ChrisW Designs

Genevieve Messenger PDF Bag Sewing Pattern!

Finally I am able to introduce to you Genevieve. My latest design messenger bag sewing pattern which is now available as a PDF instant download in my pattern shop! :)

If you have been following my blog, you will know I never seem to be able to do things the easy way ....I always have to complicate things for myself LOL......BUT.....for YOU that is good because it now means my Genevieve bag pattern comes with the option to make THREE seperate versions! (Or with a little imagination 4 or MORE versions!)

You can make the plain version, for a quick and easy weekend bag project. The Shaped Flap version for a bag with a difference or make the the Regular Version for a bag with that WOW factor where nobody will believe you made it yourself! In fact this design really screems out for customisation! You could even try some embroidery on the plain flap or perhaps make the sections without piping BUT in different fabrics...the possibilities are endless!

 

Genevieve Regular Version

 

Features:

It is super charming with its piped details and loads of pockets OR make it simple and leave out the piping for a quick and easy project! Choose from two flap shapes! Complete with an adjustable strap, Genevieve closes with a magnetic snap and has a large slip pocket under the flap along with a smaller slip pocket for your mobile phone. Two interior slip pockets, a pen pocket and an interior zipper pocket to keep your valuables secure complete the ensemble! It's a great weekend project that is MUCH easier to complete than it looks! Optional: Simply add some rivets for a really professional look!

Finished size = Approx. 36cm (14") X 28cm (11") X 7.6cm (3")

Rated Basic or Intermediate depending on which version you make! (See info on ratings here!)

Genevieve Under the Flap

Genevieve comes LOADED with pockets!

I was really impressed with the bags my testers made so I am excited to show them to you here! They never cease to amaze me with their wonderful workmanship, feedback and comitment to follow through despite my giving them short time frames to complete the project!

Ann-Marie of The Blue Artisan made this really AWSOME Regular version:

 

Ann-Marie's Regular Version

 

Back View of Ann-Marie's Bag!

 

....AND the funny thing is I had been eyeing off the exact same fabric for this bag only I wasn't sure how it would look (OK so it is no secret I find choosing the fabrics THE most difficult part! LOL) so...NOW I know and I LOVE it!

Jeanette has made the plain version and boy does it look anything but plain! Jeanette decided to do some embroidery on her flap and add a couple of flowers for decoration....It looks simply GORGEOUS, don't you think?

Jeanette's Plain Version

 

Another view of Jeanette's Bag!

 

Robin also made the Plain version with some really FUN fabric! Totally INSPIRING!

 

Robin's Plain but Inspiring Version

 

Inside Robin's Genevieve Bag!

 

When Stephanie of My Calico Heart offered to test for me, her comment was that she would like to test the "Groovy weird shaped flap"  one! LOLLL I guess you could say it is weired shaped BUT I prefer to think of it as groovy! Indeed her version certainly looks GROOVY to me! What do you think?

Stephanie's Groovy Shaped Flap Genevieve!

Under Stephanie's Groovy Bag's Flap!

Liz from Moments also offered to test for me BUT at the time she contacted me, I'd already had all positions filled, so to speak! However.....the first round of testing proved to provide me with a lot of feedback and hence edits and improvements so then I emailed Liz to see if she could test the next corrected version for me....mind you, I only gave her two days to do it in...She joked, no problem, she doesn't need to sleep! LOL

I didn't really expect her to deliver because that really isn't much time to choose fabrics for the bag and gather hardware supplies etc ....BUT...she really must not have slept because she sure did deliver and what a BEAUT bag at that!  Well done Liz I must say!Take a look:

 

Liz's Beaut Bag!

 

Another shot of Liz's Genevieve!

 

Maria from Mia Creates has made an absolute superb job as usual! I can always count on Maria to come up with something out of the ordinary! Take a look:

Maria's Own Version!

 

Isn't it just divine? Take a look under the flap:

Under the Flap!

 

And side on:

Side view!

 

I bet Maria's daughter snaps this one up to add tto her collection! Luckily Maria is so far away from me otherwise I might just try to snatch this one myself! LOL

Last but definitely not least, Trish made this stunningly gorgeous version:

Front view of Trish's Genevieve

 

and under the flap:

Under the Flap!

Thanks ever so MUCH to my wonderful pattern testers and to my proof reader Rochelle of eSheep Enterprises for doing such an awsome job in such a short time! Without all of your help this pattern wouldn't be what it is today!

