Amy Butler - The Swing Bag Pattern Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Amy Butler has catapulted to sewing stardom on the merits of her bag patterns, and the Swing Bag pattern is a great example of her work. Her instructions are verbose and well diagrammed, making this an excellent choice for a beginner. The materials called for in this bag are simple and readily available (no specialty interfacing, for example) which also favors the beginning sewing enthusiast, and yet the result is no ordinary dowdy tote bag. The trapezoid shape with the scooped out topline is chic, and the reversible nature of the bag makes it doubly fun.
This isn't to say it is faultless as a sewing pattern. Many people (myself included) dislike her choice for where to turn the bag - she recommends in the highly visible topline when a side seam makes much more sense. She neglects to edgestitch the topline, and while this is easily remedied (just do it!) a beginner would not know that this will give a professional look to the bag without being told.
I have made quite a few of these, and on some I have made my own modifications to this bag... adding a built-in cell phone pocket, a zipper pocket, mitering the corners, adding a key carabiner loop, etc. But even without any modifications at all, this is a versatile and sophisticated totebag that makes a great introduction to hand-bag sewing. It is a pattern well worth owning.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Amy Butler - The Swing Bag Pattern

Make this unique carry-all and coordinating scarf with the fabric of your choice. This sewing pattern includes: Instructions and pattern pieces to create your own Swing Bag and Scarf/Sash.

Click here for more information about Amy Butler - The Swing Bag Pattern

Amy Butler Patterns Sweet Harmony AB-042SW Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am an avid sewer and made this purse for a friend. It was ok, but not great. I think her other patterns are much cuter. As always with Amy Butler's patterns, it was an easy pattern to read. Excepting this time for the zipper placement part on the inside pocket. I found that Amy's directions on this part didn't match up at all and I ended up doing my own thing.
Overall, this is a cute bag and my friend enjoyed it, but I think it looks too much like a diaper bag or a bible case. Not exactly 2 images I would want for my purses to look like.
I also found that the size of cording used for the piping was impossible to find so I substituted it for a piping about 3/8" wide.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Amy Butler Patterns Sweet Harmony AB-042SW

A full color 5.5:' x 8.5" pattern cover with instruction page and patt ern pieces attached.

Click here for more information about Amy Butler Patterns Sweet Harmony AB-042SW

Amy Butler - Chelsea Bags Pattern Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was able to make this bag in an afternoon and it turned out adorable. I received many compliments on it. I don't care for the way the handles turned out, but it has held up beautifully.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Amy Butler - Chelsea Bags Pattern

This sewing pattern includes instructions and pattern pieces to create a reversible small bag and a large reversible tote. Clean lines and cool shapes characterize this easy-access bag with contemporary flair.

Click here for more information about Amy Butler - Chelsea Bags Pattern

Janome 1017 Sewing Machine Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This machine just arrive today and I put it to immediate use. My other machine, Sophie (yes, I name all of my appliances) is having a down spell and needed an assistant while she works out her issues.
Anyway, Signe is very compact and sturdy. She has the features that anyone would need for basic sewing (clothes, quilts, mending, crafts, etc). I had to get used to the way the bobbin is inserted, because Sophie (a Euro-Shark) has a drop in bobbin, so I was clueless as to what I was supposed to do with this one. But the guide book had clear and concise pictures as well as written directions on getting started.
Actually sewing is different too, this machine runs very smoothly and almost hums as it stitches along. The footpedal is just right and changing the stitches is simple. I was able to thread the machine without many problems (this is the part where I miss having a needle threader) and wind a fresh bobbin at lightning speed!
All in all, I enjoy having Signe move in and I think she likes it too. She's helped me finish off two nightgowns for my girls to wear on Christmas Eve and we'll be busy tomorrow too!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Janome 1017 Sewing Machine

Click here for more information about Janome 1017 Sewing Machine