An introduction to my newest bag design: The Lifestyle Tote

An introduction to my newest bag design: The Lifestyle Tote

Posted on by SewSpire

Hey y’all and welcome to Sewspire! 

Today I am here to introduce my latest bag design, The Lifestyle Tote, in a new tutorial format that includes written instructions + accompanying video tips.

The complete instructions are available for instant download in PDF format here:

https://www.andreachapmandesigns.com/listing/623575948/new-sewspire-shortcut-sewing-pdf-pattern

You can view the accompanying video tips for this style here:

This particular project uses a unique layering technique to create a bag that has multiple pockets / compartments that can easily be customized to suit your needs perfectly.

I hope you enjoy this new tutorial format and will share pictures of your Lifestyle Tote with me on Facebook and Instagram using #sewspire and @sewspire. I will be back next week with another inspired sewing project in full video format (like you are accustomed to…so don’t panic). Until we meet again, please know the creative genius in me will be celebrating the creative genius in you!

XO,

Andrea

Learn more about how you can join Ashley and I and build your own essential oil biz: https://mailchi.mp/fbb4982ceeb9/thank-you-for-your-interest

My other PREMIUM PDF SEWING TUTORIALS & HOW TO’S:

https://www.andreachapmandesigns.com/shop/21681482/sewing-patterns-how-to

THE FOURTH SEAM / ETSY COACHING:

http://thefourthseam.com

SEWSPIRE COMMUNITY GROUP FACEBOOK PAGE:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/183488042371692

WEEKLY E-LETTER BEHIND THE SEAMS with Happy Mail Giveaway: https://us11.campaign-archive.com/?u=9ee364d60da52e094f8a423c1&id=cbd7de622a

EMAIL: sewinginspiration@gmail.com

Posted on by SewSpire

Hey y’all and welcome to Sewspire! 

Today I am here to show you how to sew a sweet little vinyl zipper pouch that is designed to hold washi tape.

For this project you will need two pieces of deluxe vinyl that measure 4.5” x 8”, two pieces of cotton fabric that measure 4” x 8” and a 7” zipper.

I hope you enjoy the project and will share photos of your finished zippered bags with our creative community on Instagram and Facebook using #sewspire and @sewspire.

I will be back next week with another inspired sewing project. Until we meet again, please know the creative genius in me will be celebrating the creative genius in you!

XO,

Andrea

It’s been a while since our last studio update…”sew” I wanted to take a few minutes to connect as I make my final plans for the fourth quarter of 2018. As they say, time flies when you are having fun!

I hope you enjoy the video update and as always I thank you for your continued interest. Until we meet again, please know the creative genius in me will be celebrating the creative genius in you!

XO,

Andrea

New! ESSENTIAL OIL OPPORTUNITY: https://mailchi.mp/fbb4982ceeb9/thank-you-for-your-interest

PREMIUM PDF SEWING TUTORIALS & HOW TO’S: https://www.andreachapmandesigns.com/shop/21681482/sewing-patterns-how-to

THE FOURTH SEAM / ETSY COACHING: http://thefourthseam.com

SEWSPIRE COMMUNITY GROUP FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/183488042371692/

WEEKLY E-LETTER BEHIND THE SEAMS: https://us11.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=9ee364d60da52e094f8a423c1&id=d91a957cb9

EMAIL: sewinginspiration@gmail.com

How to sew a glittery unicorn zip top tote bag

How to sew a glittery unicorn zip top tote bag

Posted on by SewSpire

Hey y’all and welcome to Sewspire! 

Today I am here to show you how to sew a glittery unicorn themed tote bag with zippered top closure. For this project you will need a half yard of medium weight clear vinyl, one yard of cotton fabric, half yard of Pellon 809, 2 oz. of glitter and a 14″ separating zipper.

To begin, precut your fabric to the following dimensions:

Exterior vinyl pockets: cut two, 14″ x 19″

Vinyl zipper gusset: cut two, 8″ x 16″

Zipper binding: cut two, 6″ x 3″

Handles, cut two, 6″ x 20″

Exterior and interior body panels, cut four, 15″ x 12″

Exterior and interior side panels, cut four, 6″ x 12″

Exterior and interior base panels, cut two, 6″ x 15″

I hope you enjoy the project and will share photos of your finished bags with us on Instagram and Facebook using #sewspire and @sewspire.

I will be back next week with another inspired sewing project and then I will be on vacation.

Until we meet again, please know the creative genius in me will be celebrating the creative genius in you!

XO,

Andrea

How to sew a waxed canvas messenger tote bag

How to sew a waxed canvas messenger tote bag

Posted on by SewSpire

Hey y’all and welcome to Sewspire!

