BagBlog

Coming Soon: Sew Me How Video tutorials

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:33:00 -0400

I will be launching a series of video tutorials next month entitled "Sew Me How". These tutorials are complimentary and are designed to introduce you to the basics of sewing a handbag. Topics covered will include: Bag Bottoms, Lined Pockets, Hidden Magnetic Snaps, Interfacings, Handy Handles, and more. Already published is the "Magnetic Snap" tutorial...check it out if you havn't yet.

I hope you enjoy this series,

Lianke

Karen wristlet is here!

Mon, 18 May 2009 16:32:00 -0400

Need a wristlet for this summer's round of parties....weddings, graduations, patio parties? Karen is it! It has a modern design that will get attention while being just what you need for hands-free carrying of all your essentials. Small enough to carry on your wrist, yet large enough to hold keys, wallet, phone. Simply slip the long handle through the short handle and then over your wrist.

Steal the scene with this trendy wristlet! ... download Karen wristlet now!

How to finish seams?

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 22:59:00 -0400

Ever wonder if you are finishing your seam correctly or if there is a better way? Here are a few definitions of seam finishes that should help ...

grading seams - used to eliminate bulk. Grading means cutting seam allowance to different widths after stitching. Trim interfacing closest to the stitching, then the facings.
zig-zagged edges - for fabrics that ravel, zig-zag stitch close to the raw edge. Use a smaller stitch on firmly woven fabrics & a wider stitch on loosely woven fabrics.
rolled edges - for sheer fabrics, a good finish is the rolled edge. Stitch a plain seam, press both seam allowances to one side & trim to 3/8 inch. Roll both seam allowances together, using your thumb & fore-finger, to the line of stitching. Sew over the edge close to the line of stitching with a whipping stitch. Keep stitches evenly spaced & do not pull tight.
edge stitched - used on non-bulky fabrics, that ravel. Turn under raw edge 1/4 inch & machine stitch close to folded edge. Press seam open.
pinked seam - used on fabrics that don't fray. Using pinking shears, cut raw edge of seam allowance. Hold the shears firmly & cut with long even strokes. Press seam open.
edge stitched & pinked - for fabrics that ravel slightly, machine stitch 1/4 inch from edge & then trim 1/8 inch from

Did You Miss Pattern Palooza Day?

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:57:00 -0500

Thanks to all who participated in Pattern Palooza Day. It's my little way of thanking my Members; I appreciate your membership and contribution to this site. Please take a look at the Forum....there is alot of useful information there to learn how to sew handbags; post your questions and comments and tips about sewing handbags so we all can learn together.

Did you miss Pattern Palooza Day? Not to worry, there will be another one sometime.....best thing to do is to become a Member by clicking on "Register" under "Welcome" near the bottom of any page. Then I'll drop you an email on the next Pattern Palooza day!

Thanks. ;)

make handbags, be happy,

Lianke

Pattern Palooza!...Saturday, February 28, 2009

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 17:21:00 -0500

FOR MEMBERS ONLY...Today is Pattern Palooza day!

Download as many e Handbag Patterns as you like for the crazy price of $2.

Not a member yet? Become a Member now and join the fun. Just click on "Register" under "Welcome" on the bottom of any page to join....but hurry this offer ends tonite at midnight.

Have fun, and thanks Members, Lianke

P.S. To get this special pricing, be sure to choose "Pattern Palooza" in the Web Store.

Yes, you can Sell Anything you make with My Patterns

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:45:00 -0500

You have my wholehearted permission to sell anything you make with my patterns. I encourage you to use my patterns to make handbags for yourself, for gifts, and for profit. Most pattern designers do not allow you to do this, so I hope you will take advantage of my offer. Please be aware that the e-Patterns themselves are copyrighted and therefore you cannot resell the patterns in whole or part or in anyway repackage them in whole or part as your own. If you would like to sell my patterns in your store, please email me about my generous affliliate program. I will be glad to work with you. Also, I ask that you do not share my patterns. They are so reasonably priced that I think everyone should be able to purchase their own. I thank you for your understanding and cooperation. If you are selling handbags made with my patterns, I would love to know about it and it would be nice of you to give me a plug. You can grab one of my buttons on my homepage. I will feature your work on my site and in my mailings if you let me know. Also, you can sell them on my marketplace for handmade handbags on this site :: handbag-buy-me. I promote this marketplace and hope to grow it into THE place to go to buy and sell fabulous handmade handbags.

make handbags, be happy,

Lianke

Thank you!

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:42:00 -0500

As 2008 has ended and we begin a new year, I want to thank you for your consideration and business this past year. I am planning many new patterns and fun events for this coming year; I hope you will continue to look for my updates.

As a small token of my appreciation, I have designed a special e-Pattern for you to download free of charge. I designed a Tissue Stash which is a quick make and a fun break from handbags. Click on the "Free Pattern Download" button on the Homepage to get it. I hope you enjoy it.

Lianke

Stash your tissues with flair!

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:55:00 -0500

Want to create something easy and quick? Need a little break from making handbags? Try this Tissue Stash. It's a fun, fashionable, and functional way to carry your tissues in your handbag or pocket. It makes up quick with leftover fabric, and it makes a terrific and much appreciated gift. Pick a fabric your receipient will love and add a fabulous button to set it off.

Seams are finished for a professional look. Measures 3.50 inches by 5 inches to fit the travel sized tissue packs.

I am currently offering this e-Pattern as a free download. Click on the "Free Pattern Download" button on the home page.

Enjoy, Lianke

Barbara e-Handbag Pattern is ready to download!

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:53:13 -0500

Barbara Handbag is a sleek, unique bag that doesn't forget its vintage roots. It has a slight A-line shape that lends itself well to either stiff interfacing or slightly relaxed. The "ooh" feature of this bag is the handles; coordinated cording adds texture and interest, while the sleek main panels beg for a carefully chosen fabric motif framed by the side and bottom panels.

Construction features include 2 lined, sectioned interior pockets, smaller lining than exterior so the lining will not wrinkle, trimmed interfacings for less bulky seams, easy and effective bag bottom method, and magnetic snap closure.

The pattern calls for two fabrics: one for the main exterior panels and interior pockets, and a second fabric for all the rest. I chose a fabric motif that I wanted to highlight and then chose a second subdued fabric to frame it. You can, however, choose one, two, or even fabrics to vary the look of this bag.

I made this bag with heavyweight canvas for the interfacing because I did not want any puff or for it to be completely stiff. I also always have good luck with mesh plastic for the bag bottom. This pattern incorporates an easy yet effective bag bottom method.

This pattern is rated easy, with the fun of it coming from the creativity in selecting a motif to highlight and cording to compliment!

How to Cut Large Floral Prints

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:34:03 -0500

Ever wonder what is the best way to cut large floral prints? Read on...

Quite often they are printed in a one-way design. It is important to take into consideration where you wish to have the design placed on your handbag. Usually, we recommend placing the pattern on the wrong side of the fabric, but in the case of large floral prints, it is better to work on the right side of the fabric. If seams run through the motifs, place seam line of center front and center back on the center of the motif and baste before stitching. Follow this suggestion for fabulous looking handbags that highlight the gorgeous fabrics!