Getting Purse-onal

One of the best parts about living in Pennsylvania

is going through the changing seasons.

Now that Christmas is over,

I need a purse for the rest of the winter.

I decided to make a new version of my last bag,

this time using the Granite colorway of

Joel Dewberry's Aviary2 fabric line.

{That's right:  I convinced myself that Anita New Tote Bag.}

  

Living in the Pittsburgh area,

we are partial to Black and Gold.

I've used these same prints for other projects,

and I've never been disappointed with the results.

I hope you don't mind if I reminisce for a while

about some of my past finishes.

I just love this trio of modified wristlets

I made from  the Sweet Pea Totes

pattern called Grab and Go Wristlet.

And you know how much I favor the Bow Tucks Bags

by Quilts Illustrated.

These two are especially stunning,

in my humble opinion.

This one features that sparrow I have grown to adore.

This one is more graphic, but just as pretty.

Recently I made this little pouch as a gift.

My niece requested one for Christmas, too,

and I was happy to oblige!

I guess I always knew I wanted a purse of my own

from this fabulous fabric line,

and the time was right for me to go crazy with it!

Here's another view of my new tote bag.

I am so happy with the zippered pocket inside,

with the glamorous gray zipper,

to safeguard my wallet.

Opposite, there is a nifty pocket strip,

to organize my other stuff,

but I couldn't get a great photo.

{So instead I'll show how cute that zippered pocket is...INSIDE.}

Now here's where I get REALLY personal...

look at some of the things I made to put inside my tote.

First off,

I had to make a cover for my brand-spanking-new

ASUS Transformer tablet...

which is nothing short of awesome.

I used my own pattern,

the Linen Pocket Ereader Cover.

I just added a skinny strap for carrying it separately.

{I didn't use linen this time...but I COULD have.}

That little pocket is so nice for holding 

a bit of money and a small notebook,

plus my cleaning cloth, 

for keeping my screen shiny.

Here's how the ereader cover looks on the back,

displaying MORE accessories...

I made a checkbook cover, a business card holder,

and a tissue holder!

Then I needed a sweet pouch to hold the chargers for my

cell phone and tablet.

I used the Noodlehead tutorial for the

Open Wide Zippered Pouch,

in size Small.

There is plenty of room for the chargers and more,

because there's a boxed bottom.

OK, here's one more view of all the things I can carry in this tote bag...

including my umbrella and sunglasses.

{And there's still room for a book and a bottle of water!}

I can't wait until springtime, when I know

Anita Bright New Bag for Spring.

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Chestnut Hill Diaper Bag

Once upon a time,

back in Spring 2007, to be precise,

Joel Dewberry released a beautiful line of fabric, 

called Chestnut Hill.

I bought some prints from this line quite a while ago, including

Black-Eyed Susan...

Modern Petal...

and Buttercup

{Actually my print was in a different colorway.}

I needed a diaper bag as a present for a lovely new mom!

The baby is a boy, so I decided these fabrics would

make a nice tote.

I've used this pattern for several diaper bags...

It's called Pocket Parade, by Quilts Illustrated.

Mine looks sooooo different from the one on the pattern cover!

{It's the one I used, though - believe me.}

I love all the pockets on the outside...

front, back, and one on each side!

AND all the pockets on the inside!

{Here's a peek!}

 I used a strip of divided pockets for one side.

They are so handy for pens, sunglasses and what-not.

{I always have a lot of what-not.  Do you?}

And on the OTHER side,

I varied from the pattern and added

a zippered pocket!

{You can put stuff in here like money or credit cards.}

The bag has lots of detailing and a sturdy strap.

Fusible fleece makes the tote soft and shapely, too.

The bag holds its shape so nicely, even without anything inside it.

Here's a view of the cute little tab with a D-ring.

{You could hang keys or a baby toy on there!}

I sure hope the new mommy will enjoy her diaper bag!

I've got pictures of more bags from this pattern. 

Leave me some comments 

if you'd like to see them in another post sometime!

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