Today I am here to show you how to sew a waxed canvas messenger tote bag. For this project you will need 2 sets of snaps,  1.5 yards of waxed canvas and 1.5 yards of cotton fabric.

Precut your fabric to the following dimensions:

Exterior (waxed canvas):

Cut two 15″ x 15″ body panels

Cut three 6″ x 15″ side panels

Cut one 13″ x 12″ flap panel

Cut two 15″ x 18″ pocket panels

Cut two 6″ x 18″ pocket panels

Cut one 8″ x 36″ strap

Interior (cotton fabric):

Cut two 15″ x 15″ body panels

Cut three 6″ x 15″ side panels

Cut one 13″ x 12″ flap panel

Cut two 15″ x 18″ pocket panels

Cut two 6″ x 18″ pocket panels

I like to use a 5/8″ seam allowance for the interior seams and a 3/8″ or less seam allowance for the top stitching. 

The waxed canvas material I used in this tutorial is from Big Duck Canvas and is an absolute dream to work with. It moves through the machine beautifully and offers the bag ample body without the use of interfacing or batting. In addition the waxed canvas will provide the bag with a durable and weather / stain resistant exterior as well as a natural patina similar to the look of leather.

I hope you enjoy the tutorial and will share photos of your finished projects with us on Facebook and Instagram using @sewspire and #sewspire. I will be back next week with a Unicorn inspired sewing project. Until then, please know the creative genius in me will be celebrating the creative genius in you!

XO,

Andrea

How to sew the ultimate commuter tote bag by Sewspire

How to sew the ultimate commuter tote bag by Sewspire

Posted on by SewSpire

Hey y’all and welcome to Sewspire!

Today I am here to show you how to make The Ultimate Commuter Tote Bag.

For this project you will need 3 yards of material to include 2 yards of 44″ cotton fabric and 1 yard of 54″ twill / duck or canvas material. Plus a 9″ x 14″ piece of stiff interfacing, a 24″ x 36″ piece of quilt batting, 2 snap sets and a 14″ zipper.

Big Duck Canvas is my favorite source for the latter! Please support the production of future tutorials and use my affiliate link to order:

http://lddy.no/5089

To begin, precut the following pattern pieces:

Cotton, cut 3, 18″ x 30″ interior panels

Twill, cut 1, 24″ x 36″ exterior panel

Twill, cut 2, 24″ by 10″ exterior pocket

Cotton, cut 2, 24″ x 10″ exterior pocket lining

Cotton, cut 2, 6″ x 16″, zipper gusset

Cotton, cut 2, 6″ x 18″ short handles (increase length to 24″ or 30″ if you desire a longer drop).

Cotton, cut 1, 6″ x 32″ shoulder strap (increase length to 38″ or 44″ if you desire a longer strap).

Your finished bag will measure approximately 9″ wide, 12″ tall and 14″ across the base and offer you 6 exterior pockets, 3 interior compartments, double handles and a shoulder strap.

I hope you enjoy this project and will share photos of your finished bags with our creative community on Facebook and Instagram using #sewspire and @sewspire.

I will be back soon with another inspired sewing project. Until then, please know the creative genius in me will be celebrating the creative genius in you!

XO,

Andrea

SEWSPIRE WEBSITE: https://sewspire.com

THE FOURTH SEAM: http://thefourthseam.com

SEWSPIRE GROUP FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/183488042371692/

WEEKLY E-LETTER BEHIND THE SEAMS: https://us11.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=9ee364d60da52e094f8a423c1&id=d91a957cb9

Please send your questions in advance to sewinginspiration@gmail.com and I will answer those in a future video or newsletter.

 

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How to sew a Yoga Bag the Sewspire Way

How to sew a Yoga Bag the Sewspire Way

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Hey y’all and welcome to Sewspire! 

Today I am here to show you how to make a Yoga Bag the Sewspire Way. For this project you will need approximately 3.5 yards of fabric.

To begin, precut your fabric to the following measurements:

Handles: 6″ x 30″ (cut 2) and back each with Pellon 809

Exterior Body: 18″ x 36″ (cut 2) and back each with Pellon 809

Interior Compartment: 18″ x 30″ (cut 2)

Interior Pocket: 18″ x 18″ (cut 2)

Zippered Bag: 15″ x 18″ (cut 2)

Plus a 14″ zipper and 5 Heavy duty snaps

I hope you enjoy the project and will share photos of your finished bags with me using #sewspire and @sewspire on Instagram and Facebook. I will be back soon with another inspired sewing project. Until then, please know the creative genius in me will be celebrating the creative genius in you.

