Very Hungry Caterpillar Bag

Most of my sewing time for the past week or so has been taken up with my Big Vintage Sewalong dress. I've sewn two muslins, (which is two more than I'd normally sew…) and tried to get my head round some complicated new techniques, so I was well in need of a break from it. And what better way to refresh my poor, addled brain than to sew a Very Hungry Caterpillar bag for my nephew?!

I saw the caterpillar fabric a few weeks ago via Roisin's Instagram when she made a dress for her friend's daughter - she's since made one for herself too, here. My nephew Herrick recently dressed up as the Very Hungry Caterpillar for World Book Day at nursery (yes, he looked unbelievably cute!), so I instantly knew what I'd be making him for his first birthday! There were quite a few different fabrics to choose from: big caterpillars, small caterpillars, butterflies, fruits and even the entire list of foods he stuffs his face with. In the end I decided to go for a mash up of caterpillars, butterflies and fruits for the outside of the bag and patchwork dots for the lining.

If you've read the book, you'll recognise the dots from the beginning and end of the book - my son Charlie was always fascinated by them!

To make the bag I used my own Kid's Washbag tutorial, replacing the waterproof fabric with caterpillar fabric and simply sized the measurements up. I think the starting pieces were 18" wide x 20' long, which is the size of the drawstring bags I used to make for craft fairs. I added interfacing to the back of the main outer fabric as it has a white background and I didn't want the bright lining fabric to show through. It didn't take long to make at all and was a pleasure to sew. I hope Herrick likes it, it will look nice and bright on his peg at nursery or wherever it ends up anyway.

Soon-to-be birthday boy

It's amazing how much a simple sewing project can re-invigorate you - I'm now more than ready to take on any number of vintage patterns. Bring on those underarm gussets! Have a good weekend. x

A bit of crafting

Easter holidays + a horrible stinking cold = lots of lying around on the sofa feeling sorry for myself. There hasn't been much dressmaking going on I'm afraid, but I did manage to get on with a few crafty makes for a recent Rosy Rosie order. Wanna see what I made?

Lined, zipped purses. They always looks neat and professional and are a good way of using up scraps of fabric. I use this tutorial to make them and would highly recommend it - it's clear, to the point and gives great results. 

Tooth Fairy Cushions. These were one of my best selling lines when I sold at craft fairs. Adding the pockets is a bit fiddly, but the final cute factor soon outweighs everything else! This little batch was made with girls in mind. 

Drawstring bag and wash bag sets. I've made lots of these recently! The wash bag is made using my own tutorial. The larger drawstring bag uses exactly the same principle but is scaled up in size (about 18" wide by 20" long). I also add a solid coloured cotton for the inside layer rather than waterproof fabric.

If you like the fabrics then you can still find the owl print here (only a tiny amount of green left, but there's still some in a brown colourway) and the fox fabric in a couple of different colours here.

I also like this bonkers cow print poplin. It's nice quality and as well as being perfect for washbags, would make a fab blouse or dress if you're brave enough! 

It's nice to lose yourself in pretty fabrics and simple shapes sometimes! Happy crafting. x

Introducing Rosy Rosie

A loooong time ago, I wrote this post, explaining that some of my handmade craft items had been taken on by a local seller - Rowena Hughes. I'm now delighted to announce that Rowena has set up an online shop - Rosy Rosie - selling her gorgeous goods, which includes some of mine!!!! Type handmade by jane (that's me!) into the search box and all my lovely pieces should be listed. Below are just a selection, there are lots more on the website.

She's currently stocking my tooth fairy cushions, 

wash bags, 

drawstring bags 

and purses, 

with a view to adding other lines once it's more well established. 

Rosy Rosie is well worth a visit - as well as all my splendid stuff, check out the beautiful handmade candles....

... and, for the trillions of pregnant sewing bloggers out there, the adorable baby clothes and toys. There's currently free UK shipping on all orders until next week, and on all orders over £30 after that.  Enjoy! x