ShopBlogForum
Home
About
Contact
Cart
Fabulous Fabric and Patterns Back to Sew Mama Sew! Home
Blog
  • Bag Month
  • Board Members & Contributors
  • Contests & Giveaways
  • Etc…
  • Fat Quarter Month
  • Featured Creativity
  • Featured Products & Books
  • Forum News
  • Hand Sewing Month
  • Handmade Holidays
  • Kids' Clothes Month
  • Pattern Reviews
  • Profiles
  • Quilting Month
  • Scrap Buster Month
  • Sew-Alongs
  • Sewing for the Home
  • Sewing Machine Month
  • Sewing Tips
  • Spring Sewing
  • Summer Sewing
  • Tutorials & Projects
  • Women's Clothing Month

Blog Search

Enter your search terms

Blog Archives

Receive Our Newsletter Image

Elizabeth’s Fabric Focus

Elizabeth from Oh, Fransson! joins us each month to share a new project featuring one of our current fabric collections. Don’t miss the PDF patterns in Elizabeth’s Etsy shop and her series of fun tutorials on Oh, Fransson!

Today’s beautiful April Bag Projects are available as a free PDF download.

From Elizabeth: This month we’re focusing on two collections from Jennifer Paganelli, Flower Power and Pretty Please. I’m always excited to see a new collection from Jennifer and these two do not disappoint! They both include plenty of lovely florals, scrolls and other fabulous patterns in wonderful, bright colors.

EFF427detail2.jpg

I thought these prints would look great on some simple Spring bags and opted to go with a quick and easy style with no pattern, no metal hardware and very little interfacing. In the past, I’ve used this construction method to make bamboo-handled bags, but thought it would be fun to try it with a fabric handle instead. The fabric handles have sort of a drawstring effect, which makes for some pretty gathering at the top of the bags.

EFF427detail1.jpg

The shoulder bag style is approximately 13″ high by 12″ wide. This bag is made from three Flower Power prints. The outside is the Loopy Vintage Floral in brown and the lining is Kate’s Wish in coral. The handles are made from the brown Zebra print.

EFF427handbag.jpg

The handbag is approximately 10″ high and 11′ wide. This bag is made from Flower Power’s Elizabeth Rose in Ivory.

EFF427detail3.jpg

The lining (Marie in butter) and the handles (Jackie in fuschia) are from Pretty Please.

EFF427detail4.jpg

If you make anything with Flower Power, Pretty Please or this free PDF tutorial, we would love to see the results in the SMS photo pool!

Join us for Spring Sewing. Comment this week to win prizes from Fiskars/Gingher. This week you can win Comfort Grip Scissors and a 12-in-1 Sewing Multi-Tool. We’re also giving away four $20 gift certificates to Sew,Mama,Sew!
This entry was posted on Monday, April 27th, 2009 at 7:34 am and is filed under Spring Sewing, Tutorials & Projects. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

128 Responses to “Elizabeth’s Fabric Focus”

  1. Natalie responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 7:42 am →

    Very inspiring. I say “inspiring” in almost every comment, but it’s true. Is there another word for inspiring? How about a phrase? I got it: The house will never get clean now! Which means: I was inspired at Sew, Mama Sew!

  2. Christina responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 7:47 am →

    Oooh, that’s so pretty!

  3. Marilyn responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 7:50 am →

    Pretty spring purses! Fabric store here I come…

  4. Shawna responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 7:55 am →

    I am so glad you put these up! I need to make a gift for someone for tomorrow and I couldn’t decide what to do. This is perfect:)

  5. Leslie Newton responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 7:58 am →

    I love these purses. I could make a new purse everyday, if I had the time. I will truly use this pattern.

  6. Barb responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 8:00 am →

    Beautiful!

  7. Michele responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 8:00 am →

    Wonderul! Thanks for the pdf.

  8. Veronica responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 8:11 am →

    Can you tell me who makes the blue-and-white fabric with the black dots in it that is in the bag in the final photo? I love that!

  9. Marlana responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 8:15 am →

    Cute bags!

