Patchouli Moon Studio

Sew Powerful Purses #163-164 for 2026

2026-06-06T01:37:24.662-06:00

2 more finished purses for Sew Powerful Purse Project.

I love how sweet this appliqué turned out and it was just the right size for a purse flap too.

Scrappy pieced flap with added palm trees that was from a partial Hawaiian appliqué design.

Sew Powerful Purses #161- 162 for 2026

2026-06-05T04:06:48.068-06:00

Scrappy pieced purse flaps with flower appliqués. Donating to Sew Powerful Purse Project.

Sew Powerful Purse #160 for 2026

2026-06-04T01:59:54.121-06:00

I love having fun using decorative stitches on my sewing machine to create an artsy looking flap. I like adding rickrack or yarn couching sometimes too and buttons, crystals. Donating to Sew Powerful Purse Project.

I used only one variegated thread color on this purse flap. Normally I would use a variety of thread colors in solid or variegated colors. I made the strap to match the purse body.

Sew Powerful Purses # 158-159 for 2026

2026-06-03T03:54:02.719-06:00

These 2 purses were made by using a small fussy cut panel (the elephants) and then I appliquéd the elephants onto a fabric square on point and hand sewed tiny rickrack around it. There are 5 African countries each with a different animal. I wanted to mimic the perforated postage stamp look of the print panel (see 2nd photo below). In order to use the country/animal, I had to cut the rickrack looking perforated part of the print or lose using most of the countries/animals. I was able to cut 81 total animals, with one elephant that I had to trim off the partially printed Congo & 7 cents because it was on the end and I could only save the elephant part.

Here are the first 2 completed purses I finished. Others will slowly be made or I will save the kits I made to sew up in September during the Sew Powerful annual Sew-a-thon.

This fabric was given to me by my good friend, Tara. You can see what I mean about the rickrack parts that I had to cut on them to divide the sections and if I pieced the countries/animals, it would have been lost in a seam anyhow, so I appliquéd instead and added my own rickrack to give it a similar look. Thanks Tara for the fabric! I love that Zambia is one of the African countries in this print, since the purses I make go to the girls in Zambia. The others are nice too.

Sew Powerful Purses #155-157 for 2026

2026-06-02T03:02:44.476-06:00

I have been busy making flaps and cutting the fabrics for the purse body, lining and interfacing and making purse kits to have ready to sew for Sew Powerful Purse Project.

These 3 purse flaps were made using only ribbons that I sewed around the squares on point. I used a variety of ribbon widths, colors and prints. I have a lot of ribbon and thought this might be a fun way to use them. I might make some more like these another time to use up some more ribbons I have.

I added some French Knots around the appliqué embroidered flower.

More French knots were added in the tiny holes of the blue lace around the center cotton fabric print. Wool appliqué in the center of the cotton print was stitched by hand.

The wool heart was stitched by hand. The heart got slightly crooked and didn't notice it until later when it was too late to fix 😜. Oh well, wonky is good too 😉.

Faith & Natasha Holding the Purses I Made

2026-06-01T07:25:23.874-06:00

I made this purse with my own hands, and a girl in Zambia gets to stay in school because of it. Her name is Faith💖Did you know something as simple as a handmade purse can keep a girl in school? I sewed this one for Faith in Zambia — now she won't miss a single day of school. This is my #PictureYourPurse. It just took a little fabric, a lot of love. Learn more about how you can support keeping girls in school at: https://keep-girls-in-school.raiselysite.com/

I made this purse with my own hands, and a girl in Zambia gets to stay in school because of it. Her name is Natasha 💗Did you know something as simple as a handmade purse can keep a girl in school? I sewed this one for Natasha in Zambia — now she won't miss a single day of school. This is my #PictureYourPurse. It just took a little fabric, a lot of love. Learn more about how you can support keeping girls in school at: https://keep-girls-in-school.raiselysite.com/

It is such a special feeling to see a couple of girls holding the purses that I made for them. 💜💗💖

Little Monsters Teething Ring Lovies

2026-05-22T02:17:54.627-06:00

These adorable Little Monsters were fun and quick to make. They attach to a silicone teething ring for baby to cuddy and hold on to when teething. I tested this pattern from Around the Bobbin Patterns. The pattern comes with 2 silicone rings and easy to follow instructions. These would make great gifts for a baby or mother-to-be. Can be made in all flannel (as I have done) or use Minky for an even softer feel. Add crinkle material inside if you want.

