iSpy some iPad cases

Creating can sometimes get very common place. I tend to sew the same 5 to 6 things. Sure, there are different colours, textures and combinations and that's where a lot of the fun comes from, but every now and again I happen across a new design.

I might have cut the fabric a little differently, only have a swatch of something that I am dying to use by doesn't fit the usual pattern, or I re-invigorate an older design.

This Christmas iDecided iWanted to make new iPad sleeves.

When fashioning my pattern I had to be mindful that most people have a case or cover for their iPad already. Often it's more functional and fairly plain, but adds bulk to the dimensions of a bag that needs to be made. Most of these covers do not have handles, so pop that on the design list, too. Easy access, but a small amount of security is the third requirement.

Et voila, my new creation!

Along with the thrill of colours, textures and styles.

Purses a-plenty...

My coin purses are always a side-dish to the main course of what I'm sewing.

I'm a stickler for preventing waste - 

mini off-cuts can end up as detail on bags and wristlets, mini-mini off-cuts are used to create shelleyberelli tags 

- and the 'left-overs' that are a little larger become coin purses.

That's not to say that they are an after-thought.

After all, they are all made from loved fabrics that I've had stashed away for ever, not daring to cut....

or have been carefully selected on a recent shopping trip for their colours, patterns, or textures.

Each one is a unique creation..

that I'm always a little sad to farewell, 

but I always know it's going to a good home.

And just every once in a while I keep one for myself x

One trick pony..

Totes are the flavour of more than the month with shelleyberelli. 

I'd say they are the flavour of the year. So enjoyable to sew and so handy to use. 

I've had customers tell me they use them as book bags and market bags - no surprise there - but others find they are a perfect fit for their laptop (and they love the handles for ease of carrying) and others use them for their sheet music when they go to lessons. 

How would you use a shelleyberelli tote?

shelleyberelli's totes ready ...

...for the next BrisStyle indie Market. 

Have you got the date in your diary? 13th July, in the newly refurbished Brisbane City Hall.

 More market maps, directions and details here.

In my last post I wrote I was hoping to have some totes made after busily sewing a few handfuls of purses - and I will not disappoint. It was quite a production line. 

Fabric selection, pattern cutting, pinning pieces and then, between *everything else* sewing many of my creations. 

I think there's a design there for everyone!