  10. Dani responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 8:18 am →

    Very cool! I love how Elizabeth uses a plate for your cutting guide. I keep several sizes of plates available in my sewing room for such things. I even keep a pizza pan handy! I’ll have to give her pattern a try.
    =^..^=

  11. Anna responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 8:24 am →

    Fabulous!!!!!! This will keep me busy, thanks for sharing :)

  12. Joy responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 8:27 am →

    Cute bags!

  13. Katie responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 8:34 am →

    Neat bag.

  14. Grand dad responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 8:35 am →

    Clever and useful, thanks also for the PDF!

  15. Joy S responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 8:42 am →

    One of these will be a perfect Mother’s Day gift for my mother-in-law!

    Good timing and great directions!

  16. Barbara Sindlinger responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 8:48 am →

    What a wonderful simple yet beautiful purse pattern. Thanks for sharing. I love your blog too.

  17. Amy Sp responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 8:52 am →

    Great looking bags. The Elizabeth Rose fabric is beautiful!

  18. Deborah responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 9:07 am →

    These beautiful spring fabrics give me a feeling of lightheartedness – I especially love the prints and colors of the Flower Power Elizabeth Rose bag. Thanks so much for the patterns AND the chance to win some lovely prizes!

  19. Lynne in NC responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 9:12 am →

    Wow! the fabric choices are gorgeous and I am so thankful for the tute! I’ve been ‘itching’ to have a new bag. Thanks!

  20. Kaye Prince responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 9:50 am →

    Awesome pattern Elizabeth; thanks for sharing! I also read your blog, and really loved the over-dyed fabric tutorial that you shared. Keep up the great work!

  21. Michelle Price responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 9:52 am →

    Gorgeous fabrics! I love the bright colors in many of the spring projects!

  22. Shai responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 9:55 am →

    Thank you so much for the pattern! I know a few friends that would enjoy a bag like this. It’s too cute not to have a few myself.

  23. Annie responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 9:57 am →

    These bags are beautiful! I cannot wait to try them today, thanyou.

  24. Liz B responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 10:10 am →

    Absolutely gorgeous, and a great use of materials; sometimes you just want to knock out a cute bag without dealing with snaps, handles, etc. Thanks for the pattern Elizabeth!

  25. Tracy responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 10:15 am →

    I’ve been looking for something to make my niece for her birthday, and this is perfect. Love it!

  26. Rachel Bates responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 10:52 am →

    Its much classier with the higher quality of the handles. I would like to figure out how it could be reversable.

  27. amy responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 10:59 am →

    Such cute bags!

  28. Mrs. JP responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 11:13 am →

    These are so cute…I especially like the brown one w/ pink lining

  29. brittany responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 11:14 am →

    love the shoulder bag!

  30. Kari responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 11:17 am →

    The large one looks like it would be great to take to a farmer’s market. I like the construction. I’ve never thought of making a bag that way before.

  31. Mirza responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 11:19 am →

    Cute!!! Want to make some of these!

  32. Ananda responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 11:23 am →

    Those bags are georgous! I love the fabric combonations.

  33. Tina Kay responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 11:30 am →

    I love it!!! I am in need of a new handbag. I have been looking for a bag to make. Nothing was speaking to me……until I saw this. Thank you!!

    Tina Kay

  34. Kristi Van Os responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 11:35 am →

    Looks simple enough – I just might have to try it.

  35. Trina responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 11:36 am →

    Super cute!

  36. Tabitha responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 11:57 am →

    I love the bag. Thanks for the pattern!

  37. Margie responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 12:07 pm →

    Such a gorgeous bag! I can’t wait to make a few & your fabric choices are TDF!!

  38. Samantha responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 12:10 pm →

    I love this bag design- can’t wait to make it! I’ve been saving some beautiful vintage sheets for just such a project.

  39. KT responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 12:15 pm →

    I have been eyeing some of that fabric. Now I really want it! Great bags!!!!

  40. Lorene responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 12:25 pm →

    Cute bags!

  41. Steph W responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 12:39 pm →

    Oh, wow!!

  42. Samantha responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 12:57 pm →

    I’ve made bamboo handle bags like that too. I’ll have to give the new handles now. Thanks!

