So Simply Stephanie

Here are this week's finds. Enjoy! Shop: Charming Maps  My friend and I went to a small pop-up market near our homes this weekend. We were there to scope it out and see if we might want to participate next year. I was delighted to find a seller with map-themed jewelry, bookmarks, magnets, and more. The owner was really friendly and shared that she has a background in mapmaking (and welcomes custom orders). How creative and cool! She also sells on Etsy, so make sure to check out her shop! I purchased a few Colorado themed items. And though I haven't traveled to London, I was still tempted to purchase this necklace ... Handmade item: Thank You cards (set of 6) My friend made these and I just LOVE the contrast between the stark white cards and the bold red/green/black. Pattern: Macaroon Pouch I really like the shape and style of these! ~Stephanie I've joined the creative team at  Tatiana's Corner  on Etsy to sell my  zipper pouches  and ...

My friend Tanya and I have a big problem. I love her handcrafted greeting cards (and more) and she loves the items I sew. Perhaps that's why I have a box full of lovely handmade greeting cards, and why she persuaded me to join her Etsy shop ? She recently asked me to make a few mini messenger bags. (Quilts Illustrated pattern  ps010 Mini Messenger )  I really like making these for a few reasons: 1) they don't use much fabric (you can even use up a lot of small scraps for the front flap) 2) they are REALLY easy (and would be great for a beginner) 3) they are quick (plus it's fun to make something pretty and useful for a friend) That's my kind of project! I really love how they turned out... especially this book themed bag: The inside fabric is amazing! It looks like old library book check out cards. So cool! The fabric for the second bag is very pretty, with a vintage feel. I love the contrast of the dark exterior to the light interior. ...

I recently completed this toiletry bag (generously free tutorial from Blue Susan Makes ). Though it's not perfect, I really like the size and style of it. Back Interior But I have named it the Never Again Bag. Due to the foam interfacing that gives it structure, the final step of sewing it all together was a nightmare for me. And somewhere along the way, I didn't make sure the top zipper opened from the same side as the handle. At  least I got the front zipper right. Not all sewing projects go as planned. I'm just glad I didn't already cut fabric for 3 more of these like I had planned. I now have a new process for trying new patterns. Cut out fabric for and make just ONE the first time. Then, if things go smoothly, make multiples. It only took me 10 years of sewing to come up with this great idea. Ha! Here's a close-up of the interior fabric. I adore it! I found only a few fat quarters of it at JoAnn. I've been told they don't sell th...

Thread: Connecting Threads It's been awhile, but when I was quilting a lot I purchased much of my thread there. I was always happy with their prices and quality. Interesting bag making hardware: Metal & Vinyl on Etsy It's a new, small store... but check out those cool bird shaped turn locks!!! Sewing book: Crafty Little Things to Sew  This book is filled with fun, little projects. I especially like the Circle Pouch Shopping Tote. ~Stephanie I've joined the creative team at  Tatiana's Corner  on Etsy to sell my  zipper pouches  and more! Enjoy this 10% off coupon for June! https://www.etsy.com/shop/TatianasCorner?coupon=JUNE2018  

One of my sisters is due with a baby girl soon. When I heard that she likes dinosaurs (but they would need to be girly), I was a little worried. Luckily, JOANN does have a few fabrics from which to choose ( here and here ). I got to work creating this little set that I hope she finds handy!     Front of the divided basket (back is all dinosaur print) ( pattern by Noodlehead) Big Pocket Baby Clutch ( free pattern from SewCanShe ) Zipper pouch ( No Stress Tabbed Zipper Pouch pattern ) ~Stephanie I've joined the creative team at  Tatiana's Corner  on Etsy to sell my  zipper pouches  and more! Enjoy this 10% off coupon for June! https://www.etsy.com/shop/TatianasCorner?coupon=JUNE2018

  Not long ago, I stumbled upon the Petal Pouch pattern from Noodle-head . I really like the shape of it and the look of the metal zipper. It was my first time sewing with this type of zipper, and wasn't a problem at all. This pattern is a bit tricky in spots, but would still be good for a beginner willing to go slowly and carefully follow the directions. Plus, it's a quick project! I made it to match my Go Anywhere Bag . I tend to have lots of loose items in my purse, and this pouch will help me get organized.     I plan to make more to sell in our Etsy shop: Tatiana's Corner Enjoy this 10% off coupon for June!  https://www.etsy.com/shop/TatianasCorner?coupon=JUNE2018 ~Stephanie

