A Spoonful of Sugar

Make. Bake. Create.

Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Press
    • FAQ
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Contact Us
  • Crafts
    • Crochet
    • DIY
    • Embroidery/Cross stitch
    • Gift Wrapping
    • Knitting
    • Miscellaneous
    • Paper Crafts
  • Holidays
    • New Year’s
    • Australia Day
    • Back to School
    • Valentines Day
    • Easter
    • ANZAC Day
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Bars & Slices
    • Bread & Pastries
    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Confectionery
    • Cupcakes & Muffins
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Ice Cream
    • Jams/Preserves
    • Main Meals
  • Sewing
    • Sewing Tutorials
    • Quilting
    • Sewing & Quilting Patterns
  • Family
    • Back to School
    • Family Fun
    • Our Home
    • Parenting
    • Travel
  • Shop
    • Pattern Store
    • Etsy Store

Practical Magic

April 16, 2008 By Spoonful of Sugar - 14 Comments

There hasn’t been much crafting going on at our house this week (actually none at all!) We have my in-laws staying with us for the school holidays and they have been entertaining the kids with lot of card games (canasta, 500 etc) and board games (Monopoly, Pay Day, Rummikub). The kids love the school holidays when they have the time to engage in relaxing pastimes. I have been making use of the live-in babysitters and have been working longer hours to get on top of things so I can have next week off work!!!

Last week I played around with my own bag design and came up with this.

I found the focus fabric at IKEA, it was a furnishing weight fabric that lent itself well to a bag. I matched it up with some black canvas and lined in with a lovely black and white spot print. I used a heavy weight interfacing which means that it can stand up on its own. It is a great size and so much lighter than my leather handbag.

I was inspired by the lovely handbag organisers that I saw over at Blossom so had to whip up one for myself. Now that I have one, I am not sure how I managed without one before! I plan on making lots of different handbags and now it will be a snap moving my bits and pieces from one bag to the next.

Don’t forget to enter Sarah’s Oven Glove Giveaway. She will be drawing a winner on Friday. I might add that I was the inspiration for her design. I have a series of burn marks all the way up my arm from either not using over gloves at all or using the shorter ones which don’t protect the upper forearm. I need to learn to slow down when I am in the kitchen….

Posted By Lisa

Filed Under: Sewing

« Cushions
New Fabric and a Tag…. »

Comments

  1. Karin says

    April 16, 2008 at 11:42 am

    Your new bag looks great! The organizer is very clever. I have to make something like that for myself!

    Reply
  2. Fiona @ Dragonfly-Crafts says

    April 16, 2008 at 2:27 pm

    Oh Lisa, isn’t practical sewing the best sewing and of course the sewing for yourself. I LOVE your bag and I LOVE the organiser.
    I too have thought about making one of these. Thanks for the link, I must make some for presents.

    Reply
  3. Leanne says

    April 16, 2008 at 3:12 pm

    Great bag – I am always impressed with the fabrics at Ikea the black and white print is just right for a bag ..what a great find. I love your label.

    Reply
  4. Philigry says

    April 16, 2008 at 4:12 pm

    love that new bag!

    Reply
  5. Blossom says

    April 16, 2008 at 5:15 pm

    Great bag…I was in Ikea the other day and was admiring that fabric you’ve used. And you’re handbag organiser looks lovely. I love the game…Rummikub. It’s such a fantastic game. My husband and I play it together often once the kids are in bed (and it does become a tad competitive…I don’t like loosing to him for some reason!!!). I was wondering where you got your labels from that you sew onto your goodies? I’d love to get some but I’m not sure where from?

    Reply
  6. CurlyPops says

    April 16, 2008 at 10:00 pm

    I love your new bag. Perfect fabric combination (great colours to hide the dirt)!

    Reply
  7. Jelly Wares says

    April 17, 2008 at 4:21 am

    The kids sound like their having a ball with the grandparents… I love the handbag organiser, what a great idea!!!

    Jodie 🙂

    Reply
  8. dontlooknow says

    April 17, 2008 at 10:06 pm

    Too funny re. burn marks … me too! That bag is fantastic! Well done yet again!

    Reply
  9. Bronwyn says

    April 17, 2008 at 3:03 pm

    Thanks Lisa for your best wishes on my 100 posts; fabulous bag and organiser; I too love the label. Crafty people seem to label their goods alot; can I also ask where do you get yours made?

    Reply
  10. Selina says

    April 17, 2008 at 3:08 pm

    You are lucky having access to stores like Ikea. Great bag!

    Reply
  11. A Spoonful Of Sugar says

    April 17, 2008 at 3:40 pm

    I got my labels from http://www.cashs.com.au (online shopping tab). They were relatively inexpensive, available in a range of quantities, and had a number of styles/colours to choose from.

    Reply
  12. Lace says

    April 17, 2008 at 5:16 pm

    you know, everytime I visit your blog and see that giant cupcake I get such an intense craving for the cake that I dont have in my apartment and that I cant sneak out and buy because the baby is sleeping and my husby is at class??!!?? Do you know what your cupcake is doing to me!!!!??

    Reply
  13. MildlyCrafty says

    April 17, 2008 at 8:00 pm

    That organiser looks great. Thanks for the idea.

    And thanks for your comment on my Pasta post, you’re right, it’s so much better than bought pasta!