If you liked what you saw, please stop by my Pattern Shop or Etsy Store where you can download the bag pattern instantly and start sewing your own version right away! Oh and don't forget to share pics in our Flickr Pool! :)

 

Introducing ABIGAIL - An Advanced Handbag/Purse Pattern - Take the Challenge!

OK....it has been a long time coming BUT....FINALLY it is ready! Introducing Abigail -An advanced handbag/purse pattern. Yes....this one is somewhat of a challenge! LOLL...Not so much that it is particularly difficult, as I step you through everything you need to know BUT......rather it is time consuming! Definitely NOT a quick bag project put together in an afternoon! LOLLL But if you are looking for something just that little bit different, you've come to the right place!

Special thanks to my wonderful pattern testers, for making sure the pattern is as error free as possible (Yes, even I am not perfect! LOLL)....a special BIG thanks goes to Maria, who ALWAYS does a fabulous job SUPER FAST! To Monica, for GREAT feedback and Naomi, for thinking up the name "Abigail" ...I think it suits perfectly......

So without further delay, here are some pics:

Abigail

a side view:

Side View of Abigail

Top View:

Top View of Abigail

Another Top View Of Abigail

Features:

The Abigail features all the pockets you need to keep you organised. Featuring 2 cute little front pockets, and 2 side pockets, all closing securely with magnetic snaps. In addition, there are two, large outer slip pockets, on either side of the bag. The roomy main zippered compartment also boasts a secure interior zipper pocket, PLUS two slip pockets, but wait, there's more, there's also a pen pocket! The lovely metal rings, rivets and the use of bag feet, give the bag a professional look.

Finished bag size = Approx. 41cm (16”) X 18cm (7”) X 11.5cm ( 4½”)

Rated Advanced:

More Pics of Abigail in other fabrics:

Abigail in Amy Butler Fabrics

Abigail in Robert Kaufman Fabrics

Find out more about Abigail by visiting her on my website where she is available NOW in my Shop here! I sure hope you like her! :)

Happy sewing!

Cheers,

 

Introducing Kiss!

You may well be thinking that is a strange title for a post! OK...so maybe it is and you are to be forgiven for thinking such a thing .... BUT it is actually quite an appropriate title for my latest clutch pattern!

BUT WHY I hear you asking! Well...it is because K.I.S.S is the acronym for "Keep It Simple, Silly" (Ok, so I always thought it was "Keep It Simple, Stupid" BUT that is another story) and THIS clutch is exactly that! Simple! No, not silly or stupid! LOL - SIMPLE! You can whip this one up in a flash! It is my easiest pattern to date! BUT...as much as I would like to claim to be the smart one that came up with the name, I can't! For that I need to thank Monica! So thank you Monica!

I would also like to thank my wonderful pattern testers Maria, Susan and also Monica too....for putting the pattern to the test and whipping up some samples to make sure all is well and for helping me iron out any problems! Without these Ladies I would be still sitting here trying to look for errors. Have you ever looked at something so much that you simply no longer see anything at all? LOLL Well...that is what it is like for ME trying to find my typos or areas of instructions that don't make sense! PHEW.....I am SOOOO glad to have help with all that because as perfect as I am (What? Don't you believe I am perfect??)......I still make mistakes! (Oh...so that you believe? LOL)

Here it is:

The Kiss Clutch!

Features

Whip up The Kiss Clutch in a flash! It is the perfect little clutch to grab for a day out shopping or for a night out, a cosmetic bag or even a gift for a friend. Why not try some pretty fabrics or silks without the wristlet and flap straps for an elegant DIY wedding? With a roomy main compartment and an additional slip pocket you can carry the essentials with you! Make it as fancy or as plain as you need. The choice is YOURS!

Finished clutch size =Approx. 20cm (8”)W  X 13cm (5”)H X 3cm ( 1¼”)D

 

The Kiss Clutch Interior

The Kiss Clutch in Amy Butler fabrics!

The Kiss Clutch in Michael Miller Fabrics!

 

Would you like to know more about The Kiss Clutch? 
Then please visit my website shop by clicking here!

I sure hope you like it! :)

Cheers,

My Latest Pattern - The Eve Clutch!

Oh I know I have been ultra quiet lately.....(Although hubby might not agree! LOL) ......BUT...that doesn't mean I have been idle! Just recently I finished my latest pattern, a large Clutch.....it has just been through the rigorous testing and editing by my wonderful pattern testers Maria, Susan and Monica...Thank you Ladies....I couldn't do it without YOU! So.....without further delays...Introducing The Eve Clutch, aptly named by Naomi, as usual! Thanks Naomi! :)

The Eve Clutch

Eve's Interior!

