Time for a new purse!  Well, when isn’t it time for a new purse?!  I spent some time choosing patterns and then fabrics that I thought would work well with the patterns.

Purse-O-Nally Yours bag and Wander Blossoms fabric: the flowers for the body of the bag, plaid for the top and bottom borders and for the handles, and the blue polka dot fabric for the trim on the flap pocket.  Or would you use the stripes in place of the plaid?

Twin Pocket Tango bag and Zest fabric: the gray flower circles for the bottom corners with yellow piping, the flowers for the two curved pieces with grey piping, and the yellow flower circles for the center of the bag.

Margo Handbag by Lazy Girl Designs and Petite Odile fabric: Red for the main body of the bag and for the handles.  The darker fabric for the pocket background.

Quattro Purse and Flying Colors II fabric: the colorful butterflies on the black background for the main body of the purse, the light background with the hummingbirds for the first pocket, and the stripes for the last pocket and for the handle.

Now it’s time to pick a favorite.  That might be a little harder!

Is there a big mess in there?  Can you find what you need without rummaging for ten minutes? What about if you need to change purses?  Do you just open up the new one wide and dump everything in there?   Make life easier and your purse a little neater with a purse insert!

 The Encore Purse Insert Pattern by StudioKat Designs has a place for everything!  It has a full length zippered pouch, an interior zippered coin purse, and tons of pockets for phone, tissues, wallet, pens, checkbook, keys.  You can’t help but be organized with this handy move-from-purse-to-purse-in-a-snap insert!  Sized at 11.5 x 5.5 x 6, this insert works in rather large purses.

If your purse is just a bit smaller, the Portapockets Purse Insert should be a perfect fit.  This one also has a full length zippered pouch, plus elastic-top pockets on one side, more pockets on the other size and fairly wide area in the center for more bulky items. It comes in two sizes: 6 x 8 x 2.5 and 6 x 10.5 x 2.5

The Suzi Purse Insert & More Pattern is by Lazy Girl Designs, so you know construction will be a snap.  Fully lined, the insert boasts both inside and outside pockets.  It’s cute enough that you can use it in your sewing room to store little tools, or on your dresser for odds and ends.  Comes in both medium (6.5 x 4.5 x 3) and large (8.5 x 4.5 x 3).

For the most versatile insert, try the Portapockets Plus.  This pattern has instructions for three different inserts that you can use separately or Velcro/zipper them to each other and use as one large organizer.  Pockets and pouches galore!!!

Have you been saving old denim clothes just waiting for the perfect project?  Here’s a few projects for denim.  One of these might be just right for you!

Add squares of denim to novelty prints to create a unique Recycled Denim Spy Quilt.  Smaller bits of denim are used in the pieced border.

Recycled Denim Skirt and Purse from Carolyn’s Creative Designs shows you how to make a skirt from the top of your jeans and a purse from the leg.  Hmm, that leaves one more leg…. make a purse for a friend?  Lots of variations with this pattern.  Add lots of length for a modest, really comfy skirt.  Or keep it short and flirty.  Or meet in the middle!

Carolyn’s Recycled Denim Tote or Purse pattern encourages you to add your imagination and creativity to the project.  The generously sized tote can be made from many different shades of denim and you can embellish to your heart’s content.

Here’s another Jeans Tote Pattern.  This one will go together quickly, and can be dressed up with a colorful sash.  Shop the thrift store for different sized jeans and make extra-large-hold-everything sized totes or cute little tiny totes from little kids jeans!

Create a Denim Shirt Jacket by starting with an old denim shirt. Modify the bottom, add some applique for your favorite season, add trim for the collar and cuffs.  Result: a one of a kind jacket that reflects your personality.

Dig out your old jeans or visit a thrift store and do some recycling!  Happy sewing!

Susan Michaels of Dragonfly Fiberart has been exploring fibers of some sort since she was a young child.  Although she won’t steer away from unusual materials, Susan considers herself to have more of a traditional aesthetic.  She focuses on “fast and fabulous designs for the creative spirits tight on time”.

The Bracket Brigade table runner would look great on a dining room table.  The lines of the quilt design would frame a centerpiece nicely.  This fat quarter friendly pattern features row construction for a quick finish.

Day Stripper, a quilt-as-you-go project, will make good use of your favorite strippy scraps.  The pattern finishes at 20″ x 37″ but the size is easily adjusted to fit your needs.

Garden Path will showcase your favorite large scale print.  Another option might be to use a few charms for the center blocks.  Finishing at 19.5″ x 57″, this is another easily adjusted pattern for just the size you want or need.

And speaking of charms, How Charming To Sew You is a great pattern for charms.  Finished size is 17″ x 40″.

Dragonfly Fiberart also offers a couple bag patterns.  With five interior pockets and two exterior pockets, Newporter Tote will keep all of your day’s needs organized . . . .no fumbling!

Browse all of Dragonfly Fiberart patterns to find just the right one (or more!) for you.

(Don’t forget to enter our Pinterest contest for a chance to win a free gift card!)

Is the answer your stash?  Most of us love color, but there is something about a black and white quilt. 

Nothing like a Tuxedo to dress things up.   The Rainbow Block Template will make easy work of the curves, allowing you to concentrate on the beautiful contrasts of the black, white, & red.

                                                     Wrapped In Love And Memories is designed to show off your photos.  It’d make a great anniversary or wedding quilt.  Or….you could use those center areas for an accent color.

Easy Does It – yep it does look easy!  A quick finish lap quilt that packs a lot of impact.  

Red does seems to be the go-to color for adding punch to a black and white project.  Have you ever tried a different accent color with a basically black and white quilt?

The ClaudieJo Bag would be great if you have lots of different black and whites. Just carrying this bag would have to perk you up!

And now, here’s a little eye candy for all you black and white fabric lovers….

For more, check out the Black & White quilting fabric section on our website.

With the weather warming up you know you’ll be out and about even more.  And you’ll be carrying more stuff.  A new big bag might be a really good idea!

The Pinwheel Pack is a one strap backpack that measures 12′” x 12″.  Pretty handy as we seldom use both straps of a backpack.  Now that extra strap won’t be in your way.

You can fit TONS of stuff in the Totally Awesome Totebag.  Use it for shopping, the beach, picnics.  It’s 14″ x 17″ and has large pockets, inside and out.

My Favorite Duffle Bag Pattern comes with instructions for two sizes: 14″ x 9″ x 9″ and 17″ x 11″ x 11″.  By Lazy Girl Designs, it’s cute and practical, with pockets inside and out, a zipper closure, and choice of handle length. 

Another Lazy Girl Designs pattern, Summer Tote, is 11″ x 15″.  This bag has pockets galore – six outside and four inside!  Carry everything you need and be able to find it, too!

Can’t decide on a pattern?  Try this one, Three Basic Bags.  You’ll get patterns for three different sized bags: a lunch bag, a shoulder bag, and a market tote.  This pattern also includes instructions for cell phone pocket and an e-reader cover. 

More Tote Bag Patterns are available on our website.  Lots more!