Happy September! (Fire up those sewing machines...)

And Happy National Sewing Month!

I mentioned before that I was planning on celebrating Sewing Month by completing all of the projects in Lexie Barnes Sew What! Bags.  

My goal is to spend at least one hour a night at my sewing machine, or complete one project, which ever comes first.  This past weekend, I got a jump start and finished the first set of projects, the warm up bags.  (I was just so excited to get started!)  So, here are the first 5 projects:

Project 1: Eyeglass Case

 By far the most basic "bag" in the book. 

Re-purposed jeans, some scrap microsuede and about 5 minutes was all this took to complete.  Really cute!

 Project 2: Tissue Pouch

Also very easy, this project introduces a little embellishment.

Again, just a few fabric scraps and a few minutes was all it took.  Turned out super cute!

I only wish I had a little pack of tissue to put in it.

Project 3: Grocery Bag Tube

In our house, it is called a poo-bag bag.  Just tuck plastic grocery bags in the top, and pull them out the bottom.

This project was fun.  It introduced elastic and a hanging loop.  Really easy!

Project 3: Map Sack

My first attempt at the Map Sack suffered a small casualty, so I got to make it twice.

I learned that the grosgrain ribbon I used for the strap was a little too light weight.  It frayed and came loose.  Next time, I'll have to remember to re-enforce the stitching around the straps and finish the ends of the ribbon.  I was really disappointed, it was cute.

But, I did get to remake it!  This time I repuroposed more of the jeans I used for the eyeglass case and used some scrap to make a stronger strap and added a little pocket.

Directions for making a strap and the pocket are included in the book.

They call this a Map Sack in the book, but I found another great use for it:

Perfect size for holding a bottle of water (or Diet Dew.)

 
I can see this one coming in very handy!

Project 5: Zippered Wristlet

So far, this is my favorite project!  I see lots of teacher gifts and Christmas presents coming from this one!

Why, yes.  This is a zipper!  My first ever zipper, at that!

I can't wait to get started on the next projects, totes.  Stay tuned for more of my Sewing Month posts.  Are you as excited as I am?