Features

Step out in style with the Eve Clutch. 
Perfect for an evening out, as a wedding or bridesmaids clutch or make it in casual fabrics without the inset for a day out shopping with your friends!

With a spacious main pocket, a zipper divider pocket, 4 card pockets, 2 slip pockets, a coin pocket PLUS a phone slip pocket under the flap you can keep everything organized, yet all nice and compact!

Make as many or as few of the pockets as you need and  as fancy or casual as you like! The choice is YOURS!

Finished clutch size =Approx.
25cm (10”)W  X 18cm (7”)H X 2.5cm ( 1”)D

The Eve Clutch in Michael Miller fabrics!

Loads of pockets!

The Eve Clutch in an animal print!

The Eve Clutch Interior

Eve is Rated Intermediate:

I hope you like it! For further details or if you'd like to give it a whirl, the Pattern for Eve is availabe NOW in my Shop!

Let me know what you think! :)

Cheers,

Matilda Dance Tote - Available NOW!

It's been a BUSY few days....RUSHING about, getting NOWHERE fast.....do you have those days too? Days where you seem to be going 'flat out' doing this, that and the other BUT not really achieving anything you set out to achieve?.......well....that is how the last couple of days have felt to ME! BUT......this evening I have managed to CHANGE that and have added my latest bag pattern, the Matilda Dance Tote, to my website and Etsy store!

TWO sizes PLUS instructions for a Faux Leather Handbag!

 

I would like to thank my fabulous pattern testers, Maria, Kathy and Steph for testing the pattern for me and of course, Naomi for naming the bag!

With fab pockets to keep your stuff organised, it is still easy to make and rated Basic:

Here is a shot of the interior:

Matilda's Interior

The Faux Leather handbag is a little more difficult, rated at Intermediate:

This is mainly due to sewing with Faux Leather and the grommets! If the Faux Leather is not your 'cup of tea', I think this bag would look great in Denim or canvas too! As for the Grommets...well they may 'seem' scary BUT they need not be! With the right tools and a little know how, you will find they are a GREAT way to add a professional look to your bags too! Make sure you check out my Grommet Tutorial if you need help! http://blog.chriswdesigns.com/2012/03/how-to-install-grommets-1.html

Maria has kindly allowed me to share pics of her version of the Matilda Faux Leather Handbag.....I am sure you will agree that her bag looks very professionally done indeed!

Maria's Faux Leather Handbag

 

What gorgeous Topstitching!

 

How Neat!

Thanks for sharing, Maria! If you would like to see more of Maria's creations, do stop by 

her Blog here: http://miacreates.blogspot.com/ 

 

Happy Sewing!

 

Sneak Peek! Matilda Dance Tote....

Inspiration for bag designs come from all sorts of places BUT necessity is often the mother of invention, or so it was in this case! LOL! My daughter Amy recently started taking dance lessons....."I need a bag for my dancing gear, mum!".....so I made her one....she thought it was 'cute'.....so I thought - why not make it into a pattern! So......here is a sneak peek at "Matilda".....aptly named by Naomi, as usual! Very clever name, don't you think?

This is what Naomi said- "Matilda, as in Waltzing (Dance!) Matilda - Drawstring tote/bag = swag bag!" Just HOW did she think of that? LOLL! I am hopeless.....the best I could come up with was 'Dance Bag'! Thanks for saving the day Naomi!

The Matilda pattern is off being tested by my ever so wonderful pattern testers......once we are sure it is free of errors, I will add it to my shop.....MEANWHILE, here are some photos:

Small Matilda

Matilda comes in TWO sizes!

Large Matilda

PLUS as an extra BONUS I've included instructions on how to use the pattern to make yourself a Faux Leather Handbag as well!

Faux Leather Handbag

Features:

The Matilda Dance Tote is perfect for popping all of your dancing needs into when you head off to your dancing session! Apart from the roomy interior for your leotards and more, it has two interior elastic pockets, perfect for your dancing shoes and a drink bottle plus two interior slip pockets for hair bands, stockings or other little dance necessities. With the pattern provided in TWO sizes, you can make one for your little ballerina or your teenage hip hopper or of course, for YOU!

BUT the dance tote isn’t limited to just dancing! It also makes a great beach bag, overnight bag or even a great book bag! I am sure you can find lots of other fabulous uses too!

