Today I have a FUN hack guest post by Karen to share with you! So COOL! Over to you Karen! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Gemini Pouch is a free pattern and when I was browsing the pictures of pouches made by testers I came across the hack Robin had made to make it fit in a ring binder. I decided this would be a fun project for me to attempt, just in time for Christmas! MAKE THE PUNCHED INSERT 1. Cut out... Read more →

How AWESOME is this! Today I have a super tutorial by Ellen on how to add a zipper closure to your Gabbie's Grove! YAY! Over to you, Ellen: --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hello everyone .. Today I just wanted to share with you all, how I did the Zip Top Closure on “Gabbie’s Grove”. There are two different ways to add a Zip Top Closure, one way is to add a finished (on all edges) Zip Top Closure panel directly onto your lining.... Read more →

Today Karen has an alternative way (well better way to be honest!) of making the pull strap closure for the Fiona's Freeway, to share with you! Over to you Karen: ------------------------------------------------------------------ When I made my Fiona's Freeway I wasn't happy with my Pull Strap Closure. My stitching looked messy where I had tied the ends off, and it looked rather flat, as you can see below on the left. So I came up with my own more rounded version which... Read more →

My wonderful proof reader and pattern tester extraordinaire Norma of Norma's Bag Boutique, added a zipper closure to her Daryl's Drive. I thought that was so COOL and I know many of you just LOVE zipper closures above all else so I twisted her arm to get her to write a tutorial for you..... OK....so I didn't really twist her arm.....But nevertheless Norma has written a tutorial on how she did it so I am going to share that with... Read more →

Hello everyone....Today Sonja has a fabulous Brandt's Boulevard/Olivia hack to share with you! Over to you Sonja: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ “Brandtivia” Tutorial by Sonja Davison Please note: I have sewn both patterns in their entirety using a 6mm (¼”) seam allowance and have specified where different seam allowances should be used. One of the many great things about Christine’s patterns is the endless options for hacking customization. Combining the Brandt’s Boulevard with the Olivia is a perfect example, given the many design... Read more →

Hello everyone....Today Liz has a fabulous Serendipity/Lunar mash-up to share with you! Over to you Liz: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hello everyone! I still can’t believe that I won the Hack-a-Bag-a-Thon contest. It’s a great honor to write this tutorial for you (my first one!), and I hope it inspires you to get creative and try out some hacks on your own bags. First, a little about me – I am a Certified Public Accountant living in Fairbanks, Alaska, USA. I’ve been quilting... Read more →

Firstly a great BIG thank you goes out to Marsha and Ellen for hosting the Hack-a-Bag-a-Thon over in our Facebook group! Ladies, you ROCK! I must say I have been blown away by the awesome talent shown by everyone who entered a hack! I really wish EVERYONE could win 1st prize! I think I am going to have to do some serious arm twisting to get everyone to share their hacks with us over the coming months.....wouldn't that be nice?... Read more →

Calling all Hacks & Quacks! Clear your sewing tables & get out your cameras because you won't want to miss this... July 1 - 31 2016 We're hosting the first ever ChrisW Hack-a-Bag-a-Thon in our Facebook group HERE. Creativity, Prizes, & FunFunFun! Prizes: First Prize - $50 voucher from the Fat Quarter Shop - $25 voucher from Emmaline Bags - A guest starring role on the ChrisW blog* Second Prize - $25 voucher from Hawthorne Threads - 1 ChrisW pattern... Read more →

Today Shanel of Sanity's Crafts Designs is going to share with us her method of converting the Sugar & Spice's curved bottom to a boxy bottom! Many people prefer boxy bottoms because they are easier to work with. So....let's not waste any time with chit chat...over to you, Shanel: These instructions are intended to be used along side the Original Sugar & Spice Instructions. Print the pattern pieces (do not cut them out yet) You will not need the BASE... Read more →