A Spoonful of Sugar

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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

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A tiny pyramid that does it all — a pattern weight A tiny pyramid that does it all — a pattern weight for your sewing table, a book weight for cosy reading, or a scented sachet for your drawers. Small, sweet, and so satisfying to sew. Comment PYRAMID for the free pattern.Fabric: Something Blue by Tilda
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Meet the sweetest little project you can sew in mi Meet the sweetest little project you can sew in minutes — the Pyramid Weight. Use it as a pattern weight, scented sachet, or even a book weight… all from one triangle of fabric. Comment PYRAMID for the free pattern.Fabric is Something Blue by Tilda, releasing 1 June 2026 — with thanks to @tilda_australia.#tildasomethingblue #tildafabric #freepattern #sewingtutorial #sewinglove
The Scrappy Strips Pouch is one of my favourite wa The Scrappy Strips Pouch is one of my favourite ways to use up leftover fabric strings. Today’s version is made from patchwork strips — a fun, relaxing sew that turns scraps into something beautiful and practical.The Scrappy Strips Pouch pattern has two versions - patchwork strings and selvedges - and two sizes. Comment SELVEDGE (or SELVAGE) for a link to the pattern.Pattern Details: Scrappy Strips Pouch Sewing Pattern is in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#ScrappyStripsPouch #ScrapBustingSewing #PatchworkPouch #StringQuilting #SewingProjects
If you’ve ever wanted to add eyelets or grommets t If you’ve ever wanted to add eyelets or grommets to your sewing projects, here’s a quick look at how I install them using my DK93 snap press. It’s the same tool I use for snaps — and it makes installing eyelets beautifully quick and consistent.Here’s how I install the eyelets:Punch out the four holes using a hole‑cutting die.Place the eyelet into the hole.Press it into place using the snap press.That’s it — simple, sturdy, and it gives the Ribbon Pouch such an elevated, professional finish. I love how clean and secure the result is.Fabric shown: Tilda Something Blue, releasing June 1 — thank you @tilda_australia for the beautiful fabric.✨ If you’d like the Ribbon Pouch pattern (3 sizes), comment RIBBON and I’ll send the link straight to you.Ribbon Pouch Sewing Pattern: available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop (links in profile).#tildasomethingblue #tildafabric #sewingtips #handmadeeveryday #sewingtools
The Ribbon Pouch is one of my favourite quick‑to‑s The Ribbon Pouch is one of my favourite quick‑to‑sew gift bags, and I couldn’t resist making a light and dark version using the new Tilda Something Blue collection. Both pouches use the same print in different colourways — such a pretty way to show how fabric choice changes the whole mood.They’re finished with satin ribbon threaded through grommets, and topped with a tiny star tag. The boxed base helps them stand beautifully, and the ribbon closure makes them perfect for birthdays, thank‑you gifts, treats, or little treasures.This is a beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly, quick project you’ll want to sew again and again. Pattern includes 3 sizes.If you’d like the pattern, comment RIBBON and I’ll send the link straight to you.Pattern Details: Ribbon Pouch (3 Sizes) available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.Fabric Details: Tilda Something Blue - releasing on 1 June 2026. Thanks to @tilda_australia#TildaSomethingBlue #TildaFabric #SewingPattern #BeginnerSewingProject #QuickSewingProject   
Sewing with scraps is one of my favourite ways to Sewing with scraps is one of my favourite ways to get creative — small pieces, leftover corners, charm‑square offcuts… they all have so much potential.Here are 10 scrap‑friendly projects that use small pieces beautifully. They’re quick to sew, beginner‑friendly, and perfect for gifting ✂️✨Save this for the next time you want to turn your scraps into something pretty.Which one would you sew first?  Tell me in the comments — I love seeing what you’re making.Patterns are available in my pattern store (link in profile) or comment PATTERNS and I will send you the link. #scrapsewing #scrapbusting #scrapfriendly #sewinginspiration #sewingideas
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