Wednesday, February 18, 2015

The Weekender Bag



I can now proudly present:: the Amy Butler Weekender Bag to you. Finished, and already well used. 


Truly, this project was the most complicated, intense, and expensive sewing project I have completed to date!

I had never put together such a piece before, with so many different panels and layers (some times I was sewing through 10 layers!). It was challenging; I learnt a lot of new techniques, and nailed my piping and zipper installations.

The bag is completely lined, and the interfacing on this bag is intense. It can stand up on its own accord and has 2 different types of interfacing in each panel, as well as a false bottom insert for a sturdy base and easy washing.


Although it took me a few months of procrastinating (and learning more about zippers), it only took a few afternoons to sew up.


Lately it feels like I've upped my sewing game, and have been able to produce things I am very proud of and don't feel the need to apologise for and point out my mistakes. 

I think that has come through a lot of practice, and a few years of making a lot of mistakes and learning new skills. The more I sew, the better I get.


This bag is worth it's weight in gold:: $130 for (new) fabric and notions (including new needles) ($50 of that was just on the interfacing!), and $16 for the pattern. This is no cheap sew. 

If I ever make this again (It's likely!) I think I will make a patchwork version and use quilting scraps that I have, and use a wadding inner to keep the cost down (like this one) // I'll also include pockets on the inside next time too.

Regardless of price, I am constantly reminded that I could not buy this bag anywhere, not at that price for such good quality. Also, my fabric choices have "Sophie" written all over them. If ever there was a bag that was meant for me, it's this one.


It is so big, absolutely perfect for a night or weekend away! The girls often take it to their Nanna's house when they stay the night there. It carries swimming togs and towels and everything we need for the beach, or a trip to the park. 

Our weekender bag is very well used already, it's a great make that will last a long time.


If you want to make your own, you can buy the Weekender Bag Pattern here (It's the cheapest online that I found)


What's on your sewing table? Leave me a comment and let me know! 


[Pinnacle Life Insurance have sponsored a banner ad on this post. All words and photos are my own, photo credit to Milla Moo2 for the shots of me!]


Monday, February 9, 2015

A Dresses For Cambodia UPDATE:: Checking In


How are your dresses for Cambodia going? I've just made my first one (above)! I thought I had better start making, considering some of you are already emailing me with your finished dresses! Absolutely amazing!

If you are wanting to post them, flick me an email to find out my postal address! sophie [AT] moo2.co.nz


As for the pattern, it's quite easy! A beginner could easily whip one of these up in a few hours, an experienced sewer could probably do one in half an hour! Have a go and see what happens :)


In the near future I'll be showing you some tags we are getting made to go with them, and announcing about a sewing bee and a charity providing shorts and tees for the boys (!!!!) all in good time though :)

Love, Sophie

To see what else I've written about #DressesForCambodia check out these posts:

My Favourite Biscuit Recipe




My go-to, absolute favourite homemade cookies are so easy to make and always result in people asking for a copy of the recipe!

They are soft, fluffy on the inside, and taste like everyones favourite cookie with a red monster on the front ;)

INGREDIENTS:: (Makes approximately 20 cookies)
125gm of soft butter
1.5 cups of brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla essence
2 eggs
2.5 cups of plain flour
1tsp baking soda
.5 cup each of dark and white chocolate buttons (or 1 cup of either)


METHOD::
Cream together with beater butter, brown sugar and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, lightly beating.

Sift and add to wet mixture, flour and baking soda.

Fold in chocolate buttons and stir until combined.

Shape them in your hands and lay them out on a tray. These expand a lot in the oven (almost doubling in size!) so leave a lot of room between each cookie. 

Bake on 180 degrees for 12-15minutes or until light golden in colour.

YUMMO! Enjoy!


And just for fun, here's a wee hyperlapse video of Milla and I making our weekly cookies!

 

 Fisher & Paykel Kitchen Appliances
 

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Anniversary 6



Yeeha! 6 years! Thanks for growing with me xxx


 Now :: Back Then

I've tried to write this post a million times to fill it up with words. But I feel like today I don't have many. You know my love.

Thank you for all the touch, time, gifts, words and service over the last year xx


READ MORE Anniversaries::
Anniversary 2
Anniversary 3
Anniversary 4
Anniversary 5

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