My makes from Hazel's project cards

My business associate, Hazel ( I think I give her a different title every time I mention her! I don't think she minds! 😍) has been developing the project cards which go into the Little Box of Fabulous, and making the samples, since the beginning! I'll be for ever grateful for her help and wisdom in my little business. So I thought it was time for me to sew my own makes from Hazel's project cards. 

Today I'm starting with the Tie-Up Tray and Travel Cup Cosy.

I used fabrics from my stash, Harbour Side by Lewis and Irene and Bumbleberries also from them. You need to use a very firm iron on interfacing to give it the structure, which is advised in the materials needed. I didn't have any cotton tape to use for the ties but made my own tape from the Bumbleberries fabric. It's a very clever design how it folds to form the basket, and a very handy container for my clips!

Tie-Up Tray

I've used the same fabrics for the Travel Cup Cosy. The pattern pieces are also supplied with this project card. It's a very quick make and has the added bonus of having a removable wrist strap, so when you've finished your hot beverage you can hang it from your bag! The binding for the cosy is cut on the bias, I like to make my own rather than use shop bought, I think the project looks more professional if it matches the other fabrics. Just my thought!

Travel Cup Cosy

So there we are! Both these projects would make great presents. The instructions are printed on A4 card with plenty of colour pictures to help you. I hope you'll give these a go, and don't forget to share on our Facebook page.

The Convertible Bag

Today I am going to talk about The Convertible Bag Pattern by Mrs H. Back in February we visited the Stitches trade show in Birmingham and ordered three bag patterns from the lovely ladies on the Mrs H stand. These included The Convertible, The Sassy Saddlebag and The Squiffy Sling Bag. I will be making all the patterns up so I can share my reviews. You can find these sewing patterns and more here on the website.

Here's my version of The Convertible Bag. I used fabric out of my stash, the navy with trees is from Dashwood Studio. Unfortunately I didn't have quite enough fabric to make the bag as I would have liked, it takes 1m for the outside and 1m for the lining. Most of my fabric pieces are fat quarters and a few half metres! I didn't have enough fabric to make the strap, but luckily I had 150cm of navy webbing to use instead.

If you've made bags before then you'll find the pattern and instructions very straight forward. There is a zipped pocket on the back and one inside. There is also the option of putting a slip pocket on the inside. There is also a further pocket on the front, I was going to put a magnetic snap as a closure for the pocket, but had gone too far before I realised I hadn't done it! Next time!

It's a great size and roomy inside. For me personally I would use it as a backpack, which you have the option of doing as there are rings on the reverse and a tunnel to be able to thread the strap through to convert it. I love all the hardware you can show off with this bag too, as I love collecting it!😀

If you have a gorgeous piece of fabric you want to show off then using it for the flap would be stunning!

If you have this pattern, I hope you enjoy making it!