  43. Debra responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 1:34 pm →

    The bags are great. The fabrics are fantastic. Vintage with a twist.

  44. christine responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 1:35 pm →

    oh, i just love the bag! thank you!

  45. Laura responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 1:42 pm →

    Love the flowers, this site has inspired me to sew again!

  46. Trinity responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 2:12 pm →

    So pretty! Thanks for sharing yet another amazing tutorial, Elizabeth!!!

  47. mishalee responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 2:39 pm →

    Thank you! I am a total bag lady…so excited to add these to my to do list!

  48. Ellen responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 2:51 pm →

    Thanks for the tutorial. Love the ivory bag.

  49. MegVS responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 2:53 pm →

    I love it! Beautiful pattern!

  50. MaryAnn responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 3:33 pm →

    This is my excuse to make a new bag. I love the fabrics.

  51. CIndy responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 3:43 pm →

    I love keeping it simple–thanks for being so generous with the tutorials–I get a little kick everyday checking out what’s new on sew mama, I really look forward to it–more than checking my e-mail–really!–I love the fabrics too

  52. Michelle responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 3:47 pm →

    Ack! So easy. I love it. Thanks again, Elizabeth!

  53. Maple responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 3:47 pm →

    I’m lovin’ it! These look so simple and so cute!

  54. Pam responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 3:49 pm →

    I love these bags! I will definitely being making this bag. Thanks for the tutorial.

  55. Mary on Lake Pulaski responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 4:11 pm →

    Very cute fabric for the bags and the tutorial looks pretty easy. It shouldn’t take me long to make a few of these.

  56. Betty Allis responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 4:23 pm →

    I love the purse but unfortunately, When I try to download the pdf. It says the file is damaged and will not download.

  57. Martha responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 4:38 pm →

    Gorgeous! I think I will use this pattern for a bag for my daughter.

  58. Liz responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 4:49 pm →

    i like this strap idea!

  59. Danielle responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 4:52 pm →

    Love the size of the bag! Beautiful!

  60. Lisa responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 4:57 pm →

    Another bag pattern to drool over… I am ready to make a bag but deciding which one just got tougher. Drat, maybe I need to make two. But then, I will need to select fabrics for two…

  61. Beth responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 4:59 pm →

    Beautiful!
    Thanks for inspiring me : )

  62. Sherri responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 5:20 pm →

    Thanks for the patterns. They are great!

  63. Julia in MI responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 5:36 pm →

    These bags are great! My favorite part is the drawstring handles. Love that!

  64. LisaC responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 5:50 pm →

    I can’t wait to make these! :)

  65. Christine responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 5:56 pm →

    Beautiful bags! I like how the straps are wide but not very thick. Thanks for the tut!

  66. Debbie responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 7:35 pm →

    The bags are lovely!

  67. Elizabeth responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 8:18 pm →

    I love the idea of using stiffer fabric loops instead of bamboo circles!
    Your purse full of fabric and notions makes me want to go shopping…

  68. Christy responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 8:19 pm →

    I can’t wait to try it! Thanks

  69. Sara R. responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 8:24 pm →

    I think this will be my next project…with that chicken fabric I’ve been saving…

  70. Haley Crumpler responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 8:36 pm →

    Love the bags! Wish there was a bigger one too!

  71. Katie responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 8:48 pm →

    Love the purses and the fabric choices – so pretty!!

  72. helena responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 8:55 pm →

    Great little bag. Guess since schools are cancelled here, this will be on our list to keep my daughter busy. Thanks all the projects are great. keep them coming ;) !

  73. Liz responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 8:56 pm →

    Thanks so much for sharing your tutorial. I will definitely give the handbag a try. The fabric choices Elizabeth used are beautiful!

  74. craftytammie responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 9:24 pm →

    These look fun and easy too! Thanks!

  75. Superstitches responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 9:52 pm →

    Love this bag. I like the fact that I don’t have to use purchased handles that I may or may not have on hand.

  76. JenR responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 10:09 pm →

    Love these! I can see many of these in my future. Maybe even adjusting the sizes to make a littler matchy-matchy one for my munchkin! Thank you Elizabeth!

