Skip to content

Month: February 2024

February 20, 2024
Kathy
Comments closed

Detailing Update on My Smartphone Wristlets

Posted in Fresh From My Sewing Machine, and Peeking Behind the Seam

This beautiful purple lilacs phone wristlet is the newest wristlet listed on my Etsy shop . I’ve adjusted my wristlet sizes to accommodate the current regular phone sizes. This will fit the iPhone 15, Samsung Galaxy S24, Pixel 8, and phones up to 6.25″ x 3.25″ .

The newer phones are the same width but are longer then earlier versions. I had some wristlets on my shop that no longer fit the new longer lengths. I have removed them from the shop.

I’ve looked at other bagmaker’s phone wristlets and have noticed zippers, and magnet closures. I’ve decided to stay with the velcro for people who prefer no magnets near their phone or credit cards, and for those who don’t want to fuss with a small zipper.

The velcro I use is heavy duty, and is triple sewn into the bag and fold over tab. I have customers who have been using their phone wristlets for years before they need are larger one for a new phone. The wristlets hold up well and the velcro is still working great.

The other thing that is different with my phone wristlets is I use satin as the lining. Years ago when I first designed this wristlet, I noticed cotton makes it harder to get your phone out or even pulls up with the phone. The satin lets you easily slide your phone in and out with ease. I continue to use the satin for that reason.

I have two more wristlets finished, waiting to be listed. Here’s a sneak peek:

The seashell and the mushroom wristlets will be listed this week. Enjoy!

February 7, 2024
Kathy
Comments closed

Stone Arch Bridges

Posted in Musing About Art, and Reference Photos

I snapped a photo while sitting traffic admiring the workmanship of the old stone arch bridges still in use around my area. They really are works of art as well as their practical use in holding up roads and train tracks. I guess the graffiti artists like them too unfortunately.

I was noticing the beautiful stone arch and the contrast with the adjacent steel bridge. It got me thinking about the lost art of building stone structures. I’m sure time and money are the main reasons to move on to steel structures.

It really is amazing to think of how the past generations built these arches and they’ve stood up to weather, weight, and use all these years. Look at the stone under the arch – perfect in the design, and they stay put – no dropping on to cars and people.

Here’s another stone arch bridge in the area, built in 1892, still in use today. This photo is from the Downingtownhistory.org

I was curious and did a little research on stone arch bridges. “The majority of the existing masonry bridges are concentrated in the northeastern part of the country where European settlers …first arrived….. The advance of alternative materials, such as iron, steel, and reinforced concrete, made stone obsolete.” – Structuremagazine.org

“Still, engineers had a preference for stone when performance and durability were more important than cost and efficiency. Masonry arches were the primary choice for railroad bridges well into the early twentieth century, where the need to carry heavy train loads was met by the excellent structural capacity of the stone arch.” – Structuremagazine.org Most of the stone arch bridges in Pennsylvania are the railroad bridges.

These bridges are inspiring! I love their artistic and practical beauty. Many local artist have painted this bridges. Perhaps one day I will too. đŸ™‚

February 2, 2024
Kathy
Comments closed

Butterfly Sling Bag

Posted in Fresh From My Sewing Machine, and Peeking Behind the Seam

This pretty watercolor style butterflies sling bag is so bright and cheery! Perfect for all year color and hands free convenience!

I love the butterfly fabric. All the colors of the rainbow with butterflies. This bag is a great size: 9 x 7.5 x 3 inches.

I’ve mentioned why I like the sling bags so much – they are so versatile for carrying. They can be across backs, fronts, shoulder, and even around your waist. This bag also has a large slip pocket on the back of the bag for carrying phones etc . away from prying hands.

I had fun adding a purple striped zipper and a beautiful purple & green enamel butterfly zipper pull. I used a coordinating baby blue faux leather for the strap and accents.

Inside is a pretty green and white flower cotton lining. There is a zipper pocket as well as another large slip pocket.

I added D rings on both sides of the back so the bag can be used for left or right handed preferences. This awesome medium sized sling bag was made from the fun Pebble Mini Sling from Kandou Patterns. It is now posted on my SibStudioSewing Etsy shop if you would like to click on the link and take a look. Enjoy!

February 1, 2024
Kathy
Comments closed

Camo Train Case

Posted in Fresh From My Sewing Machine, and Peeking Behind the Seam

This fun camo canvas bag is a hand held bag with an adjustable shoulder or crossbody strap. It can be used as a fun trendy purse or as a travel makeup bag.

The bag measures 8 x 6.5 x 6 inches. It is made with camouflage cotton canvas exterior. The strap is adjustable and removable, giving this bag lots of versatility of use.

I also like the handle on top. It makes it easy to carry when you don’t want the strap to carry the bag. The top handle is sewn and riveted for sturdiness.

Inside is lined with olive green and white polka dots. There are 3 pockets along the sides of the bag to hold small items.

This is a fun bag to sew. I love the shape and the size. It would definitely be a fun bag to use as a trendy purse – some of our favorite designers have vanity bags as purses in their collections.

And of course, it makes a great makeup or toiletry bag for travel with the shoulder or crossbody strap. This fun bag is the Teresita Train Case pattern from Oro Rosa Patterns. You can find this bag ready to ship on my Etsy shop. Enjoy!