These measure about 6" x 6" and 9" x 7".

Save 20% off the pattern now May 22 through May 25, 2026 by using the code NEW20.

Go here: https://aroundthebobbin.com/shop/patterns/little-monsters/

Happy Monsters sewing!

Flip & Heat Microwave Baskets in 3 Sizes

2026-05-22T02:15:45.586-06:00

I tested this pattern for these Flip & Heat Microwave Baskets for Around the Bobbin Patterns. These baskets are easy to make and you can choose from 2 different handles. I made the first handle that stands up. The other handle is like the Pass the Hot Dish pattern, that I had tested also.

Since these are for the microwave, you need to use cotton fabric, cotton thread and 100% cotton batting. I chose New Mexico chile fabrics for these baskets.

These baskets fold flat to store when not in use. They would make great gifts for any occasion too!

From May 22 through May 25, 2026 the pattern is on sale for 20% off. Grab your pattern now while it is one sale with the code: NEW20. Go here to purchase:

https://aroundthebobbin.com/shop/patterns/flip-heat-microwave-baskets/

Finished sizes: 4-1/2″ square (small), 6″ square (medium) , and 7-1/2″ square (large). I chose to leave off the handle for the small size.

Here they are nested.

Large basket folded flat for storage.

Small and medium baskets folded flat for storage.

Happy basket sewing!

Vale Crossbody Bag in Pixie Size~ ChrisW Designs Newest PDF Pattern

2026-05-15T01:03:07.883-06:00

The Vale Crossbody bag by ChrisW Designs is her newest pdf pattern and it includes 3 sizes! Pixie, Petite & Midi sizes. I made the cute Pixie size. The Pixie is the smallest and measures 8 3/4" wide x 6 3/4" high x 2" deep. A perfect size for carrying minimal items, or for a teen, or younger child, or make matching mommy/daughter bags. Need a bit more room? Petite size would be great for you. Midi is larger still for the person who has more to carry or larger items to hold.

The bag closes with a zipper, has a back zipper pocket and and inside zipper pocket. The front has a slip pocket with a snap closure. An adjustable strap that clips on.

Grab your pdf pattern while on sale. Scroll to bottom of this post for links.

I upcycled denim jeans to make this Vale Pixie size. It would have been much easier to make if I hadn't used denim because it was a bit too thick in places. The Midi size would have been much better in denim. I wasn't thinking about the thickness of denim when I chose it, but Christine added a mention of it in the final pattern so someone else won't choose too heavy of a fabric. That's why we test patterns 😉to find out where the struggles are, if any, besides the usual typos, etc.

The inside has a zipper pocket with a vinyl overlay. The zipper on the outside is the back side of the bag.

Check out the features of each size Vale bag & see the Tester's Bags here.

Blog post for the Vale Crossbody Bag, plus tester photos, info, video intro, video instructions and to purchase the pdf pattern here too. Pdf on sale for a limited time.

Happy bag sewing!

Orange String Blocks for Rainbow Scrap Challenge 2026

2026-05-09T08:15:00.001-06:00

These are my orange quilt blocks for the the Rainbow Challenge. I didn't have that many scraps in long enough strips in orange, so will make more as soon as I have more scraps of orange.

Sew Powerful Purses #151-154 for 2026

2026-05-06T07:33:00.001-06:00

4 scrappy flap purses to donate to Sew Powerful Purse Project.

Wool flower appliqué over scrappy piecing.

A fun appliqué flower.

I like this large appliqué flower.

Back side of purse and the purse below also has this fabric for the purse body too.

Scrappy squares on point.

Sew Powerful Purses #148-150 for 2026

2026-05-02T04:51:00.001-06:00

I made these 3 purses using the same print in 3 different colorways. I used a small scrap of the print in each flap too. Donating to Sew Powerful Purse Project.

