Pattern Review: Summer Lovin' Beach Tote by two pretty poppets

 

Have you seen the BIG announcement from two pretty poppets? Lisa has just released her latest pattern and it's a beauty.

The Summer Lovin' Beach Tote comes equipped with five pockets outside (two on the front, one on the back, and one on each side)...

Check out all that fabulous pocket space!!!

,,,three zipper pockets, plus one concealed zipper pocket inside

Two zipper pockets this side

One zipper pocket this side, plus a concealed pocket at the top.

...and enough space in the bag itself for beach towels, drink bottles, lunch, and all the other bits and pieces you find yourself lugging to the beach. There is even a nifty divider to help keep everything organised. 

All of this in one bag!!!!!

Of course, all of these features are completely optional but I couldn't help myself and make everything available in the pattern. I think this will make a fantastic sewing retreat bag.

I was lucky enough to test this pattern and can tell you know, it's every bit as wonderful as Lisa's other patterns. I won't lie, she's a BIG bag but, if you follow the pattern, she's actually a relatively easy sew. As always Lisa has provided clear and concise written instructions and photos to help you every step of the way. Head on over to the two pretty poppets Facebook page to see more.

The Summer Lovin' Beach Tote is available through the two pretty poppets website.

I purchased all of my hardware for this bag through Handbag Hardware Australia.

Happy Sewing xx

Stand Up Swap 2016

It's time to Stand Up and Tote Notice!!! Sew Today, Clean Tomorrow (Rachael) and two pretty poppets (Lisa) are joining forces for the event of the century. Well, the event of the first quarter of 2016 anyway. Welcome to…

What is Stand Up Swap 2016?

Stand Up Swap 2016 is a casual, fun swap that Lisa and I thought would be a great way to kick of the new year. Each participant will make a two pretty poppets Stand Up and Tote Notice tote bag, size small, to be swapped with another member of the group.

Photo courtesy of two pretty poppets

When will it run?

The swap will run from now until April 2016 with the key dates as follows:
Note: The sign up due date has been extended due to the overwhelming response so far. Please ensure that you have submitted the form prior to uploading your completed bag photo.

• 31^st January  21st March: Sign up cut-off date
• 24^th March: All Stand Up and Tote Notice tote bags are completed
• 29^th March: Partners assigned and address details emailed.
• 6^th April: Postage cut-off date.

Photo courtesy of two pretty poppets

How does it all work?

This swap will run slightly differently to others you may be familiar with. We will not be assigning partners until after the bags are finished. Instead of stressing over meeting your partners ‘likes’ perfectly, you simply need to make a bag that you think is awesome. Lisa and I will then pair up people to bags as best we can.

As always there needs to be a few rules to make this a fun, fair activity for all concerned:

• You must use the two prettypoppets Stand Up and Tote Notice tote bag pattern in a small size.

• In order for participants to know what to expect from their mystery bag, we ask that you stick to the pattern. You are, however, welcome to switch out two of the internal slip pockets for an internal zip pocket if you wish.

• Your completed bag must be uploaded into the two pretty poppets PDF Sewing Patterns Facebook Group folder by March 24, 2016. Only those bags in the folder will be considered as part of the swap.

• Your bag must be of the high standard you would hope to receive in return. This includes using quality fabric, interfacing and hardware. Please be aware, however, that participants will be of different skill levels and you may receive a bag from someone more, or less, experienced than yourself.

• You are welcome to share photos of your bag on social media. Nobody knows where your bag is going so it will still be a welcome surprise. When sharing, be sure to use the hashtag #standupswap2016 so we can all follow along.

Photo courtesy of two pretty poppets

Who is allowed to participate?

This is an international swap open to any skill level. We welcome beginners and experienced alike. If you are unfamiliar with the Stand Up and Tote Notice tote bag pattern then you can ask all the questions you need in the two pretty poppets PDF Sewing Patterns Facebook Group.

Please be aware that you may be required to post your bag internationally. We will do our best to keep postage within your country but it all depends on who is participating. If this is an issue, be sure to let us know on the sign up form.

Where can I sign up?

To sign up to the swap you will need to join the two pretty poppets PDF Sewing Patterns Facebook Group. There you will find a form you need to complete.  The cut-off date for sign up is 31 January 2016.

Let the awesomeness begin!!!

Photo courtesy of two pretty poppets

The Statement Clutch: One Thimble Issue 9

It's 2016 and what better way to start the year than a One Thimble blog hop? Let's face it, it just wouldn't be me if I didn't join in.

This issue of One Thimble was filled to the brim with some fantastic patterns and normally, when I sign up to the blog hop, I am happy to sew anything at all. This time however, I was determined to sew the latest pattern from my big girl designer crush, Two Pretty Poppets. I know, I know...again!!!

The Statement Clutch by Two Pretty Poppets

The Statement Clutch is such a brilliant project. It's cute, it's classy, it's easy, it's fun...and you learn all the best swear words if you've never installed a twist lock before. Don't let that put you off though. Once you've done one you'll be twist locking everything you can get your hands on. They're seriously cool to play with and definitely worth the effort. Emmaline Bags has a great tutorial.

Twist locks are the new black

You don't need oodles of fabric either, which is fantastic if you're trying to sew from your stash as I have been. Each of these used scraps or fat quarters. Pretty sweet.

