Some 'firsts' for 2009 ( a new bag and a giveaway!)

As the creative juices haven't flowed in just yet, I decided to use someone else's bag pattern to get me started. I couldn't let that new sewing machine just sit there, idle...

The pattern is from Sweet Pea Totes. I've tried two of their designs before and have found the instructions for them very clear and easy to follow. This one, I believe, is the newest one they have - the Simple and Chic handbag. Here it is,folks, my first finished bag for 2009!

(Click to view larger images)

This bag is about 10 3/4" tall, 16" wide at the top and 11 1/2" wide at the bottom. The strap is around 20" long. It also has a flap with a magnetic snap closure and one inside pocket. I used 100% cotton fabrics, with the main bag lined with fusible fleece and the lining with stiff interfacing.

The whole sewing process was pretty easy. The only tricky part was stitching around the shaped top. Nice pattern to try out, even for a beginner.

Speaking of patterns, I am having a bag pattern giveaway, my FIRST for the year! There are two, actually...Favorite Things' Wallet Purse and Lazy Girl Designs' Chelsea Tote! Combined value - about $22 USD!


You can read more on these patterns here and here.

Everyone is invited to participate. I don't mind shipping these outside Australia. Here is what you have to do to be in the running to win:
1. If you have a blog, please mention this giveaway and provide a link back to this post. Don't forget to also leave a comment here so I would know that you've joined, ok?
2. If you don't have a blog, aside from leaving a comment, I would appreciate it if you could extend this giveaway to at least one friend. Ask them to join too! The more entries the merrier, right? There would be no way for me to check if you did your part, so I will have to trust you on this one!

Entries close on Saturday, the 24th of January at 12:00 noon AEST. COMPETITION NOW CLOSED. I will use the random number generator to determine the winner. Watch out for the announcement on Sunday.

So, that's it for some 'firsts'. Hope you all have a nice day and thanks for dropping by. Good luck!

~ Corinne ~

PS. With Sweet Pea's blessing, I might just sell the bag above. Please watch out for that!