PLUS as an added extra, included with your tote pattern are instructions on how to make a Faux Leather Handbag from the same pattern with just a few simple adjustments and the addition of some Grommets!

Finished bag size =
Small = Approx. 30cm (12”)W  X 28cm (11”)H X 10cm ( 4¼”) Base
Large = Approx. 37cm (14½”)W  X 33cm (13”)H X 10cm ( 4¼”) Base

Coming soon! :)

Another Savannah....

Today I FINALLY finished another Savannah.....I started this one weeks ago BUT I didn't get time to finish it until now. This one is Black Canvas with a gorgeous Michael Miller fabric as a contrast. I LOVE this fabric!

 

Savannah PDF Pattern by ChrisW Designs

Looks smart, don't you think?

Savannah Under the Flap!

I get my gorgeous Michael Miller Fabrics from Michelle at Hypernoodle Fabrics on Etsy. Michelle pairs the fabric up in duos and trios which sure makes it easy to choose when buying online! Do check out her Etsy store!

Savannah....Now available both on my website and Etsy!

Life's been rather hectic lately so I haven't had a chance to officially announce Savannah's arrival! Hmmm....It sounds like I am announcing the arrival of a new baby....well...in a way I guess I am! Each of my designs goes through much growth and development and are special to me....they ARE my babies! LOLLL

Anyway.....I am happy to say that Savannah is now available both on my website and in my Etsy Store! Oh and I almost forgot to mention....Savannah is rated "Intermediate",
so some bag making experience will make things easier for you!

 

Happy Bag Making!
Cheers,

Savannah Messenger........

Here's a sneak peak at my next pattern to be released mid November or so....The "Savannah"....a large messenger style bag! It is currently off with my wonderful pattern testers Maria, Naomi and Lotta....a special BIG thanks to Naomi for her wonderful help with naming! ....

The bag is dedicated to my dear friend Nioka and her beautiful granddaughter "Savannah"...this one is for YOU! :)

Features

The Savannah is super roomy and LOADED with pockets to keep you super organized! There are 2 side pockets and a back zipper pocket. Under the flap there is another zipper pocket, 3 large slip pockets, 3 medium slip pockets and 4 pen pockets. Inside the bag is a laptop slip pocket (Or whatever you wish to use it for! LOL) with a button closure, a zipper divider pocket and three slip pockets. The flap closes with a hook and there is an adjustable strap! This bag has MANY uses including Weekender, Laptop Bag, School bag, Book Bag, Nappy Bag, Shopping Companion, Camera Bag and much more......

Finished bag size = 46cmW X 13cmD X 29cmH. (18”W X 5”D X 11½”H)

Some Pics:

Sign up for my newsletter and grab a discount when this pattern is released! :)

I hope you like Savannah!

Cheers,

Introducing Olivia!

At long last! My latest pattern! Olivia! Special thanks to Naomi for suggesting a name for her! I really struggle with that part and I would still be sitting, stewing over a name if it wasn't for Naomi's suggestion! I love it! Suits her perfectly, don't you think?

Olivia is my most Advanced pattern to date and there is lots to learn from her construction. Don't let that frighten you though, because the instructions are VERY comprehensive and well photographed and as long as you have some bag making experience under your belt, I am sure you will follow it though just fine! PLUS I am always just an email away if you do get stuck! Oh and just for the record, YES...I actually DO answer my emails! LOLL

Special thanks to my wonderful Pattern testers Maria Vazquez, Lotta from Sweden and Naomi who have helped me tweak the pattern and iron out any typos or other errors which are so easily missed be ME! With their help I can proudly say the Olivia Pattern has been thoroughly tested to ensure your enjoyment and trouble free construction!

 

 

And here's Olivia in another fabric!

 

Features

The Olivia is not only roomy and functional but with loads of pockets you will be super organized as well! There are 2 front flap pockets with magnetic catches, two elasticized pockets on the side and a zipper pocket on the back. The top of your bag closes with a recessed zipper so everything inside is nice and secure PLUS inside you will find another zipper pocket and 2 patch pockets as well!

Finished bag size = Approx. 41cm (16") X 25cm (10") X 10cm ( 4")

Rated advanced – for experienced bag makers! Having said that, there ARE lots of photos to help you and it is more time consuming than it is difficult! :)

Ah.....what the heck, I won't repeat everything here......Please just visit her in my shop to find out more! :-)