Pockets on a string

I introduced this line this year, producing a number of variations. They have sold extremely well, and I seem to be remaking them on a very regular basis.

 This set all have button closures.  I make the straps of varying lengths (though, of course, I never seem to have the exact length and style required!)  They are great to hold just a phone and a bit of money, and all have at least one back pocket as part of the purse.

Penguins strike again

These have been a popular line.  It is fun playing with the different eyes, and I love using fleece for their tummies.
Shared at the following link parties:

Show me what you got	Hand Made Tuesdays	Too Cute Tuesday

Drawstring pocket backpacks

This has proved to be one of my most popular designs.

It makes me smile to see these sold, and I always show customers the photo I treasure of four of the Casuarina House children with theirs.  I made 24 for them for their Christmas presents in 2012.  I have it on good authority that they are still using them on a daily basis as their school bags.

Shared at these link parties:

A Round Tuit	Sew Can Do	Hand made Monday
	Inspiration Monday	Calling all Crafters

Crossbody backpack

Although quite a challenging bag, this has also been enjoyable to make, for a variety of reasons.
It is a large bag, so has been made from what I call "found fabric".  This is fabric remade from scraps cut for other projects.  A common source is the ends of strips - used for zip facings, flower bags, bindings etc.  I now keep the ends cut from pieces which are too long and piece these to make long strips, then join the edges of these to make fabric,  This technique was used for the first three bags in these pictures.  The final bag was made from a "rail fence" arrangement of these pieces.  I also have some bags made from crazy patched scraps.
Inside, the bags have a selection of pockets.  This does make them more time-consuming to create, but is worthwhile.  There is a long zip round one side and the base of the bag, and an adjustable strap.  The lining and strap are generally from my stock of Kenyan fabrics.
These have sold well, and I am currently restocking.
Shared at

Peg / stall holder aprons

Having had several comments on the apron I made for myself for shows, I decided to have another go at making them to sell.  Those I made before Christmas sold incredibly quickly, so they are on my list for remaking.

I used the backs of two pairs of jeans for these, and so each apron has 6 pockets (there is a centre seam).  I find this a really useful arrangement; I used one side for my "personal" stuff (my money for drinks etc, my phone and keys) and the other for stall stuff - my business cards, takings and change, my list for remakes, a pen, etc).  I keep one internal pocket for notes, which is very secure (though not always easy to find the note I want in case of change!)
These are a little time consuming to make, due to the need to hand sew the binding, but they are quite fun to do in front of the TV.
Shared at these link parties:

Serenity Saturday	Saturday Sparks	Handmade Cafe
Show off Saturday	Say G'Day Saturday	Check me out Saturdays

Multipatch bag - chickens

I really must do a tutorial for these bags. I won't make it into a New Year's resolution though - it's a sure fire way to ensure something does not happen, in my book!
This has proved to be a very popular style of bag.  I plan, in the new year, to look at making it with a zip on as well, since zipped bags have been a frequent request.  I can do zips, but I prefer not to!  However, I am keen to maximise sales, so I really will make an effort.
The bags are quick to sew up, though the embroidery can take a while.  Thanks to Hobbycraft, I have a stock of co-ordinated fat quarters which lend themselves to this style of bag.  The rooster applique was popular, so I intend to remake it in other colourways.

This post will be shared at whichever of the link parties below are open this week!

Link Party Palooza	Can I get a Whoop whoop	Anything Goes
5Days5Ways	Friday Follow Along	Show off Friday

Flower bags

 

These were made a long time ago now, and have long since sold.  I do have a new stock which I am in the process of making, however, as this has proved to be such a popular design.  I am making it in a variety of lengths - and one of the extremely long ones has proved to be ideal for me to carry my rails in!