Sew Powerful Purses # 146-147 for 2026

2026-05-01T02:02:00.001-06:00

Here are 2 purses made from scraps of denim jeans I had leftover from making purses. I used all scraps and covered in tulle and quilted the pieces. After quilting, I added rickrack or gimp braid, yarn couching, buttons, and a Handmade label. A Shabby Chic look? Donating these to Sew Powerful Purse Project.

Various colors of denim scraps in this one.

On the back I added this flower that I cut from an old felted sweater.

Close up of the wool felted flower. The center felt circles were not wool. I snipped all around the lavender circle to make it look like fringe.

Here is the 2nd purse, also using a variety of colored denim scraps. I used a gimp braid on this one, along with yarn couching.

Sew Powerful Purses #143-145 for 2026

2026-04-28T03:07:00.000-06:00

3 more purse to donate to Sew Powerful Purse Project. These 3 were great scrap buster flaps! But alas, I end up with just as many scraps after cutting the purse body and lining fabrics 😬😄.

I LOVE how this flap turned out! I used 2" squares to create the strawberry. I might reduce the strawberry next time as it is a wee bit too large, but it works. I like the large dramatic strawberry.

Here you can see the whole strawberry as well as the scrappy pieced denim blue jeans scraps that I made the purse body out of.

More patchwork on an entire flap. I placed the same fabric on a diagonal row

for each print I used.

The flap lining is a patchwork print and the purse body is bright plaid.

A four-patch on point with scrappy fabrics all around. The same purse body as the purse above.

Sew Powerful Purses 141-142 for 2026

2026-04-27T04:25:00.000-06:00

2 purses to donate to Sew Powerful Purse Project that I made from one red Starbucks apron! One apron pocket had black stains from a Sharpie marker, so I fused embroidered flowers and a heart over the stains to cover the stains and add a bit of bling at the same time.

The flaps are both made using the leftover scraps from cutting the purse body pieces. I covered the flap in tulle and quilted it and then added the rickrack and yarn couching and buttons.

The Starbucks logo I used for the flap lining. I had to piece a couple of pieces of the red apron, so added some rickrack over the seams for additional bling. The embroidered flowers and heart are covering up the Sharpie stains on the apron pocket. The apron pocket became the front pocket without having to sew a separate pocket on top, which made the sewing and cutting a bit faster to do.

Sew Powerful Purses # 138-140 for 2026

2026-04-25T01:33:00.000-06:00

3 purses to donate to Sew Powerful Purse Project. One is a large print for the flap and the other 2 are scrappy pieced with add heart appliqués.

I had a fat quarter of this print with the large white & red flowers and I cut 2 pieces to make 2 flaps. This is the one I finished. I had the black print already cut out for the body of the purse and this flap print went well with it so I could finish this purse. I haven't cut out a purse body yet to go with the second flap yet. The second flap shows the flowers of the print differently.

I wanted to use up some appliqué shapes that I had cut out already, so I used these hearts. Some were cut from felted wool sweaters or other felt and the 2 largest hearts are cotton fabric.

Sew Powerful Purses # 133-137 for 2026

2026-04-23T08:00:00.003-06:00

5 purses to donate to Sew Powerful Purse Project.

I used a 1-inch printed grid to sew the patchwork, which ended up 3/8" square using a full 1/4" seam allowance. Had I used a scant seam allowance these squares would have been 1/2" square. Since I used it as a heart appliqué, the square size didn't matter, but good to keep in mind if I had wanted it a certain size as part of a patchwork block.

Pieced flap with added appliqué flower.

Another pieced flap with added appliqué flower.

Pieced flap with added appliqué flower and a butterfly button.

Pieced flap with added fussy cut flower that I appliquéd.

Sew Powerful Purses #124-132 for 2026

2026-04-18T02:50:00.004-06:00

Nine more purses to donate to Sew Powerful Purse Project. More African women prints and upcycled denim jean scrappy purses.

I made 3 more of these. I had shared a few of these this month and had these 3 to also finish.

I am trying to use up my scraps of denim leftovers from making purses from denim jeans. The entire purse was made with the denim scraps: the flap, front, back and gusset too. I added rickrack, couched yarn and buttons on the flaps only.

3 more scrappy denim purses. I still have more scraps denim to make several more purses.

