy platform and classes.
Once you purchase the course, its yours forever. You can go back at anytime to watch all or just parts of a class. You can post your questions, comments, etc. in the class, and the instructor replies, and so do the other participants. 
Craftsy also has classes they offer for free! Such a great deal. To prep for the Design Your Own Handbag class, I signed up for a free Craftsy class called Bag Making Basics: Reversible Tote and Zipper Pouch. This course is taught by Kristen Link and is so easy to follow that I went a little crazy with the reversible tote bags. As can be seen by the row of pictures on the left and right.
This was a wonderful way to use up a bunch of fabric pieces that I have. The bags don't take much in the way of yardage, so I just put colors and patterns together in whatever way felt fun.
The bags are reversible and machine washable. That may just be the best part.

Custom Designed Handbag

Craftsy is the greatest! Participating in their online course platform is so convenient and fun. Once you purchase the class, it is yours forever and you can go back to it again and again. This is the 3rd class from Craftsy that I have participated in, and I plan to participate in many more.
The class is called Design Your Own Handbag and the instructor is Brett Bara.

I decided to purchase the class because I love purses, and I enjoy making my own. 
This handbag is the best I have ever made. I am very proud of how it turned out. The hardware makes it look professionally made. 
My inspiration was the beautiful home decor fabric I found the the clearance bin at Hobby Lobby. I found the faux leather in the same bin.
The actual sewing of the bag was simple and only took about 2 hours. The hardware is a different story. 
The hardware was ordered from Pacific Trimming and was by far the most expensive part of the project. It took most of an afternoon to install the hardware. 
The time invested was well worth it!

Pillow Project

I have been slowly working my way through an online course called Sewing Studio. The course is on Craftsy and is taught by Diana Rupp. It is a sewing basics class. It covers sewing home decor, clothing, etc. I decided to take it to refine and hone my skills. It has been fun and interesting.
The first project in the course is a French seamed pillow. I decided to try my hand at making them. The fabric I used came from a second-hand store in my hometown. I wanted to add a bit of color to my very brown living room furniture.
Here is the finished project.

I am very pleased with the result. I think they look beautiful! 

By following the instructor's directions and tips the resulting pillows turned out very professional looking.

Pillows like this would cost at least $15 a piece in a store.

They give the living room exactly the right pop of color I was looking for.