This was my favourite scrap...

...and inside is my favourite combo: Denim and Red with white spots

The pattern comes with a standard pocket, but I added a zip pocket for hiding all of my important secrets (ok, ok...chocolate).

I added zip pocket to this, alongside the pocket that comes with the pattern.

My first attempt was a very awesome circuit board pattern. Want to know why it looks a little worn? You're about to find out...

My first Statement Clutch

...apparently they make great pencil cases (according to my four year old).

They're great for storing all of the important things in life

The gorgeous hardware you see on my clutches is from the lovely Kylie at Handbag Hardware Australia. She even makes it easy for you and has a pre-packaged kit so you don't have to worry about whether or not you ordered the right parts.

It's official...I'm addicted.

Don't forget to visit these other great bloggers during the week to see the One Thimble awesomeness they've been up to.

Monday, January 11th

Felt With Love Designs // Sew Today, Clean Tomorrow

Tuesday, January 12th

Jody's Crafty Creations

Wednesday, January 13th

Two Pretty Poppets

Thursday, January 14th

Rosie Petal @ The One Thimble Blog // Molly and Mama

Friday, January 15th

Happy Okapi

Please note that this blog post contains affiliate links for One Thimble. If you purchase a One Thimble e-zine (not individual patterns) from a link from this site then I will receive a small commission.

Hang About Toiletry Bag

You may remember a few weeks ago I reviewed the Stand Up and Tote Notice pattern from Two Pretty Poppets. 

Stand Up and Tote Notice

I have been carrying this bag everywhere and it is every bit as awesome as I thought it was going to be. Seriously, if you haven’t made one yet….DO IT!!! Everybody needs this bag.

Needless to say, when Lisa asked me to review her Hang About Toiletry Bag, I couldn’t say ‘Yes’ fast enough.

This pattern is a little more complex than what I’ve dealt with in the past, but Lisa’s instructions were so clear that I had no issues at all.  I will admit, my machine had a little hissy fit, but that is because she’s due for a service and no fault at all of the bag or pattern.

The pattern is as wonderful as the last. Clear, concise instructions with great photos showing you each step in detail. It is listed as an Intermediate level and I think that is a fairly accurate assessment. It wasn’t difficult as such, but there were a few sections that might be frustrating for an absolute beginner. Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t jump in and give it a try (Hey, I did!) but be prepared for something beyond your standard tote bag with a bottom and two side seams.

Top flap with mesh, zipper pocket

The bag itself is just as awesome as the pattern. I made the small and it is perfect for us. It has a great mesh pocket in the lid, with the snazzy little hook to hang it over a door handle or towel rail (I love this feature).

There’s a cute little front pocket...

Front Pocket

...and the main compartment is a terrific size for storing all your toiletry needs.

A spacious main compartment makes this the perfect toiletry bag

I can’t wait to take this on holidays with us. In fact, I see me making a few for Christmas gifts too.

Keep an eye on the Two Pretty Poppets Facebook page and blog for the Hang About Toiletry Bag Sew Along due to start next week. I hope to see you there as I tackle my second toiletry bag.

If you're looking for the hardware for your toiletry bag (or some of the other great Two Pretty Poppets bags) be sure to check out Handbag Hardware Australia. They have a terrific range of high quality kits available that have been put together specifically for these patterns. They're also wonderful supporters of Australian business and I can't recommend them highly enough.

You can find their Aussie designer kits here: Handbag Hardware Australia: Aussie Designer Kits and their main store here: Handbag Hardware Australia.

How seriously awesome is this kit!!!

Stand Up & Tote Notice

It will come as no surprise that I love sewing bags. They're funky, easy to personalise, and practical...or at least they should be. I have come across a few bags that look great, but lack a certain usefulness. Perhaps there are no pockets, thin/weak straps, or it doesn't hold it's shape. When I saw the Stand Up & Tote Notice pattern, from Australian designer Two Pretty Poppets, I suspected I was onto a winner. It turns out, I suspected correctly.

The outside pockets are great for books, mobiles or casually draping Ray Bans.

This pattern comes in three sizes: small, medium and large. I made the small, which is perfect for strolling into town with Little Miss and her collection of toys.

Every bag needs a slug holder.

It has 6 pockets...yes, six!!! Four on the inside and two on the outside. This makes it a perfect craft bag. I'm already planning another small one for knitting/crochet and a large for quilting....I suppose I should make a medium too, so it doesn't feel left out.

Check out all that space!!!

In addition to the awesomeness of the pattern, there is also a Stand Up & Tote Notice competition in the Two Pretty Poppets Facebook Group with heaps of fantastic prizes up for grabs.

I love my new bag

This pattern is extremely well written and easy to follow. Which is a big call because I've been writing instructions for over fifteen years and have been known to be a tad picky when it comes to patterns and tutorials.

Lisa, the talent behind Two Pretty Poppets, is an absolute delight to deal with. I highly recommend visiting her various social media platforms and checking out her great patterns. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/twoprettypoppets
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/twoprettypoppets/
Website: http://www.twoprettypoppets.com
Craftsy: http://www.craftsy.com/user/pattern/store/2657567
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/twoprettypoppets
Instagram: http://instagram.com/twoprettypoppets

What do you think? Can you see yourself strolling along High Street swinging your very own fabulous Stand Up & Tote Notice?