I’m really enjoying seeing all the completed Companion Carpet Bags from everyone! There is still some time to join in and win a prize. Head on over to the Handmade by Mrs. H blog for all the details and sewalong.

Now it’s time to announce my next sewalong! Celine at Blue Calla has some really fresh and original designs, and I’m happy to share the news that my next sewalong will be one of her patterns: the Iris Convertible Bag!

Iris is a medium-large sized bag that can be worn as a shoulder bag, or as a cross-body bag. The bag is loaded with pockets and has a few different options to really customize for your needs. You can also choose different fabric types for parts of this bag, like a vinyl bottom for example.

Head on over to BlueCallaPatterns.com to pick up your PDF copy of Iris, which has been marked down to 50% off right now for a special sewalong price! Don’t forget to use discount code OKAPI10 to save an additional 10%, and you can use that code on any of the patterns while you’re there. Gather all your supplies and join me back here on October 9 for a weekend of sewing. You’ll have plenty of time to finish to be eligible to be entered for the fantastic prize. If you need some help getting supplies, check out my Canadian Sewing Links tab for some great resources.

Enter your completed bag for a chance to win 2 patterns of your choice from Blue Calla and a $25 Gift Certificate to Funky Monkey Fabrics! To enter, post a picture of your completed bag on Instagram with #HappyOkapiBlueCallaSAL
or you can send me a picture of your bag through my contact page. You’ll have until November 8 to complete your bag and enter it. The winner will be randomly selected. Be sure to follow my facebook page for updates.

• Day 1  – Fabric, interfacing, and hardware selection and gathering. Printing of pattern, and cutting and fusing fabric and interfacing.
• Day 2 – We begin sewing the bag.
• Day 3  – Final assembly and completion of bag