Many of the recent bags I’ve been making have been calling for Soft and Stable, which is a really great product that adds shape to bags, but it’s not very easy to find. Connecting Threads carries it though,  and they even have it on black or white!

Today I’m very excited to start a series here that I’ve decided to call the “Everything Else” Series. The typical scenario I see amongst fellow sewists goes something like this: 
“I found the perfect fabric to make this purse I have a pattern for!” 
*Runs off to look at pattern again, only to discover the fabric itself is actually just a small part of the bag*
“huh…where I do I find everything else?”

I buy almost all of my fabric from Canadian online shops; there are actually many really great ones, like Stay Home Fabrics and Fabricspark.com, and many more featured in Thread Riding Hood‘s series found here. So, finding fabric in Canada is getting a lot easier, but I find that locating everything else can still be a challenge.  I hope this series, featuring shops that carry some of these harder to find items, will help ease the challenge.

The series will actually start with an American online shop, Connecting Threads, and I’m featuring them because unlike many American shops that ship to Canada, this shop actually has the items shipped from Canada, so you aren’t hit with any surprise custom/duty fees. They even offer free shipping to Canada with orders over a certain amount from time to time (like, right now actually) 

In addition to their high quality, affordable thread, Connecting Threads carries a large variety of items.

When working with Soft and Stable, I find that Wonder Clips are much nicer to use than pins. Connecting Threads has a big selection of notions, including Wonder Clips. They’re even on sale right now. Have a look through their tools section for lots of fun tools that make the job easier.

In addition to all the great tools, thread and other extras, they have a pretty great selection of fabric too! I picked up some of the new Cotton + Steel Tokyo Train Ride.

Are there any really great Canadian shops I should know about? Send me an email, or let me know in the comments. 

Just a quick post to let you know about a great sale from one of my favourite places to shop. Stay Home Fabrics is having a Buy More Save More sale. You can save up to 20% off plus free shipping! Check out the site for more details. There’s a wonderful selection of top quality quilting cottons, plus some fleece, minky, and even Essex Linen! Essex Linen is a staple in many of my bags; such a nice weight to it. Here are some of my favourites from the site. Which ones are yours?

They travelled all the way from China, from the only distributor we could find worldwide, and nearly a month later, after being held up in customs for a bit, my bag frames came! If you’ll remember from my last post, I’ve joined the Bag of the Month Club, and January’s bag pattern uses these great frames. I could have used similar pinch frames, but since the hinges are exposed, Mrs. H suggested these finger-friendly frames. The pattern offers 2 sizes, and I couldn’t decide which one to make, so I ordered one frame for each size! I also ordered a pair of vinyl handles, since the pattern calls for those as well. If you know of any North American distributors of these frames, I’d love to hear; either leave me a comment or send me an email.

Here’s the laminated Dottie, pattern by Swoon, in Tula Pink’s squirrels. It’s just the right size for a cosmetic case, and perfect to take along on a tropical vacation.

I had a request for a custom insulated lunch bag with a zippered outer pocket, for cutlery and napkin. I love how it turned out, and so did she! These prints are part of Joel Dewberry’s Aviary 2 collection.

I’ve been working on a few things already this year, and today I got some wonderful “happy mail,” as I call it, from Stay Home Fabrics and Fabricspark.com. Aren’t they gorgeous?! I can’t wait to get started with these beauties.

I’m working on a Swoon Patterns Dottie Vintage Handbag, made with laminated Tula Pink. I’m using laminated cotton so it can be used as a cosmetic/toiletries bag. 

I’m almost finished an insulated lunch bag in Joel Dewberry Aviary 2. 

Up next is something I’m very excited to start: I was lucky enough to be gifted a membership to the Bag of the Month Club. It goes for 6 months and each month is a new bag pattern by a different designer. The first month’s pattern has now been released and it’s a style I’ve never done before. The Companion Carpet bag, by Mrs. H, and it takes a hinged frame, so will be a unique bag for sure! I’ve selected Joel Dewberry Birch Farm for this bag, because this large print demands a large bag. It’s not too late to join! 

The last project I have on the go right now is a tutorial I’m writing up, to offer right here on the blog. Keep an eye out for it over the next few weeks.

What are you working on right now? Let me know in the comments below!

Welcome to my new blog! Here are the last few bags I made in 2014. I really love making bags and working with beautiful fabrics. 

All 3 bags pictured are made from Swoon Sewing Patterns, and are Bonnie, Glenda and Dallas. 

Bonnie, made with some adorable Andover chickadees from fabricspark.com was made for a friend in exchange for an amazingly soft wool cowl she crocheted for me.

This Glenda Convertible Clutch, made in Tula Pink’s Moonshine collection, featuring Deer Me in the Strawberry colourway, came together really nicely, if I do say so myself. I used an antique brass hardware and I think it makes a nice finishing touch. 

Finally, this Dallas Duffel bag was a Christmas gift for my Dad. It was my first time using this pattern and also my first time working with Echino linen blend, also from fabricspark.com. The piping and lining are made with Free Spirit Solid in Eggplant, which match the helicopters perfectly, thanks to Daryl of Fabricspark for helping me with the colour code!

I look forward to another year full of great sewing projects and more beautiful fabric!