  77. Raeann responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 10:45 pm →

    I am going to try this bag! I need a new one and this looks quick and easy! Thanks!

  78. BethieB responds:
    Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 11:15 pm →

    I need a new bag for spring, and I have so many fabrics I can see being used for one of each of these. Can’t wait to get started, but now it’s a toss up between a bag and the awesome ruffled top in the last tutorial…maybe I can be matchy matchy and do both! Thanks again!

  79. heleen responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 12:14 am →

    Lovely bags!!

  80. tea and cake responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 2:07 am →

    I am a sucker for bag projects! And, this tutorial is really clear, thank you. I also love fabrics with either birds or butterflies on them – these are eye candy to me!

  81. katie responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 4:14 am →

    Great sized bag- cute fabrics. Thanks!

  82. Christen responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 4:14 am →

    I’ve been thinking that it’s time to get out a Spring bag- love these. Much better than what I see in the closet right now!

  83. Kristin Q responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 4:26 am →

    Adorable pattern, thank you for sharing your time!

  84. Trina responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 4:50 am →

    Veronica- the fabric you like is a Paula Prass for Michael Miller fabric. I haven’t seen it online (haven’t looked much either) but my quilt store has it.

    -Trina

  85. ellen responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 5:20 am →

    Cute bags….love the brown fabric.

  86. Linda responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 5:24 am →

    Really cute bag!

  87. Terriaw responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 5:34 am →

    Great project! I have some fabrics from this collection, which I can definitely see using for a couple of these bags.

  88. Barbie responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 6:39 am →

    I love them both. I can’t wait to make one. Thanks for the tutorial.

  89. Becca B responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 6:54 am →

    The best part about spring sewing month has been the tutorials!! Love them! Such a cute bag!

  90. Bethany responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 7:03 am →

    Ooo…pretty fabrics. And an interesting bag pattern…thank you!

  91. Pat responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 7:12 am →

    Great bags, simple construction, and pretty fabrics, does it get any better than that?

  92. Emily responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 8:07 am →

    Interesting construction. I think I would need to sew up the sides a bit more, though, or I would lose things out the sides of the bag.

  93. Brooke responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 8:42 am →

    Really cute bag pattern. I have to add this one to my list.

  94. Michelle responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 9:22 am →

    LOVING the fabrics in these. The lining on both of them is divine.

  95. Shannon responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 9:31 am →

    So cute! I love your tutorials and your quilts and your blog!

  96. erika~ inspired mama musings responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 10:21 am →

    very cute little bags :) i am inspired to sew a new bag for myself!

  97. Sarah J responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 11:34 am →

    Great PDF – thank you, I will certainly be trying this project

  98. Shannon responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 11:41 am →

    These are sooo pretty!! Thank you so much for sharing! I really need to make one for me and maybe good gifts for sis & mom for Mother’s day! Thank for you always sharing great ideas!

  99. Kirsten responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 11:41 am →

    This pattern is great for some upcoming May birthdays. Thanks for yet another idea!

  100. Sharron responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 1:44 pm →

    Let’s see….how many bags can a girl use? Hmm. I’d like to find out!

  101. karen l responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 2:15 pm →

    thanks for the tute! Digging in my stash ASAP …. Looking forward to more summer tops!

  102. Sylvie responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 2:52 pm →

    I love these bags, and the flowery fabric makes them look so romantic.

  103. Java Jane responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 3:06 pm →

    Patting myself on the back for order some darling fabrics from Sew Mama Sew just this morning. Keep the inspiration coming folks!

    Jane

  104. Shellei responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 4:09 pm →

    SO cute and looks like it comes together so quickly! I love somewhat instant gratification!

  105. sally schaffhausen responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 4:33 pm →

    The fabrics are beautiful and the free pattern devine!!! Love this site above all others. So much good information from such wonderful people who are all willing to share so the rest of can fell good about our selves. Thank you all.

  106. Carla responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 5:46 pm →

    Very pretty. Shame the brown zebra print is out of stock.

  107. Rachelle responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 6:35 pm →

    This bag is so great, the key is to find time to make it!