Pieced Batik Quilt with Orange Border

2026-04-17T01:58:00.000-06:00

Years and years ago I made these batik quilt blocks. I remember batik fabrics were stacked up and then I cut then with the rotary cutter into several angles. A stack and slice technique. Then I took a piece of fabric from each stack and arranged the block and sewed the blocks together, so all the blocks had one of each fabric in the block, but each was a different shape. The blocks were set next to each other, turning the blocks in different directions. The result was nice like a crazy quilt without the embroidery stitches. But the piece was rather small, so I put it away for many years, not sure what I would do with it. I took it out recently and thought I should finish this, so I cut a border to make the quilt wider and longer and then quilted it with a serpentine stitch. The border really made this quilt look great and it is large enough for a child to cuddle under. I will donate this quilt to Wrap the World with Quilts.

Quilt measures 34.5 " x 44.5".

Closeup of quilt.

Closeup of border and serpentine quilting.

Label on back.

Flannel llama print for the backing. Flannel is soft and warm for a child to cuddle under.

Sew Powerful Purses #119-123 for 2026

2026-04-15T10:01:00.007-06:00

I upcycled denim jean scraps to make these purses. I covered the denim scraps with tulle and quilted each piece to hold it all together. On the flaps I added yarn couching, rickrack, buttons and some French knots on the rickrack. The front, back, pocket and gusset pieces were just scrappy denim covered in tulle and quilted. I made quite a few purses using just denim scraps. The purses are quite sturdy. Donating to Sew Powerful Purse Project.

Good way to use scraps of denim, and yarn scraps too!

Sew Powerful Purses #113-118 for 2026

2026-04-10T01:38:00.000-06:00

6 more purses finished to donate to Sew Powerful Purse Project. One purse flap is made with a variety of ribbons, including some Renaissance Ribbon. The other 5 purses was from a print of African women.

The flap here is only ribbons, except for the square of cotton fabric in the center that I set on point and the wool heart appliqué I stitched to the cotton fabric. 3 were Renaissance Ribbons and 2 ribbons were from fabric/craft stores.

The African women all came from one fabric that also had borders in prints like the dresses or head wraps they are wearing. I had to cut the height of the woman shorter to fit properly on the flaps.

Swiftly Tote a ChrisW Design Pattern in 3 Sizes: Small-Large-Mini

2026-04-09T00:21:00.003-06:00

I tested the Swiftly Tote, a pdf pattern by Chris W Designs that comes in 3 sizes. I tested the small size, which I would say is more of a medium size than a small size. It is smaller than the large size though. The small makes a perfect handbag/crossbody bag too. I added the removeable adjustable crossbody strap so it could be worn as a crossbody bag, which is so handy. It has handles too and I made mine short as a grab handle because I wouldn't carry this on one shoulder, but if you make one, you can make your handles the longer size as in the pattern for wearing on one shoulder.

Christine's signature phone pocket is a wonderful hidden pocket and you can choose to add one on the front and one on the back for 2 hidden pockets, or just add one where you want it. I added one on each side as I love the convivence of these pockets. I use them for keys.

Inside is a zipper pocket with an overlay. I used vinyl for the overlay, but you can use cork or any non fraying material you want to use.

The pattern calls for using vinyl, cork and waterproof canvas for the lining so that this bag is a quicker sew, since you wouldn't need any interfacing. I chose to use vinyl only as an accent for the base of the bag and the overlay zipper pocket inside the bag. I used quilting cottons and added interfacing and fleece stabilizer. You can make this bag any way you prefer and my preference is quilting cottons as they colors are so pretty and I have quilting cotton and I prefer to use vinyl or cork as accents rather than as a whole bag. That is what is great about making a bag is you can custom make it with whatever materials you want and add or subtract pockets or other extras.

The bag closes with a top zipper closure, my favorite zipper closure!!! I don't like recessed zippers as it is harder to access and see inside the bag, but this top zipper opens wide as you can see in the interior photos below. Why fight trying to find things in a bag? Now you don't have to. I added an additional divided slip pocket inside too. I wanted a simple slip pocket with a pen division in the center. You could use Christine's Pocket Supplement A pattern to add extra pockets to your bag too, especially if you make the larger version of the Swiftly Tote.

