Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Some 'firsts' for 2009 ( a new bag and a giveaway!)

As the creative juices haven't flowed in just yet, I decided to use someone else's bag pattern to get me started. I couldn't let that new sewing machine just sit there, idle...

The pattern is from Sweet Pea Totes. I've tried two of their designs before and have found the instructions for them very clear and easy to follow. This one, I believe, is the newest one they have - the Simple and Chic handbag. Here it is,folks, my first finished bag for 2009!

(Click to view larger images)


This bag is about 10 3/4" tall, 16" wide at the top and 11 1/2" wide at the bottom. The strap is around 20" long. It also has a flap with a magnetic snap closure and one inside pocket. I used 100% cotton fabrics, with the main bag lined with fusible fleece and the lining with stiff interfacing.

The whole sewing process was pretty easy. The only tricky part was stitching around the shaped top. Nice pattern to try out, even for a beginner.

Speaking of patterns, I am having a bag pattern giveaway, my FIRST for the year! There are two, actually...Favorite Things' Wallet Purse and Lazy Girl Designs' Chelsea Tote! Combined value - about $22 USD!


You can read more on these patterns here and here.

Everyone is invited to participate. I don't mind shipping these outside Australia. Here is what you have to do to be in the running to win:
1. If you have a blog, please mention this giveaway and provide a link back to this post. Don't forget to also leave a comment here so I would know that you've joined, ok?
2. If you don't have a blog, aside from leaving a comment, I would appreciate it if you could extend this giveaway to at least one friend. Ask them to join too! The more entries the merrier, right? There would be no way for me to check if you did your part, so I will have to trust you on this one!

Entries close on Saturday, the 24th of January at 12:00 noon AEST. COMPETITION NOW CLOSED. I will use the random number generator to determine the winner. Watch out for the announcement on Sunday.

So, that's it for some 'firsts'. Hope you all have a nice day and thanks for dropping by. Good luck!

~ Corinne ~

PS. With Sweet Pea's blessing, I might just sell the bag above. Please watch out for that!

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27 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 20, 2009 at 9:36 PM

    Hi and welcome bag. i have no blog but will tell my friend to enter.
    cheers rach ps what is happening with the weather here in Melb????

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJanuary 21, 2009 at 1:06 AM

    Welcoome Back Corrine!
    Glad you were able to spend some time with your mum.
    Love your new machine and that new handbag!
    I will be posting a link on my blog to your giveaway today!

    ReplyDelete
  3. savyjadeJanuary 21, 2009 at 1:21 AM

    What a great givaway. I am telling my mom about it so she can enter too. I have just started sewing and have limited supplies so this would be great. Thanks.

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  4. AnonymousJanuary 21, 2009 at 6:25 AM

    So glad you are back! I am going to tell my crafty friend about your awesome give away! Love the Valentine's layout!

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  5. AnonymousJanuary 21, 2009 at 12:38 PM

    What a generous giveaway! Thanks for entering me- I'll blog about it tonight!
    maumauisginger (at) gmail (dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  6. dirtyjeepgirlieJanuary 21, 2009 at 12:39 PM

    Followed you here from craftster. LOVE the new bag! Really cute. I added a link on my blog. I also added you on my follower listy thingy...I love having crafty blogs to drool over! LOL!

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  7. AnonymousJanuary 21, 2009 at 12:40 PM

    I love that wallet!
    I posted you over on my blog
    http://yurtcraft.wordpress.com/2009/01/21/i-want-to-win-this/

    ReplyDelete
  8. megJanuary 21, 2009 at 1:43 PM

    I'm just getting into bag sewing so I'm looking to add to my small pattern collection. Love your new bag. Thanks for the give away. will pass it along to my friends.

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  9. AlwaysInspiredJanuary 21, 2009 at 2:44 PM

    Your bag is gorgeous! I love the pattern for the wallet type bag!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Digital MisfitJanuary 21, 2009 at 2:57 PM

    I posted your giveaway/blog on my blog over at http://myhidingplaceincyberspace.blogspot.com

    stop by and visit!

    heidig@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. tessJanuary 21, 2009 at 3:51 PM

    I don't have a blog but I will tell a friend.

    ReplyDelete
  12. teddybear423January 22, 2009 at 5:30 AM

    I just set up the blog, so not sure how to use it yet. Will tell a friend as well. I love the purse that you made, and also the patterns for the wallet and tote. I saw a video online for the tote, but couldn't figure out how to make it without a pattern. Computer is upstairs, and sewing room is down. Here's hoping I win :)

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  13. AnonymousJanuary 22, 2009 at 6:02 AM

    hi, What a super looking bag? I like the fabric and style. I like using magnets. I have been confused about fleece and interfacing. Did you use both? thanks. catdaddytn

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  14. Lost AussieJanuary 22, 2009 at 10:23 AM

    Love your bags. Found your blog via one of your friends who mentioned you. I shall have to stop by often and browse!

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  15. AnonymousJanuary 22, 2009 at 10:39 AM

    Hiya

    Can you enter my name for your great giveaway.

    Cheers

    Carol S
    Perth WA

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2009 at 12:59 AM

    Hi Corinne!
    Lovely bag! I don't have a blog but I will mention yours to my mum, who loved the messenger bag I made after seeing your tutorial.

    I am still sewing-machine-jealous :)

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  17. RebeccaJanuary 23, 2009 at 5:31 AM

    Great patterns! thanks for the chance!

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  18. Sacagawea ExtremeJanuary 23, 2009 at 9:08 AM

    Oohhh! These look great! Thanks for the giveaway!

    I will let my mom know about the giveaway as well!

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  19. KhrisJanuary 23, 2009 at 4:29 PM

    Gorgeous bag...love it and love the patterns..will put a note on my blog....hugs Khris

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  20. MamasooJanuary 23, 2009 at 10:35 PM

    Your bag came out really pretty! And thanks for the giveaway! I'm putting a note on my blog as well!

    Thanks, Sue

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  21. Hey ... I'm Lindsay !January 23, 2009 at 11:18 PM

    Hey Mary ~ LOVE your site, and LOVE your crafts! I linked you to my blog site, and will be telling a Roo-Billy friend (that's a hillbilly transplanted to Aussie)...

    ReplyDelete
  22. Lizzy1263January 23, 2009 at 11:34 PM

    i really love those bags.. i would love the patterns..i will link back to you..thanks

    Elizabeth.

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  23. JeanneJanuary 24, 2009 at 3:49 AM

    Thanks for offering the giveaway. I'll post on my blog later today.

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  24. KarenJanuary 24, 2009 at 12:15 PM

    Love the patterns. Your bag is really pretty...I'll link to you from my blog. Thanks for the chance.

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  25. SherryJanuary 24, 2009 at 1:59 PM

    Lovely bag! They are addictive aren't they? ;0)

    I have posted your link on my blog. Thanks for the 'invitation."

    ReplyDelete
  26. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2009 at 6:17 AM

    What a lovely bag + pattern, please count me in + I've told a friend!

    heatheranne99@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. BeeshebagsJanuary 30, 2009 at 11:14 PM

    Alas I'm a wee bit late for the giveaway...but what a generous person you are...have some of your tutes saved to try out in my "spare time" lol Love that wallet pattern, want to buy it one day...will get it too! Hugs Naomi aka Beeshebags

    ReplyDelete

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