Another drawstring backpack

I need to restock on these before sales start again, but I do have a few left.  It is fun chosing the pockets for each one; I try to include at least one pocket which can be fastened closed so.  I have made some very "girly" versions too, with sparkles and gems.  You can find a tutorial for this bag through my tutorials page.

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Zipped pocket tote bags

 

 These were extremely popular in the sales, so I will be making more of them for the new season.  They are basically the standard pocket bag with a 3" gusset round all sides and a zip at the top. 

 I understand the popularity - I think these would be useful for a shopping trip, with the zip adding security.

Another successful invention!
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Denim "carpet bag"

... or possibly a beach bag?  Or a flight bag or overnight bag maybe.  Whatever, it turned out MUCH larger than I was expecting - I should have looked more closely at the pattern and the sizes given for the finished bag - especially as I cut out five of these at the same time!  This is (so far) the only completed one, but the rest are close to completion and will be finished.  I suspect they will be slow to sell; the sale will rely on this being what someone is looking for.  I have had fun with the button decorations, creating a different work of "art" on each one.

Multipatch bag: watering cans

Another of the multipatch bags, this time with gardeners in mind.

Apologies for the poor quality photo - lack of time for editing!  I used gingham fabrics for this, and it was a rapid seller before Christmas.  I currently have a stack of blocks of various designs ready to sew for the new season>  I am in fairly desperate need of some more jeans, however, so that I can make straps!
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Striped drawstring tote

This design was inspired by one I saw in a magazine, but I changed many of the details as well as the dimensions.

The stripes between the denim came from a set of curtain samples.

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Gym bags

I have been making these bags in a variety of sizes.  For a long time I had one as my handbag, and this worked well.  The drawstring (with a locking clasp) made it secure, and it was easy to carry around.  I did sometimes lose things in the bottom, however, so if I ever make myself another I think I will incorporate a key clip.

This one used six pockets and was quite large - a great size for a bag to carry things to the gym.
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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.
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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.

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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.
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