This bag is quick to make and you can cut most of the pieces out with a rotary cutter or there are SVG files included too for those who have cutting machines that make it easier to cut out your pieces. The pdf also comes with templates for all the pieces too, if you prefer cutting that way. Something for everyone. And there is video instructions as well as the pdf, so you can follow along and sew with Christine. Rated for a Confidant Beginner Sewer/Sewist.

Here is my Swiftly Tote in size Small. The small measures 14 1/4" wide x 9 1/2" high x 3 1/2" deep.

(The large, which I didn't make, measures 17" wide x 11 1/2" high x 4 1/2" deep).

I used cotton webbing for the grab handles and made my adjustable strap that is removeable from the main fabric. The turquoise fabric is a hand dyed fabric that I dyed years ago and was the perfect color accent and even matches the vinyl I used for the base and overlay.

Isn't she pretty? I used a turquoise zipper closure.

Vinyl base to tote.

Added divided pocket with pen pocket in center.

Vinyl zipper overlay pocket.

See how wide the bag opens up to see inside. Zipper overlay pocket and I added a divided slip pocket too with a pen in the center.

Hidden phone pocket on the front side.

2nd hidden phone pocket on the back side of the Swiftly Tote.

But wait there's more! After I tested the small, Christine asked if anyone wanted to test a Mini version and I gladly accepted. The Swiftly Mini is the perfect size for a crossbody bag. I made mine without the grab handles and just made a crossbody version with an adjustable strap. I added one strap tab with a hardware ring to the front and one to the back and added the strap after the bag was complete. I only added one hidden pocket on the back side (it's too small for a phone like in the small & large versions, but great for keys or a shopping list), an inside zipper pocket with a vinyl overlay, and a simple slip pocket with pen division inside too.

The Swiftly Mini measures 11" wide x 8" high x 3" deep.

One strap tab on the front with ring hardware & one on the back to create a crossbody version.

Back side with the hidden pocket.

Bag opens so size and wide. Slip pocket with a pen pocket division.

Zipper pocket with a vinyl overlay. This vinyl is cool and looks like tan denim jeans.

Side view.

I used fabric that matched the crossbody strap I made for the base here.

Crossbody over an outdoor chair. Wish I had a way of photographing on me or someone else, but alas I don't. I took this one out to buy groceries on Monday and I love the size! It's perfect size for me. I love the top zipper closure so I can easily zip and unzip and see what's inside.

Want to make one or all 3 sizes of the Swiftly Tote? Be sure to grab your pattern now while the pattern is on sale as a new release. Go here to purchase the pdf and to see all the testers versions and sizes, go here for the photos and the video introduction too. This bag looks so different in different colors and materials used. Christine even put the Pocket Supplement A on sale too, which can be used in the small and large Swiftly versions as well as other bag patterns that are about the same size too. The Intro pricing is for a short time only, so grab your pattern soon. Video Intro here, with tester photos too.

Happy bag sewing!

Pink String Quilt Blocks for Rainbow Challenge

2026-04-08T04:04:00.001-06:00

The color this month for the Rainbow Challenge is Pink. I am making string blocks each month. Here are my pink string blocks. Not sure how many blocks I will need or how I will set the quilt, so I am making several blocks in every color, but might need to make more of one or more colors later once I play with the setting.

I don't know why the background looks green? Weird.

More pink blocks.

Sew Powerful Purse #112 for 2026

2026-04-07T08:52:00.005-06:00

On the Sew Powerful Facebook group our monthly challenge for fun is Rainy Day Blues. So anything blue like birds, flowers, etc. or anything Spring, such as Spring rain, umbrellas, gardening, etc. I already made and shared a purse flap in blues, so I thought an umbrella appliqué would be fun to make and share now. I used scraps for the umbrella and added crystals like raindrops on and above and below the umbrella, along with a few heart buttons. This will be donated soon to Sew Powerful Purse Project.

Here is the entire flap.

Summer time flap lining for a bit of fun.

Sew Powerful Purse #111 for 2026

2026-04-02T07:20:00.005-06:00

An apple appliqué on scrappy blues. Donating to Sew Powerful Purse Project.