Before I started learning how to sew a few months ago, I heard about these things called “fat quarters.” I never really paid much attention, but the name is kinda funny and it stuck in my head. After I got my sewing machine, I decided to figure out what a fat quarter really was. Turns out is basically a quarter of a yard of fabric. Most fabrics are around 44-45 inches wide, and a yard is obviously 36 inches long, so a fat quarter is a piece of fabric that measures ~18×22 inches.
Last night I finished another sewing project: a cute sling purse made from exactly 2 fat quarters of fabric. I got the pattern from wewilsons (and I think I found it randomly while searching for “fat quarter projects” one day). This is only the second bag I’ve sewn — and the first one was really easy. This is the first thing I’ve sewn with a lining, and the first time I’ve EVER sewn a zipper. I knew I’d want to know how to sew a zipper at some point, so why not tackle it head on? This one went pretty well, and if I can expand from this to an invisible zipper, I figure I’ll be able to make myself a pretty decent looking skirt!
(I also need to figure out how to do a buttonhole, which should be pretty easy since my machine touts a “one-step buttonhole” feature.)
The pattern called for a belt buckle, which is used to make the shoulder strap adjustable. After going to all three major craft stores in Clear Lake, the only option I found was a buckle that was too big — and was covered in blingy rhinestones. So I just chose a fixed strap length and sewed it onto the D-rings on both ends.
All in all, I’m pretty darn impressed with myself. My list of “things to sew” continues to grow, and now includes: new mini-curtains for the master bathroom, an apron (just for fun), a tote bag sturdy enough to carry a laptop in, new throw pillows for the sofa, a cover for my stand mixer, and a Christmas tree skirt to replace the cheap Target felt skirt we’ve used the past two years.
Buttonholes are super easy, especially if your machine has a program for them. Once you do a couple practice runs you’ll have it totally down.
I love seeing your crafty stuff! You are rocking it big time. The fabric combo in this purse is awesome, and I love how you improvised the straps – SMART!
I have a favorite sewing pattern for a cute a-line skirt with a zipper that I need to dig up and send the info to you so you can try it. We made it in a sewing class I took ages ago, and it was a great “step up” project. I can also show you how to make a super simple elastic waist skirt if you’d like to try that first. I learned how to make one in my beginning sewing class and it has become a staple of my wardrobe (not sure if that’s a good thing, but … 😉
Also – check Sew, Mama, Sew! They are doing a holiday sew-along and one of the projects is a tree skirt!
Ooh yes, I would love to see the a-line skirt pattern, and the elastic one too.