  108. Jessica T responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 7:13 pm →

    What a smart looking bag! I love the brown with the pink lining, that’s a great combo.

  109. Emily Kidd responds:
    Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 7:32 pm →

    I had been wondering how to make a bag with a gathered top….and guess what I come to check out whats new on sew, mama, sew and its a gathered bag! Im very excited to try out this pattern!

  110. Katie responds:
    Posted: April 29th, 2009 at 5:01 am →

    So sweet! I can’t wait for the semester and final papers to be over so I can get sewing!

  111. LittleA responds:
    Posted: April 29th, 2009 at 5:38 am →

    Beautiful bags! I need a sewing tote to take my embroidery to go.

  112. Amanda responds:
    Posted: April 29th, 2009 at 8:45 am →

    I love Jennifer’s fabrics, too. This bag is adorable. Thanks for the free pattern.

  113. Rochelle responds:
    Posted: April 29th, 2009 at 8:53 am →

    This is the perfect purse pattern for such beautiful fabric! Makes me think of summer.

  114. katie responds:
    Posted: April 29th, 2009 at 9:00 am →

    OK, I’m going to try some of these — quick and easy spring gifties! Thanks for the pattern.

  115. Kelli responds:
    Posted: April 29th, 2009 at 10:31 am →

    Elizabeth is awesome, isn’t she? Thanks for the great ideas and beautiful fabrics…I had drool all over my keyboard. Flower Power and Pretty Please are already on my long wishlist, but after this post, they moved up the list a little!

  116. Erin responds:
    Posted: April 29th, 2009 at 11:44 am →

    I think I’m going to make these as gifts for the girls in my wedding. Thanks!

  117. Patt Marcial responds:
    Posted: April 29th, 2009 at 12:05 pm →

    This is the cutest bag I seen in a while. Thanks so much for the pattern. Am going to love making a few of these.
    Hugs Patt

  118. michele m responds:
    Posted: April 29th, 2009 at 7:21 pm →

    i think I may try to make one of these. very pretty. thanks for the inspiration.

  119. Rebecca responds:
    Posted: April 29th, 2009 at 10:15 pm →

    What a great summer bag – thanks for the free pattern!!

  120. Betty Allis responds:
    Posted: April 30th, 2009 at 1:51 pm →

    I just wanted to say thank you to Elizabeth for sending me the pdf file for the very cute purses. I really appreciate it. I will be making these soon. Thanks so much again.

  121. Cheryl responds:
    Posted: April 30th, 2009 at 10:22 pm →

    My favorite is the one with the three fabric prints…..the ruffled look is just so pretty and feminine and girly…….so sweet. I want one right now……thank you for the tutorial. Your site is just the greatest.

  122. alisha responds:
    Posted: May 1st, 2009 at 3:06 am →

    I can’t get enough of the handbags! And I love the fabric selections.

  123. susaninfrance/texas responds:
    Posted: May 1st, 2009 at 7:06 pm →

    this is so modern and clean. very cute.

  124. Kris responds:
    Posted: May 2nd, 2009 at 9:15 am →

    I really like how the handles are on this bag! I will have to make this out of some of the fabric I’ve been hoarding!!!

  125. rebe responds:
    Posted: May 2nd, 2009 at 9:49 am →

    Cool idea. I just got some fabric that I want to make into a bag. I think I may have just found my pattern!!!

  126. crystalsews responds:
    Posted: May 6th, 2009 at 10:30 am →

    I made one for a lunch sack and I love it. Thank you so much for the pattern!!

  127. Jennifer O. responds:
    Posted: August 24th, 2009 at 12:15 pm →

    It says two 13″ pieces for the exterior and lining of the handbag – is that 13 inches square?

  128. andrea responds:
    Posted: November 13th, 2009 at 11:49 am →

    I love that Loopy Vintage Floral fabric- thanks for the tutorial it looks like a fun bag to make:)

Leave a Reply

Click here to cancel reply.

Our Flickr Library RSS Follow Us on Facebook Follow Us on Twitter Follow Us
Site Map
  • Home
  • Shop
  • Blog
  • Forum
  • Tutorials
  • Connect With Us
  • FAQ
  • Shipping