Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Bunny Bag


Today I'm sharing a look at an easy, fun sewing project I did recently. How do I know it's easy? I made it. That means it has to be easy.

This was only my second sewing project ever (unless you count Valentine's hearts or felt donuts). I used to think that I hated sewing, but it turns out I just needed the proper motivation - making something fun! Have a look at my first-ever sewing project, a dress for my daughter's Canadian girl doll, here.


When I was shopping in The Junction a few weeks back, I found this very cool book in a secondhand book store.  It's called "Cute Stuff" by Aranzi Aronzo. I had never heard of it, but it turns out it's from a series of fun books that also includes "Baby Stuff," "Cute Dolls" and more.


I decided I'd start by making a small drawstring bag for my daughter. I was attracted to this project because I had the necessary supplies already and the sewing required is beginner-level.


The purse can be made with almost any fabric, so I used some sunny fabric I found at a thrift store a while back. I did go out and buy matching yellow ribbon, but that was out of laziness. You can make the drawstring with fabric, but I just really hate trying to fold, iron and sew a skinny piece of fabric. Cutting corners is the name of the game, people.


The book has several (very adorable) ideas for appliques. Templates are included.


I went with a bunny head because it's cute (duh!) and also because a head is easier to do than an entire body. Being new to crafting/sewing, I had never embroidered a French knot before. That's why the nose is a little messed up. I had to watch a YouTube video to understand. But that's the great thing about projects for kids. Kids won't notice or complain about "flaws."


My little girl graciously modeled her new bag for me.


Until she quickly grew tired (and very dramatic).


Apparently she told a number of her school friends that I can make them bags too. I said this project was easy. I didn't say quick. Because it probably took me way longer than it should have. I wouldn't hold your breath for those bags, girls.

My little one likes to carry coins and stones around in her bag.

My son wants me to make him a pouch with a Minecraft character on it. I'm thinking camouflage fabric would be cool.

How about you? Are you a proficient sewer? Does this look like something you would like to make?


Linking to Craft-o-Maniac, Keeping it Simple, Time to Sparkle Tuesday, Time to Shine, The Scoop Link Party, Free Pretty Things for You

24 comments:

  1. Great done! The Pictures are so cute <3 :)

    big Hugs :)

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  2. I couldn't sew a stitch!! But, you can, the bag is sweet and the model is pretty cute too!!

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  3. This is so adorable! Thanks for sharing at Time To Sparkle:)
    Gosia @ www.kiddiefoodies.com

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  4. I can only sew the very basics but my problem is patience... I start off well then get impatient and screw something up! Not to mention the lack of clutter free space to use a sewing machine in the first place...!

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    1. I am with you! I get impatient too. And then you screw up and have to pull out threads and it takes forever!

      I put the sewing machine on the kitchen table when I'm using it and it inevitably gets in the way for three days before I remove it.

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  5. That is really cute. I like that sunny fabric you used. It sounds like a good book.

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    1. Thanks! The book is a lot of fun. I hope to make a couple of other simple things. :)

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  6. That book looks awesome! Love your photos, and the bag turned out really well!:)

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    1. Thanks so much! My productivity with sewing will not come close to yours though. ;)

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  7. Well you couldn't have picked a better book for ultimate "cute" than an Aronzo book! I've spent lots of time in the bookstores admiring these books (such adorable creations). You've done a marvy job on the bag ... and your daughter does such an impressive swoon!! (is she in acting?!) When you get around to making the bags for her friends, do it in assembly line fashion and you'll be done in no time ;)

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    1. Those books sure are adorable.

      She is indeed acting. She wasn't in the mood to model for long, I'll tell ya.

      I like your idea of the assembly line. Maybe I can enlist workers from the family. My husband is a perfectionist. He could probably do the cutting. ;)

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  8. Very much a beginning sewer, I am. I make bunting and sew on Girl Scout patches :). But I love this bag and the little applique! And cutting corners IS the name of the game - way to go! Love it.

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    1. Bunting is impressive, and we have other talents, right? ;)

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  9. Replies
    1. Thank you! It doesn't come close to your creations, but I'm learning. :)

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  10. Thanks Cathy!

    I will visit tonight then. :)

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  11. Ai que fofo! E como ela é linda! SAdorei! Beijos
    http://www.antonellaesuaboneca.blogspot.com.br/

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    1. Thanks Lola. That's very kind of you. :)

      Jo

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