I’m happy to finally share with you the projects I made for the Windsor Garden Fabrics blog tour. Kelly Parker Smith approached me about a month ago and asked if I would participate in the blog tour for her first fabric line, being released by Sweet Bee Designs. I couldn’t say no! The colors are really bright and fun, and perfect for summer projects. The prints are varied to give you some small geometrics and some larger florals – something for everyone!
I decided to make a tote bag and a matching wallet to carry over the summer. The Necessary Clutch Wallet by Emmaline is a favorite of mine, so that was an easy choice. Kelly sent us each a fat quarter bundle of her fabrics, so I needed to find a tote pattern that was fat quarter friendly. I found a free tote bag tutorial by Caroline of SewCanShe. Once I had my patterns chosen, I got to work.
I have been wanting to make a project using the tan Kraftex I bought last year. The greens and pinks in Windsor Garden fabrics worked perfectly with what I had. The thick paper still behaves like paper – not much give, and a little tearing if you’re not careful – but it looks a little like leather if you treat it before using it. It is a fun alternative to cork or leather for a leaner budget.
I altered the tote pattern a bit since I prefer to attach my purse straps on the side panels, rather than a cross body strap at the seams, as the pattern calls for. The Kraftex is a bit stiff for purse handles for my liking, so I may switch them out for coordinating fabric straps later. For now, though, they work.
My favorite feature of the Necessary Clutch Wallet is that large middle compartment. I can fit my keys and phone in there, and just grab my wallet and go. There is enough room for plenty of cards, cash, and receipts for fabric…umm, I mean groceries!
I am so happy with my matching summer set, and I hope you are, too. Be sure to check out all the other fun projects being shared on the Windsor Garden Fabrics blog tour, then go out and get some of these fabrics for yourself when they’re released. You’ll be glad you did!
June 21st Jessica Swift https://www.jessicaswift.com/blog/
June 26th Allison Dutton allison-sews.blogspot.com
June 28th Dylan Mierzwinski https://www.bydylanm.com/
July 3rd Isabelle Selak https://www.southbaybellastudio.com
July 5th Kaitlyn Howell www.knotandthreaddesign.com
July 10th Sharon McConnell colorgirlquilts.com/blog
July 12th Missy Luukkonen Thelittlegreenbean.com
July 17th Elise Baek Http://www.eliseandemelie.com
July 19th Stephanie Jacobson http://stephjacobson.blogspot.com/
Southbay Bella Studio 