I'm eager to learn to sew leather items. This looks like a good first project: Miss Maggie's Handbag (free pattern) from Emmaline Bags .   Emma at Emkie Designs sells bag & accessories patterns. She even offers tutorials for various techniques. This leather tassel tutorial really caught my eye.   Look at the FREE pattern for this adorable Clematis Wristlet from Blue Calla . While you're there, check out her other patterns ! ~Stephanie I've joined the creative team at  Tatiana's Corner  on Etsy to sell my  zipper pouches  and more! Enjoy this 10% off coupon for June! https://www.etsy.com/shop/TatianasCorner?coupon=JUNE2018

Zipper pouches are quick, easy, and fun to make! This weekend, I spent some time cutting and sewing these... Matryoshka doll print and these... Bluebird Park Brown Bikes, Parisienne Amour, Parisienne Eiffel Tower, Petal & Plume Illusionist Vine and these... Tabby Road Disco Kitty, 2 - Fawn Day in Murk, Literary On the Shelf, Piper Floral All 12 pouches are available to purchase HERE , though I'm VERY tempted to keep the one with the books. The interior fabric is so neat! If you'd like to make pouches like these, check out: Selling to Sew book by Virginia Lindsay of Gingercake - this book is full of patterns and inspiration Open Wide Zippered Pouch free tutorial by Anna Graham of Noodlehead Monogram Zip Pouch by Melissa Mortenson of Polka Dot Chair No Stress Tabbed Zipper Pouch over at SewMamaSew ~Stephanie I've joined the creative team at  Tatiana's Corner  on Etsy to sell my  zipper pouches  and more! Enjoy this 10% off coupon f...

I recently stitched up this Go Anywhere Bag by Anna of Noodlehead . I'm a big fan of her designs and style. Her patterns are written like a tutorial, so there are plenty of pictures to accompany descriptions for each step. The front has 3 open pockets, with darts along the bottom to give it shape. The back has one long pocket with a magnetic snap closure. The interior has one large pocket. This pattern is great for the beginner, as it is quick and easy to create. I'm excited to start using my new bag! ~Stephanie I've joined the creative team at  Tatiana's Corner  on Etsy to sell my  zipper pouches  and more! Enjoy this 10% off coupon for June! https://www.etsy.com/shop/TatianasCorner?coupon=JUNE2018

If you sew with zippers, then hopefully you already know about Zipit on Etsy. If not, go check them out! They sell zippers of just about every color, length, and type...  plus other goodies like these amazing wooden buttons ! I'm always impressed with their customer service and pricing. I recently ordered fabric from Sew Perfectly Vintage on Etsy. Her store is full of great fabric prints, precuts, and patterns. I was really pleased with her quick responses to my messages and overall customer service. She is offering 20% off in her shop through June! In addition to paid classes, Crafty also features quite a few free patterns. I made this cute Phoebe Bag years ago. It's an easy pattern that's great for beginners. Thanks to artsy-craftsy babe for generously sharing her pattern free of charge! ~Stephanie I've joined the creative team at  Tatiana's Corner  on Etsy to sell my  zipper pouches  and more! Enjoy this 10% off coupon for June! https://...

For one week only, enter to win a GIVEAWAY of goodies from  Tatiana's Corner  on Etsy! Enter to win  on our Facebook page . We've made entering the contest simple! Comment on the giveaway post by tagging at least 2 friends. A bonus entry can be received by  adding us to your favorite shops on Etsy  and leaving another comment letting us know. The winner will receive 4 handcrafted greeting cards (with envelopes), a gift tag, a small zipper pouch, and an extra-large dish scrubby! Card themes include love, new baby girl, new baby boy, and thank you. We will close the giveaway next Sunday evening (06/09/18). Good luck! ~Stephanie

Friday Finds A quick FB search will yield many results for groups related to handmade items. There are groups for specific interests such as bag making and even for individual pattern makers! I recently joined PDF Love of Bags . It's for makers of all skill levels. There you'll see amazing bags of every size, shape, and fabric design. It's also a great place to ask for recommendations and get help on your own projects. Beware, though... your bank account might suffer from the money you'll be spending on patterns (and of course fabric) from the inspiration you see there. And that leads me to a pattern recommended in that group called the Winslet Wallet by Hold It Right There Bags .  The owner, Suzanna, was quick to answer a question I had before purchasing the pattern. She was very friendly and offered to help with any future questions if needed. I am adding this cool wallet to my summer project list! June 17th is Father's Day! Why not send dad a hand...