Sewing - Vendors' apron with one zippered pocket, lot of others and some long ties

 I have been working on this apron for quite a while.  I did quite a bit of unraveling because I had not planned out all the steps and when you are sewing pockets what you do to one affects the others!!  It took several stabs to get the zipper in for that front pocket.  Got it done!!  The ties go through the body of the apron. I ended up leaving openings and adding it after sewing the apron together because I could not figure out if it could be done any other way.  Everything is top stitched and it has a brown poly cotton backing.  The ties are poly cotton as well so they will take the wear that comes with being tied so often.  

The zippered pocket is perfect for cash, the little tab is a great place for your keys, small pockets for pens and others perfect for your phone/calculator.  A perfect apron for any maker who is selling their wares at farmer's markets, craft sales or shows!!!  Therese

Sewing - cross body messenger bag with fun jungle fabric and coordinating adjustable strap

Working on merchandise for our next Gramma Link Africa event in the fall.  I volunteered to make a bag with this fabric and this is my first one.  It is a cross body messenger bag - about 9" x 12" with a fold in the bottom to created a bit more capacity, an upcycled zipper to which I added ends to make it long enough and a long adjustable strap to suit most anyone.  The strap is from my poly cotton scraps and there was enough to make it long it.  I added a D ring to the front so I could make the strap adjustable.  You simple loosen the knot and pull through the strap and then tighten it back up when it is where you want it to be.  I stitched one end to the back and the other to the front - a bit different but it worked for this one.  I used a rectangle of corduroy as a base and stitched my pieces to it.  Because my fabric was directional I knew that I had to cut the bottom so I could flip it for the back.  I did forget that I was putting the zipper about two inches down which affected the direction of that area and also meant that my line for the bottom was not in the right place.  Fortunately, with the added fold on the bottom it is barely noticeable but I have made notes for next time.  This jungle fabric is beautiful and so bright and colourful!!!  Therese