Color Me Toddler Purse Tutorial

Hello There!
If you have a toddler that loves to carry purses or need a last minute present for a toddler, you'll love this tutorial. My fabric of choice was Hailey Crouse's Color Me for Michael Miller. It allows for the fabric to be colored, so if you include a set of markers in your little purse, you'll have the perfect gift!

You will need:

- 1/3 of a yard of Color Me fabric
- 1/3 of a yard of lining fabric
- 7/8" Wide Ribbon
- Rick Rack, Piping or any other trim of your choice
- 1 Button or Snap fastener
- Flap Pattern HERE

Step 1:

Cut your flap pieces, 1 main, 1 lining
Cut your main body pieces:   2   8"W x 6" L main fabric
                                               2   8"W x 6" L lining fabric

Cut 2 pieces of ribbon, Approximately 20" each (I always cut longer and trim as needed)
The Seam allowance will be 1/4" for the flap and 1/2" everywhere else. Once all your pieces are cut, you will have something like this on your table.

Step 2:

Add any embellishments or trims to the right side of your flap, or leave as is. I added rick rack and used wash away tape to keep in place.

Step 3:

With right sides together sew main fabric and  lining fabric, along the round side only, using 1/4" seam allowance. If you added a trim, it will be sandwiched between the two fabrics. You may use pinking shears to cut excess. Turn over, press and top stitch along the round edge, set aside.

Step 4:

With right sides together sew the main fabric body pieces, starting on one side and ending on the other, leaving the top part open. Repeat for lining. You will use a 1/2" Seam Allowance. Press the seams open.

Step 5:

Starting at the joint of the side and bottom seams, form a triangle. Press to secure and sew 1/2" from the tip of the triangle. cut excess. Repeat for other side and lining. Trim Excess.

Step 6:

Pin and Baste the flap to top back side of  the main body piece, right sides together and 1/2" away from each side seam. Pin and Baste the ribbon, right sides together to the sides, matching the side seams to the center of the ribbon.  Turn over.

Step 7:

Place the main fabric purse inside the lining, with right sides together. Pin and sew along the top, with a 1/2" seam allowance, leaving a 2" opening  for turning.

Step 8:

Pull main fabric through the 2" opening and press. Top Stitch along the top main body of the purse, catching the opening so it will now be closed. Make a buttonhole and stitch a button or use a snap to secure. Tie a bow at the desired length and your purse is ready! Add markers inside and it's ready for gift giving.

Step 9:

 Enjoy your creation!

Oh How I love Sneak Peeks!

Remember back in August when I posted about the Michael Miller fabric's Great Pattern Hack? Well, I won second place and was lucky enough to score some amazing fabric, some not even released, lucky girl right?

One of my favorite selections is the soon to be released (Early 2016) Sommer fabric collection by Sarah Jane. Like with some of her previous collections, I was more than impressed. There is something about Sarah Jane's collections, a certain nostalgia for my long gone childhood days, the graphics reflect a certain innocence, playfulness, hard to describe but easy to feel compelled to go back to the childhood days and hope to establish the same kind of memories for my children. 

I made a Brownie Goose Allie Oop top and a pair of Darby shorts for my little girl and the combination was perfect! Loved the overall look, exactly what the fabric made me feel, comfortable, innocent, playful. You will totally love this collection, keep an eye out so you don't miss it, starts shipping January 15th!
Photos of additional fabrics of this collection: Sommer Collection by Sarah Jane Studios

Much sewing love,

Paola ♥