I started blogging because I love sewing, and I am really inspired by the sewing community out in blogland. My blog would not exist if it wasn’t for the wonderful blog Amy Lou Who and for my partner in (fabric) crime, Kim.
My grandmother, my mom, and my aunt all sew. My grandmother is very good at making and altering clothing. I learned the basics when I was in 3rd grade, when my mom taught me and my friend a little sewing class once a week. I made a simple dress, which I proudly wore to school (my friend’s mother did not allow her to wear hers). At the time, I loved all sorts of crafty things, and so sewing took a back seat for a long, long time.
As an adult, I began sewing again when my first child was born. I needed something to occupy my time in the evenings while my baby was asleep, and I found sewing. At first it started out as a weekly goal to complete a little sewn project, but soon I was spending every free hour in the evening sewing. I was obsessed. I laugh because I often show my grandmother my finished bags, and she is always quick to point out that I have twisted a strap, or that my topstitching is not perfect.
Even though I take care of my family during the day and work a part-time job on the weekend, I devote every spare minute and stay up until midnight every night, so that I can work on my bag designs and blog. I have found my calling, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make it happen.
I started designing free bag sewing patterns for Pellon Projects, in late 2011. They include detailed instructions and step-by-step photos. My book, Big-City Bags, was published by Martingale on November 5, 2013. I also produce pdf and paper sewing patterns.
My love for sewing has truly brought me out of my shell. I have always been a shy person, but now I feel confident in myself and in my sewing abilities, and I can now do things that I never in my life would have imagined that I would be doing. I taught two classes at Sewing Summit in 2012, I’ve had patterns appear in magazines (Modern Quilting, Sew News, Stitch, etc.), I have taught lectures and classes at events and guilds, and I’ve even been on Pat Sloan’s ‘American Patchwork and Quilting Radio’ internet show.
I am proud to say that I use By Annie’s Soft and Stable, Pellon interfacings, and Aurifil Thread (usually 40 wt., but I enjoy 50 wt. as well) in all of my bags.”
There are twelve adaptable projects in this book. These bags are designed to be made by everyone in their own personal style. Sara has a team of testers to make certain that every bag pattern is well written and looks good no matter what fabric is used.
Throughout the book Sara gives her personal tips for everything from what interfacing to use and why to what kind of fabric glue she uses to make sure your twist locks stay secure. The pattern pieces are printed in the pages so you do not have to worry about unfolding and refolding, just trace and sew! The projects in the book have many photos with very detailed instructions for sewers of all skill levels.
Let’s look at some of the fabulous bags you could make from this book.
The Miss Independent Bag is the perfect selection for that girl on the go, with pockets for all of your pens or other work and school related necessities. It also includes a pattern to protect your laptop that will fit right inside.
The Bee Sweet Bag is a wonderful choice if you want to really show off that large scale or statement print. Sara’s bag shown is using Tula Pink’s Flutterby.
For a purse with a flap and secure clasp closure, Sara offers the Go-Go Bag. A moderate sized bag that still includes all the storage space you could possibly need. Looking to upgrade from your messenger bag? This bag looks fabulous no matter if you are in business attire or jeans.
Sara has graciously offered a signed hardcopy of her book Big City Bags!
To make this giveaway even more exciting there will be also an Aurifil The Basics Collection by Mark Lipinski. This collection features 12 of Mark Lipinski’s favorite threads, the Basic Collection includes a variety of Aurifil’s outstanding threads in the 12 most versatile colors, each 1422 yards, 50wt.
One winner will receive one signed copy of Sara Lawson’s book and one collection of Mark Lipinski’s thread collection
Thank you everyone for commenting and Congratulations to Rita who said
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