XO,

Andrea

P.S. you can repurpose this bag into a fabulous sewing machine tote, beach bag, pool bag, picnic sac and more!

How to sew a sewing machine tote bag the Sewspire Way
How to sew a sewing machine tote bag the Sewspire Way

 

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How to sew a waist bag

How to sew a waist bag

Posted on by SewSpire

Hey y’all and welcome to Sewspire!

Today I am here to show you how to make a sweet and sassy fanny pack / bum bag to wear around your waist at craft shows and vendor fairs. Take my advice and make some of these to sell as everyone is going to ask you where you got yours!

For this project you will need approximately a 1/2 yard of cotton fabric and just shy of a quarter yard of Pellon Flex Foam FF78F1 or FF77. Plus a 7” jeans zipper. 

To begin precut your fabric to the following dimensions:

(2) 8” x 8” (rear and interior panels)

(1) 8” x 10” (front and interior bottom panel)

(1) 8” x 6” (front and interior top panel)

(2) 3” x 44” (waist ties) 

Next, precut your flex foam to the following dimensions:

(1) 7” x 7”

(1) 2” x 7”

(1) 4” x 7”

I hope you enjoy the project and will share photos of your finished fanny packs with me on the Sewspire Facebook and Instagram pages using @sewspire and #sewspire. 

I will be back soon with another inspired sewing project. 

XO,

Andrea

Make maker story and how I earned a quarter million dollars sewing and selling on Etsy

Posted on by SewSpire

Many thanks to the Cabin Branch Quilters of Woodbridge, Virginia for inviting me to share my entrepreneurial journey and maker story at their June 18, 2018 meeting.

I hope you enjoy this recording of my talk and will be inspired to pursue your dream(s)!

For more information about my work please visit:

Sewing and creative inspiration: www.sewspire.com
Mentorship for the handmade entrepreneur: www.thefourthseam.com
Custom camera bags and strap covers: www.etsy.com/shop/watermelonwishes.com

To schedule a speaking engagement and/or discuss the possibility of a creative collaboration, please email Andrea Chapman at watermelonwishes@me.com

How to sew a Classic Ticking Apron

How to sew a Classic Ticking Apron

Posted on by SewSpire

Hey y’all and welcome to Sewspire!

Today I am here to show you how to sew a Classic Ticking Apron. I love this style of apron because it is unisex and offers a full length front pocket for the cell phone, clean utensils and hand towel.

This particular apron makes a lovely Father’s Day, Wedding or Housewarming gift and could easily be personalized with a name or monogram on the chest.

For this project you will need 1.5 yards of cotton 44″ wide ticking material.

Precut the fabric to the following dimensions:

Body, cut one, 28″ wide by 38″ long

Straps, cut two, 5″ wide by 44″ long

Pocket, cut one, 21″ wide by 12″ tall

In addition to one 1″ tri-glide or two 1″ d-rings (1.5″ size will work too!)

I hope you enjoy the tutorial and will share photos of your finished aprons with me on Instagram and Facebook.

Ashley and I will be live on YouTube Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at 10 a.m. please join us!

Until we meet again, the creative genius in me will be celebrating the creative genius in you!

XO,
Andrea

Sewspire Sewing Studio Update, Thursday, June 14, 2018

Sewspire Sewing Studio Update, Thursday, June 14, 2018

Posted on by SewSpire

Hey y’all and welcome to Sewspire!

In this week’s studio update we are preparing for my first public speech, sharing the milestones of my entrepreneurial journey, previewing the classic ticking apron that we’ll be making on Saturday, demonstrating how to cut large pieces of fabric and how to create a fat corner and a boxed corner without bunching.

SEWSPIRE GROUP FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/183488042371692/

THIS WEEK’S BEHIND THE SEAMS: https://us11.campaign-archive.com/?u=9ee364d60da52e094f8a423c1&id=97b8cd91b8

THIS WEEK’S LIVE STREAM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iu6r4XpiuDI

ULTIMATE REUSABLE GROCERY SHOPPING TOTE BAG TUTORIAL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZGGi5vt4QU&t=913s

HAPPY MAIL: http://sewspire.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9ee364d60da52e094f8a423c1&id=f5af97927c

DESIGN WORKSHOP PRE-REGISTRATION: https://sewspire.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9ee364d60da52e094f8a423c1&id=4b09685e75

Please join us on Tuesday’s at 10 a.m. (E.S.T.) for our live stream Q & A session and our new Sewspire tradition, #whatisinyourmug. Please send your questions in advance to sewinginspiration@gmail.com or tune into the live stream to chat in real time with the Sewspire community.

Xoxo,

Andrea