    Reply
  14. Leni and Rose says

    April 18, 2008 at 3:19 am

    Thats a really cool bag, I love the design. And the organiser is such a fab idea!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Categories

Archives

PURCHASE PDF PATTERNS

We offer over 100 affordable PDF sewing patterns available for download from our store website or Etsy store. Each pattern includes detailed instructions, numerous photos, and templates.

WEB STORE ETSY STORE

Instagram

If you love foundation paper piecing, you’re going If you love foundation paper piecing, you’re going to enjoy this one — a bundle of four woven‑style FPP quilt blocks, each with its own beautiful twist. These blocks look intricate, but the FPP method makes them wonderfully achievable, even if you’re still building your skills.They’re perfect for using up scraps, experimenting with colour, or creating striking mini quilts, cushions, bags, or table decor. Each block has that satisfying “woven” illusion that always gets a second look.Whether you prefer bold brights, soft pastels, or a monochromatic palette, these designs shine in every colourway. And the best part? You get all four blocks together in one bundle.If you’d like the pattern set, comment WOVEN and I’ll send the link straight to you. Woven bundle is available in our Pattern Store.#SewingInspiration #FPP #FoundationPaperPiecing #QuiltBlocks #WovenQuiltBlock
If you love quick, practical sewing projects, the  If you love quick, practical sewing projects, the Baker’s Buddy Mitt is such a fun one to make. It’s scrap‑friendly, gift‑ready, and perfect for anyone who loves to bake.The Bakers Buddy Mitt is 25% off this week only. Comment BAKER and I’ll send you the link to the pattern.  #SewingProject #ScrapFriendlySewing #KitchenSewing #SewingGifts #SewingCommunity
Adding a handmade label is one of my favourite way Adding a handmade label is one of my favourite ways to personalise a project — and these little fabric + felt labels are so quick and satisfying to make.For this Ribbon Pouch, I used the Liberty Gifts from the Garden collection, which has the sweetest fruit motifs. They make perfect tiny labels for pouches, bags, and gifts.Here’s how to make your own:Press a piece of double‑sided fusible web to the back of your fabric.Cut around your chosen motif.Peel off the paper backing.Press the motif onto wool felt.Trim the felt with scalloped scissors.Sew the label onto the front of your pouch.Such a simple detail, but it adds so much charm. Fabric kindly gifted by @regent_street_fabrics — thank you!If you’d like to sew the Ribbon Pouch (3 sizes), comment RIBBON and I’ll send the pattern link straight to you.#SewingInspiration #FabricLabels #DIYLabels #LibertyFabric #LibertyGiftsFromTheGarden
A lot can change in 10 years ❤️ It’s been fun look A lot can change in 10 years ❤️ It’s been fun looking back at where I was in 2016 and how far life has come since then. Swipe for a little trip down memory lane.Back in 2016, my priorities were firmly centred around family. I was working full‑time, sewing in the guest room, sharing tutorials on my blog, and slowly dipping my toes into selling a handful of patterns on Etsy. It was a busy, full season — and creativity was something I fitted in around everything else.  Fast forward to 2026… I’m now retired and living the creative life I once dreamed of. My kids have grown up and are living in their own homes nearby. My husband and I are free to travel, explore, and enjoy this stage of life. And I get to spend my days designing, sewing, and connecting with this beautiful community.Life looks different now — in the best possible way.Were you following me back then, or what has changed for you over the past 10 years? I’d love to hear your story too.Tagging the lovely makers of my quilt: @arabesquescissors @ministryoffabric @belloquacity @alittlepatchwork @sameliasmum coleandtaffy @quiltymamaof4 @shequiltsalot @downgrapevinelane @lizzierosesews @lovethatfabric @sew_mimi.k #2026isthenew2016 #10yeartransformation #sewingjourney #sewingcommunity #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
Fall in love with sewing all over again ❤️I’ve Fall in love with sewing all over again ❤️I’ve rounded up 10 heart‑themed makes — from quick gifts to charming quilt blocks — perfect for weekend stitching or using up your favourite scraps. Whether you’re sewing for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just because, there’s something sweet for every maker.Comment HEART and I’ll send you a link to my Heart Pattern Collection.#sewingproject #heartsewing #quiltblock #scrapsewing #easytosew
Raw edge appliqué doesn’t have to feel fiddly or i Raw edge appliqué doesn’t have to feel fiddly or intimidating. With a few simple techniques, you can create neat, crisp shapes — even tiny details like penguin beaks and hearts.I’ve put together My Top 5 Secrets for Raw Edge Appliqué to help you feel confident, whether you’re brand new to appliqué or looking to refine your finish. Save this for your next sewing session.If you’d love a quick, beginner‑friendly project to practise these tips, my Penguin Love Mugrug is the sweetest Valentine’s make — scrap‑friendly, gift‑ready, and such fun to sew.Comment PENGUIN and I’ll send you the link to the pattern. Available now in our Pattern Store and Etsy shop.  #rawedgeapplique #appliquetips #sewingtipsandtricks #mugrugpattern #penguinlove
Follow on Instagram

Featured Pattern

Travel Sewing Kit Pattern

Featured Tutorial

Retro Drawstring Bag

Featured Recipe

Lemon Pound Cake

Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Popular Posts

  • Charm Square Fabric Tray
  • Merry Little Christmas Sewing Projects
  • {Back to School} Tissue Cover
  • Hexagon Fabric Tray
  • Raw Edge Applique Tips
  • Sewing Gifts 101: Easy and Affordable Ideas for Your Crafty Friends
  • Finding More Time to Sew

Copyright © 2026 Lisa. K. Cox - A Spoonful of Sugar